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Mac mini M1: gaming performance

The Mac mini M1 (2020) is best suited to light games and cloud gaming. In native games it runs Cyberpunk 2077 at about 19 FPS and Baldur's Gate 3 at about 23 FPS at 1080p High, and League of Legends at about 119 FPS. Windows games through CrossOver, like Counter-Strike 2, reach about 44 FPS. Its 8-core GPU performs roughly like a desktop RX 6400 in native games. With 16 GB of unified memory, about 10.4 GB is available for graphics.

Specs that matter for gaming

2020 · Mac mini

ChipApple M1
CPU8-core CPU (4P + 4E)
GPU8-core
Unified memory8 GB / 16 GB
DisplayExternal monitor
CoolingActive (fans)
Similar PCRX 6400 + Ryzen 5 4600G

Cyberpunk 2077 by settings

Native Mac version, 16 GB memory.

Quality1080p1440p1440p + MetalFX
Low332332
Medium251825
High191318
Ultra151014

FPS in 16 games

High settings, 16 GB memory, average FPS. "CrossOver" means the Windows version through translation.

GameRuns as1080p1440p4K
Cyberpunk 2077Native19137
Baldur's Gate 3Native231610
Resident Evil 4Native20148
Assassin's Creed ShadowsNative15106
Death Stranding Director's CutNative22169
No Man's SkyNative21159
Lies of PNative241710
World of WarcraftNative372615
League of LegendsNative1198350
Minecraft (Java)Native14510866
Counter-Strike 2CrossOver443118
Elden RingCrossOver16116
GTA V (story mode)CrossOver251710
ValorantNot on Mac–––
FortniteCloud only–––
Call of Duty: WarzoneNot on Mac–––

Try other games and settings

Similar Macs

MacBook Air 13″ M1 (7-core GPU)2020 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈14 FPSMacBook Air 13″ M1 (8-core GPU)2020 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈16 FPSMacBook Pro 13″ M12020 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈19 FPSiMac 24″ M1 (7-core GPU)2021 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈17 FPSiMac 24″ M1 (8-core GPU)2021 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈19 FPS

Mac mini M1: quick answers

Is the Mac mini M1 good for gaming?

The Mac mini M1 (2020) is best suited to light games and cloud gaming. Expect about 19 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 and 119 FPS in League of Legends at 1080p High.

What PC is the Mac mini M1 equal to for gaming?

In native Mac games its graphics perform roughly like a RX 6400, with CPU performance close to a Ryzen 5 4600G. Windows games through CrossOver run about a third slower.

How much memory does the Mac mini M1 need for gaming?

Avoid the 8 GB version for modern games. 16 GB gives about 10.4 GB to graphics, which is enough for 1080p–1440p High.