The reason I-Macs will be Apple's top gaming line

[24usedtorock]

1) Style
2) Affordability (relatively speaking)
3) Processor/ GPU Power

Whilst the Mac Pro will feature the GTX285 this summer, it makes no sense to drop $3,000 just for that card, and some quad core, non-gaming intended processor just to run Boot Camp.

The I-Mac will never feature a card that equipped unless it devotes serious resources to better fans and cooling, so I do believe that this line of 4850's are the best GPU/gaming card we will see for a while. The next update figures to be more processor oriented.

[300D]

Apple doesn't care about gaming.

[Cave Man]

What's an I-Mac? Something from McDonald's?

[yoyo5280]

I hate it when people spell the product names wrong.

[JayLenochiniMac]

Only minimum wage people spell it I-Mac :D

[Ov3rlord Falc0r]

Ya I think it had two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun! :D

[Hellhammer]

Almost all noobs spells it Imac or I-Mac here and it's very annoying. People should learn the name before posting

[J&JPolangin]

...hold the pickles please...

[ftored]

I wonder what difference does it make. You all know what the author of this thread meant. Is there any difference between iMac, Imac, I-Mac,i-Mac or something? If i say mercedes or Mercedes would that make any difference?

And i though spelling and punctuation were two different things.
Whatever..

Yeah iMac is going to be used for gaming, but maybe an option for user replaceable graphics card would be nice. And 4850 is one of the best affordable gpus out there.
Anyone have any experience how hot it gets? On my pc it gets really hot and the fans go crazy when playing games.

[Eyedn]

Ya I think it had two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun! :D

Someone's been watching "The Video".

[Cave Man]

I wonder what difference does it make. You all know what the author of this thread meant.

You obviously haven't read the OP's other threads. You know, the ones that have been closed.

[ftored]

You obviously haven't read the OP's other threads. You know, the ones that have been closed.

Well, i am not a stalker:D.. Haven't read anything else from him i think. But usually i don't pay attention to user names:$

[erasr]

Apple doesn't care about gaming.

Well my iMac certainly plays them very well and I was a first time buyer. I think your wrong, no company would think like that and to say they don't care is naive! They are built powerful enough to handle most games, but on top of that they look the best, so that's why people who are into games might buy them.


As for this thread, who cares how he spelt it.......

[300D]

Yeah, thats why they only use graphics cards released 1-3 years ago but they get new processors before anyone else. :rolleyes:

[Shivetya]

Apple doesn't care about gaming.

Their loss.

go to any big box store and tell me the predominant software available

[mastershakess]

1) Style
2) Affordability (relatively speaking)
3) Processor/ GPU Power


Nothing affordable about the top of the line iMac

[themoonisdown09]

I love MACs... especially my I-Mac and my Touch I-Pod!

[bartelby]

I love MACs... especially my I-Mac and my Touch I-Pod!

You mean Itouch, surely?

[themoonisdown09]

You mean Itouch, surely?

Itouch? So there are 2 different versions? Man, I need to read up more on Apples Computers and Steve Jobs.

[NoSmokingBandit]

No serious gamer (or even casual gamer) would even consider an iMac for gaming because you:
• cant upgrade the cpu or video card
• cant install more fans/water-cooling in order to overclock more
• cant choose your monitor
• can build a much faster pc for much less money

[LagunaSol]

No serious gamer (or even casual gamer) would even consider an iMac for gaming because you:
• cant upgrade the cpu or video card
• cant install more fans/water-cooling in order to overclock more
• cant choose your monitor
• can build a much faster pc for much less money

Casual gamers are interested in water-cooling???

Casual gamers want the hassle of building their own FrankenPCs???

I don't think "casual gamer" means what you think it means... ;)

[jmpage2]

No serious gamer (or even casual gamer) would even consider an iMac for gaming because you:
• cant upgrade the cpu or video card
• cant install more fans/water-cooling in order to overclock more
• cant choose your monitor
• can build a much faster pc for much less money

That's funny, as I am definitely a casual gamer and selected the iMac with 4850 card.

