If you find yourself in the market for a personal computer that can cater to both work and entertainment needs, it’s natural to seek advice from various sources such as friends, relatives, and industry experts. However, if you’re still uncertain about whether to choose a Macbook Pro or a Gaming Laptop, medCPU has shared an article below that might assist you in finding the best solution for your dilemma. This article can provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
There is often a lot of confusion among customers when it comes to understanding the differences between a gaming laptop and a MacBook. Many individuals lack technical knowledge about laptops, which can make it difficult for them to clarify their thoughts. No offense intended! However, even among those who are knowledgeable about computers, some still struggle to decide between a MacBook and a gaming laptop.
Some people believe that gaming laptops are powerful and capable, while Apple products like the MacBook never fall short in terms of performance. Others argue that gaming laptops are great for multitasking and demanding tasks, whereas the MacBook simplifies most jobs.
These notions are simply a reflection of users’ perceptions based on other people’s experiences. Different tasks require different types of computers, and gaming laptops and MacBooks serve as examples of such distinctions. They are used by a wide variety of users for purposes that are specific to their needs.
MacBooks Pro
It is true that Apple MacBooks were not originally designed as primary gaming laptops and do not prioritize gaming capabilities. Most MacBook models rely on integrated graphics cards from Intel, which are not known for their powerful gaming performance. Integrated graphics cards are generally not the optimal choice for gaming, even with advanced APUs. Additionally, while certain iMac models have dedicated graphics cards, they may still struggle to run many of the popular games available today.
However, Apple has been making efforts in recent years to improve gaming capabilities on MacBooks. Some gamers now consider MacBooks as viable options for gaming and recommend them. There are MacBook models available on the market that can handle gaming quite well. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that these machines often come at a higher price compared to comparable gaming laptops.
Ultimately, if gaming is a top priority for you, it may be more cost-effective to consider a gaming laptop that is specifically designed with gaming performance in mind. However, if you value other aspects of the MacBook ecosystem and are willing to invest in a higher-end model, there are options available that can deliver satisfactory gaming experiences.
Gaming Laptop
A gaming laptop is specifically designed for gaming purposes and is characterized by its portability, lightweight construction, and built-in screen. It offers higher performance compared to regular laptops, making it capable of delivering an enhanced gaming experience as well as handling everyday tasks more efficiently due to its increased power.
While both regular laptops and gaming laptops can be used for daily tasks, the key distinction lies in gaming capabilities. A gaming laptop can run the latest video games and display them with impressive graphics on its screen, whereas a regular laptop may struggle to run demanding games or provide satisfactory graphics quality.
Regular laptops may be limited to playing games that are a few years old, and even then, the graphics may not be optimal. However, it’s important to recognize the value of older games or independently developed titles that can provide enjoyable gaming experiences for an extended period. Gaming laptops are built to endure long gaming sessions and perform well under high-intensity activities. They are also designed to be more durable and resistant to physical impacts.
In summary, if gaming is a priority for you and you require a laptop that can handle demanding games with superior graphics, a gaming laptop is a suitable choice. Its specialized design, robust performance, and durability make it an ideal option for gamers who want to enjoy a portable gaming experience.
MacBook Pro Vs Gaming Laptop
Quick Comparison
| Basis | Gaming Laptop | MacBook Pro |
| Performance | High | High |
| Ports | More | Less |
| Battery Life | Average | Excellent |
| Display | Good | Excellent |
| Gaming Performance | Excellent | Below Average |
| Device Longevity | 2-3 Years | 4-5 Years |
| Best For | Gaming and high-end tasks | Video editing, Coding, content creation, and robust performance |
Performance
It all depends on the gaming laptop you use. Apple MacBook Pro is the highest-end device in the MacBook series. Here we will be looking at a high-end gaming laptop that has the same CPU power.
CPU
Both gaming laptops and MacBooks can come equipped with powerful Intel Core i9 CPUs, ample storage space, and DDR4 RAM. With such specifications, both laptops can deliver excellent performance and handle demanding tasks effectively. In terms of CPU performance, there is typically no noticeable difference between the CPUs found in gaming laptops and MacBooks.
However, when it comes to performance, factors like clock speed and cooling systems play a significant role. The clock speed of a CPU determines how quickly it can execute instructions, and a higher clock speed generally results in faster performance. Additionally, an efficient cooling system is essential to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance under heavy workloads.
It’s worth noting that gaming laptops often prioritize cooling systems to handle the heat generated by intense gaming sessions, as gaming can put a considerable strain on the CPU and GPU. On the other hand, MacBooks are designed with a focus on sleekness and portability, which may lead to more limited cooling capabilities compared to gaming laptops.
Winner: Tier
GPU
In terms of graphics processing power, a gaming laptop, which is designed with a strong focus on the GPU, would undoubtedly be the superior choice. Gaming laptops often feature high-performance GPUs, such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, paired with Intel’s UHD Graphics 630. These laptops also typically come with a minimum of 6GB of dedicated graphics memory, allowing for an unmatched gaming experience. The GPU processor itself is specifically optimized for gaming.
