In all fairness, MacBooks are great. They’re efficient. They got long-lasting batteries. They have an exceptional display. However, there’s one significant downside. Specifically, a Mac is not a go-to choice when it comes to gaming. Likewise, the device is not exactly known for being a powerhouse in the gaming community. It’s also far inferior to those monster Windows builds. But it’s not entirely a hopeless case. With the right tools and a few tweaks, you can turn your MacBook into a gaming PC.
3 Ways to Turn Your MacBook Into a Gaming PC
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Install Windows via Boot Camp
If you have a MacBook with an Intel processor, Boot Camp Assistant is your best choice. Particularly, it allows you to install Windows operating systems alongside macOS. So, you can directly boot into Windows. This will give you access to games and apps that are not natively available on your Mac.
To do this, follow these simple steps:
- Launch the Boot Camp Assistant
- Make a Windows partition.
- Your Mac will restart and install Windows.
- After the installation, you can download games on your MacBook
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Use Cloud Gaming Services
For those who want to skip the hassle of system installs, cloud gaming services are your cool pals. Similarly, there are many options to consider. Specifically, the choices include NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Amazon Luna, Boosteroid, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. These cloud gaming services allow users to stream games from powerful remote servers. So, there is no need for strong local hardware and installations. All you need is a fast and stable internet connection and a controller.
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Connect an External GPU
Another method you can try to turn your MacBook into a gaming PC is by using an External Graphics Processing Unit. With an eGPU, you can accelerate apps and games. Likewise, this results in a desktop-class graphics card for more demanding games.
According to Apple Support, an eGPU is supported by any Mac device with an Intel processor. At the same time, it’s possible if your laptop has Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Optimize MacBook for Gaming
Based on a SetApp article, here are a few ways to prepare your Mac device for gaming:
- Lower in-game graphics settings.
- Close background applications.
- Keep your device properly cooled.
- Declutter your disc.
- Secure a reliable internet or network connection.
- Ensure updates are installed.
Final Thoughts
Turning a MacBook into a gaming PC requires some effort. But it can still offer a surprisingly good gaming experience. Know your situation and choose the most appropriate method for you.
