MBP as a gaming laptop?

Hey guys...

i know this may sound stupid how's the MBP as a gaming laptop? i mean i see that its using the Nvidia 8600 with DDR3 so i thought that i should be quite good in terms of graphics performance right?

I'm currently in a slight dilemma over which laptop to buy. Its gonna be either Asus F8sn/ F8sp, M51 or the macbook pro 15 incher (the middle class one)

the only thing stopping me from buying Macbook pro would probably be the compatibility issues. I mean i know there's bootcamp etc to run windows but my friend tells me i;m still gonna have problems running games like COD4 and crysis on it...

so yeah... any kind souls out there willing to help me out here?

n i know... the MBP is so sexy... cause my bro has the 15 inch one but he doesn't play games so yeah...


Regards,

Justin

 

If all you are going to do with the machine is to run games under Windows, then just get the ASUS.

The default Boot Camp graphics drivers for Windows on the MBP downclock the GPU, so it is necessary to install 3rd party (as in non-Apple) graphics drivers once you install your Windows under Boot Camp to get the full performance.

With the correct drivers installed, the only problems you will come across when gaming is the difference in the mapping of keys on the keyboard.
Your friend is wrong about CoD4. In regards to Crysis, every laptop to date will struggle with it on the higher settings.

 

I've got a Macbook Pro, using it mainly under Windows for schoolwork, web browsing & games. The only main issue I have with it is that it runs very very hot especially when gaming. Other than that, the keyboard's different layout, lack of a 'Print Screen' button, and some compatibility issues you may have with drivers. There's a program you can use to remap the keys, but it's not working for me strangly.

Oh, there's also no bios. Although most people hardly touch it, it is useful sometimes. Also the fact that my notebook runs at 1.2ghz (full speed is 2.4ghz) unless my battery is in ticks me off a little too.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=238673

I mentioned most of what needs to be said in that thread. The 8600M GT is a mediocre gaming solution, with an underpowered memory bus. On a Macbook Pro 15" with lower resolution screen it may not be too bad, but don't think you'll be overkilling any of those games. Then again, options at the 15" size are limited. The only company I know squeezing the vastly superior 8800M GTX in a 15" laptop is Alienware, and that laptop is very expensive.

 

Crysis can be run full screen on Macbook Pro but just not with high setting.
But with lower resolution, you can get ~30 FPS on high setting. See these videos showing Crysis on Macbook Pro.

 

I use my MBP primarily for gaming, and it does the job for me just fine. When I got the computer I started using driver 169.09, now am on 174.82. Just gotta try them out until you find one that works fine for you... the no print screen button annoys me as well , but that is easily solved when I need it by plugging in a usb keyboard. Can't beat being able to use both enviroments (windows+ OSX) as well.

 

If you are looking for an all-out gaming rig that will run the latest games. The MBP is NOT FOR YOU! You can get better hardware for the money you are about to spend on the MBP. And you are going to be gaming on it, which means no OSX. If you want to go mac at all, you should plan to use its OS. If you plan on using solely windows there is absolutely no reason for you to be getting a MBP. End of story. Sorry to be so terse, but thats what it comes down to. I am giving you reasonable advice.

Don't go for the MBP just because its "sexy" that is really one of the lamest reasons you could look for in buying a computer. Go buy lingerie or something if you are looking for "sexy" but not a computer. But in all seriousness, go for functionality for your machine rather than looks. It is functionality, after all, that will serve you the best and make you happiest.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

After reading all your replies, i think i'll go for 2 laptops instead. will get a M50sv and the 2.1GHz macbook provided an online store can ship the Asus M50sv to Singapore. If not it'll be the F8sn and the 2.1Ghz macbook

 

I think somebody *cough*Sam*cough should make a sticky with all the gaming on the Macbook Pro stuff, there's been a lot of threads lately..

 

love my mbp except gaming. that's all i need to say