In contrast, graphics processing receives less emphasis in Apple’s MacBooks since they are not primarily designed for gaming. The MacBook Pro, for example, is equipped with an AMD Radeon Pro 560X GPU, which is a powerful graphics processor capable of handling gaming to some extent but cannot match the processing power of a dedicated gaming laptop’s GPU.
When it comes to gaming performance, a gaming laptop’s GPU, with its dedicated focus on delivering high-quality graphics and optimized gaming performance, outshines the GPUs found in MacBooks. If gaming is a top priority, a gaming laptop with a powerful GPU would be the preferred choice.
Winner: Gaming Laptop
SSD
It is true that Apple’s MacBook models often offer impressive SSD storage capacity and speed, which may surpass what is commonly found in gaming laptops. Apple places a strong emphasis on SSD storage and utilizes high-quality SSDs in their devices, providing users with ample storage for their needs.
However, it is important to note that this is not a fundamental limitation of gaming laptops. Many gaming laptops do offer options for upgrading or configuring SSD storage to meet specific requirements. Users can choose compatible SSDs with higher capacities and faster speeds to enhance the performance of their gaming laptops. With the right configuration, gaming laptops can also provide effective and high-performing storage solutions.
While Apple’s MacBook models are known for their exceptional performance and storage capabilities, it is possible to find gaming laptops that offer competitive SSD storage options. It ultimately comes down to individual preferences and the specific requirements of the user.
Winner: MacBook
>>> Read our complete guide on How To Build A Gaming Laptop?
Display
Most gaming laptops with a variety of display specifications. This is because there are so many manufacturers making them. Pricing is also affected by the display choice. Higher-resolution displays are more likely to be used for larger tasks. A person who wants to use a VR headset must have at least an FHD display.
Although 4K displays can be great for media consumption and sharpness, they also drain the battery and chipset that power the device. The Apple MacBook Pro and MacBook all in all, however, offer no other choice. Although the screen size may vary, the resolution of the screen is the same.
Apple is always ahead of its competition in the Display field. The MacBook Pro is highly recommended for video editing, Adobe Photoshop, and other editing tools. Its display has brighter colors, contrast, and effects that will allow you to capture every detail. The MacBook Pro’s screen is amazing. It offers a stunning view and natural colors that will blow you away.
Very few gaming laptops can match the MacBook’s performance, such as the Dell XPS 15, Alienware Area m15 and Lenovo Legion, Asus ROG Strix, and Gigabyte Aero MSI Optix, and a few other devices that use the same display perform very well. These laptops can also be used for content creation, video editing, graphic design, and graphics designing.
Number of Ports
The Apple MacBook Pro’s minimalistic design does not include a lot of ports. It looks futuristic and only has four Thunderbolt 3 ports and one headphone jack port. You will need to purchase the dongles if you want to use an external mouse and hard drive. The MacBook does not have a lot of ports.
On the other side, a gaming laptop has multiple ports that can be used for various purposes. It makes it easier to connect external devices at no cost. A gaming laptop typically has three USB 3.0 ports and one Thunderbolt3 port, one headphone jack, HDMI 2.0, mini DisplayPort, and one graphics port.
A gaming laptop is a better choice if you need more ports or are more reliable.
Gaming
Let’s start with the audiovisuals. The Apple MacBook Pro is the best. The MacBook Pro’s IPS display is crisp and features Apple’s patented Retina Display. This means you can enjoy the most beautiful screens ever seen on a laptop. The sound quality is excellent, with crisp, clear audio that hits all the right notes for an integrated speaker system.
Would an external audio system be better than the Mac’s? It would, of course. But if you’re buying a Mac, you can rest assured that your media consumption will be enjoyable.
Gaming is where the MacBook Pro falls short. Windows gaming laptops were designed for one purpose. The laptops are equipped with NVIDIAs and AMD graphics cards, ensuring that gamers have an unbeatable gaming experience.
You can play most recent titles on a laptop equipped with a medium- to high-end graphics card, but not on ultra-high settings. You will also notice that gaming laptops are not limited in size. These laptops have uncompromised venting via the built-in fan or thermal throttling software.
This allows games to run smoothly whenever they are needed. A Mac cannot match the incredible range of Windows games; even Microsoft has them!
Apple has placed more emphasis on the design of the MacBook Pro and its uniformity, but it lacks the ability of heat to be contained in the same way that gaming laptops. You can use the MacBook Pro for light, moderately intensive tasks, or even occasional intensive tasks, and it will be fine. But if you continue to hit it with intense tasks, also due to its metal body, the heat will become too much.
The device comes with a dedicated graphics card with 4GB of memory. But here’s the problem: Mac doesn’t have the same number of titles as Windows. So we are back at Windows. You could also use cloud gaming services to stream games.
Let’s suppose you find the game you are looking for on Mac. However, the screen refresh rate of 60Hz on the MacBook Pro is a bit too slow. Screen Refresh refers to the number of times that the screen refreshes in a minute.
Gaming laptops are set at 120 Hz to avoid screen ghosting and screen tearing in fast-paced games like shooters. The MacBook is the best choice for immersive media consumption. The Macbook Pro is the best choice if you look for media editing, such as video or photo editing.
