Getting a Mac with a Dedicated Graphics Card. Go to “About this Mac.”. Click on “System Report.”. Click on “Graphics / Displays.”. If only one entry appears under the “Video Card” category, it means you only have an integrated graphics card. If two entries appear, it means that your Mac has a.

Since the early days, Macs have never been associated with hardcore gaming, unlike their PC counterparts. Games for Mac were customarily more simple and none of the top games were even present on the platform for a long time.

Top games require top-level setups. But with Apple’s focus on beauty and simplicity of design, Macs have always been offered as turnkey solutions in few variations. That meant little wiggle room for all the customizations best Mac games required.

Meanwhile, the gaming industry skyrocketed, mainly on PCs, which made it easy for people to build powerful computers to take full advantage of all the latest games and then update those computers with even more processing power, RAM, and new video cards to keep up with the gaming evolution.

Macs eventually did catch up, or maybe games have reached a plateau of sorts, when most top computers’ power and graphics got good enough to run just about any new game, short of VR. Today, gaming on Mac is becoming increasingly more popular, and more developers are dedicating resources to producing new (as well as porting older) hit games for the operating system. Thus the iconic StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty was developed for both PC and Mac at the same time, while hugely popular Stardew Valley was ported to Mac at a later date. Steam games for Mac are also gaining popularity worldwide as the Steam platform continues to grow.

Set up your Mac for gaming

We know what your Mac clearly lacks. Games. Install Setapp and prepare your computer for a perfect gaming experience.

So if you have a Mac today and want to dive into the gaming world — it’s not that hard. All your Mac needs is just a little tweaking and optimization to make sure you can really enjoy the experience.

How To Optimize Mac For Gaming

When you start thinking how to play games on your Mac and about what you need to do to optimize your Mac so you can get maximum performance out of it, first of all, think about getting more space, freeing up memory, clearing up clutter, turning off unneeded features, and lowering your graphics card requirements. If none of those do the trick, you probably need another Mac, which we’ll also discuss.

Free up space for Mac games

Whether you’re getting Steam games for Mac or download one-off titles from the App Store, one thing is for sure — they take up lots of gigabytes on your hard drive. More than that, besides the actual size of the game, it’s also recommended that you keep at least 25 GB (and preferably more) of your hard drive free, as some of that space would be used while you play.

How do you free up so much space? Start by going through your Mac’s folders and see if there is something you truly haven’t used in a while. Check Movies, Music, and Pictures folders in your user Library — those tend to be quite heavy. Even if you can’t delete something, consider moving it to the cloud.

Then go to the Applications folder and check if you can purge an app or two there. Anything you haven’t used in a year is probably better deleted and reinstalled than kept occupying space on your disk. And, of course, don’t forget to delete games you no longer play.

This process may take a while, and in fact it’s quite hard to delete things off your drive completely, as various affiliated files are always clinging on and hiding in the most remote folders of your Mac. The good thing is you can use software to detect clutter and remove it completely, leaving you enough space for even the best Mac games.

To start, download a pro-level disk analyzer like Disk Drill. Besides its main purpose of recovering lost files and data, it’s a top utility for revealing what your disk space is consumed by. Simply use the “Clean up” tab to scan your disks and remove anything you don’t need anymore.

When it comes to uninstalling applications, solely removing the folder from Applications could potentially leave hundreds of associated files all over your hard drive. With an optimization utility like CleanMyMac X, you can use an Uninstaller scan and find everything that belongs to the application to delete it at once.

Keep an eye on your Mac’s performance

While having lots of free space will generally boost your Mac’s performance, it’s not the only contributing factor. For instance, RAM and CPU are just as important. And once you hear the overheating fans, you really need to take a look at how your processing power is being consumed.

Built into your Mac is a useful utility called Activity Monitor. Launch it from your Applications folder to scroll through tabs like CPU, Memory (RAM), Energy, etc. Activity Monitor shows all the active tasks consuming your Mac’s resources and allows to terminate those tasks right from the app as well.

