MacBook Air and its Limitations for Gaming – the challenges and possible solutions
For hard-core gamers, the idea of a gaming laptop seems to suggest that it has to be ‘high-powered’ and thus, expensive. Some gaming laptops are particularly expensive, with many running high-end processors and GPUs. But, there is also a way to enjoy gaming on a laptop without stretching your budget too far. Apple’s MacBook Air has some amazing features, such as its ultra light design, portability and the unibody aluminium chassis. However, these features come at a cost. The MacBook Air is not designed for gaming and its hardware specifications can be limiting when compared to other gaming laptops.
The MacBook Air is well-regarded for its lightweight design and solid performance, but its graphical capabilities do not match those of gaming laptops. Its integrated graphics capabilities are limited, and more importantly, it cannot handle the kind of intense graphics that are required for the latest gaming trends. The MacBook Air is also not capable of handling the ‘demands’ of intensive gaming applications, and the overall performance can be a bit sluggish.
On the other hand, although the MacBook Air does not come with ‘gaming’ power, there are still ways to turn it into a gaming machine. By adding a secondary GPU, such as an Nvidia Geforce GPU, the MacBook Air can be turned into a capable gaming machine. The performance may not be as good as a dedicated gaming laptop, but it is still a much more capable machine than a regular one.
The Nvidia Geforce GPU can be added to the MacBook Air, and it will provide the gaming power to run modern titles at acceptable levels. It is estimated that with the addition of the external GPU, the laptop can deliver 40-50 frames per second which is more than enough for a comfortable gaming experience. The only downside is that the GPU is an external device and so it does not fit the design of the MacBook Air.
Another option is to use ‘virtualization’ software such as VMware, Parallels or Virtual Box to ‘trick’ the MacBook Air into thinking that it is a PC. This approach would work but it might require extra setup time and a lot of resources. In addition, the gaming experience might not be as smooth as with a dedicated gaming laptop.
Although the MacBook Air can be ‘geared up’ into a gaming machine, it is still worth considering the extra cost of the hardware upgrades. The extra cost may end up being more than the cost of buying a dedicated gaming laptop instead.
Available third-party upgrades and accessories
Game developers offer a range of third-party upgrades which users can purchase and install on their laptops to enhance their gaming experience. These upgrades and accessories can be purchased from online retailers or directly from gaming companies and manufacturers. Third-party upgrades range from external GPU enclosures, gaming controllers, and even additional RAM modules.
The third-party upgrades are designed to improve the performance of the laptop and the gaming experience. For example, an external GPU enclosure can be used to add extra graphical power or a stronger gaming controller. RAM upgrades can also be purchased to improve the overall performance of the laptop and to increase the storage capacity.
The external GPU will provide the needed graphics power which should be more than enough for gaming purposes. In addition, the purchase of additional RAM modules can also help in improving the laptop’s performance when running gaming applications and running multiple applications at the same time.
However, third-party upgrades require a certain level of skill and understanding to install and maintain. Even the little things such as cooling replacements or RAM upgrades need an understanding of computers and a willingness to learn. In some cases, a laptop may even fail to run at its full potential if the original configurations were not well-maintained or properly installed.
Conclusion: Should You Make Your MacBook Air Into A Gaming Laptop?
It is possible to turn the MacBook Air into a capable gaming laptop. However, the process involves a great deal of effort and cost. The additional hardware upgrades are expensive and not all users are familiar enough with computers to properly setup and maintain them. Furthermore, the performance of the laptop might still not match that of a dedicated gaming laptop.
For most users, the cost and effort involved might not be worth it. Instead, they might prefer to purchase a dedicated gaming laptop and enjoy an enhanced gaming experience without the hassle. However, users that have the technical knowledge and capability to upgrade their MacBook Air can enjoy a competent gaming experience at a fraction of the cost.
Alternative Options – Finding a more cost effective Asus laptop
The ASUS ZenBook 13 laptop is a great alternative for gamers who are looking for a powerful machine at an affordable price. This model has an Intel Core i7 processor and is designed to offer a good balance between performance and portability. It is powered by the 10th generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 that runs at 3.4GHz and 8MB of cache memory for stronger, faster and smoother performance.
The laptop comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 processor, which is more than capable of running most modern games. The laptop also includes 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage. The ASUS ZenBook 13 has Wi-Fi 6 support and you get four USB-C ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports for connecting power and display.
Other features include an HD webcam for recording, a backlit keyboard and a full-size HDMI port. The laptop also has dual speakers with ASUS SonicMaster audio and is certified by Harman Kardon audio. The laptop is also energy efficient, with a 51Wh battery that can last up to 13.5 hours on a single charge.
Overall, the ASUS ZenBook 13 is a great option for gamers who are looking for an affordable alternative to the more expensive gaming laptops. It boasts a powerful processor, good graphics and plenty of storage. It is also lightweight and portable, making it a great choice for users on the go.
Alternative Options – External Boxes
If the cost of a dedicated laptop isn’t feasible then getting an external graphic processing unit (GPU) is another option. These external boxes, made by a few companies, plug into your MacBook Air and use the laptop’s internal components to provide additional computing power. The major benefit is that it’s a more affordable way to improve your gaming performance.
The downside is that you will need to take the laptop apart to plug the external GPU in, and it won’t look so sleek anymore. Additionally, although the external GPU can provide added gaming performance, the performance may still be lower than that of a dedicated gaming laptop.
Another option with less disassembly is an external GPU enclosure. These are graphics dock-stations which enclose the GPU, and it can be plugged into your Macbook Air via a Thunderbolt 3 cable. This is a good option if you want to keep your laptop looking pristine for other activities. The downside here is the cost, which can be quite expensive depending on the GPU that you choose.
Ultimately, there are a few options available if you are looking to turn your MacBook Air into a gaming laptop without breaking the bank. But you may have to sacrifice some performance. Still, it’s an option to consider if you don’t have the funds to invest in a dedicated gaming laptop.
Alternative Options – Cloud Gaming
If you do not have enough money to purchase a laptop or an upgrade to your MacBook Air, then cloud gaming could be an option. This is an emerging technology that will enable gamers to play games without needing to own the disc or physically download the game. The game will be hosted on a cloud server and the user can then stream the game from the server to the laptop.
The major benefit of this is that the user does not need powerful hardware to play their game. The cloud server will take care of the processing power and just send the visuals to the laptop. This will enable users to play games on much weaker hardware, such as MacBook Air.The service also ensures that gamers receive regular software updates instead of always having to buy the latest versions of the games.
The downside of cloud gaming is that it is not yet a perfect solution. Problems can arise due to lag and inconsistent internet connections, and there can often be issues with games freezing up or crashing. The service is also not available in all regions.
Cloud gaming is still a relatively new technology and it is not perfect yet. However, it is certainly worth considering as an alternative option for those who do not have the money to buy a gaming laptop or upgrade their MacBook Air.
