M5 Max-powered Mac Studio handles modern games in 4K

Testing the Mac Studio with the M5 Max chip showed that even the base version of the computer, priced at $2499, is capable of running modern AAA games at 4K resolution. Blogger Andrew Tsai verified the device’s performance across 17 games.

During the testing, the base configuration of the Mac Studio with an 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36 GB of unified memory, and a SSD of 512 GB was tested in 17 demanding games. The results show that thanks to architectural improvements and software technologies, Apple Silicon has reached a new level of gaming performance.

Performance in 4K and 2K

The main focus of the tests was on running games in native versions for macOS or through compatibility layers like CrossOver. Proprietary MetalFX upscaling technology and frame generation were actively used.

• Baldur’s Gate 3: the native macOS version delivers a stable ~60 FPS at 4K with high graphics settings.
• Cyberpunk 2077: on high settings with MetalFX enabled, the frame rate exceeded 60 FPS. At 2K resolution on maximum settings with ray tracing, the M5 Max proved to be up to 1.5 times faster than its predecessors.
• Wuthering Waves and No Man’s Sky: both games demonstrate high performance in 4K on Ultra settings, although in No Man’s Sky, the frame rate drops to 40 FPS in certain scenes.
• Total War: Attila: the native macOS version showed higher performance in tests than on comparable Windows systems.
• Horizon Forbidden West via CrossOver: the Windows version of the game delivers about 60 FPS on medium graphics settings.
• Halo: Combat Evolved: the game demonstrates 200-300 FPS.

The main problem with gaming on Mac

Despite the high performance of the M5 Max, the platform’s weak point remains its software ecosystem. The main limitation continues to be the lack of native versions of many popular games for macOS. Furthermore, not all titles from the Windows library run correctly via compatibility layers and translation tools.

For example, during testing, Forza Horizon 6 suffered from micro-stutters and graphical artifacts, while online multiplayer was unavailable in Gears of War: E-Day due to compatibility restrictions.