WoW: Mac or PC? [Archive] - MacRumors Forums

Stridder44

Jun 30, 2008, 07:43 PM

palebluedot

Jun 30, 2008, 08:30 PM

So I was thinking about reinstalling Burning Crusade (World of Warcraft) on my MacBook Pro. I'm just wondering whether to install it under Leopard or Vista. I know Windows saw much better fps than on OS X, but wasn't sure if this was still the case. Thoughts?

I get about 55-60 fps with vsync on and all settings on high (except 24 bit color 1x is on instead of 2x or 4x). Runs beautifully.

I'd say use OS X. It runs fine and is not worth the switch. Plus theres a Mac native addon manager now that is BEAUTIFUL called WoWMatrix (google it).

GL HF. If your interested in a new server/guild I have one on Emerald Dream (PVPRP) Ally side, msg Nihon.

HiRez

Jun 30, 2008, 09:02 PM

I think it probably depends on what machine you have (the graphics card specifically) and if you use other apps while playing. For me, I have lots of other Mac apps running so I always play in OS X, even though you can generally achieve higher frame rates in Windoze. But if your machine is modern enough it may not really matter. On my new iMac (8800gs) I get 50+ fps with all settings maxed and I cap the frame rate at 30 anyway, so I don't really feel I'm missing anything at all.

kabunaru

Jun 30, 2008, 09:14 PM

Why use Windows for one game?
Get Mac OS X version.

leishan

Jul 1, 2008, 12:21 PM

Why use Windows for one game?
Get Mac OS X version.

I agree--it runs great on my Macbook Pro (even when I had only 2G of memory).

crimrow

Jul 1, 2008, 12:25 PM

So I was thinking about reinstalling Burning Crusade (World of Warcraft) on my MacBook Pro. I'm just wondering whether to install it under Leopard or Vista. I know Windows saw much better fps than on OS X, but wasn't sure if this was still the case. Thoughts?

This was totally true to a saddening extent before the Leopard Graphics update. After that update came out, you can barely tell the difference in XP. I bet Vista is even closer to OS X performance.

I played WoW in OS X for quite awhile from Feb to April of this year. Got tired of WoW once the weather got nice.

kkat69

Jul 1, 2008, 01:01 PM

Why use Windows for one game?
Get Mac OS X version.

If you buy the box you get both, they've been that way since launch so technically you don't 'get' a version, it auto detects your OS.

Personally I prefer the Mac version of WoW mainly due to the extra features not built into the Windows version.

Spanky Deluxe

Jul 1, 2008, 01:29 PM

Use the Mac version. Most of my games are Windows games but I don't play them much other than when I get them. Since WoW is a long term effort, you don't want to be restarting every time you want to play.
Besides which, I find WoW to be very much a windowed mode game because I look up loads of things on allakhazam / browse the net while flying somewhere / chat on msn etc and as such I want my standard nice OS X interface going on. Expose + WoW = awesomeness.

Spritey

Jul 1, 2008, 01:59 PM

I absolutely love the way WoW looks on Mac in Mac OS. I have no problem with the performance, and I have all the settings cranked up as high as they go.

And as mentioned, your WoW discs come with both the Mac and Windows version of the game, so you could always try installing it on both OS, and see whichever you prefer the most. If you got the DVD and not cd-rom with the game on it, it definitely shouldn't be too much of a hassle to install it two-three times.

elppa

Jul 1, 2008, 02:10 PM

Not sure how relevant this still is today, but I remember this presentation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CieHKqyhXeA&feature=related) relating to World of Warcraft and OpenGL/Direct X at WWDC from 2 years ago.

apfhex

Jul 2, 2008, 01:58 AM

Probably depends on your hardware. On my Mac Pro the framerates are very slightly better on Windows (XP, haven't tried Vista) but it's far off from being worth it. You'll be much happier staying in OS X while playing it. Plus the Mac-only client features are snazzy.

TFMTASAD

Jul 2, 2008, 10:01 AM

If you want the highest possible framerate you have to go with Windows. But that's the only PLUS to running it in Windows. There is not a huge difference but there is one. On my computer (see signature) in windows, I've never went below 55fps no matter where or what. On OSX I went down to maybe 50 fps but you can hardly notice the difference. I play with everything completly maxed out by the way. I'd say go with the OSX version.

rbarris

Jul 2, 2008, 11:29 AM

You may want to re-examine XP vs OSX frame rates with version 2.4.3 - particularly if you like to play with everything maxed out including the full screen glow.