If Apple simply didn't care a lick about gaming they wouldn't offer such a card as it has little application benefit outside of gaming.

I want a stylish computer with a top notch display that runs OS X and is fast enough for light gaming.

iMac fits that bill for me.

[mastershakess]

That's funny, as I am definitely a casual gamer and selected the iMac with 4850 card.

If Apple simply didn't care a lick about gaming they wouldn't offer such a card as it has little application benefit outside of gaming.

I want a stylish computer with a top notch display that runs OS X and is fast enough for light gaming.

iMac fits that bill for me.

Casual gamers can't afford >$2k for a computer can they?

[QuantumLo0p]

...because there is NO mid-tower, nor mid-anything, to bridge the gap between the iMac and the Mac Pro.

The Apple Gaping Lineup Hole raises its ugly head once again.

[RichardI]

Apple doesn't care about gaming.

I'm not sure that is true any more. Apple, despite what the fanboys think, likes anything that makes money. I can't imagine why else they would suddenly want to start designing their own chips? If they build a 10" sub-compact (or an iPad if you like :D) I'll bet its main purpose besides being "The best, funnest iPhone yet", would be for playing games. The iPhone's main problem for games, being its small screen.

Rich :cool:

[bry223]

...because there is NO mid-tower, nor mid-anything, to bridge the gap between the iMac and the Mac Pro.

The Apple Gaping Lineup Hole raises its ugly head once again.

I don't think apple would ever come out with a mid tower, but I think they should come out with a higher end mac mini (within its limits due to its small form factor)

Low End

$599 base model
2.0ghz
1gb of DDR3
160gb 5200rpm HD
9400m GPU

Higher End

$899 base model

2.2ghz
2gb of DDR3
250gb 7200rpm HD
9600m GPU

Since I already have a 24 inch display, I would like something other than a Mac Pro (Way to expensive) with specs that cater a little more to me, and among others, instead of the lower end mac mini thats still affordable.

[jmpage2]

Casual gamers can't afford >$2k for a computer can they?

I'm not sure what you're getting at. Many "casual gamers" can afford whatever computer they want, since they have real jobs and make real money. Gaming is just a part time hobby for these people, they don't eat, breathe and sleep gaming.

[mastershakess]

I'm not sure what you're getting at. Many "casual gamers" can afford whatever computer they want, since they have real jobs and make real money. Gaming is just a part time hobby for these people, they don't eat, breathe and sleep gaming.

I was just saying I hope you didn't buy the iMac just for "casual gaming," because thats an expensive mediocre gaming machine.

Not that it is any of my business, but I just hope it wasn't bought for gaming and web browsing. :cool:

[Feng Shui]

Why people don't use Macs for games:
a. You have to install Windoze
b. You have to install Windoze
c. You have to install Windoze
d. You have to install Windoze.
e. All of the above

Just kidding. People would rather get a PC for games, and only use their Macs for other stuff like Pro Apps and pr0n.

[MyDesktopBroke]

From what I've seen, the iMac is a very capable for casual gamers. I've seen the 4850 run Red Alert 3 at max perfect, Left 4 Dead on max perfect, Crysis at high very well, and Bioshock at high great. If you're getting an iMac, and you want to play games, $50 to upgrade is a no brainer. Plus, judging by the 4850's performance, it will also run the mac native Blizzard titles that are coming up.

[jmpage2]

I was just saying I hope you didn't buy the iMac just for "casual gaming," because thats an expensive mediocre gaming machine.

Not that it is any of my business, but I just hope it wasn't bought for gaming and web browsing. :cool:

I bought it for my own purposes, which include having a powerful computer with a rock solid OS for my own personal use, for tasks such as photo editing, video, etc. The fact that I can run Crysis with high details at 35+ fps is just icing on the cake for me.

I make decent coin in my job and could have written a check for a $5000 Mac Pro if I wanted to. I chose the iMac because it seemed that it would deliver the best value for my purposes.

