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MacBook Air 13″ M1 (8-core GPU): gaming performance

The MacBook Air 13″ M1 (8-core GPU) (2020) is best suited to light games and cloud gaming. In native games it runs Cyberpunk 2077 at about 16 FPS and Baldur's Gate 3 at about 20 FPS at 1080p High, and League of Legends at about 101 FPS. Windows games through CrossOver, like Counter-Strike 2, reach about 37 FPS. Its 8-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)
GPU8-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
Low281927
Medium211521
High161115
Ultra13812

FPS in 16 games

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

GameRuns as1080p1440pRetina (2560×1600)
Cyberpunk 2077Native161110
Baldur's Gate 3Native201413
Resident Evil 4Native171211
Assassin's Creed ShadowsNative1398
Death Stranding Director's CutNative191312
No Man's SkyNative181312
Lies of PNative211413
World of WarcraftNative322221
League of LegendsNative1017166
Minecraft (Java)Native1289286
Counter-Strike 2CrossOver372624
Elden RingCrossOver1399
GTA V (story mode)CrossOver211514
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 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 (8-core GPU): quick answers

Is the MacBook Air 13″ M1 (8-core GPU) good for gaming?

The MacBook Air 13″ M1 (8-core GPU) (2020) is best suited to light games and cloud gaming. Expect about 16 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 and 101 FPS in League of Legends at 1080p High.

What PC is the MacBook Air 13″ M1 (8-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 (8-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.