Is the M4 Mac Mini the Best Budget Gaming PC? Unexpected Results from Testing Gaming Performance
In recent years, the prices of high-end graphics cards have skyrocketed, making it difficult for casual gamers and budget-conscious users to upgrade their rigs. As an alternative, many are turning to surprisingly affordable options, like the Mac Mini with Apple’s M4 chip, which has become increasingly popular for tasks beyond just productivity. But how well does it handle gaming? I decided to put the M4 Mac Mini to the test and explore its gaming potential. The results were quite unexpected!
The Rise of Apple’s M1 and M2 Chips
When Apple first introduced the M1 chip in 2020, it marked a revolutionary shift in the performance of Macs. By 2023, the M2 and M4 versions were released, bringing even more power to Apple’s lineup. For years, Macs were not considered suitable for gaming. Apple’s focus on creative professionals and productivity apps left little room for gaming enthusiasts. However, the company’s continued improvements in its hardware and software, like the Apple Arcade and the new game-porting tools, have started to change that.
Apple’s Gaming Evolution: M4 Mac Mini
A recent announcement in June 2023 showcased Apple’s game porting toolkit, which allows developers to bring games from Windows to macOS much more easily. This toolkit, along with other improvements, has sparked interest among gamers looking for a more affordable Mac to game on.
For those of us on a budget, the M4 Mac Mini is an attractive option. Priced at just $599, the base model comes with the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. For this price, it’s hard to beat in terms of value, especially when you compare it to traditional gaming PCs that cost significantly more.
Mac Mini as a Gaming Machine: Testing the Limits
While Apple is known for its sleek design and power-efficient hardware, gaming has traditionally not been its forte. Still, with more games supporting macOS natively and third-party tools like CrossOver and Wine, running Windows-based games on Mac is becoming more viable.
I wanted to see how well the M4 Mac Mini could handle gaming. The specifications of the M4 Mac Mini, which include a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, are sufficient for many basic tasks, but could they push the limits for gaming?
Games Tested on the M4 Mac Mini
- League of Legends
League of Legends has long been supported natively on Macs, and it ran surprisingly well on the M4 Mac Mini. I tested it with high settings at Full HD resolution and was able to get around 150 FPS, with the frame rate dropping to about 100 FPS during intense action. For a game like LoL, the Mac Mini performed flawlessly, providing a smooth gaming experience. - Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village, a more demanding game, also ran well, though not without some compromises. I tested the game at 4K resolution with high-quality settings. While the game was playable, the frame rate fluctuated below 60 FPS, which affected the overall smoothness of the experience. If you lower the settings to 1080p, the game runs much better, but at 4K, the Mac Mini struggles. - Diablo IV
Although Diablo IV isn’t natively supported on macOS, I was able to run it through a third-party tool like Wine. At low settings, the game ran decently well, with around 50-60 FPS in towns, but it dropped to 40-50 FPS in more intense combat scenarios. It’s playable, but not optimal for high-end gaming enthusiasts. - Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077, known for its high demand on system resources, also ran with some limitations. On the lowest settings, I was able to achieve 40-45 FPS, which is playable but not ideal for a smooth experience. When enabling FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), the frame rate improved to around 70 FPS, making it more enjoyable for casual play. - MapleStory
For lighter online games, MapleStory ran flawlessly on the M4 Mac Mini. Even at high settings with 4K resolution, the game performed smoothly with no noticeable lag. This is where the Mac Mini truly shines for casual gaming.
Limitations and Drawbacks
While the M4 Mac Mini offers impressive gaming performance at its price point, there are limitations. The biggest challenge comes with games that use anti-cheat systems, such as PUBG and Apex Legends. These games were unable to run on the Mac due to compatibility issues with anti-cheat software, highlighting the potential roadblocks for serious gamers.
The Future of Gaming on Macs
Despite these drawbacks, the landscape for gaming on Macs is improving. With the introduction of the M4 and M5 chips, along with Apple’s continued efforts to make macOS more gaming-friendly, the future looks bright. Many developers are beginning to optimize their games for Apple’s silicon, and the growing support for tools like the game porting toolkit means that more Windows games will eventually be playable on macOS.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly gaming PC, the M4 Mac Mini might not be the first choice for hardcore gamers. However, for casual gaming, its performance is more than sufficient, and with increasing game support for macOS, it could become a more viable option for a wider audience. The M4 Mac Mini, priced at $599, offers an impressive mix of power and affordability for those who want to enjoy light gaming on a Mac.
As game developers continue to support macOS, the gaming experience on Macs will only improve. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone just looking to play a few hours of games on the side, the M4 Mac Mini offers great value for the price. If you’re not a hardcore gamer but still want to enjoy some gaming on the side, the Mac Mini might just be the perfect choice for you.
