Will you confirm I am purchasing the correct MacBook Pro graphics package for my X-Plane 11 software.

Question

I’m purchasing a new MacBook Pro 15” computer and would like to confirm the graphics requirements for my X-Plane 11 software will be met with at least one of the 2 following options. Can you confirm and/or advise on which one is best? (I assume option 2 is best).

The standard graphics capability is AMD Radeon Pro 560X with 4GB of dedicated GDDR5 video Memory.

I can upgrade to a Radeon Pro Vega 16 or 20 with 4GB of HBM2 memory.

Thank you,

Answer 1

Hi Cvosgdad

I'm not with Laminar Research, just a fellow simmer in the UK, but it would be worth you having a look at X-Plane 11's minimum & recommended hardware/software requirements at the following before committing:- https://www.x-plane.com/kb/x-plane-11-system-requirements/

If you're still not sure after that and are purchasing the MacBook Pro in any event, then it probably would be best to download the free 'demo' version first and give it a try!

Regards

Answer 2

Hi CVosgdad,

I am not with Laminar Research; just a flight simmer from downunder.

Firstly an AMD graphics card will not give you the same performance as a NVidia card.  In addition you haven't indicated what CPU is built into the Mac unit.  Again an Intel CPU will give a better performance over and above an AMD CPU

Why are you purchasing a new Mac?  If it is for personal use other than X-Plane then try the demo version of X-Plane first.  If it is just to run X-Plane don't waste your money.

What you will spend on a new Mac for a mid range PC will be in excess of what your will pay for a higher spec windows based PC which could be purpose built.  Even compare the pricing of a windows based dedicated gaming laptop. With a purpose built PC you can always upgrade individual components as funds permit as the technology to run X-Plane advances.  I am of the opinion that with a Mac you do not have that upgrade capability.

Because X-Plane is resource hungry in the CPU and GPU you will need good cooling otherwise your system may crash.  If it does generally a "Blue screen" will appear.

Follow the advice of Greengolfer15 and check out the system requirements.

Good luck with your purchase and welcome to X-Plane.

Glenn