But in most cases, CPU, RAM, and energy levels won’t give you a complete picture of what’s really happening with your computer. That’s where you need to use a top-tier utility like iStat Menus, which in addition to all the above shows air flow, network usage, frames per second, and much more. It also lives in your menu bar, making it easy to monitor your Mac continuously.

Optimize your Mac

So what do you do when you spot your Mac performing worse than it should? How do you improve the speed and make your Mac feel brand new?

The best way to increase your Mac’s performance is to regularly (e.g. once a month) use high-quality software devised for that purpose. CleanMyMac X here is a leading program that boasts millions of users worldwide, mostly due to its simple one-click improvements. Through various scans, from speed optimization to mail attachment removal, you can resolve problems exactly where they come up.

Anytime you use CleanMyMac X, it would take your computer 95% there in terms of its capabilities. To achieve the final 5%, there are a few more things you can optimize with some manual work.

For example, if you don’t find Notification Center useful at all, you can turn it off and save the power your Mac uses to keep it running in the background. Unfortunately, macOS doesn’t give you a way to turn it off in the settings, so you need to use Terminal:

1. In Terminal, enter launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.notificationcenterui.plist
2. And then follow up with killall NotificationCenter
3. Notification Center should now disappear and won’t relaunch with the next system restart

Likewise, you can disable the Dashboard utility if you don’t use it often:

1. In Terminal, enter defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean YES
2. Then restart the Dock with killall Dock

If you think through every process running on your system, you can probably come up with more functions that you don’t need. However, Dashboard and Notification Center are probably the most common once people want to see gone.

Finally, when you’re playing a game, check if you can lower the strain on your graphics card in its settings. Frequently you can change the resolution, level of details, and shadows to increase processing speed. To get a little extra game booster for Mac, try playing a game in an app window rather than full screen.

Choose the best Mac for gaming

If you had the most powerful computer available, no game would be a problem. And truth be told, PCs are easier in the sense that you get a box to fill up with everything you need and reshuffle the parts with ease. When it comes to Macs, parts are difficult to change, and most of the time you have to decide on what you need right away.

So how do you not make a mistake? What is the best Mac for gaming?

The two most important Mac components to games are processor and video card. While processing power is fairly straightforward — the more the better (with Macs you also have to note the Turbo Boost each model can provide) — video cards have always been somewhat tricky.

Video cards can be discrete or integrate. The former are faster but independent from the processor. The latter are part of the system and able to use available processing power. That’s generally what you want here.

There are currently three integrated video cards available on Macs: Intel HD Graphics 5000, Intel Iris Graphics, Intel Iris Pro Graphics. So any computers featuring these are more or less suitable for gaming. Just remember to opt in for the highest CPU you can afford. Generally, this means selecting from such models as:

• 15-inch MacBook Pro
• 27-inch iMac (5K or regular)
• 21.5-inch iMac (most powerful model)
• Mac Pro

Laptops of 13 inches and smaller are significantly less powerful and thus not recommended for serious gaming on Mac. And if you choose to employ your 15-inch MacBook Pro, keep in mind that games for Mac are the greediest when it comes to energy consumption.

You can try all sorts of manual hacks to increase your battery life, from dimming your screen to quitting apps to turning off WiFi. But for a seamless way to make your battery last you up to 20% longer on every charge, use an automatic app like Endurance, which takes advantage of all ways to prolong your gaming on Mac and balances battery life and CPU at the same time.

Following recommendations above will ensure that your computer is 100% prepared to face the best Mac games out there. Sure, you can perform a few tweaks manually, but nothing will compare to using specialized software to get your Mac to its top shape! Best of all, apps mentioned here are all available for a free trial through Setapp, a platform of over 150 best-in-class Mac utilities and tools designed to elevate your everyday experience. Now you’re ready to buy all those Mac games!

