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Want to game on MBP(SW:TOR):Can they handle it?

N

NateEssex

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 30, 2008
310
8
I want to run Boot Camp and play Star Wars:The Old Republic. I'm either going to get a MBP or a PC laptop. I would prefer a MBP, but I want to make sure the current models can handle graphics intensive games.

Anyone have any first hand experience? I would appreciate the input and what the computer cost you. I do have a friend who has a 13" MBP who claims he can run Batman Arkham City with no problems, but I'm not sure that's a fair comparison to SW:TOR. Thanks!
 
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iThinkergoiMac said:
Have you looked at the system requirements? A 4 year-old MBP could play that...
Click to expand...

Yes, I actually have a 4 year old MBP and I'm looking for a better gaming experience--more than 10 fps on lowest settings--when in battlegrounds. Sadly, it drops to 2 fps at times. I don't really think the specs they "require" are accurate.
 
NateEssex said:
Yes, I actually have a 4 year old MBP and I'm looking for a better gaming experience--more than 10 fps on lowest settings--when in battlegrounds. Sadly, it drops to 2 fps at times. I don't really think the specs they "require" are accurate.
Click to expand...

Are you playing in Windows or Mac OS (is there even a version for Mac)? Your GPU is probably the limiting factor for this game.

Either way, the current MBPs are serious overkill for that game, you'll have no issues at all.
 
iThinkergoiMac said:
Are you playing in Windows or Mac OS (is there even a version for Mac)? Your GPU is probably the limiting factor for this game.

Either way, the current MBPs are serious overkill for that game, you'll have no issues at all.
Click to expand...
Yes, it's PC only. So, will the 13" MBP play It, and current games fine? Or, do I need the 15" MBP with dedicated video card?
 
The 13" will not be able to get decent framerates.

Even my 2010 17" MBP struggles from time to time at 1280x800 with lowest settings. This is with a GeForce 330M, a much faster graphics chip than what is in the current 13" MacBook Pro.

On the other hand, the current 15" and 17" models have way faster graphics chips than the 2010 generation, so you should be fine with a 2011 15" MBP.
 
sth said:
The 13" will not be able to get decent framerates.

Even my 2010 17" MBP struggles from time to time at 1280x800 with lowest settings. This is with a GeForce 330M, a much faster graphics chip than what is in the current 13" MacBook Pro.

On the other hand, the current 15" and 17" models have way faster graphics chips than the 2010 generation, so you should be fine with a 2011 15" MBP.
Click to expand...

So, I'm guessing the 1gig video card upgrade is worth it? Damn, then it gets so pricey... I was considering a PC, but I've never had much luck with them :(
 
NateEssex said:
So, I'm guessing the 1gig video card upgrade is worth it? Damn, then it gets so pricey... I was considering a PC, but I've never had much luck with them :(
Click to expand...
I don't know what the performance difference between the 6750M and the 6770M is, but both are a lot faster than my "old" 330M (and insanely fast compared to the cruddy Intel chip in the 13" model).

[edit]: Looks like the 6770M upgrade won't make a big difference in speed (same chip, just slightly different clock speeds and the difference in VRAM). If I was in the market for a new notebook right now, I'd just get the base 15" model. I wouldn't consider 1gb VRAM a "must have".
 
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NateEssex said:
So, I'm guessing the 1gig video card upgrade is worth it? Damn, then it gets so pricey... I was considering a PC, but I've never had much luck with them :(
Click to expand...

You could build a gaming desktop for $1000. Or look into Alienware laptops.

If gaming is not the main purpose of the MBP, the low end 15'' model will be just fine.
 
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