Macbook Pro Retina and X-Plane

[AgreMeister]

Not sure if you guys are going to know much about this or not, But I'm curious as to how well the Retina Macbook Pro can actually play X-Plane. My current laptop is getting on in age, and I have a older iMac that plays X-Plane decently, but can't really handle the newer planes like the Saab 340 in a way that I think makes it worth getting them.

 

As such, I need a new laptop anyway, so I'm considering the Retina Macbook pro 15". Figuring that I could essentially use the higher-end model as both a gaming computer and a laptop in one, how well would it play X-Plane? Specs are as follows:

 

2.6 Ghz Intel i7 Quad-Core with Turbo-Boost to 3.8Ghz

16GB DDR3 Ram

Intel Iris Pro graphics

Nvidia GT750M with 2GB Vram

 

Figuring that I could spend $1,500 on a 13" Macbook Pro and similar money for a decent gaming computer, I thought I would at least consider this with how nice it would be to just be able to bring it everywhere.

 

[Cameron]

I have this exact setup, and it does run X-Plane 10 quite good. That said, remember that the laptop has a harder time dissipating heat than something like an iMac would, so you're going to have a hot laptop and a lot of fan noise going on at the same time.

 

If you want me to test specific settings in a specific area, let me know and I can give you the performance spec on it. No telling how quick I'll be, but I'll try to help you out.

[AgreMeister]

Well I guess what I want to know is how well do things like the Saab 340 or CRJ work in conjunction with a detailed scenery package? And at what kind of graphics settings?

 

I don't mind noise, I generally play with headphones anyway. As long as the laptop isn't getting dangerously hot I have no problem with that. Essentially, I want to know how great the penalty is in power compared to say a $1,500 gaming computer to really decide if the gain in portability is worth it.

 

Anyway thanks for the quick reply cameron, I really appreciate it.

[sizziano]

I have the 2.3GHZ version and it runs x-plane very well. You should be fine with your setup.

[AgreMeister]

Actually, one other thing I'd want to know is if the 2.6Ghz processor is worth $200 over the 2.3Ghz one. How much difference does the .3Ghz really make?

[Peter T.]

I wouldn't know, I have the 2.3 GHz version, and it runs X-Plane really good. I auggest saving the $200 and buy the 2.3 GHz version.

[jzeitlin]

I have the 2.6 GHZ one (but not retina) Its amazing for x-plane. The only problem I have with it is it tends to get a little hot when running x plane. (Macs Fan Control says the Processor gets to around 201 Degrees Fahrenheit) And the casing gets very warm. I recently cleaned out all the vents which seems to help.

[Cameron]

Actually, one other thing I'd want to know is if the 2.6Ghz processor is worth $200 over the 2.3Ghz one

 

In my opinion, no.

[pfirth]

Hi guys   

 

Just joined x-pilot and am interested in buying a preferably Mac laptop that will run x-plane 10 reasonably well. I know it's ambitious but would like to eventually expand to 2 or 3 additional monitors. Any advice is much appreciated.  I retired 10 years ago as a 737 pilot, sim instructor/check airman and many years before that as a DC 3/4 pilot/instructor. I've enjoyed FSX and recently x-plane 10 as a way to keep some flying skills alive and have some fun without the hassles.  Cheers.

[scubajuan_new]

Stay away from the ones with integrated GPU (13" or air)  I have a MBP 15" Retina first gen and it sometimes choke

[ointment]

I fly on a 15" MacBook Pro Retina, 2.7GHz Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M w/1024MB VRAM.  I'd rather have smooth flight than crazy visuals so I don't turn up the rendering options a lot.  It flies fine.  

 

If you're considering additional monitors, I'd recommend a desktop Mac Pro.  Or maybe even an iMac.  I haven't tried more than one additional monitor with this particular machine. It does fine running a 26" LaCie monitor.