Which MacBook Pro for Trainz 2019/2022?

[mrlol244]

Hi folks,

I am planning to switch from my PC to a MacBook Pro. At home, I'd like to still connect it to a 4K display, maybe a 5K Apple Studio Display some time in the future.

I'd like to ask you, what the ideal MacBook Pro specs would be for Trainz 2019/2022 at 4K/5K. Would an M3 Pro chip have enough GPU performance for 60fps+, or would I need to buy an M3 Max chip? (Or might even be an M2 Pro enough?). 32GBs of RAM are planned as a minimum.
Highest visual settings aren't needed, maybe something like medium settings, but 60fps+.

Unfortunately I find it quite hard to find some sort of benchmarks for Trainz on Apple Silicon GPUs... So maybe, some of you are using Apple Silicon for Trainz at 4K?

Would be really greatful for your advice. Thank you.

Best Regards
Max

 

[johnwhelan]

Just be aware that the M series of apple computers have a hardware fault that permits malware to run. The CPUs need to be updated so I'd hold off for a day or two. It's called GoFetch if you want to google it.

Cheerio John

 

[dangavel]

I used to be a huge Apple fan, now, I'm not, due to their restrictions on upgrading hard drives , RAM and the exorbitant prices they charge for them and their restrictive repair policies. its more or less ensured a short usable life for them . If you REALLY have to get a Mac, make use its maxed out as much as possible regarding chip power and drive size , you really need as much RAM as you can afford,but unfortunately apple is charging eye watering prices for the larger drives .

According to one trainz user, even the Mac Studio isn't as fast as a medium specification gaming PC, its hard to find reviews of macs running trainz, it is supposed to be optimized for silicon, but one user with only 8gb of ram on an M series mac said he couldn't even open a route he'd made . Beware ,if possible test with the app installed before you buy. Remember that you could easilly fill a 512 gb hard drive with the trainz database alone, althougth you could run it off an external ssd. .

 

[mrlol244]

Thank you @johnwhelan and @dangavel for your impressions - I know about the recent security flaw and the nature of apple's systems not being upgradable. Based on others factors, I still plan to switch to Mac, mainly because of macOS.

Maybe there is someone else with a similiar setup to what I'm planning who can share their experience regarding performance.

Cheers
Max

 

[dangavel]

i forgot I wrote this , bear in mind, i wasn't running it at 4k https://forums.auran.com/threads/trs22-on-an-m2-pro.172083/

 

[sultan1966]

Hi folks,

I am planning to switch from my PC to a MacBook Pro. At home, I'd like to still connect it to a 4K display, maybe a 5K Apple Studio Display some time in the future.

I'd like to ask you, what the ideal MacBook Pro specs would be for Trainz 2019/2022 at 4K/5K. Would an M3 Pro chip have enough GPU performance for 60fps+, or would I need to buy an M3 Max chip? (Or might even be an M2 Pro enough?). 32GBs of RAM are planned as a minimum.
Highest visual settings aren't needed, maybe something like medium settings, but 60fps+.

Unfortunately I find it quite hard to find some sort of benchmarks for Trainz on Apple Silicon GPUs... So maybe, some of you are using Apple Silicon for Trainz at 4K?

Would be really greatful for your advice. Thank you.

Best Regards
Max

I won't double post but wrote a little awhile ago Max.

Mac Users

Maybe here.. Maybe Trainz Mac forum here. Not sure? New member.. again.. and 1st post. Running Trainz 22+ v126293 on my MacBook Pro w/M3 chip and 8gb RAM. Running Mac OS 15 - Sequoia Beta 4 w everything maxed out except Shader Quality - Standard and Detail Scenery - Off. Everything has been...

forums.auran.com

Hope it helps some.

 

[SRKing783]

I mean I'm running a 2021 MBP 16", M1 Pro 16GB RAM, TRS22 runs at 60+ FPS. Though I have my sliders set a bit lower, I'd think higher settings would give me 30-60 probably. In terms of resolution it's normally just fullscreen, my laptop has a 4Kish display so that should give an idea of how it is.

But yea. Personally I haven't had many complaints with macOS in the 5 years I've daily-driven it, and it was only under a Mac I could finally run desktop Trainz (albeit a low-spec laptop, free space heater tho!) I would probably go for a Max chip next one I get, but overall I'm happy with my machine as it is.

 

[sultan1966]

I mean I'm running a 2021 MBP 16", M1 Pro 16GB RAM, TRS22 runs at 60+ FPS. Though I have my sliders set a bit lower, I'd think higher settings would give me 30-60 probably. In terms of resolution it's normally just fullscreen, my laptop has a 4Kish display so that should give an idea of how it is.

But yea. Personally I haven't had many complaints with macOS in the 5 years I've daily-driven it, and it was only under a Mac I could finally run desktop Trainz (albeit a low-spec laptop, free space heater tho!) I would probably go for a Max chip next one I get, but overall I'm happy with my machine as it is.

You make a valid point on battery power and I am going to knock sliders down to midrange and see if battery life is any better as I don't like being tethered to just "Another Brick in the Wall" as Pink Floyd stated during my youth.