EN

MacBook Pro 16″ M2 Max (38-core GPU): gaming performance

The MacBook Pro 16″ M2 Max (38-core GPU) (2023) is a strong gaming Mac. In native games it runs Cyberpunk 2077 at about 73 FPS and Baldur's Gate 3 at about 68 FPS at 1080p High, and League of Legends at about 344 FPS. Windows games through CrossOver, like Counter-Strike 2, reach about 168 FPS. Its 38-core GPU performs roughly like a desktop RTX 5050 in native games. With 32 GB of unified memory, about 20.8 GB is available for graphics.

Specs that matter for gaming

2023 · MacBook Pro 16″

ChipApple M2 Max
CPU12-core CPU (8P + 4E)
GPU38-core
Unified memory32 GB / 64 GB / 96 GB
Display3456×2234
CoolingActive (fans)
Similar PCRTX 5050 + Core i5-10600K

Cyberpunk 2077 by settings

Native Mac version, 32 GB memory.

Quality1080p1440p1440p + MetalFX
Low958695
Medium886988
High735271
Ultra594258

FPS in 16 games

High settings, 32 GB memory, average FPS. "CrossOver" means the Windows version through translation.

GameRuns as1080p1440pRetina (3456×2234)
Cyberpunk 2077Native735233
Baldur's Gate 3Native686141
Resident Evil 4Native795736
Assassin's Creed ShadowsNative594226
Death Stranding Director's CutNative876240
No Man's SkyNative826038
Lies of PNative946843
World of WarcraftNative636359
League of LegendsNative344311210
Minecraft (Java)Native198198197
Counter-Strike 2CrossOver16812277
Elden RingCrossOver564328
GTA V (story mode)CrossOver726443
ValorantNot on Mac–––
FortniteCloud only–––
Call of Duty: WarzoneNot on Mac–––

Try other games and settings

Similar Macs

MacBook Pro 13″ M22022 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈25 FPSMacBook Pro 14″ M2 Pro (16-core GPU)2023 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈39 FPSMacBook Pro 14″ M2 Pro (19-core GPU)2023 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈46 FPSMacBook Pro 14″ M2 Max (30-core GPU)2023 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈62 FPSMacBook Pro 14″ M2 Max (38-core GPU)2023 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈73 FPSMacBook Pro 14″ M32023 · Cyberpunk 1080p ≈29 FPS

MacBook Pro 16″ M2 Max (38-core GPU): quick answers

Is the MacBook Pro 16″ M2 Max (38-core GPU) good for gaming?

The MacBook Pro 16″ M2 Max (38-core GPU) (2023) is a strong gaming Mac. Expect about 73 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 and 344 FPS in League of Legends at 1080p High.

What PC is the MacBook Pro 16″ M2 Max (38-core GPU) equal to for gaming?

In native Mac games its graphics perform roughly like a RTX 5050, with CPU performance close to a Core i5-10600K. Windows games through CrossOver run about a third slower.

How much memory does the MacBook Pro 16″ M2 Max (38-core GPU) need for gaming?

32 GB gives about 20.8 GB to graphics, which is enough for 1080p–1440p High. Configurations up to 96 GB help at 4K.