If a better option from Apple is out within a year I will probably upgrade.

[jmpage2]

Why people don't use Macs for games:
a. You have to install Windoze
b. You have to install Windoze
c. You have to install Windoze
d. You have to install Windoze.
e. All of the above

Just kidding. People would rather get a PC for games, and only use their Macs for other stuff like Pro Apps and pr0n.

It might shock you that quite a few people don't want to have two full computers on their desk, especially when the 4850 equipped iMac runs games quite well.

Running Windows under Boot Camp is a breeze, and you only have to boot up into it when you want to do your gaming, etc.

I am running the RC1 of Windows 7 64 bit and it runs great on the iMac. What's more, it's a great gaming platform, and the beta license is good until March of 2010.

[NoSmokingBandit]

Casual gamers are interested in water-cooling???

Casual gamers want the hassle of building their own FrankenPCs???

I don't think "casual gamer" means what you think it means... ;)

Im a casual gamer and i built my own computer. I built it for $600, which would only get me a Mini that would run COD4 at about 10fps.

Im a casual gamer and i would install water cooling if my system needed it.

Im a casual gamer and i like to upgrade my parts, something Apple doesnt understand.

[Eidorian]

Casual gamers are interested in water-cooling???

Casual gamers want the hassle of building their own FrankenPCs???

I don't think "casual gamer" means what you think it means... ;)Water cooling is a bit much in most cases.

What's a FrankenPC?

[QuantumLo0p]

I don't think apple would ever come out with a mid tower, but I think they should come out with a higher end mac mini (within its limits due to its small form factor)

Since I already have a 24 inch display, I would like something other than a Mac Pro (Way to expensive) with specs that cater a little more to me, and among others, instead of the lower end mac mini thats still affordable.

I think you hit it right on! IMO Apple will probably not be releasing any sort of mid rig anytime soon because they would lose a lot of Pro revenue if a mid-tower existed.

Too bad.

[MacAndy74]

You mean Itouch, surely?

ITouch FTW :cool:

So the topic. The iMac is Apple's most mainstream product, so if they were going to promote gaming - it would be on the iMac.

I just hope Sims3 plays nicely with iMac w/4850.

[QuantumLo0p]

ITouch FTW :cool:

So the topic. The iMac is Apple's most mainstream product, so if they were going to promote gaming - it would be on the iMac.

I just hope Sims3 plays nicely with iMac w/4850.

I would think so.

From my posts in other threads some people may think I am anti-iMac. I'm not but I do like expansion slots.

The upcoming low power quad should catch my attention.

[amelsen]

Apple doesn't care about gaming.

.... are you kidding? What rock do you normally live under? Look at the latest initiatives Apple has made, and the people they've hired....

[amelsen]

Why people don't use Macs for games:
a. You have to install Windoze
b. You have to install Windoze
c. You have to install Windoze
d. You have to install Windoze.
e. All of the above

Just kidding. People would rather get a PC for games, and only use their Macs for other stuff like Pro Apps and pr0n.

uhmm... look up the Cider engine...

[UrFatMom]

What is a gaming computer anyway? I thought gaming was mainly done on PS3/XBOX360/Wii nowadays. I don't get why I should pay more then 1k$ for a gaming computer if I can get an almost as powerful for ps3+mac mini. And ps3 won't be obsolete with new games, it will always run at highest settings and won't need super cooling/tweaking skills. What about upgrade you say? Well I will certainly buy a 300$ Ps4 in 2 years and it will still be less then a top PC video card.

So why would apple invest in a gaming computer technology just to please less and less people. So I must say the current iMac with 4850 card is about as good as it will get. GTX285 for mac pro this summer you say? Will cost more then a ps3+mini combined and will certainly not be suited for gaming, but for video editing with multi screens.

So the OP seems right to me, and everyone that bashed him for saying I-Mac instead of iMac are certainly the same ones that laugh at the aussy accent. Apes.

