How good is Mac Mini for gaming?

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Level 1

4 points

How good is Mac Mini for gaming?

I want to run a flight simulator called X-Plane 12 on a sensibly priced machine. I have used the Trial version on my 2017 MacBookPro.

It runs but the machine gets REALLY hot very quickly; the frame refresh rate is very high even when I scale down all the options details I can.

The spec that X-Plane give is below, which, I think, is not the same as for Mac mini, even if I increase memory and so on, as the graphics cards are not the same. I am somewhat 'technically aware', but not at this detailed level.

I do not want to spend money on a machine that does not work better than the great one I already have for my everyday computing.

X-Plane say that the 'ideal' SPEC is:

Recommended Hardware Requirements:

CPU: Intel Core i5 6600K at 3.5 ghz or faster
Memory: 16-24 GB RAM or more
Video Card: a DirectX 12-capable video card from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel with at least 4 GB VRAM (GeForce GTX 1070 or better or similar from AMD)

Supported Video Cards:

NVIDIA: NVIDIA GeForce 600 or newer
AMD: AMD HD7000 with GCN core or newer
Intel: HD4000 or newer

Posted on Dec 17, 2022 7:41 AM

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Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 9

72,452 points

Dec 17, 2022 10:37 AM in response to Whyflynik

I hope this is more helpful:

I used X-Plane for years and can only recommend a computer with:

discrete graphics, not integrated graphics as in most Minis.
a powerful cooling system

I think the sysreqs you postedare for XP11. Those specs are LOWER than what the current XP sysreq page shows for XP12:

https://www.x-plane.com/kb/x-plane-11-system-requirements/

Note that 12 does NOT support Intel GPUs, so an Intel-powered Mini is out. However it shows that that Apple Silicon gfx are supported.

The X-Plane demo is fine on my 2017 iMac 5K 4.2ghz quad-cor i7 and the discrete Radeon 575 graphics chipset with 4GB VRAM.

The absolute best advice is on that sysreq page: Try the demo. If the demo runs fine, so will the full version.

Overheating: Yes, an issue. Computers with cramped quarters—including Apple products such as the Mini and most iMacs—have reduced cooling capacity compared to a traditional mini-tower form factor that can accommodate a couple of big 120mm fans. Good looks can get in the way of good cooling.

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Answer 2

hcsitas

Level 6

12,980 points

Dec 17, 2022 11:01 AM in response to Allan Jones

Reviews for Macs are definitely mixed https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/271806-x-plane-12-on-apple-silicon/&page=2

I wouldn’t even venture the demo without discrete graphics, available only on the Pro desktop. Demos are essentially teasers - they don’t cover upgrades/new features etc.

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Answer 3

Whyflynik Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 17, 2022 11:55 AM in response to Allan Jones

Allan that seems good advice. If your slightly older iMac runs the XP12 demo and does not overheat that may be the best way forward.

I am hoping not to have to get a windows system just for XP12. :-)

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Answer 4

Whyflynik Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 20, 2022 2:02 AM in response to Allan Jones

Hi Allan - I replied to you but attached it to another useful post. All the information from this forum has helped develop my thinking on this - so thank you. I'm new to 'gaming' (X-P 12 seems to have similar requirements). I've looked at various machines and seen the add-on graphics units with the big fans!

I had chance to call into the Apple Store in London yesterday to discuss this. Of course their Mac mini expert was positive about what it could do with the integrated GPUs, additional RAM and the M1 chip (which I also need for some actual, real-life flight planning software, 'SkyDemon'). She also checked the X-P 12 spec and 'was sure' the Mini would be enough. I was also reassured that if, within 14 days, it does NOT do what I bought it for I can return the Mini.

So on balance, I'm not keen to spend up to $3k for a machine as I am not dedicated to 'gaming', but would use it for occasional enjoyment, so I will try a high spec Mini (c.$1500), if it still overheats, I'll try another solution. Thanks again.

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Answer 5

hcsitas

Level 6

12,980 points

Dec 17, 2022 8:14 AM in response to Whyflynik

It’s terrible. Go Windows desktop or Mac Pro desktop Mac Pro - Apple

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How good is Mac Mini for gaming?

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