In the past, Macs were not typically associated with intense gaming, unlike their PC counterparts. Most games available for Mac were simpler, and many top games were not even available on the platform for a long time.
However, today, Macs have caught up to some extent, and many top games are now playable on the platform thanks to improvements in computer power and graphics. Additionally, gaming on Mac has become increasingly popular, with more game developers dedicating resources to producing hit games for the operating system.
The best part here is that just with a few optimizations, you can create an excellent gaming setup on a Mac. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to tweak your laptop’s settings and resources to improve its gaming capabilities. So, let’s begin!
Software Optimization
To optimize your Mac for gaming and achieve optimal performance, start by optimizing its software characteristics. This may involve the following:
- Getting more space
- Freeing up memory
- Lowering your GPU req
- Closing background processes
- Installing Secure VPN
If none of those do the trick, consider upgrading to a more powerful Mac, which we’ll discuss in more detail later in this post. What’s more, you can search for Mac-compatible games to enjoy. This way, you can easily play bitcoin slots online without spending an extra penny or time at all.
In the next section, we will break down several tips for optimizing your Mac’s software specs to enhance its gaming characteristics.
Install Secure VPN
To get the most out of your Mac for gaming, it is recommended to use a VPN for secure gameplay. You can easily find a secure network app with various features that analyzes the status and automatically connects to the best server. With a VPN, you’ll have a reliable low-ping server connection and 100% secure gaming through industry-standard encryption.
Download gfxCardStatus
If your Mac has a discrete GPU, you might want to consider following this trick. However, if you don’t have a discrete GPU, you can skip this step. You can download and install a free app on your system to provide basic GPU monitoring for both discrete and separate graphics cards. After launching the app, you’ll receive notifications about your GPU and active apps. You can manually set the mode to Discrete Only.
Disable Login Items
To ensure optimal gaming performance on your MacBook Pro, it’s important to disable any unnecessary startup or login items, as having too many can slow down your Mac. Here is what you need to do:
- Go to the Apple menu
- Click “System Preferences” and then “Users & Accounts.”
- Access the “Login Items” option
- Select your Mac account
- Tap the lock icon and press ‘-’ to remove the unwanted apps
Hardware Settings
If you’ve tried the software optimization tips mentioned above, but they haven’t improved your MacBook’s gaming performance, it may be time to consider other investments. Here are some main options to explore.
Upgrade your Mac
Certain Mac models have better gaming capabilities than others. When considering a new Mac or optimizing your current one for gaming, you should take into account the following factors:
- GPU: A powerful graphics card is necessary for displaying evolving gaming graphics on your Mac.
- CPU: Some games are more CPU-intensive than others, so investing in a Mac with a higher amount of CPU power can be beneficial.
- RAM: Gaming requires at least 8GB of RAM. The base model of the 13-inch MacBook Pro now comes with 8GB, but having more memory can lead to better gaming performance.
Use CleanMyMac X to Free Up Memory
CleanMyMac X is a useful tool that can scan your Mac’s drive for large files and enable you to free up gigabytes of space within minutes. Moreover, it provides an option to uninstall storage-hogging apps, which should not be done manually to avoid leaving residual files on your hard drive. The Smart Scan feature of CleanMyMac X may also help you identify malware and optimize your Mac’s performance.
Here is how to use it:
- Launch CleanMyMac X via Setapp
- Choose the “Smart Scan” feature
- Review the scan results
- Select Run
Upgrade from HDD to SDD
There is no surprise that a faster drive, such as an SSD, is necessary for addition to hard drives. Upgrading to an SSD with an enhanced capacity not only improves booting time but also enables faster access and loading of heavy games. New Mac models already come equipped with SSDs, but if you are using an older version, you can purchase external ones.
Buy a Gaming Mouse
If you are currently using an Apple Magic Mouse, you might want to consider upgrading to a gaming mouse. The reason for this is that the latter is designed specifically for gaming that typically comes with two buttons, which makes it easier to perform certain actions while gaming.
In contrast, the Apple Magic Mouse has only one button, which can be limiting for certain games that require multiple actions. Consider buying the wireless Razer Mamba as an example. It’s easy to set up and use.
Optimize your Gaming Keyboard
It is worth noting that you don’t necessarily need to replace your Apple keyboard. If it’s working for you and you’re comfortable with it, there’s no need to spend money on a new keyboard.
That being said, using a combination of keys can enable you to quickly access features that would otherwise require several clicks, saving you time. If you’re interested in learning about useful hotkeys and other shortcuts for Mac, be sure to check out these tips.
Ensure Sufficient Cooling
Proper cooling is essential for better gaming performance. Otherwise, your Mac is likely to experience system slowdown when running power-consuming titles. With this in mind, you should examine your cooling system regularly. A great way to do so is to consider getting an external monitor or a cooling pad. In addition, it is worth testing the temperature of several components and ensuring your processor runs at a lower clock speed to enjoy gambling for a longer time.
Other Things to Improve Gaming Experience
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If nothing works for you so far, you can also look for ways to improve game performance as you play directly. One important trick here is to configure the in-built settings of the game. These settings may be different depending on the title type. Nevertheless, you can generally configure the settings by accessing “Graphics Settings” from the menu. It would be a smart idea to also get help from Apple’s user manuals to avoid any mistakes.
Outro
All in all, all these tips and tricks are valid and helpful for Mac gamers. Even though they will not magically transition your Mac into a PC powerhouse, they will assist in making your gaming sessions much more fun, especially if you are just an amateur user.