[amelsen]

What is a gaming computer anyway? I thought gaming was mainly done on PS3/XBOX360/Wii nowadays. I don't get why I should pay more then 1k$ for a gaming computer if I can get an almost as powerful for ps3+mac mini. And ps3 won't be obsolete with new games, it will always run at highest settings and won't need super cooling/tweaking skills. What about upgrade you say? Well I will certainly buy a 300$ Ps4 in 2 years and it will still be less then a top PC video card.

So why would apple invest in a gaming computer technology just to please less and less people. So I must say the current iMac with 4850 card is about as good as it will get. GTX285 for mac pro this summer you say? Will cost more then a ps3+mini combined and will certainly not be suited for gaming, but for video editing with multi screens.

So the OP seems right to me, and everyone that bashed him for saying I-Mac instead of iMac are certainly the same ones that laugh at the aussy accent. Apes.

Classifying 'gaming' in my opinion isn't as easy as just pointing out the actual hardware... like the consoles you listed.

For my own case, I can tell you that I almost only play RTS or MMO games... neither which are really developed that much for consoles in general. That means I have to use a computer.. and the last thing I want is support microsoft. That leaves me with MacOS or Linux... and in many cases, you can actually run the games natively under those operating system if you take use of crossover gaming, wine or transgamings cedega or cider engine...

The next criteria is then what kind of computer you want, and the limitations you are "bound" by.

I have the huge tower like many games in general acquire... big-ass monster... but it really doesn't belong in our livingroom because its noisy. Sure... some may argue you can make them virtually silent. Well.. I want to be able to easily take it with me as well... Oh, well then you need a laptop... noo... because I want a proper screen to look at.

Fairly easy transportable.
Want a good screen.
Approves of nice design to have it in the livingroom.

... iMac! =)

[NoSmokingBandit]

The problem with the iMac as a gaming rig is that next year when the 4850 is feeling a bit dated you cant spend $200 to get a newer card, you have to spend $2000 for a whole new iMac.

[Manwithnoname]

Don't really understand the argument.

There are no casual people looking for a gaming PC I would say. They are mostly always hardcore gamers, so yeah they'd probs go for a PC.

For myself, I got an iMac because I like the design, the Apple hardware and the fact I 'could' play games if I want any. I do play a lot of games but Im not hardcore, I am casual and the iMac fits perfect.

For games it's great, screw not being able to upgrade it, I played on my 8 year old PC til it's death without upgrading it and was perfectly happy with older games like CSS and Command n conquer.

MOST people who are the ordinary everyday person buying a PC don't really know the difference between specs and if they saw an iMac they'd probs buy that over a PC due to looks. Then I expect they'd play Sims or whatever on the iMac happily.

[dXTC]

From what I've seen, the iMac is a very capable for casual gamers. I've seen the 4850 run Red Alert 3 at max perfect, Left 4 Dead on max perfect, Crysis at high very well, and Bioshock at high great. If you're getting an iMac, and you want to play games, $50 to upgrade is a no brainer. Plus, judging by the 4850's performance, it will also run the mac native Blizzard titles that are coming up.

I'm about as casual a gamer as one can be-- and still play games, that is. FPS Doug I am not. :p That said, my iMac does quite well when I play the occasional Freeverse 2D space shooter or Tiki Magic Mini Golf with my daughter.

I've been playing that new widget-based game Paradise Paintball as of late, with nary a hiccup. (I'm still amazed that PP is free-- it rocks.)

[Cheffy Dave]

Itouch? So there are 2 different versions? Man, I need to read up more on Apples Computers and Steve Jobs.

LOL, M is D is "bustin":D

[seb-opp]

If Apple simply didn't care a lick about gaming they wouldn't offer such a card as it has little application benefit outside of gaming.


Thats true, but it seems Apple only have half hearted attempts at attracting gamers. Although they have a whole section of their site marketing macs to gamers, that section is hard to find on their site. They promoted that bunch of EA games that were released last year quite prominently, but haven't really continued to promote new releases. Then it comes to the macs themselves. Only since the release of the new mac mini and the new white macbook do all macs have half decent graphics cards, but there are still no outstanding cards on the iMac.

