Steam Is Not Optimized For Your Mac
- Steam Is Not Optimized For Your Mac Home
- Steam Is Not Optimized For Your Mac Pro
- Netserver Is Not Optimized For Your Mac
- Loginserver Is Not Optimized
You’ve purchased an amazing gaming laptop.
You spent weeks analyzing powerful specs.
Mac: If you depend on any older software, you’ve probably seen a cryptic message today. It means you’re using a 32-bit app. “This application is not optimized for your Mac,” says the warning. “This app needs to be updated by its developer to improve compatibility.” The message doesn’t mention 32 bits, but that’s what this is about. Game Setups / Game Data / Game Files / Game Icon that are related to Steam on Mac have been found in the later use of your Mac. Manual removal of Steam on Mac requires advanced knowledge about how macOS file system and How Terminal works. Otherwise, any false operations, mistake deletions will bring troubles.
But do you know the one feature guaranteed to reward youwith the MOST exhilarating gaming experience that consistently gets overlooked?
The OPERATING SYSTEM.
It’s so obvious it’s easy to miss.
If you know nothing else about gaming laptops,learn this: No matter how good or badother components are, the best OS for your gaming laptop will add unsurpassedperformance to ALL your favorite games.
In this post we’re going to:
- Present a brief overview of each OS.
- Then we’ll go over their pros and cons.
- We’ll dive into their game performance and compatibility.
- Illustrate why one OS might make more sense overanother.
- Then end with why THIS OS is the best operating system for gaming.
Are you ready?
Let’s go.
THE MOST NATURAL INTERFACE FOR ALL-OUT MELEES
The operatingsystem (OS) helps you perform essential functions on a laptop.
Not only does it manage all the peripheral hardware and software. It accesses the CPUfor storageand memorypurposes. Most of all, it allows us gamersto run fun applications like GAMES.
Years ago, the only operating system available wasMS-DOS. But its complexity led to thepush for a better alternative.
Now we have 3 main platforms: Windows,Linux and the MacOS whichsupport a more natural interface that’s perfect for gaming.
Each one caters to a different audience with its own advantages and disadvantages that only become apparent during those brutal, all-out melees on your favorite MMORPG.
GRAB THIS OS FOR THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY PC GAMING OF YOUR LIFE
Let’s cut to the chase because there’s really no debateabout it…
Windows is hands-downthe best operating system for gaming.
Microsoft released Windows 3.0 in 1990. It was revolutionary in that the simplifieduser interface helped bring computers into the mainstream.
Since Windows 3.0, the Microsoft OS has undergone numerous evolutions leading to the beloved Windows XP — This is the Windows incarnation in which PC gaming completely EXPLODED.
The Most Streamlined Version of Windows
More specifically…
Windows 10 is BY FAR theBest OS for your gaming laptop.
The latest version of Microsoft’s flagship OS isrevolutionary in its own regard for many reasons – Chiefly because, rather thanrelease a brand-new iterationevery few years. With Windows 10,Microsoft opted to improve their operating system with simple free upgrades.
Highly efficient and optimized, Windows 10 is designed to bethe most streamlined version of Windows offering a wide variety of improvementsover Windows 8.
DirectX 12 is one such improvement that offers a new platform for power gamers.
The ONLY Version of Windows to Make Windows 10 Tremble withFear
Now, this is important…
To set the stage for just how good Windows 8 is for gaming,when Windows 10 was released, it only presented a 1 to 2% improvement overwindows 8.
If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, Windows 8 also offered SUPERIORcompatibility with most games (at the time).
Today, Windows 8 trails Windows 10. But it still offers better performance and faster loading than Windows 7. And the standard interface makes it good for running games.
The First Iteration of Windows to Kick-Off a Revolution inPC Gaming
Want to know something interesting…
If you want to side-step the power-hungry features ofWindows 10, Windows 7 might just be the best OS for your gaming laptop.
Windows 7 was a completely new version of Windows afterVista. As you can imagine there was awide range of issues upon release.
But as they were slowly worked out, it became a moreefficient and stable product near the end of its lifespan. The DirectX software helped attractmore gamers to this interpretation of Windows.
You were able to update your system and get the most out ofgames by customizing settings to your heart’s content!
And it still has plenty to offer gamers.
But are you looking for a free OS with more flexibility, more powerful features, and lower hardwarerequirements compared to Windows?
Keep reading.
AND THE BEST LINUX OS FOR A GAMING LAPTOP IS…
Linux might be the best OS for your gaming laptop (if youknow what you’re doing) — It aims at the professional and enthusiastcrowd. And it’s the preferred choice forsecurity conscious PC users.
Linus Tovald created the Linux operating system in1991. In fact, it isn’t just one OS. But an army of operating systems all based onthe open-source kernel. Format usb flash drive for mac and pc.
They’re all free andbuilt on by diverse developers.
Seat with it quickly reveals that it’s not as user-friendlyas Windows or the MacOS. And due to thisesoteric nature, Linux-compatible software isn’t in high supply.
