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MacBook Air 13″ M1 (7-core GPU): gaming performance

The MacBook Air 13″ M1 (7-core GPU) (2020) is best suited to light games and cloud gaming. In native games it runs Cyberpunk 2077 at about 14 FPS and Baldur's Gate 3 at about 18 FPS at 1080p High, and League of Legends at about 90 FPS. Windows games through CrossOver, like Counter-Strike 2, reach about 33 FPS. Its 7-core GPU performs roughly like a desktop RX 6400 in native games, although the fanless design slows it down in long sessions. With 16 GB of unified memory, about 10.4 GB is available for graphics.

Specs that matter for gaming

2020 · MacBook Air 13″

ChipApple M1
CPU8-core CPU (4P + 4E)
GPU7-core
Unified memory8 GB / 16 GB
Display2560×1600
CoolingFanless (throttles in long sessions)
Similar PCRX 6400 + Ryzen 5 4600G

Cyberpunk 2077 by settings

Native Mac version, 16 GB memory.

Quality1080p1440p1440p + MetalFX
Low251724
Medium191319
High141014
Ultra11710

FPS in 16 games

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

GameRuns as1080p1440pRetina (2560×1600)
Cyberpunk 2077Native14109
Baldur's Gate 3Native181212
Resident Evil 4Native151110
Assassin's Creed ShadowsNative1187
Death Stranding Director's CutNative171211
No Man's SkyNative161111
Lies of PNative181312
World of WarcraftNative282018
League of LegendsNative906359
Minecraft (Java)Native1168277
Counter-Strike 2CrossOver332322
Elden RingCrossOver1288
GTA V (story mode)CrossOver191312
ValorantNot on Mac–––
FortniteCloud only–––
Call of Duty: WarzoneNot on Mac–––

Try other games and settings

Similar Macs

MacBook Air 13″ M1 (8-core GPU)2020 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈16 FPSMacBook Pro 13″ M12020 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈19 FPSMac mini 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

MacBook Air 13″ M1 (7-core GPU): quick answers

Is the MacBook Air 13″ M1 (7-core GPU) good for gaming?

The MacBook Air 13″ M1 (7-core GPU) (2020) is best suited to light games and cloud gaming. Expect about 14 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 and 90 FPS in League of Legends at 1080p High.

What PC is the MacBook Air 13″ M1 (7-core GPU) 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 MacBook Air 13″ M1 (7-core GPU) 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.