Im surprised SLI or Crossfire is not compatible with OS X despite them both being around since 2005. I remember reading when they first came out, that two cheaper cards give better performance than a single more expensive card, and often at a lower cost.

[iMacmatician]

Casual gamers can't afford >$2k for a computer can they?Well the 2.93 GHz iMac with HD 4850 is "only" $1999… :p

[mastershakess]

Thats true, but it seems Apple only have half hearted attempts at attracting gamers. Although they have a whole section of their site marketing macs to gamers, that section is hard to find on their site. They promoted that bunch of EA games that were released last year quite prominently, but haven't really continued to promote new releases. Then it comes to the macs themselves. Only since the release of the new mac mini and the new white macbook do all macs have half decent graphics cards, but there are still no outstanding cards on the iMac.

Im surprised SLI or Crossfire is not compatible with OS X despite them both being around since 2005. I remember reading when they first came out, that two cheaper cards give better performance than a single more expensive card, and often at a lower cost.

How do you fit (2) video cards in an iMac?

[bajee]

Water cooling is a bit much in most cases.

What's a FrankenPC?

here's a frankenpc

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f6a-teEL0KU/SaYxnpCJ6AI/AAAAAAAACN4/O2XFYHvYIOA/s400/desktop-studio-xps-435.jpg

Pentium Core 2 Duo 2,93 GHz
24'' screen
1.5 TB Hard Disk Drive
12GB of RAM
ATI Radeon 4870
Blu-ray writer/reader + CD/DVD

[Gasu E.]

Im a casual gamer and i built my own computer. I built it for $600, which would only get me a Mini that would run COD4 at about 10fps.

Im a casual gamer and i would install water cooling if my system needed it.

Im a casual gamer and i like to upgrade my parts, something Apple doesnt understand.

Define "casual gamer".

[Eidorian]

here's a frankenpc

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f6a-teEL0KU/SaYxnpCJ6AI/AAAAAAAACN4/O2XFYHvYIOA/s400/desktop-studio-xps-435.jpg

Pentium Core 2 Duo 2,93 GHz
24'' screen
1.5 TB Hard Disk Drive
12GB of RAM
ATI Radeon 4870
Blu-ray writer/reader + CD/DVDThe Studio XPS is a better deal in my eyes since you get i7. That's just me though.

[mastershakess]

here's a frankenpc

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f6a-teEL0KU/SaYxnpCJ6AI/AAAAAAAACN4/O2XFYHvYIOA/s400/desktop-studio-xps-435.jpg

Pentium Core 2 Duo 2,93 GHz
24'' screen
1.5 TB Hard Disk Drive
12GB of RAM
ATI Radeon 4870
Blu-ray writer/reader + CD/DVD

Studio XPS now have Intel i7-920 2.66ghz processors from Dell

Edit: Eidorian beat me to it lol

[gpzjock]

I play games a lot, specifically WoW on a Mac Pro. My "Gaming PC" is an incredibly over specified Mac Pro which is also used for video streaming, editing, Photoshop work, jewelry design and other web duties. It doesn't need to do all these things at once all the time but it can if I happen to need to.
Such a machine is only set like that because I want it that way.
It wouldn't suit someone else if they want to use console games or play many Windows OS based games.
Some might want an easy to use simple format and inexpensive console to plug into a 50" Plasma screen in their living room, others want laptops with high spec GFX cards and 17" screens with wifi and mobility. These are all "gaming PCs" in their own way but will only suit the person who wants what they offer and can afford the price.
You might not need 2 quad core server chips and 16 gb of ram to allow video rendering in the background of your WoW raid.....
PS3s do email and web functions too now, some could use that and dispense with a "proper" computer all together.
You choose what you need and can't really judge other's choices by your own requirments and budgets. Enjoy your games. :)

