Mac Gaming Reborn with Metal 3 and Crossover
From being a mere joke to a viable option, Mac gaming has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to Apple’s Metal 3 API and translation tools like Crossover, enabling DirectX 11 and 12 PC games to run natively on macOS. In this comprehensive analysis, we compare the gaming capabilities of the M4-powered and M4 Pro-powered Mac Minis.
Unveiling the Configurations
The M4 Mac Mini boasts a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD, priced at $599. On the other hand, the M4 Pro Mac Mini packs a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, costing $1,399.
Synthetic Benchmarks
- Geekbench (CPU): M4 Pro: 20,000 (multi-core), 3,600 (single-core); M4: 15,000 (multi-core), 3,800 (single-core)
- Cinebench (CPU): M4 Pro: 1,400 (multi-core), 173 (single-core); M4: 973 (multi-core), 174 (single-core)
- Geekbench Metal (GPU): M4 Pro: 100,000; M4: 57,000
- Unigine Valley (GPU): M4 Pro: 37 FPS; M4: 21 FPS
- Amorphous DiskMark (SSD): M4 Pro: Read 58,000, Write 4,400; M4: Read 3,000, Write 2,000
Native and Crossover Gaming Benchmarks
We tested various games both natively on macOS and through Crossover to evaluate performance:
Native macOS Games
| Game | M4 | M4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Exodus | 60-75 FPS | 100-170 FPS |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | 71.8 FPS | 133 FPS |
| Everspace 2 | 35-40 FPS | 40-55 FPS |
| Counter Strike: Global Offensive | 90-120 FPS | 120-160 FPS |
| Dirt 4 | 57-75 FPS | 90-120 FPS |
Crossover Games
| Game | M4 | M4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 30-40 FPS | 50 FPS |
| The Takeover | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Street Fighter 4 | 60 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered | 55-60 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Redout | 80-90 FPS | 100-150 FPS |
| Ghostrunner | 70-80 FPS | 100-120 FPS |
| Portal 2 | 70-90 FPS | 100-200 FPS |
M4 vs. M4 Pro: Which to Choose?
The standard M4 Mac Mini represents exceptional value for most gaming needs, offering capable performance at an affordable price. However, the M4 Pro Mac Mini unlocks additional gaming capabilities, especially for higher resolutions and demanding games. The choice ultimately depends on your specific gaming requirements and budget.