The most popular operating systems entirely based on theLinux kernel are: Ubuntu, CentOS, DebianopenSUSE, Arch Linux, Fedora, Valve’s SteamOS (more about this one in a moment),and manymore.
So, just how does Linux translate into the world of gaming?
2 Proven Linux Distros for Gaming
Linux doesn’t get much support for game development. But the trend is changing thanks to the SteamOS.
Be warned: Since Linux operating systems don’t receive the same kind of support, different distributors have vastly different performance numbers.
This One Makes the Most Sense for LINUX GAMERS
Steam has been working on creating gaming software to run onLinux.
The SteamOS is Steam’s very own Linux distro; it’s builtspecifically for playing games on the Steam platform. Understand, however, that it’s no-where nearthe Windows-killer it was hyped up to be.
Much of it is because SteamOS for Linux turnedout to have a lot of the same issues it set out to overcome, including: poor support for console controllers, compatibilityissues with some hardware, and a supreme lack of mainstream titles to name afew.
But the SteamOS and Ubuntu seem to have the lead for now.
Or Rather, Ubuntu GamePack
It’s a Linux distro that’s perfect for gamers. But it’s not the usual Ubuntu, instead it’sbased on Ubuntu. Confused?
Let’s explain.
Ubuntu GamePack doesn’t have any games preinstalled likeSteamOS. However, it comes preinstalledwith the Steam client, Wine,PlayOnLinux, and Lutris.
In a sense, it’s a hybrid OS where games on Linux, Windows,Console, and Steam collide. And since itsupports Oracle Java and Adobe Flash, you have over 6 thousand online Linux and Windows games at yourdisposal.
Try this Linux distro for gaming if you’re already comfortable with Ubuntu.
THE ONE THING HOLDING BACK THE MAC OS
The MacOS as we know it today was released in 2001.
It’s second only to Windows in terms of popularity.
You’ll find the MacOS only in MacBook and desktop computers.
That exclusivity gives it the advantage of being optimizedfor Apple hardware. Engineered to beextremely efficient, it’s a favorite among many casual and professional usersfor being highly secure and most of all, “user-friendly”.
But this exclusivity leads to one of its primarydisadvantages—the hardware using it issorely lacking in raw power, relying on the software to make up for the deficit.
Can you see the problem?
Games are mostly developed for the PC market and not with Mac in mind.
Add that Macs are designed to be compact. So, there’s little room for a robust GPU oruser modifications. Which means, theonly way to get good gaming performance on a Mac is with an external GPU.
Don’t know about you, but that’s a pretty tough pill to swallow given the already steep price of Apple computers.
IF IT CAN’T PERFORM, YOU CAN’T PLAY
Windows and Linux tend to be on even ground when it comes togame performance. There are minorframerate discrepancies depending on the game in question.
But every supported version of Windows can maintain consistent framerates.
Due to hardware limitation and no room for customization,the MacOS is the single worst performing operating system for gaming of thethree.
Let’s go deeper.
Driver Updates Have Made Windows 10 Much Smoother
The current OS can perform at high levels on any game youthrow at it with full framerates (so long as the hardware can back it up).
On the performance front, the ability to use DirectX 12 isanother area where Windows 10 sails above rivals. No other OS offers the level of seamlesssupport for DirectX 12 that Windows 10 does – it helps games get more from theGPU and CPU chips.
And since most new games will be migrating to the DirectX 12 platform, you don’t need precognition to see the future performance of games offered on the Windows OS will only get better.
Windows 8 Offers Comparable Performance to Windows 10
As long as thehardware is up to snuff, you can easily expect high frame rates for most games.
Currently, overall performance of all contemporary games on Windows8 is as good as it needs to be. Sadly,this will change with time.
The lack of DirectX 12 support marks the first of manydeath-blows Windows 8 will receive. Evenif games are developed for this platform in the future, you won’t be able toplay them on the full-spec modes.
This means that comparatively speaking, overtime performance levels on Windows 8 will hobble behind Windows 10.
Are You REALLY Surprised This is the WEAKEST PerformingWindows Iteration on the List?
With its aged drivers and software, it’s simply not able tokeep up with the precision of Windows 10 or even Windows 8.
But that doesn’t disqualify it from being the best OS for your gaming laptop if you choose. Provided that the hardware backing it up is up to the task, Windows 7 can still run games at good levels of performance (barring cutting edge new releases).
Performance for Linux-Based Games Consistently Trend 40% LowerThan Windows 10
And 20% for Windows 7 and 8.
The reasons?
- Linux ports aren’t as good in quality.
- The drivers aren’t optimized like Windows.
- And Linux requires middlemansoftware to run Windows games.
The MacOS Is Well-Regarded for Being Relatively Virus Free
And it’s a great operating system for scratching yourcreative talents.
But when it comes to gaming…
Although titles are ported over from PC copies and CAN workon the MacOS. Games are not optimized towork at their best on the MacOS.
Dismally, when they’re played in the Mac environment, they have less than 2/3 the frame rate of PC games.