[NoSmokingBandit]

here's a frankenpc

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f6a-teEL0KU/SaYxnpCJ6AI/AAAAAAAACN4/O2XFYHvYIOA/s400/desktop-studio-xps-435.jpg

Pentium Core 2 Duo 2,93 GHz
24'' screen
1.5 TB Hard Disk Drive
12GB of RAM
ATI Radeon 4870
Blu-ray writer/reader + CD/DVD
That doesnt really define anything. What does the term "frankenPC" mean? That pic doesnt really explain anything...
Define "casual gamer".
I consider myself a casual gamer. I buy only a few games a year depending on what is available; i dont really play online at all because i dont enjoy how competitive it is; i keep my computer updated to whatever has the best price/performance ratio (ie im not looking to buy a 48xx any time soon; i have a 3870 that works great for me); i have a standard keyboard, mouse, and speaker setup, nothing outrageous, the longest i've ever played a single game was a 2 hour Little Big Planet session.
I would consider myself to be a pretty average casual gamer except that i know more about the software/hardware stuff than most others, but im not obsessive about it.

[bajee]

That doesnt really define anything. What does the term "frankenPC" mean? That pic doesnt really explain anything...


heya bro, well ever heard of a picture paints a thousand words? :D

I'm just curious, do I smell sacrcasm or stupidity? :)

[sgtbilko28]

imac, 2.93, 4gb @ 1066mhz, 4850 with 512mb
+
windows for more gaming options

i'm sorry but.... exactly what games can't this run? and run well?

and who in their right mind can say they wouldn't spend a bit more for the best of both worlds on a fast and attractive computer?

it eats cod, it poops on WoW and it laughs at things like C&C3 or AOE3. youtube shows us much less powerful imacs already run Crysis well.

the "hardcore" gaming bull$h%t can stay out cause this isn't about dudes who have liquid cooling pipes running from their three graphics cards to their quad in their massive box... all so they can spend days staring at frozen windows and searching for drivers and MAYBE EVENTUALLY run crysis and go wow i'm using AAx12

[sgtbilko28]

oh and pr0n for sure

[larrymarshall2]

From what I've seen, the iMac is a very capable for casual gamers. I've seen the 4850 run Red Alert 3 at max perfect, Left 4 Dead on max perfect, Crysis at high very well, and Bioshock at high great. If you're getting an iMac, and you want to play games, $50 to upgrade is a no brainer. Plus, judging by the 4850's performance, it will also run the mac native Blizzard titles that are coming up.

RA3 running at max perfect? Can you define perfect? When I run it at max settings, the system bogs down and the men run in slow motion, and scrolling isn't nearly as smooth as "medium" settings. Is there something wrong with my 4850?

Is there a way to test my 4850 to make sure it's running alright?

[bajee]

exaggerations will bring us nowhere, I smell someone is lying

[Drag'nGT]

http://www.onlive.com/

/thread :)

[MyDesktopBroke]

I'm only going off of what I've seen on Youtube, and I've seen around half a dozen recent games running very well on the iMac. Are you running the mac version of RA3? The one I saw was in boot camp.

[fokket]

No way in hell it'll be a good idea for Apple to compete against PC in terms of power, but they have to be able to play popular games with reasonable to good (or great) performance.

Saying that, I never play games on my iMac, I use my 'work' PC (used for CAD most of the time) for gaming.

Saying that, I only use PC if I have to.

[enb141]

If mac wants a gaming pc will need this

- Gamepad with full support from developers (xbox 360 game pad exaple)
- API (Directx like)
- MID RANGE mac between iMac and Mac Pro
- Game Exclusives

[jmpage2]

http://www.onlive.com/

/thread :)

Onlive is far from proven. It might work well in a demo, but how well is it going to work when there are 100,000 players chewing the hell out of that thing, dealing with Internet lag, server farm slowdowns, etc?

[Drag'nGT]

Onlive is far from proven. It might work well in a demo, but how well is it going to work when there are 100,000 players chewing the hell out of that thing, dealing with Internet lag, server farm slowdowns, etc?

