My fourth PC broke down, so I'm deciding on a mac. Most Macs cost too much, therefore it's the Mini for me. The Mac website says it comes with a Intel GMA 950 graphics processor, how good is that? If possible, I will get the best Mini there is, right now that is the 2.0 GHZ.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Is a mini a good gaming machine?
- Thread starter LAPIII
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
iv never played computer games before. My imac is to old to even attempt to play current games. But i do have a 2.2 4gb of ram macbook. if booting into windows would i beable to play say Grand Theft Auto? Is there ANY chance of it? I would like to play the new one when it comes out on pc.
its not a big deal either way, but this thread seems as good as any to bring it up
its not a big deal either way, but this thread seems as good as any to bring it up
What games do you play?
For one, games like Age of Empires II and Age of Mythology will work if you have them.
Save another $150 and get a refurbished iMac or MacBook for $950, which is a lot better deal than the $800 Mini (or a loaded one).
The Intel GMA X3100 and ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT are likely worth the slight bump in price over the GMA950 -- especially if you want to play any games.
You can look at the GMA950, GMA X3100, and ATI Radeon HD 2400XT on the PC laptops for gaming comparisons.
All these are laptop-based (aka, all Intel integrated mobile chipsets or ATI mobility cards) and can be found in the laptop gaming sections of PC magazines.
The Intel GMA X3100 and ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT are likely worth the slight bump in price over the GMA950 -- especially if you want to play any games.
You can look at the GMA950, GMA X3100, and ATI Radeon HD 2400XT on the PC laptops for gaming comparisons.
All these are laptop-based (aka, all Intel integrated mobile chipsets or ATI mobility cards) and can be found in the laptop gaming sections of PC magazines.
Look here for comparisons: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html
mini = GMA950
New MacBook = X3100
White iMac (17, 20" non-edu models) = X1600
White iMac (24") = 7300GT/7600GT
Alu iMac (low-end 20") = HD2400XT
Alu iMac (mid 20", 24") = HD2600XT (slightly lowered clock, however).
New Alu iMac (24" optional) = 8800GT
IMO, GMA950 is good only for the most basic 3D games and most 2D games. The X1600 can handle most 3D games on low-medium settings at native resolution and is slightly faster than he HD2400XT. The 2600 can handle most 3D games on medium-high settings (some, like Crysis, will require lower settings). The 8800 can handle most games on high settings.
mini = GMA950
New MacBook = X3100
White iMac (17, 20" non-edu models) = X1600
White iMac (24") = 7300GT/7600GT
Alu iMac (low-end 20") = HD2400XT
Alu iMac (mid 20", 24") = HD2600XT (slightly lowered clock, however).
New Alu iMac (24" optional) = 8800GT
IMO, GMA950 is good only for the most basic 3D games and most 2D games. The X1600 can handle most 3D games on low-medium settings at native resolution and is slightly faster than he HD2400XT. The 2600 can handle most 3D games on medium-high settings (some, like Crysis, will require lower settings). The 8800 can handle most games on high settings.
Here is the list of somewhat compatible games:
http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/intelgm965/sb/cs-026146.htm
The answer really is no however. I would look at a higher machine, and really a PC if its for games only (it will be cheaper).
http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/intelgm965/sb/cs-026146.htm
The answer really is no however. I would look at a higher machine, and really a PC if its for games only (it will be cheaper).
This Mac is not good for modern hardcore games, but if you like to play small games, like My Mac Games offer, it will be enough.