2017 iMac Gaming Performance

[eltoslightfoot]

I built a midrange gaming PC with a 1070, and got an older MacBook Pro 15 (2014, 16 GB RAM, 512 SSD, 750M NVIDIA) and man, that really seems to work for me. The gaming PC rocks for gaming, and the MacBook Pro works for everything else. The combined budget was about $2200, but I had the midrange PC lying around...

Of course, I have to admit, you bastards that are gaming decently on your 2017 iMacs are making me jealous... ;D

 

[Mac47]

I'm rocking the 3.8 Ghz i5 with the 580 GPU and 1 TB SSD. I didn't bother adding any more RAM, figuring I should figure out how much more I need first. So far, I haven't noticed anything I need more RAM for. I'm doing word processing, family Photos, some desktop publishing and Photoshop work...and casual gaming.

My kids are Minecrafting on it right now. Minecraft of course doesn't challenge any modern machine, not even a Macbook Air. But it sure looks spectacular on the 27" screen. The kids are playing multiplayer: we have a gaming PC as well, a midrange Alienware machine. It doesn't have a tremendous GPU, but I was always irritated that it ran games better than my expensive Mac Pro cylinder. Well, no more envy. I sold that Mac Pro a month before Apple announced that a new one would be coming in 2018 (and also announced the iMac Pro). Recouped 85% of what I paid for it, held on for two more months, and bought this iMac. Feeling pretty pleased with myself for timing the market.

Our family likes Ark: Survival Evolved, which was horrible on MacOS on the Mac Pro, so bad that we had to use Bootcamp to get decent frame rates even on medium settings. No longer. We can bump it up to "high" (not "epic" yet) and everything is still smooth. (We do turn off the motion blur setting, which makes a difference.) I'm running the game in 2560x1440 and it looks unbelievable. Probably if I bumped it down to 1280x720, I could max out the settings. But I think it looks more spectacular at 1440, so I'll tolerate the lower framerate.

Also ran Grid 2, which my son and I like to play together. Just astonishing: highest settings, again at 2560x1440, and still over 70 fps. Bump down the resolution or the settings, and it jumps up over 120 fps. Of course, it has always been a super well-optimized game, and ran even faster on MacOS than on Windows, even on the Mac Pro.

I haven't noticed any problems with heat or fan noise. For sure it's not as quiet as my Mac Pro cylinder was, but the screen more than makes up for it.

I'll try to get some better info on frame rates once my kids get off the machine.

 

[EnderBeta]

You mean in your opinion- I don't share that point of view.
Better made than the PS which I had no end of trouble with, when an issue was identified MS stepped up - apple could do the same at times!!

Let's not throw stones when we are in a glass house.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203207

Apples and Oranges. Apple's having issues with an unrelated thing to gaming has nothing to do with Microsoft and their hardware being junk.

 

[Kyakou]

So, apparently, my dad really really despises Windows so I don't even know if I can get a gaming pc. I would love to get a iMac but it's so expensive.

 

[EnderBeta]

So, apparently, my dad really really despises Windows so I don't even know if I can get a gaming pc. I would love to get a iMac but it's so expensive.

What games are you planning on playing?

 

[Kyakou]

Well, I usually play Minecraft, some Paladins, GTA 5, planning to get Destiny 2 and Assassin's Creed. That's basically all. I do plan to play a lot of free to play games from Steam.

 

[AFEPPL]

Apples and Oranges. Apple's having issues with an unrelated thing to gaming has nothing to do with Microsoft and their hardware being junk.

I've had 3 PSUs - complete junk from apple.
I've got a dead MBA - complete junk too?
I've had 2 screen recalls on the MBPs due to the the coating coming off - complete junk?
I've had a keyboard fail on the MBA - junk again?
4 iPads replaced - junk?
It took 3 12.9 IPPs to get a decent screen - junk?
Battery replacement on 2 iPhone 6s - junk?
iPhone 6s replace for condensation under the screen - junk? And what a compete nightmare that was even though apple agreed none of the water sensors had been triggered

I could go on and on, but I have x10 the issues and stress on my apple junk vs my Microsoft junk...!
Top and bottom is still a very cheap MS console out performs the topend iMac

 

[EnderBeta]

I've had 3 PSUs - complete junk from apple.
I've got a dead MBA - complete junk too?
I've had 2 screen recalls on the MBPs due to the the coating coming off - complete junk?
I've had a keyboard fail on the MBA - junk again?
4 iPads replaced - junk?
It took 3 12.9 IPPs to get a decent screen - junk?
Battery replacement on 2 iPhone 6s - junk?
iPhone 6s replace for condensation under the screen - junk? And what a compete nightmare that was even though apple agreed none of the water sensors had been triggered

I could go on and on, but I have x10 the issues and stress on my apple junk vs my Microsoft junk...!
Top and bottom is still a very cheap MS console out performs the topend iMac

I guess you don't understand the phrase Apples and Oranges. I never defended Apple's build quality. You ranting about Apple doesn't disprove that Microsoft hardware is junk.