They claim they have well prepared for that. Should be nice to see. Still, I don't see why my game console that hooks up to a far bigger TV and works with any game that sports it's logo can't be good enough. I could rant on this but I'll leave it at my point that consoles are better all around than computers for gaming.

[larrymarshall2]

I'm only going off of what I've seen on Youtube, and I've seen around half a dozen recent games running very well on the iMac. Are you running the mac version of RA3? The one I saw was in boot camp.

I'm playing the MAC version. Are you suggesting that running RA3 through bootcamp on a MAC is more efficient than a MAC port?

[!GIR!]

here's a frankenpc

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f6a-teEL0KU/SaYxnpCJ6AI/AAAAAAAACN4/O2XFYHvYIOA/s400/desktop-studio-xps-435.jpg

Pentium Core 2 Duo 2,93 GHz
24'' screen
1.5 TB Hard Disk Drive
12GB of RAM
ATI Radeon 4870
Blu-ray writer/reader + CD/DVD


Thats not a FrankenPC. A FrankenPC is one that you build completely yourself, meaning you choose ALL the components and piece it together yourself, often resulting in a hideous monstrosity.
I have one...:).

[!GIR!]

I'm playing the MAC version. Are you suggesting that running RA3 through bootcamp on a MAC is more efficient than a MAC port?

What? You are playing the Media Access Control version? C00l! Hax0r!

[!GIR!]

That doesnt really define anything. What does the term "frankenPC" mean? That pic doesnt really explain anything...

I consider myself a casual gamer. I buy only a few games a year depending on what is available; i dont really play online at all because i dont enjoy how competitive it is; i keep my computer updated to whatever has the best price/performance ratio (ie im not looking to buy a 48xx any time soon; i have a 3870 that works great for me); i have a standard keyboard, mouse, and speaker setup, nothing outrageous, the longest i've ever played a single game was a 2 hour Little Big Planet session.
I would consider myself to be a pretty average casual gamer except that i know more about the software/hardware stuff than most others, but im not obsessive about it.
Try Left 4 Dead online, it matches yo up with people of close skill. Its fantastic, very noncompetitive unless you REALLY suck.

[jmpage2]

They claim they have well prepared for that. Should be nice to see. Still, I don't see why my game console that hooks up to a far bigger TV and works with any game that sports it's logo can't be good enough. I could rant on this but I'll leave it at my point that consoles are better all around than computers for gaming.

Consoles are fine but really aren't good for some games. There are very poor choices for RTS for consoles and it's also very difficult for many old skool FPS guys (like me) to transition from a keyboard and mouse to the gamepad.

I have a PS3, Xbox 360 and a Wii. I still find that playing games like Fallout 3, Crysis, etc, are far more enjoyable on a computer than on a console.

I also agree with sgtbilko. The iMac with faster graphics is more than capable of running these games under Boot Camp and only the real serious gaming freaks will find the performance unacceptable.

[24usedtorock]

I have a PS3, Xbox 360 and a Wii. I still find that playing games like Fallout 3, Crysis, etc, are far more enjoyable on a computer than on a console.

That is because PC's are able to be upgraded and the components, when investing a comparable amount to the consoles, are either in line or markedly better than consoles.

[larrymarshall2]

What? You are playing the Media Access Control version? C00l! Hax0r!

lol. I don't even know what that is but I get the joke you're playing.

I'm playing the RA3 port to OS X...haha is that better? I find it slows down quite a bit when I set the rez to 1600 x 1000 with settings on ultra or even high.

Example, game states it takes 10 secs to build a reactor...when I build it, it takes 15 seconds. Which to me, means it's running slow!

[NoSmokingBandit]

heya bro, well ever heard of a picture paints a thousand words? :D

I'm just curious, do I smell sacrcasm or stupidity? :)
I'm just going to assume that the term "frankenPC" is just another apple fanboy term for anything that doesnt have the apple logo stamped on the side. Since im not getting an actual answer and such...

