Mac Noob - Hardware Question

[hinduheat]

Hi All. Just got a used MacBook Pro

I want to know if my computer is good enough to run decent caliber games Half-Life 2 engine type and the like. When I say decent... at like 50-60fps.

Here are my specs:
2.16 Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB 667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM

Chipset Model: ATY,RadeonX1600
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 128 MB

Thanks.

 

[aarond12]

You might have better frame rates if you run those games in Bootcamp mode, but yes, that computer can run those games at that frame rate. Don't jack the resolution too high -- stick with a lower resolution for faster frame rates.

I have the previous-generation MacBook Pro with the CoreDuo (not Core2Duo) processor and it is fine for most games.

-Aaron-

 

[cantthinkofone]

It should run OK. Keep the resolution down to 1280x1024 and let the engine pick the optimum settings. Half-Life 2 will do it for you in the display settings tab. Not sure about the other games.

I got 25-30 FPS with a 1.8GHz AMD (single core) with 512MB ram and a Nvidia 5200 GT back in 2004.

 

[hinduheat]

You might have better frame rates if you run those games in Bootcamp mode, but yes, that computer can run those games at that frame rate. Don't jack the resolution too high -- stick with a lower resolution for faster frame rates.

I have the previous-generation MacBook Pro with the CoreDuo (not Core2Duo) processor and it is fine for most games.

-Aaron-

What's bootcamp mode?

 

[Consultant]

What's bootcamp mode?

Google it.

http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/

 

[ActionableMango]

I had those specs in a MBP. CoreDuo and x1600 are fine for older games like HL2 in Windows/Bootcamp. I have no experience with the recently available OSX versions.

 

[Huntn]

What's bootcamp mode?

Bootcamp is a utility that comes with the MacOS that allows you to create a Windows partition, install, and run Windows on your Mac. A copy of the Windows OS (not provided) is required.

 

[schimmel]

Don't run 1280x1024 on an MBP!

If you lower the resolution, just be sure to keep the aspect ratio correct. Your Macbook Pro has a 16:10 aspect ratio, while a resolution like 1280x1024 is 5:4 - so don't use that. It will make things look distorted and ugly, as it scretches things on your screen.

16:10 means the correlation between the horizontal and vertical (width and height) amount of pixels on your screen.

Always aim to run the native resolution. If you need more fps, choose a 16:10 resolution like 1440x900, 1280x800, 1024x640.

Native resolution always gives the best sharpness, but like mentioned, you gain FPS with lower resolutions.

Best of luck.