M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: Which of These Tiny Titans Is Ready to Take on Gaming?
Think Macs aren’t made for gaming?You might want to rethink, these Mac Minis with M4 and M4 Pro chips can change the way we game on Macs
I remember back in the day when Mac was not the go-to for gaming. If you wanted to game, you’d either boot up a Windows machine or settle for the occasional indie game on macOS. Mac’s gaming “library” felt more like a single shelf with a couple of dusty titles that never really seemed to catch on. But, then something changed. With Apple’s M4 and M4 Pro chips, there was suddenly hope for gamers like me who are deep into the Apple ecosystem. Could these new machines truly deliver the gaming experience we’ve been waiting for?
But its not about the M4 chips, thanks to Apple’s shiny new Metal 3 API and the game-changing crossover translation tools (which translates DirectX 11 and 12 games), Macs are slowly but surely becoming a more viable option for gaming.
I have already tested some games on MacBook Pro M4, but this time I am going to try test how gaming performs on cheaper base Mac Mini M4 and the Pricier but very efficient M4 Pro Mac Mini, these little guys are absolute beasts interns of performance.
· M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: What’s in the Box?
· M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: CPU Benchmarks
· Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro: GPU Benchmarks
· SSD Speed of M4 and M4 Pro Mac Mini
· Monitor: A few words on my setup
· 3 Ways to Game on a Mac
· Windows Games on Parallels vs. Crossover
· Metro Exodus
· Rise of Tomb Raider
· Everspace 2
· Counter-Strike 2
· Dirt 4
· Cyberpunk 2077
· The TakeOver
· Street Fighter IV
· Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered
· Redout
· Ghostrunner
· Portal 2
· Conclusion: The Verdict
M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: What’s in the Box?
First off, let’s set the stage, on one side, we have the base-level Mac Mini M4, that comes at a very cheap price (further cheaper, if you have a deal currently running on amazon) here’s what you’re getting:
- 10-core CPU
- 10-core GPU
- 16GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
Not bad for the price, but it’s still no slouch in the gaming department.
And on the other, we have the Mac Mini M4 Pro — the upgraded beast that’ll cost you almost double the price of base Mac Mini M4 (unless you are lucky to find a discount deal on amazon). For more than double the price, you get:
- 12-core CPU
- 16-core GPU
- 24GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
At first glance, you might think, “Hmm, a bit of a jump with the price?” But, that extra dough comes with some serious upgrades — so let’s see if they pay off, they do… but not in every single case and gaming is a tough job so lets find out.
M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: CPU Benchmarks
Personal experience with performance:
I ran Geekbench 6 to compare the CPU performance of both the M4 and M4 Pro. Here are the results:
- M4 Pro: 20,129 points (multi-core) and 3,623 (single-core).
- M4: 15,130 points (multi-core) and 3,830 (single-core).
The M4 Pro shines in multi-core tasks thanks to its 12-core CPU, but when it comes to single-core performance, both chips are nearly identical. So while the Pro excels at multi-tasking and heavier processing loads, for gaming, the difference isn’t as stark in single-core performance — except when it comes to more demanding titles.
How the M4 handles lighter gaming vs. the Pro version:
For everyday gaming, the M4 still holds its own. While you won’t be hitting the super-high FPS numbers that the Pro can achieve, it’s definitely serviceable for moderate gaming needs. I found myself enjoying lighter games just fine on the M4, but the Pro gives that extra oomph for more demanding titles.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro: GPU Benchmarks
GPU performance with Geekbench Metal:
When I tested both chips using Geekbench Metal, the difference was pretty striking:
- M4 Pro: 100,129 points.
- M4: 57,115 points.
The M4 Pro outperforms the M4 by almost 1.7x, which translates to noticeably better gaming performance, especially in graphically intensive titles. You can really see this difference in more demanding games where frame rates make a world of difference.