Perhaps this is an ever relevant issue, especially peaking when a new sensational game is released. Meaning ordinary users searching ways to optimize PC performance for gaming. Today we will try to analyze all the stages of such optimization, nuances and tips. We will present it in 2 parts: hardware components and software. This separation follows prioritization.

Part I: Hardware optimization

As you may have guessed, the primary priority is to upgrade the hardware components. For most, this is obvious, although it depends on the financial capabilities, and thus not suitable for everyone. Nevertheless, it is critically important, because any optimization has a limit, and mainly due to hardware components. In other words, a grandpa Buick cannot be converted into a Formula 1 car.

First and foremost, note that high-rate components do not guarantee maximum performance. For maximum efficiency, you must strive the balance. Secondly, hardware optimization of PCs for games is often about one or two specific components that need improvement. We will try to briefly explain vital PC components.

**You should understand that this is simplified information for quick idea of facts.

In case of a laptop, you won’t be able to change those components. But, you can still (in most cases) add RAM and install SSD. If possible, it is worth taking an SSD in the form factor M2, and using the HBMe protocol. They are more expensive than SATA-III drives, but are connected via the bus, which allows to increase read/write speed three times at least.

Also, do not forget that the maximum performance of a laptop is available only if it is connected to a power adapter. And then appropriate power settings to configure: in Control Panel find Power Options, select Choose a power plan. Set High Performance mode for maximum performance, but do not forget about the adapter.

Part II: Software optimization

The most popular OS in the world is Windows, as well as the most popular gaming OS. As for the version, the most common is the last – 10 version. Therefore, our guide will be aimed at users of Windows 10 primarily and try best PC optimizer.

A: Drivers and libraries

A driver is a bridge between the device and the OS. It is extremely important to monitor their status in the system. But contrary to common opinion, constant updating is not a panacea for high productivity. How so?

The fact is recently manufacturers of game components have been using drivers to limit hardware capabilities. This forces users to buy more powerful graphics card, for example. Experienced users know these tricks. On our blog there is a guide for manual driver updates, as well as a list of the best driver updaters.

In addition to drivers, it is also important to keep track of library versions. And it is easier, as the “new = optimal” rule applies here.

List of main libraries:

• DirectX [Download] – controls multimedia, video, audio, graphics on computers running Windows.
• Microsoft Visual C++[Download] – helps to avoid frequent errors when starting programs and especially games. The package is free.
• Microsoft Net Framework [Download] – a set of components and libraries for the Windows system, necessary for most programs.
• Nvidia PhysX [Download] – provides realistic physics in new-era games. Without Physx, gaming environment would be inanimate, that is, the grass would not move, the glass would not shatter, etc.

B: Autostart settings

Startup is a configuration that allows to control the list of programs running along the OS. Many of the programs run additional processes with applications, which also use system resources.

One can access this tool in Startup tab of Task Manager. In addition, one can disable the launch of unnecessary services: press Win + R, type msconfig, go to the Servicestab. Before disabling apps, it is better to hide system services in order to avoid stability problems.

C: OS updates

Automatic OS update is one of the most annoying features of Windows 10. Often it decides on its own that you need to reboot, without your permission, of course. In order to avoid lags during the game, you can only delay the update.

Navigate to: Update and security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Update Options. There disable Automatically download updates. This will reduce the chance that Windows Update will launch during your gaming performance.

Make sure that We’ll show a reminder when we’re going to restart remains enabled. On the main screen of Update options, use the Change active hours function and set so called “working” time. This way, the OS update, at least, won’t come as a surprise.

D: Processes, tray

Optimization of background processes, and minimizing tray applications, is equally important. Before starting the game, make sure that you do not run anything superfluous. Pay close attention to downloaders and browsers. For example, Google Chrome alone may eat up 4GB of RAM.

Also, most online games use game clients – often for authorization. Close it as well, to save resources. Be attentive especially when using game services/platforms such as Steam, Origin, GameNet, etc.