TFMTASAD

Jul 2, 2008, 12:13 PM

I just re-did a comparison check.

With Vista home premium 32 bits I get a higher framerate with everything maxed and on (Glow, multisampling etc.)
The lowest my fps went this morning was 57, in Orgrimmar with a lots of people on screen.

I rebooted in OSX, and checked at the same spot with about the same amount on people on screen, I had 54 fps.

I play the OSX version anyway because even though it doesn't perform as good as the Vista's version, 3-4 fps is not something you'll notice. And in both version the framerate is rock solid, I never dip below these values, there is no hitching. No matter what I do, where I go or what is going on on my screen, the framerate stays always above 50 fps (and that's when things get really crazy).

I use Vista mostly for games that aren't available on OSX or that performs really poorly on OSX. I couldn't imagine myself playing WoW on windows, I like those Mac specific features and since I play windowed most of the time, I don't have to put up with Vista.

thomanjones

Jul 2, 2008, 12:26 PM

Definitely go with the Mac version. It has built-in iTunes support and built in video recording. Also makes you less vulnerable to having your account compromised (assuming you don't do stupid sh~t like answering fake Beta test emails).

rbarris

Jul 2, 2008, 12:34 PM

@ TFMTASAD - what I was trying to convey is that 2.4.3 (not yet shipped) may yield higher results than 2.4.2 does. 2.4.2 is the current live version.

TFMTASAD

Jul 2, 2008, 09:12 PM

Just realised I was still in 10.5.2.
I am now in 10.5.4 and somehow the framerate has dropped a lot for me.
In windows I can run the game with everything maxed at 55-60 fps. In mac I struggle at 30 fps in towns. It's not that bad but still very disappointing for a computer like this.

BentwoodBlue

Jul 3, 2008, 07:24 AM

I have played on OS X, Vista, and XP.. And hands down I prefer OS X. The images just seem to look better.

MrCrispy

Jul 3, 2008, 09:55 AM

I play on xp and osx. I prefer osx hands down. Why? I use the same addons on both computers. With the xp version, I have to run the repair.exe utility once a week. Something keeps screwing up my install. It even dies after a fresh reformat/rebuild with only wow being installed (yes, I've scanned for viruses and such).

Never once had that problem in osx

harveypooka

Jul 3, 2008, 10:54 AM

ScottC2105

Jul 3, 2008, 11:30 AM

I get about 55-60 fps with vsync on and all settings on high (except 24 bit color 1x is on instead of 2x or 4x). Runs beautifully.

I'd say use OS X. It runs fine and is not worth the switch. Plus theres a Mac native addon manager now that is BEAUTIFUL called WoWMatrix (google it).

GL HF. If your interested in a new server/guild I have one on Emerald Dream (PVPRP) Ally side, msg Nihon.

I have the same exact settings and it runs a dream with no screen ripping or anything, it looks amazing.

Run it under leopard with these settings, there isn't any need to run it in windows I don't think.

Edit: WoWMatrix (http://www.wowmatrix.com/) is great, thanks for the advice!

TFMTASAD

Jul 3, 2008, 12:11 PM

None of you guys are getting a lower framerate on OSX comapred to Windows?

I have to turn off some settings to get the game to run as smoothly on OSX.

On windows side I get a steady 55-60 with mulitsampling to 8x, full screen glow etc. Everything maxed. On OSX (10.5.4) If I max everything (multisampling to 4x, can't go higher on mac version) I get 30 fps. If I lower multisampling to 1x my fps rises to 60...but it makes the game look like crap. It seems like I was getting higher framerate on 10.5.2.

alkar

Jul 3, 2008, 07:27 PM

Use SET AllowMultisampleFBO "1" and enjoy if you use FSAA 4X :)

None of you guys are getting a lower framerate on OSX comapred to Windows?

I have to turn off some settings to get the game to run as smoothly on OSX.

On windows side I get a steady 55-60 with mulitsampling to 8x, full screen glow etc. Everything maxed. On OSX (10.5.4) If I max everything (multisampling to 4x, can't go higher on mac version) I get 30 fps. If I lower multisampling to 1x my fps rises to 60...but it makes the game look like crap. It seems like I was getting higher framerate on 10.5.2.

TFMTASAD

Jul 3, 2008, 08:38 PM

Use SET AllowMultisampleFBO "1" and enjoy if you use FSAA 4X :)

*gets on his knees and thanks alkar with tears of joy*

Thanks man! That worked PERFECTLY. It now runs even better than in Vista!