The real difference:
This performance boost isn’t just on paper — it’s clear in real-world gaming. The Pro runs graphically intensive games like Metro Exodus and Tomb Raider at significantly higher FPS, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: SSD Speed Test
Storage performance comparison:
One area where the M4 Pro clearly outpaces the base M4 is in SSD speed:
- M4 Pro: 4,449 MB/s read, 3,041 MB/s write.
- M4: 3,051 MB/s read, 2,039 MB/s write.
Personal reflection:
While both models are speedy in terms of storage, the M4 Pro’s faster SSD definitely gives it an edge in load times. Games load quicker, and you won’t be stuck staring at loading screens for too long. This makes a noticeable difference when you’re bouncing between levels or reloading a game.
Monitor: A few words on my setup
Review of the MSI Pro MP 251 E2 monitor:
I paired both Mac Minis with an MSI Pro MP 251 E2 — an affordable, lightweight 1080p, 120Hz monitor with great color accuracy (you can check to price on Amazon). The smoothness of the refresh rate made all the difference, and the low weight meant I could easily move it around for testing.
How it impacts the gaming experience:
Having a 120Hz monitor made everything feel super smooth, especially during fast-paced games like Counter-Strike 2. It really helps showcase the difference in performance between the M4 and M4 Pro when both are pushing those higher frame rates.
3 Ways to Game on a Mac
There are a few different ways you can game on a Mac, and I put all of them to the test.
Native Mac games:
While the Mac gaming library is still relatively limited, it’s definitely improving. The M4 handles native macOS games just fine, though you’ll need to stick with lower or medium settings in some cases. The M4 Pro can push those games to higher frame rates with ease.
Crossover:
This translation tool lets you play Windows games on macOS by converting DirectX 11/12 into Metal 3. It’s not perfect, but it works well for many titles. Crossover performed significantly better than expected, even on the M4. Games like Redout ran at 85–90 FPS — way smoother than I had imagined.
Parallels/Virtual Machines:
This is the other option for running Windows games on your Mac. Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a performance hit since you’re running a virtualized version of Windows. Sure, it works, but it’s not ideal for high-performance gaming. The M4 Pro allows more resource allocation than the M4, but you’re still better off using Crossover for most games.
Windows Games on Parallels vs. Crossover
Personal gaming trial:
Few things before we get to the real life testing, I compared how games performed on Parallels versus Crossover. It’s clear that Crossover wins hands-down. For example, I tested Redout — a racing game that’s not particularly demanding — and it ran almost three times faster with Crossover than with Parallels. I had a consistent 85–90 FPS with Crossover, while Parallels struggled to hit 33 FPS.
Real-world example:
Running a game through Crossover was like night and day. You get smoother gameplay, quicker load times, and overall better performance. Parallels might be more familiar for users who need a full Windows experience, but when it comes to gaming, Crossover is the clear winner.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: Metro Exodus
First native Mac game tested:
I was curious to see how both Mac Minis would handle a demanding native title like Metro Exodus. So, I fired up the game at 1080p with high detail settings.
- M4: 60–75 FPS
- M4 Pro: 100–170 FPS
Experience:
The M4 held its ground well, with a solid 60–75 FPS range. It was smooth enough for most of the gameplay, though you could feel the slight dips during intense moments. The M4 Pro, however, was a real treat — hitting the 100–170 FPS range meant smoother, more stable gameplay. The difference in frame rate is noticeable, especially when you’re exploring the vast environments or fighting off enemies. Both machines performed better than I expected for a Mac, but if you’re a performance enthusiast, the Pro is a clear winner.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: Rise of Tomb Raider
Comparison:
I tested Rise of Tomb Raider next. It’s another demanding game, so let’s see how both Mac Minis hold up:
- M4: 73 FPS
- M4 Pro: 135 FPS
Impressions:
While the M4 managed to maintain a playable 73 FPS, the Pro nearly doubled that at 135 FPS. The difference is dramatic — especially if you enjoy fast-paced action or just want a smoother experience overall. On the M4, the gameplay was fine, but on the M4 Pro, it felt noticeably more fluid. Again, the M4 can still handle the game, but if you’re serious about gaming, the Pro gives you the smoother experience.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: Everspace 2
A tough game to run:
Everspace 2 is a beautiful space shooter with heavy graphics demands, and it was definitely a challenge for both systems.