E: ОS Tweaks

Tweaking software can be described as tuning system parameters to improve performance. A simple example would be switching from the animated Windows Aero theme to a basic one, to free up additional resources.

We can also do this manually: Start > Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows > Adjust for best performance > Apply > OK. Alternatively, go with special tools like Iolo System Mechanic to optimize and clean Windows in a few clicks.

F: Internet connection

One of the critical factors for network gaming is connection speed. The first and most obvious step is to find an optimal Internet Service Provider (ISP). What to consider? A wired connection, preferably fiber optics with up to 100 Mbps.

Special attention should be paid to ping figures, which is perhaps even more key than speed. What is ping? Ping is the time elapsed between sending a request and receiving a response. You can check ping using online services or via the command line (Win+R > cmd > OK > ping X.X.X.X > Enter). If ping rates are below average, contact your ISP.

Next steps will relate directly to the OS. There is a trick that allows to slightly reduce the speed of sending packets programmatically. Essentially, this means disabling the Nagle algorithm in the OS registry, which could be compared with train schedule. Once in a certain time interval, data is sent out, and between sending, data is collected in bundles. Disabling the algorithm means immediate transactions.

To do this, type Win + R, then regedit and hitOK. In Registry Editor select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, then SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Services > Tcpip > Parameters > Interfaces.

This directory will contain subdirectories with names consisting of digits and letters. Each of these directories belongs to one of network adapters. Find the IP of a desired adapter and locate it in the list.

The next step is to add two variables (algorithm on/off).

RMB > New > DWORD Values > rename it to TcpAckFrequency
(this allows the OS to send data immediately)

RMB > New > DWORD Values > rename it to TCPNoDelay
(disabling Nagle algorithm)

Afterwards, double clickon the entry for Modifying, in Value data, add 1 and click OK. After activating both variables, reboot the PC. If you will need to enable the algorithm again, change the variable value from 1 to 0.

G: Windows 10 gaming mode

In Windows 10, there is a game mode (access through Win + G key combination). Is it useful? Let’s start from the fact that most users in attempts to optimize PC for gaming resort to several measures at once. Often it is several boosters at once, though conflicting with each other. Obviously, this doesn’t make much sense.

Same goes for Windows 10 game mode. All performance gains are within the statistical error, we checked. The Witcher 3, for instance, at full HD (1920×1080) on PC shows an average of 127.3 FPS. While using Windows game mode, the indicator was 127.1 FPS. Assassin’s Creed Origins, normally was at 90.3 FPS average, and with mode on 90.4 FPS.

You can draw your own conclusions. Perhaps on weaker systems, with plenty of junk files, and by the release of resources, this mode could show more promise. We must admit that third-party programs perform better.

H: In-game settings

The final chapter in efforts to optimize PC for gaming via software path. Most game developers overlook the opportunity to optimize the game itself. And components like, say, NVIDIA HairWorks will devour PC resources.

So, manually disabling certain game elements (filtering, shaders, V-sync, HDR) could gain around 40 FPS. The best approach would be to set the settings to a minimum, with a gradual uplift. One more step to consider is changing the resolution – the smaller the frame, the less resources it consumes.

Part III: Performance boosters

Boosters, or performance boosters, are a group of PC optimization software with the single goal – to speed up the system. Relatively speaking, they can be divided into 2 groups: hardware boosters (overclock hardware components) and software boosters (optimize the OS).

• Hardware boosters (Tuning software)

Software that allows to tweak components, e.g. power settings, setting factors, frequency of cores, memory. It is mainly aimed at CPU and GPU. Products by Intel and AMD are top competitors in this category: Intel Extreme Tuning Utility and AMD OverDrive Utility. Other decent tools include Gigabyte, MSI Afterburner.

• Software boosters (System resource optimizers)

Programs that disable processes not related to gaming. Many of these have two operating modes: game and normal. Unfortunately, capabilities herein are still limited and user’s skills are still important. One good example of boosters to optimize PC for gaming is Razer Cortex Game Booster.

