MacBook Pro M3 Pro vs MacBook Pro M4 Pro: which is better for gaming?
Compared across 35 Mac games · High preset · no MetalFX
In short
The MacBook Pro M4 Pro (Apple M4 Pro) is 37% faster on average than the MacBook Pro M3 Pro (Apple M3 Pro): 110 vs 81 FPS at 1080p High across the games both can run. It clears 60 FPS in 29 games versus 24.
It is a noticeable jump: the MacBook Pro M4 Pro lets you go one step up in quality or resolution in most games.
24 games at 60+ FPS · wins 0 of 35
29 games at 60+ FPS · wins 34 of 35
Average FPS by resolution
| Resolution | MacBook Pro M3 Pro | MacBook Pro M4 Pro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 81FPS | 110FPS | +36 % |
| 1440p | 52FPS | 76FPS | +46 % |
| 4K | 27FPS | 40FPS | +48 % |
Which one for your resolution?
- 1080p: MacBook Pro M4 Pro, at 110 FPS on average, smooth.
- 1440p: MacBook Pro M4 Pro, at 76 FPS on average, smooth.
- 4K: MacBook Pro M4 Pro, at 40 FPS on average, playable.
Specifications
| MacBook Pro M3 Pro | MacBook Pro M4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M3 Pro | Apple M4 Pro |
| Generation | M3 | M4 |
| GPU cores | 14 / 18 | 16 / 20 |
| Geekbench Metal | 66,120 | 94,881 |
| Unified memory | 18 / 36 GB | 24 / 48 GB |
| Cooling | Fan | Fan |
| Gaming score | 18/100 | 26/100 |
| Year | 2023 | 2024 |
Game performance
Estimate1080p · High
The MacGameFPS verdict
Calibrated on real Mac benchmarks, not spec sheets
Verdict
The MacBook Pro M4 Pro wins in 34 of 35 games. It is a noticeable jump: the MacBook Pro M4 Pro lets you go one step up in quality or resolution in most games.
FAQ
Which is better for gaming, the MacBook Pro M3 Pro or the MacBook Pro M4 Pro?
The MacBook Pro M4 Pro: it wins in 34 of 35 games and is 37% faster on average at 1080p High.
Is upgrading from the MacBook Pro M3 Pro to the MacBook Pro M4 Pro worth it for gaming?
It is a noticeable jump: the MacBook Pro M4 Pro lets you go one step up in quality or resolution in most games.
How big is the FPS gap in Cyberpunk 2077?
At 1080p High, the MacBook Pro M3 Pro gets about 28 FPS and the MacBook Pro M4 Pro about 41 FPS.
Which one for 1440p or 4K gaming?
At 1440p the average is 52 vs 76 FPS, and at 4K 27 vs 40 FPS (MacBook Pro M3 Pro vs MacBook Pro M4 Pro).
How much memory should I get?
For gaming, 16 GB is the sensible minimum and 24 GB leaves headroom. The MacBook Pro M3 Pro ships with 18, 36 GB and the MacBook Pro M4 Pro with 24, 48 GB.