- M4: 30–40 FPS, with some noticeable dips.
- M4 Pro: 50–60 FPS, with better frame consistency.
Reflection:
This game was particularly taxing, and while both models struggled, the M4 Pro definitely handled the dips better. The M4 still ran the game, but you could feel the frame drops more often. The Pro, with its added GPU and RAM, gave a noticeably smoother experience, even though it wasn’t flawless.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: Counter-Strike 2
Perfect for testing FPS:
Counter-Strike 2 is a fast-paced FPS, which makes it ideal for testing how well the Mac Minis can maintain a high frame rate during action-heavy gameplay. Running at 1080p with medium settings:
- M4: 90–120 FPS
- M4 Pro: 120–160 FPS
Personal experience:
This was one of the most enjoyable experiences on both machines. The fast action of Counter-Strike 2 played smoothly on both models, but the M4 Pro had that extra edge. The gameplay felt buttery smooth at 120–160 FPS, while the M4 still did a great job maintaining a solid 90–120 FPS. In FPS games, every millisecond counts, and the Pro’s higher FPS means you’re getting a more responsive experience.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini on Dirt 4
Racing game test:
For a racing game, Dirt 4 is an excellent choice because it has fast car action and challenging visuals. I tested it at 1080p with medium settings:
- M4: 56–75 FPS
- M4 Pro: 90–120 FPS
A racer’s dream:
Despite being a couple of years old, Dirt 4 still offers a thrilling experience, and it ran beautifully on both machines. The M4 handled it fairly well, though the Pro’s higher FPS made the driving feel more responsive and immersive. The smoother performance on the Pro is definitely noticeable, especially during those tight turns or high-speed races. Overall, both machines did well, but the M4 Pro just gives you that extra level of polish.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: Cyberpunk 2077
The big test:
Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most demanding games you can run today. I tested it on both Macs using Crossover at 1080p with medium settings:
- M4: 30–40 FPS
- M4 Pro: 50–51 FPS
Personal take:
Running Cyberpunk 2077 on a Mac still feels like a bit of a fantasy, but it’s actually playable on both machines. The M4 struggles a bit, sitting at 30–40 FPS with occasional dips that hurt the experience. On the other hand, the M4 Pro, while still far from ideal, does a better job with 50 FPS — smooth enough for a functional, if imperfect, experience. However, if you’re looking for buttery smooth gameplay with higher settings, both chips fall short for this particular title. Still, I’m optimistic for 2025 when we might see native macOS support or better optimization for this game.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: The TakeOver
The TakeOver, a beat ’em up that really gives off some retro vibes — think Streets of Rage but with a bit more flair. I fired this up first on both the M4 and M4 Pro to see how they’d handle the action-packed gaming.
Results:
- M4: 120–130 FPS
- M4 Pro: 150–160 FPS
Both Mac Minis powered through this game easily, you could really feel the difference in responsiveness on the M4 Pro. The M4’s 120 FPS felt solid, but the Pro’s 150 FPS? That was buttery smooth. The faster response time made dodging punches and landing those combo moves just a little more satisfying. For this kind of fast action, the Pro gets the win — but, the M4 is isn’t the worst, it did reasonably well.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: Street Fighter IV
Street Fighter IV is the game that gets your heart racing with every Hadouken and Shoryuken. It’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s the perfect game to test out how both machines handle fighting games at high speeds.