One last question :

Is there a way to increase the multisampling to 8x like in windows. On my OSX version I can only go to 4x max.

Huntn

Jul 4, 2008, 12:15 AM

SmartIndianKid

Jul 4, 2008, 12:20 AM

Haven't touched that game in nearly a year (staying strong every day, haha) but I'd say go with the OS X version.

You get the iTunes remote, video recording, and you can always Apple+m it when you feel the urge.

Plus, Vent has a Mac client, so you're all set.

teh0ne

Jul 4, 2008, 12:26 AM

You can't come to a Mac forum and expect an unbiased opinion :rolleyes:

I'd say go with it on PC simply because using tweaking programs you can maximize the performance of your video card. The vast vast majority of tweaking tools are windows only.

capple

Jul 5, 2008, 06:59 PM

WoW isnt really a visually intensive game so its doesnt affect game play BUT..
ALL GAMES run faster on windows, at least on XP that is. And WoW is no exception.

Goldcard

Jul 5, 2008, 08:22 PM

WoW isnt really a visually intensive game so its doesnt affect game play BUT..
ALL GAMES run faster on windows, at least on XP that is. And WoW is no exception.

Any chance of it running on my macbook air? i run both vista home basic and osx leopard.

...Not that i need any distractions with law school starting in the fall but it would be fun to play once in a blue moon. thanks!

zepharus

Jul 5, 2008, 09:32 PM

Use SET AllowMultisampleFBO "1" and enjoy if you use FSAA 4X :)

How do I do this? Is this a Terminal command? A little help here would be appreciated..

rbarris

Jul 5, 2008, 11:15 PM

Use TextEdit to add that line to the config.wtf file inside the game's WTF folder.

Note that this option will be defaulted "on" in 2.4.3 when that patch ships.

capple

Jul 6, 2008, 05:10 AM

Any chance of it running on my macbook air? i run both vista home basic and osx leopard.

...Not that i need any distractions with law school starting in the fall but it would be fun to play once in a blue moon. thanks!

WoW runs on just about all computers out there. Its a matter of how well.
On a MBA, it will be either barely playable or ok depending on your tolerance.

BTW.. WoW is kind of game that you need to play regularly to enjoy it. And chances are, once you start playing you will play all day. 'once in a blue moon' doesnt apply here.

tomhiga

Jul 6, 2008, 05:17 AM

kjwarren

Jul 6, 2008, 01:50 PM

I prefer it on my mac. Then again, I prefer everything on my mac. My fiancee hates it and claims that it's better on pc.

I think it's all about personal opinion.

zepharus

Jul 6, 2008, 10:44 PM

Use TextEdit to add that line to the config.wtf file inside the game's WTF folder.

Note that this option will be defaulted "on" in 2.4.3 when that patch ships.

Holy Crap.... WONDERFUL. Does this work in Windows also??

Kyouya

Jul 7, 2008, 07:25 AM

World of Warcraft was stunning on my old 2.16 Macbook Pro. Definitely go with OS X version I'd say.

alkar

Jul 7, 2008, 11:29 AM

No but then again the windows version uses D3D and doesn't need this workaround to have good FPS in WoW with MSAA enabled.

Holy Crap.... WONDERFUL. Does this work in Windows also??

Goldcard

Jul 7, 2008, 08:36 PM

WoW runs on just about all computers out there. Its a matter of how well.
On a MBA, it will be either barely playable or ok depending on your tolerance.

BTW.. WoW is kind of game that you need to play regularly to enjoy it. And chances are, once you start playing you will play all day. 'once in a blue moon' doesnt apply here.

Thanks for the advice. I've played WoW before off and on for about six months and it was pretty time consuming. I think the second time around I would be better at resisting its temptations, hopefully. I might just invest the money in the new civilization game for ps3 though and have that to keep me entertained during my off time and not get sucked back into WoW!

philippott

Jul 8, 2008, 04:52 AM

Slightly off topic...
I am currently visiting my hard core WoW addict friend. I stood over her shoulder watching raid action as her guild took down the next to last boss in the Black Temple (http://www.wowwiki.com/Black_Temple) and I'm still awed at how beautiful a game this is...

Hehe, Illidari Council is just a pure mobility and 11min endurance test - if the guildies can move their extended backs out of the massive AoE dmg the bosses do. Other than that it is really a simple one stage tank & spank fight with the added sugar of a tanking mage and his healbot.

