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MacBook Air 13″ M3 (8-core GPU): gaming performance

The MacBook Air 13″ M3 (8-core GPU) (2024) is best suited to light games and cloud gaming. In native games it runs Cyberpunk 2077 at about 21 FPS and Baldur's Gate 3 at about 26 FPS at 1080p High, and League of Legends at about 135 FPS. Windows games through CrossOver, like Counter-Strike 2, reach about 50 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

2024 · MacBook Air 13″

ChipApple M3
CPU8-core CPU (4P + 4E)
GPU8-core · hardware ray tracing
Unified memory8 GB / 16 GB / 24 GB
Display2560×1664
CoolingFanless (throttles in long sessions)
Similar PCRX 6400 + Ryzen 5 8500G

Cyberpunk 2077 by settings

Native Mac version, 16 GB memory.

Quality1080p1440p1440p + MetalFX
Low372636
Medium292028
High211521
Ultra171116

FPS in 16 games

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

GameRuns as1080p1440pRetina (2560×1664)
Cyberpunk 2077Native211513
Baldur's Gate 3Native261817
Resident Evil 4Native231615
Assassin's Creed ShadowsNative171110
Death Stranding Director's CutNative251816
No Man's SkyNative241716
Lies of PNative271918
World of WarcraftNative422927
League of LegendsNative1359486
Minecraft (Java)Native167122112
Counter-Strike 2CrossOver503532
Elden RingCrossOver181211
GTA V (story mode)CrossOver281918
ValorantNot on Mac–––
FortniteCloud only–––
Call of Duty: WarzoneNot on Mac–––

Try other games and settings

Similar Macs

MacBook Air 15″ M22023 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈21 FPSMacBook Air 13″ M3 (10-core GPU)2024 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈25 FPSMacBook Air 15″ M32024 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈25 FPSMacBook Air 13″ M4 (8-core GPU)2025 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈23 FPSMacBook Air 13″ M4 (10-core GPU)2025 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈26 FPSMacBook Air 15″ M42025 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈26 FPS

MacBook Air 13″ M3 (8-core GPU): quick answers

Is the MacBook Air 13″ M3 (8-core GPU) good for gaming?

The MacBook Air 13″ M3 (8-core GPU) (2024) is best suited to light games and cloud gaming. Expect about 21 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 and 135 FPS in League of Legends at 1080p High.

What PC is the MacBook Air 13″ M3 (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 8500G. Windows games through CrossOver run about a third slower.

How much memory does the MacBook Air 13″ M3 (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.