Results:
- M4: 150–170 FPS
- M4 Pro: 170–200 FPS
For a game that’s all about precision, you’d expect both Macs to shine, and they do, actually. The M4 kept things playable with around 150–170 FPS, but the Pro’s 200 FPS gave the game that extra “snappy” feel, i have to say. It’s not that the M4 couldn’t handle it — it just didn’t have the same level of fluidity of M4 Pro. If you’re serious about competitive gaming (or just want those perfectly timed counters), the M4 Pro is going to give you that competitive edge.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered
Now, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered is the game where you need that smooth gameplay, racing at high speeds with police hot on your tail means every frame counts.
Results:
- M4: 50–70 FPS
- M4 Pro: 90–110 FPS
Alright, the M4 is did to his capacity, here, but there’s no denying that the Pro was the clear winner. On the M4, I noticed some frame dips during intense chases, but the Pro cruised smoothly through those moments. 110 FPS made those high-speed chases feel like you were actually driving the car (minus the cops and speeding tickets). The M4 can still handle it, but the Pro takes the win in the “smooth experience” department.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: Redout
Time to bring out Redout, one of those visually stunning, high-speed racing games that pushes your system to its limits. In my view,if any game was going to stress-test these chips, it was this one.
Results:
- M4: 85–90 FPS
- M4 Pro: 120–130 FPS
If you’re into fast-paced, futuristic racing, you’ll want the Pro for that buttery smooth performance. The M4 still held up surprisingly well, but that slight stutter in the turns was noticeable. With the Pro, I could feel the crispness in every corner and boost. It’s all about those high-frame-rate moments, especially when you’re trying to take the lead.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: Ghostrunner
Next, we’ve got Ghostrunner — a fast-paced, first-person action game that demands precision and speed. Can the M4 handle the wall-running, blade-slicing action?, lets look into it.
Results:
- M4: 50–70 FPS
- M4 Pro: 80–100 FPS
The M4 did okay in this one but definitely had some noticeable frame drops when things got intense. The Pro, on the other hand, showed its true colors with a more consistent 80–100 FPS. It was much smoother, and those wall-running acrobatics felt sharper. So, again, if you love fast-paced platforming and parkour action, you’ll want that Pro-level smoothness.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: Portal 2
Lastly, let’s talk about the iconic Portal 2 — a game that’s not too graphically demanding but still a lot of fun to play. The real test here? Can the M4 handle this puzzle-platformer while keeping that iconic fluidity?, lets discuss the findings.
Results:
- M4: 180–200 FPS
- M4 Pro: 200–250 FPS
Surprisingly, both Macs nailed this one. With Portal 2, you don’t need to worry about lag or frame drops because it’s a relatively light title. The M4 breezed through with 180–200 FPS, but the Pro just took it to the next level with 250 FPS. Honestly, the difference isn’t huge here, but if you’re all about those silky smooth 250 FPS runs, the Pro’s your best bet.
Mac Mini M4 vs M4 Pro Mac Mini: The Verdict
After testing a wide variety of games on both the M4 and M4 Pro, it’s clear that the M4 can handle a fair amount of gaming, especially for more casual or light gaming sessions. However, if you’re after higher FPS, smoother graphics, and better overall gaming performance, the M4 Pro is where you’ll want to invest.
- M4: A very affordable and efficient option for casual gamers, light gaming, or if you’re just looking to dip your toes into the Mac gaming world.
- M4 Pro: Its double the price of the base M4, but certainly, the superior choice for serious gamers looking for higher frame rates, smoother experiences, and better graphics performance — especially in more demanding games. You can tweak around with RAM and SSD options on Amazon with the M4 and M4 Pro Mac Mini Models to find out what suits you best.
Not sure how to adjust the prices and specs to find the perfect Mac Mini? No worries — just check out the guide to find the best trade off for you.
While Apple still has a way to go in building a full-fledged gaming ecosystem, the M4 and M4 Pro show that it’s no longer a joke to consider a Mac for gaming. In fact, with proper optimizations and better software support, Macs might just become a serious contender for the gaming crown.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through the links provided, without costing you anything extra. This helps support my content and keep it free for you. Thank you for your support!