The program has a fairly wide range of features, though it follows user’s PC capabilities. Performance gains will be noticeable if many resources have been freed. In other words, if you have a lot of junk on PC, then you will like the effect of this booster.

Bottom line

There are multiple ways to optimize PC for gaming, yet not all of them are safe or easy to implement. Today we have highlighted the most accessible methods we are aware of. Remember, do the tasks by priority, after all, you could solve the issue by tweaking one or two hardware components. So it makes no sense to spend hours trying to squeeze gains out of the system.

Read next: How to block porn websites (all platforms/devices).

FAQ

Q: Which drivers need to be optimized?
A: First of all, video card drivers. Also it would be useful to look for updates for CPU and peripherals.

Q: What is FPS?
A: This is the screen refresh rate per 1 second. The higher the FPS rate, the better picture on the screen.

Q: What FPS is optimal?
A: The recommended value is 30-40 FPS. When it is lower, problems in sync between player actions and image on the screen will emerge.

Q: How much RAM is needed for a gaming PC?
A: 8GB is a recommended minimum. Yet, many popular games like Battlefield 1 or Just Cause 3 require 16GB RAM.

Q: What are the minimal requirements for a gaming PC?
A: CPU Intel Core i5 4670, or AMD A10-7800, GPU Nvidia GeForce GTX 770, or AMD Radeon R9 280, RAM 8 GB, 1TB HDD.

Q: What is DirectX?
A: This is a set of solutions for game development from Microsoft. To play games created with these DirectX technologies, a user must install DirectX package.

Q: What is ping?
A: This is the time required to exchange data packet with a remote host. The lower ping value, the better data synchronization (between a player and a server) is. For gaming, 20 or less is perfect, while with ping over 80 data synchronization speed will not keep up with picture.

Q: What is RAM DDR?
A: DDR is one of RAM bar generations. Important to know: these parts are not interchangeable, i.e. you cannot use DDR2 RAM in motherboard with DDR3. To avoid mistakes, every DDR type has different sizes of slots on motherboard.

Q: Why 2 RAM bars are better than 1?
A: Because it unlocks dual-channel data exchange in the system bus, which potentially may speed up RAM performance.

Q: Can I use RAM bars with different characteristics?
A: Yes, but it is not a good idea. The more varied characteristics of RAM bars, the poorer performance you get. Also you can't use bars from different DDRs.

Q: What type of internet connection is best for gaming?
A: The most stable connection is LAN, but high-quality Wi-Fi would not differ much. The more important factor is connection speed (at least 10 Mbit) and ping (no more than 60 ms).

Q: SSD or HDD: which is better for gaming?
A: The main advantage of SSD over HDD is data reading speed. Data stored on SSD (like game saves), will load faster than with HDD. Also note that SSD with M2 form factor works faster. However, HDD drives are cheaper.

Q: Can I play games with integrated GPU?
A: Yes, but typically integrated GPUs are weaker in performance and more costly in service than dedicated GPU.

Q: What's the difference between integrated and dedicated GPUs?
A: Integrated GPU is built-in in PC motherboard. Dedicated GPU is a separate part of the motherboard, which can easily be changed for fixing or upgrading.

Q: Are there games for Linux?
A: Left 4 Dead 2, Euro Track, Total War: War Kingdoms are available in the Steam Game Store.

Q: Are there games for Mac?
A: Civilization IV, Borderlands 3, CS:GO and many other games are available on Steam and Epic Store.

Q: What is overclocking?
A: Tweaking the technical parameters (frequency or power consumption) of a computer with the goal to increase performance. Though, it may lead to negative effect on equipment longevity, as well as a violation of warranty service from the manufacturer.

Q: Are there programs to optimize PC?
A: Razer Cortex is a special software for automatic PC optimizing for gaming. It detects and fixes system problems which may slow down a PC while gaming.