That said, Apple has been resting on their name for some time now so I'm not surprised you've had issues. I've noticed that the bluetooth on my original magic keyboard 2 on my Late 2015 iMac used to cut out almost all the time. The new full keyboard bluetooth seems to be doing better but it could also be that on my Mac Pro for work I've switched over to the USB full keyboard and there simply isn't another keyboard for the OS to confuse.

I've had the key letting come off of two of the Magic Keyboard 2 units. Apple glues more and more of their components together. None of this bodes well for the brand. That still doesn't change the fact that Microsoft hardware is built every bit as bad, maybe worse. To suggest the child get a Xbox One X in my mind is like, "hey kid go light $500 on fire it will be fun for a few moments".

 

[AFEPPL]

I perfectly understand the term, but I don't see the point in diving deeper into a forum spat as i made my point around not agreeing with you.

If people want to run games on the iMac, go for it I'm not going to say it's junk, I made my point, better performing options are available from both a console or a games rig. You made a perfectly logical point about a single device. I could say HP all in one, but the options are wide and vast. Choice is good but i'd never burn 3k on an iMac to play games for the same few moments of fun with less fidelity and performance...

 

[EnderBeta]

I perfectly understand the term, but I don't see the point in diving deeper into a forum spat as i made my point around not agreeing with you.

If people want to run games on the iMac, go for it I'm not going to say it's junk, I made my point, better performing options are available from both a console or a games rig. You made a perfectly logical point about a single device. I could say HP all in one, but the options are wide and vast. Choice is good but i'd never burn 3k on an iMac to play games for the same few moments of fun with less fidelity and performance...

I agree a iMac is nice but gaming machine it is not.

I personally suggest building the game machine but I'm a control freak and like to be able to choose quality parts. I'd go with a PS4 normal or a Xbox One S with a extended warranty.

 

[AppleMythos]

I've had 3 PSUs - complete junk from apple.
I've got a dead MBA - complete junk too?
I've had 2 screen recalls on the MBPs due to the the coating coming off - complete junk?
I've had a keyboard fail on the MBA - junk again?
4 iPads replaced - junk?
It took 3 12.9 IPPs to get a decent screen - junk?
Battery replacement on 2 iPhone 6s - junk?
iPhone 6s replace for condensation under the screen - junk? And what a compete nightmare that was even though apple agreed none of the water sensors had been triggered

I could go on and on, but I have x10 the issues and stress on my apple junk vs my Microsoft junk...!
Top and bottom is still a very cheap MS console out performs the topend iMac

You continued buying Apple products even after your beyond count hardware failures continued to pile up? Are you desperate to exaggerate your supposed Apple hardware failures in order to prove your point? Does your hardware reside in the middle of an artillery testing range? Do you buy used Apple hardware on eBay marked down 90% because of clearly advertised defects?

I really do not understand your continued, shall we say, perseverance.

 

[AFEPPL]

Well it's fair to say I have many apple products, but apple locks you into to the eco system.
I could have added 2 failed ATVs and a watch issue too. Many of the so called premium goods are made in the same factories as the rest of the options.

With the acception of the "water damage" it's been easy to replace/repair the devices when issues have occurred. Apple would not repair/replace the MBA. Apple are great at marketing - not as good at engineering hardware devices

I agree a iMac is nice but gaming machine it is not.

I personally suggest building the game machine but I'm a control freak and like to be able to choose quality parts. I'd go with a PS4 normal or a Xbox One S with a extended warranty.

As with all things you have two ends of the same scale - why buy the top end iMac over the bottom end? I have the original one, and two S's already I'm happy to pay the premium to run those same games at the next level on my 4K HDR TVs

 

[PJivan]

You continued buying Apple products even after your beyond count hardware failures continued to pile up? Are you desperate to exaggerate your supposed Apple hardware failures in order to prove your point? Does your hardware reside in the middle of an artillery testing range? Do you buy used Apple hardware on eBay marked down 90% because of clearly advertised defects?

I really do not understand your continued, shall we say, perseverance.

I think we can answer those questions by ourselves

 

[Mac47]

27" with i5 3.8 GHz and Radeon 580.

In Windows, I'm getting 50 fps on Ark:Survival Evolved at quadHD (2560x1440) epic settings. (The game is not well optimized on any system, but it's very playable at this fps.) Haven't been able to get a frame rate counter to work in Steam on MacOS Sierra, but it's pretty clear that the Mac version of the game is slower.

 

[Luxtrau]

27" with i5 3.8 GHz and Radeon 580.

In Windows, I'm getting 50 fps on Ark:Survival Evolved at quadHD (2560x1440) epic settings. (The game is not well optimized on any system, but it's very playable at this fps.) Haven't been able to get a frame rate counter to work in Steam on MacOS Sierra, but it's pretty clear that the Mac version of the game is slower.

