Apple Mac gaming struggles with 16GB RAM and M4 chips

The gaming capabilities of Apple computers are once again under scrutiny due to limitations in unified memory capacity. While 16GB of RAM has become standard for current models, this proves insufficient for smooth gameplay in resource-intensive titles. Early Macs with 8GB of memory could only handle basic tasks, and when running multiple applications or complex software, the system would resort to SSD swapping, which noticeably reduced fluidity and overall performance.

A new video from the YouTube channel MrMacRight showcases gameplay of Cronos: The New Dawn on various Mac models with M4 and M4 Pro chips. Even with low graphics settings and MetalFX upscaling enabled, Macs with 16GB of RAM exhibited extremely unstable frame rates, sometimes dropping below 7 FPS. The more advanced M4 Pro with 24GB of memory delivered more stable results, but smooth gameplay still required minimal graphics settings and turning off upscaling. The main issue stems from insufficient memory for game engines like Unreal Engine 5: data is temporarily stored on the SSD, causing delays and stuttering. Restarting the game offers a partial fix, but it's only a temporary workaround.

This situation highlights that current Apple Silicon Mac configurations aren't geared toward gamers. Budget models with 8GB of memory, planned for future release, will target the mass market and everyday tasks rather than demanding games. Even modern Macs with 16GB of RAM demonstrate that the minimum system requirements for comfortable gaming exceed standard configurations. To attract the gaming audience, Apple would need to reconsider memory capacity and possible Mac configurations, but such plans appear absent for now.

For the time being, Mac owners face a choice between the limitations of current models and the alternative of Windows gaming PCs, which can deliver higher frame rates and more stable performance, especially in modern AAA titles on engines like Unreal Engine 5.