They claim they have well prepared for that.
And i claim that i climbed mount everest this morning, but nobody believes me either....
Try Left 4 Dead online, it matches yo up with people of close skill. Its fantastic, very noncompetitive unless you REALLY suck.
L4D bored the crap outta me. Turn the corner, flood of zombies, turn the corner, flood of zombies... repeat 20 times and you are done. I was angry at Valve for making that mindless game instead of focusing on HL3 or something good.
I'ave actually been playing a bit of KZ2 online. Its class system keeps it very balanced and (unless its a clan match or you get on a team with a douche) it seems like everyone is just playing to have a good time. KZ2 is the only game i have ever played online more than just 2-3 times.

[Eidorian]

I'm just going to assume that the term "frankenPC" is just another apple fanboy term for anything that doesnt have the apple logo stamped on the side. Since im not getting an actual answer and such...I think it has something to do with building your own computer. Like I wouldn't pick the best parts for my computer...

You know just like Apple picks the "best" parts?

[bajee]

@NoSmokingBandit

Well you're partly right, think of Frankenstein + PC = FrankenPC. Probably something hideous? Hence, the picture I posted. ;)

[DELTAsnake]

I use my iMac for gaming, it runs Crysis at just under 30fps with all the settings maxed out, but it's not the best gaming PC in Apple's lineup. The Mac Pro has far more CPU power and ram than any game today needs and it's cards are upgradeable. If you have the money, and room in your home, a Mac Pro is a far better gaming machine that will be able to run games at max settings for years to come.

[kasakka]

I use my iMac for gaming, it runs Crysis at just under 30fps with all the settings maxed out, but it's not the best gaming PC in Apple's lineup. The Mac Pro has far more CPU power and ram than any game today needs and it's cards are upgradeable. If you have the money, and room in your home, a Mac Pro is a far better gaming machine that will be able to run games at max settings for years to come.

Even with a Mac Pro you have the problem that you just can't upgrade the graphics card, simply because many graphics cards have no drivers for OSX. I'm still waiting for a driver update so I can use my GTX260 on my Hackintosh.

[BlackMax]

I was just saying I hope you didn't buy the iMac just for "casual gaming," because thats an expensive mediocre gaming machine.

Not that it is any of my business, but I just hope it wasn't bought for gaming and web browsing. :cool:

Just my two-cents:

Casual gaming = Purchasing a machine with another primary purpose in mind, but would like to be able to play the occasional game on it as well.

The iMac below in my signature is what my family uses for "casual gaming" and it works just fine. We did have home built PC for this purpose, but when Apple offered the nVidia 8800M GTS as an option on the late 2008 iMac we purchased it and got rid of the PC. We play CoH, LoTR, HL2, Oblivion, Far Cry, Battlefield 2 and many others smooth as glass with no issues.

Of course, gaming is the secondary purpose of this machine, the primary purpose is an all around family computer, coding, graphic design work, etc. This iMac has functioned well at all these tasks. :D

[crackbookpro]

Ya I think it had two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun! :D

...I'm lovin it!

best(really worst ever) commercial I have seen from them - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty0IiMuPs9E&feature=related

CrackBookPro:cool:

[QCassidy352]

Casual gamers can't afford >$2k for a computer can they?

What? How does that make sense? Wouldn't a "serious gamer" be less likely to have a real job and therefore substantial disposable income?

[JDee]

1) Style
2) Affordability (relatively speaking)
3) Processor/ GPU Power

Whilst the Mac Pro will feature the GTX285 this summer, it makes no sense to drop $3,000 just for that card, and some quad core, non-gaming intended processor just to run Boot Camp.

The I-Mac will never feature a card that equipped unless it devotes serious resources to better fans and cooling, so I do believe that this line of 4850's are the best GPU/gaming card we will see for a while. The next update figures to be more processor oriented.

It's an iMac - not an I-Mac :)

Who said a Mac Pro isn't good for gaming?