I can't believe it, yesterday I read a big article from an online magazine that even a Geforce 1080 Ti is only capable of running ARK with average 58fps in FHD/Epic Preset. And the 1080 Ti is way faster than our beloved 580 Pro.

Check it out:
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Ark-Survival-Evolved-notebook-and-desktop-benchmarks.246112.0.html

 

[Mac47]

I can't believe it, yesterday I read a big article from an online magazine that even a Geforce 1080 Ti is only capable of running ARK with average 58fps in FHD/Epic Preset. And the 1080 Ti is way faster than our beloved 580 Pro.

Check it out:
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Ark-Survival-Evolved-notebook-and-desktop-benchmarks.246112.0.html

I did turn off Motion Blur and used a command line order to force it Windows to give Ark priority over all other processes. And therr were dips into the 40s.

 

[Mac47]

Edit: I'm starting to doubt my own info. On trying it again, I'm getting mid-40's to as high as 50 fps for the "high" setting, but low 30s fps for the Epic setting. (Both with motion blur off.) Both settings are faster in 2560x1440 than they are in 1920x1080, surprisingly. Apparently, the speed from having an even divisor into 5120x2880 makes a bigger difference than the extra size of the screen?

Until my son comes over and does a more rigorous test, I think we'd better revise the Ark: Survival Evolved frame rate for the iMac 27" with Radeon Pro 580 downward to "as high as 50 fps on high settings".
[doublepost=1505066190][/doublepost]Here's some commands that can improve frame rate:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=475747492

 

[Grade]

Well, I usually play Minecraft, some Paladins, GTA 5, planning to get Destiny 2 and Assassin's Creed. That's basically all. I do plan to play a lot of free to play games from Steam.

So, apparently, my dad really really despises Windows so I don't even know if I can get a gaming pc. I would love to get a iMac but it's so expensive.

Kyakou, if your dad hates windows, then do your self a favor and get an IMac. You can install windows partition to play those games. Or If I were you, this is what i would do. Focus GTA 5, Destiny 2 and Assassin's creed games on the console (if you don't mind) and then play on the IMac games that are release for the MacOS.

Of course the iMac is more expensive (i'm on the same spot as you, but the difference, my focus games are more Football Manager, Civ6 and older, classical games), but it one hell of a machine nonetheless. And don't forget in few years if you want to sell your iMac, you can sell it at higher cost then the PC counterpart.

You have to ponder the pros and cons of the Imac and make a decision (if your parents are financial investment of the thing, include them in your decision making). But my advice: if for you playing on PC or console doesn't really matter (like me), then go for the Imac and make the console your go to gaming rig.

 

[Laai]

I upgraded my late 2015 M395X machine to mid tier iMac 2017 with Radeon Pro 575, SSD only and 16GB RAM (aftermarket). I use it for everyday student stuff as well as casual CS:GO gaming. The difference in CS:GO is incredible.

Old GFX card pushed the game at around 130-190 FPS (don't starte the FPS war, CS:GO needs it, its a fact), sometimes even less in smokes (res was at 1440p and all settings are on low). The new machine pushes almost 300fps easy, in smokes it drops to 200ish, same resolution of 1440p BUT with settings set to mid-high for better quality.

I am impressed.

 

[jj Abrams1234]

I have had a Imac 2017 5K for a while and it's been pretty good I could do with something that isn't $4000 but it's worth it if you want everything a mac has plus 150+ fps when playing GTA V (I sometimes use my second ssd for windows). My top for FPS has been 200 for GTA and 400 when playing CS:GO. It has the Radeon Pro 560 and 8 gb of ram (im looking to upgrade but its still good) ALSO don't use safari unless you want IE like experience

 

[PJivan]

What is wrong with safari? and how can it be compared to ie? it use less energy, ram, cpu than chrome/firefox even if they are all based on the same webkit engine. and it's VERY fast, it also sink to your phone e ipad.

 

[rubenalf]

best game

 

[jj Abrams1234]

What is wrong with safari? and how can it be compared to ie? it use less energy, ram, cpu than chrome/firefox even if they are all based on the same webkit engine. and it's VERY fast, it also sink to your phone e ipad.

Yea, but Chrome can do that. And safari can't fullscreen videos on youtube or Netflix (Netflix is different) and it also doesn't support a lot of common apps like Spotify and most flash stuff. In my experience. Also, chrome uses a syncing system so that it syncs EVERYTHING. Not just the webpage. And Chrome has extensions that are also super useful

 

[BananaX]

Yea, but Chrome can do that. And safari can't fullscreen videos on youtube or Netflix (Netflix is different) and it also doesn't support a lot of common apps like Spotify and most flash stuff. In my experience. Also, chrome uses a syncing system so that it syncs EVERYTHING. Not just the webpage. And Chrome has extensions that are also super useful

Chrome can only play Netflix in 720p tho.

 

[meddow]

2009 imac

(ATI Radeon HD 4850 512 MB)

Runs Starcraft 2 ok in 2017!