On topic: my old black black macbook with 2Ghz 2GB and the 950 chipset ran through BT under Windows XP just fine, althrough I reduced all graphics to the limits, but usually play zoomed out max with the camera addon.

However on my early 2007 24" iMac the Nvidia graphics card was exhibiting quite some fps loss, especially after 10.5 and the 2.4 patch. Actually I swapped my iMac then for a standard Vista PC with 2 Nvidia 88oo and since then Illidan can throw at me whatever he wants, I can play, zoom and pan fluently during this fight to my pleasing :-)

Regards

michaelsaxon

Jul 9, 2008, 01:49 PM

The slight performance trade-off for me in OS X is nothing compared to the hassle of rebooting.

Huntn

Jul 9, 2008, 11:10 PM

tanking mage and his healbot.

Who, as someone who's been out of the game, would have guessed, "tanking mages"... :)

philippott

Jul 10, 2008, 04:44 AM

Who, as someone who's been out of the game, would have guessed, "tanking mages"... :)

Hehe, there are tanking warlocks too.

Key is to have a mob concentrate on one player who gets constantly overhealed while the rest of the raid can disperse in time, dps other mobs, gt to safe spot, and such. Especially in cases where the tanked mob needs spell-steal or quick threat-buildup or AoE threat a classic warrior+healer combo doesnt work. Then you need a mage, warlock or paladin.

Regards

rbarris

Jul 16, 2008, 01:41 PM

We improved the rendering speed on WoW 2.4.3 if you are using glow + multisampling. On some machines the boost is very noticeable, on others it is more modest (depends on CPU/GPU speed ratio..)

(sorry it did not make the patch notes).

mikeyPotg

Jul 16, 2008, 01:52 PM

I was running WoW on a 2.16 MBP for a long time but then it started to lag a bit, to a point where I started to use my (much older) PC where it was much smoother. Sad to say, but its true. Also, I had no problems with vent. I was able to use vent on my mac, but some vent servers didn't have mac clients at the time, which was a pain.

One of the only advantages of WoW on my mac was that it could record video without having to use any other program, which was really awesome when I used it (rarely remembered).
Oh, and the overall use and feel of OSX just kills windows, imo.

Fogtripper

Jul 18, 2008, 11:04 AM

I'm currently patching the OSX version from the vanilla install. Taking foreeeeeeever. Haven't played for about a year now and am excited to see how it will look on my 3.0 MP. I may start from the very beginning and simply wander through the game again at a slow pace, enjoying what clarity my PB 1.67 could not show me in the past.

If Blizzard would allow a self-cap of L60, and there were enough folks to stick to the L60 content, I would be happy as a clam.

Huntn

Jul 22, 2008, 12:11 PM

Hehe, there are tanking warlocks too.

Key is to have a mob concentrate on one player who gets constantly overhealed while the rest of the raid can disperse in time, dps other mobs, gt to safe spot, and such. Especially in cases where the tanked mob needs spell-steal or quick threat-buildup or AoE threat a classic warrior+healer combo doesnt work. Then you need a mage, warlock or paladin.

Regards

I still think about going back and playing a bit more, but trying to stay on the wagon. ;)

kahine

Jul 22, 2008, 01:15 PM

Quick question -

Does copying the WoW folder and recopying it back in if I reformat the machine work just as it would in Windows ?

Just trying to avoid repatching

Huntn

Jul 22, 2008, 01:18 PM

Quick question -

Does copying the WoW folder and recopying it back in if I reformat the machine work just as it would in Windows ?

Just trying to avoid repatching

If you reformat your machine (in Windows) don't you loose all of your registry entries? So WoW would not work without a reinstall? In that case I don't think copying will work.

Smin

Jul 22, 2008, 02:27 PM

Has anyone running this on a newer MBP noticed how hot it gets? I've currently got one with an nvidia 8000 series card. Could it be one of the bad GPUs?

Smin

Jul 22, 2008, 02:29 PM

If you reformat your machine (in Windows) don't you loose all of your registry entries? So WoW would not work without a reinstall? In that case I don't think copying will work.

Actually it would work. I've done this many times. What I usually do is install it on a drive other than the windows drive. Then format and most MMO's usually run fine w/o having to reinstall.

kahine

Jul 22, 2008, 08:57 PM

If you reformat your machine (in Windows) don't you loose all of your registry entries? So WoW would not work without a reinstall? In that case I don't think copying will work.

No it definitely works on Windows - have done it many times with WoW to EQ2 to Lineage2

Was just checking to see if the same works on OS X