If gaming is your ultimate goal, you should get a Windows gaming laptop with a dedicated graphics card that has at least 4GB of memory.
You can also check this video which compares a gaming laptop (Razer Blade Stealth) to a MacBook Pro. It will help you understand most aspects.
Port or I/O Selection
Apple MacBook Pros lack a port selection. Four Thunderbolt 3 ports work well. It isn’t great that you must always have a dock.
Many gaming laptops offer a good selection of ports. At least one USB Type-C port supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.0/3.1. You no longer need to have a dock at all times.
Battery Life
Gaming laptops are known to consume a significant amount of power due to their powerful components, which can have an impact on their battery life. Under normal, continuous usage, the battery life of a typical gaming laptop can range from around three to four hours. However, it’s worth noting that newer gaming laptop models may offer improved battery capacities, extending the battery life to around five to seven hours for continuous usage.
In comparison, MacBooks are known for their efficient power management, allowing for longer battery life compared to many competing products. While macOS is designed to support power-intensive technologies, MacBooks are optimized to use power effectively, resulting in extended battery life. The specific battery life of a MacBook can vary depending on the model and usage patterns, but generally, MacBooks offer longer battery life compared to gaming laptops.
It’s important to consider that battery life can vary based on factors such as the intensity of tasks being performed, screen brightness, and background processes. Additionally, certain gaming laptops may provide options for power-saving modes or battery optimization settings to help prolong battery life.
Winner: Macbook
>>> Read also: Best Gaming Laptop Under 1500 in 2024
Longevity
Apple MacBooks last on average longer than gaming laptops. Their OS is more durable, their build quality is excellent, and their customer service is excellent.
macOS outmatch Windows in terms of security features and robustness.
There’s very little bloatware, and the operating system is optimized to maximize the hardware. It’s not uncommon to see MacBooks that are 3- to 8 years old still performing well.
Windows comes with a lot of bloatware. If you don’t remove leftover files from uninstallations, it can slow down your computer.
Windows’s advantage over MacOS is its ease of use. Windows can run virtually any software. macOS is limited, and some software is prohibited.
Apple MacBooks made from unibody aluminum is built to high standards. Apple MacBooks are compact and slim, thanks to this design.
Gaming laptops will differ in terms of their build quality because different manufacturers make them.
FAQs
Can you use a MacBook Pro as a gaming laptop?
The answer to this question is yes you can use your MacBook Pro as a gaming laptop. With the right game installed on your MacBook Pro, you will be able to get the same quality of performance that you would get out of any other gaming laptop. If you are looking for a portable machine to help you play games then this is it.
Should I buy a MacBook if I have a gaming PC?
The answer is not so simple. If you are a PC gamer, the answer is yes, but if you are an Apple user, the answer is no. You can’t install Windows on a MacBook or it will take up all the storage space you have, so if you want to play games on your laptop, you’re stuck with what’s already on it.
There are some Mac OS products that you can buy to install on your Mac, but I recommend sticking with what you already have.
Are MacBooks faster than Windows?
The MacBook is not meant for gaming. It is a laptop for professional purposes. The Windows system, on the other hand, is specifically for gaming. This means that the MacBook Pro will not have the same hardware requirements that a Windows system would have for gaming.
In addition, the MacBook will have a slower processor, less RAM, and a less powerful graphics card. This means that there is no way for the system to be as fast as a Windows system for gaming.
Is it hard to switch from Windows to Mac?
No, it’s easy to switch from Windows to Mac. In fact, there are a lot of applications on the Mac that make it even easier to use than a PC. It is a lot more user-friendly and the interface is more intuitive. Additionally, many Apple laptop users prefer their products because they know Apple has been a trusted company for a while now.
How do I know my Mac is original?
Owning a genuine Apple product is something to be proud of. Apple products are sleek, stylish, and have amazing customer service. We want you to enjoy your experience with the Mac, so be sure to choose an authentic one! You can find out if your Mac is original by following these steps:
-Check the Serial Number located on the back of the Mac near the port
-Run the serial number on the Serial Number Checker
-Compare the serial number to the serial number on the Apple Online Store This will help you determine if your Mac is authentic. If it isn’t, then you’ll have to find a replacement for a newer model or a refurbished one.
Conclusion: Is a Macbook pro or a gaming laptop better?
While gaming laptops are more expensive, they are arguably better because the processors are much stronger, the graphics are better, and they can run more demanding games.
Macbooks, on the other hand, are less expensive, offer a lot of processing power, and have great design. Their software optimization focus hinders their ability to play games such as Death Stranding. However, Macs can be used for casual gaming.
So if you need a more powerful laptop than the MacBook Pro, I would recommend purchasing a gaming laptop, however, if you need a laptop for school and don’t want to spend much money, then the Macbook Pro is ideal.
Thanks for reading my post! Feel free to leave any comments or questions below.
Video:
Eyal Ephrat serves as the co-founder and CEO of medCPU.com, where technology is making significant strides in the field of medicine. Through his experience in purchasing PC and laptop equipment and various other tech products, Eyal Ephrat contributes valuable insights to medCPU’s mission.