IF THERE’S NO COMPATIBILITY, YOU REALLY CAN’T PLAY
Windows 10 is WAY Ahead of the Curve in This Arena Too
True, it doesn’t offer native support for a lot of oldergames…
But it does offer software-based alternatives, so if you wantto play those games, the option is completely available to you.
And Windows 10 alsooffers support for ALL the latest games so you can play them at the highestsettings!
Since all the driver issues that once plagued Windows 10 likea bad case of acne on its release have been cleared up. In terms of compatibility, Windows 10 hasalmost no issues.
You even get access to ALL available online game repositories.
If Windows 8 is Your Choice of Best OS for Your Gaming Laptop…
You’ll be quite happy to learn that right now, things lookbetter for this OS than the current version of Windows — Since this operatingsystem is older, software has been created for all driver issues to ensure thehardware works without hitch.
In fact, there are a considerable number of elite DirectX 12games out there available for the Windows 8 platform.
But there’s a catch…
You see, the vast majority of games that can play on Windows8 still don’t make use of DirectX 12 technology, yet.
Fortunately, there are also a range of games able to be usedonly on DOS systems. And like Windows10, the software necessary to play THESE games are available.
But as hardware is optimized to work with newer OS options, Windows8 won’t be able to maintain its upper-hand over Windows 10.
Another thing to consider is that as technology improves, less hardware will be shipped with Windows 8 in mind.
How Does Windows 7 Stack-Up When it Comes to Compatibility?
Just as there are still fish in the ocean, the old girl isSTILL compatible with most games and hardware.
Steam Is Not Optimized For Your Mac Home
But more modern offerings on both sides will begin to showthe chinks in the armor. Obviously, thisis because modern drivers aren’t backward compatible with Windows 7 and theoperating system can’t handle hardware required to run certain games.
With a Little Help, Linux Can Be the Best OS for Your GamingLaptop
Some games can be run with middleman software likeWINE.
But Linux still doesn’t offer full compatibility. And the third-party drivers often available for graphics cards and other hardware means Linux doesn’t offer the relatively easy route into gaming that Windows does.
As Well as SLOWER Speeds…
Steam Is Not Optimized For Your Mac Pro
Many games just aren’t compatible with the MacOS.
PCSX2 Mac 0.9.7 Alpha - 2 July 2012 HOT. Build from 2 July 2012, the first alpha version for 0.9.7. This is in pre-beta stages so treat it as such! Only works on Lion! PCSX2 is a Playstation 2 emulator for Mac which has been going for over 10 years. The compatibility rates boast over 80% of all PS2 games as playable and provide an enjoyable experience for reasonably powerful computers, but provides support for lower end computers for those curious to seeing their Playstation 2 games working on their Mac! Happy New Year to everyone from the PCSX2 team, we wish you the best for the new year, with lots of PCSX2 gaming playing your favorite classics Onto the news! A bit later than expected, here is the Q3 & Q4 2017 progress report. Of course there are other changes not mentioned in the report as well so progress is still moving along. PCSX2 is a free and open-source PlayStation 2 emulator for Windows, Linux and macOS that supports a wide range of PlayStation 2 video games with a high level of compatibility and functionality. This is the Mac OS X version. Download PCSX2 0.9.7 (11.38M) Some emulators may require a system BIOS to. Pcsx2 for mac.
Unlike Linux, the MacOS uses totally different hardwaremaking it almost impossible to run a PC game without suffering from extremeslow down.
On that bombshell…
THE GAME SELECTION IS GINORMOUS!
There are an OVERWHELMING majority of games out there…
But mainly forWindows.
In fact, whenever anyone references “PC games” or “PCgaming”, you can bet they’re almost definitely talking about “Windows basedgames.”
On the other side of the fence, many games are no longeravailable for the MacOS. The report is justas dismal for the Linux operating systems for which there are almost nogames.
But back over at the Windows camp… the SHEER number of supported games is well over 20k!
Which cheerfully brings us to…
The Most Popular Platform for PC Gaming
It’s no surprise that retail DVD and Blu-ray disks areconstantly being pushed back by the more convenient online game stores.
The most popular platform for computer gaming is without adoubt Valve’s Steam.
Valve offers support for all three operating systems — Evenmost third-party game stores sell games that activate solely on Steam.
Good news for Linux users: True Linux support has been rising steadily over the past fewyears. Going by Steam, over 4000 gamessupport Linux now.
To determine the best OS for your gaming laptop, let’s now take a closer look at the number of games available for each operating system on offer.
Windows 10 Gets the Lion’s Share
Windows 10 is the most widespread operating system. So, it’s no shocker that it boasts the widestchoice of games available of any current operating system — You have yourchoice of over 20,000 titles, including the NEWEST TITLES.
Windows 8 Is No Straggler, Though
Dismally, there are some NEWER titles that haven’t been madeavailable to play on Windows 8. But that’sforgivable since like Windows 10, you still get well over 20,000 titles tochoose from.
Even Windows 7 is Surprisingly Generous
Despite some MINOR compatibility issues… since Windows 7 canpull from a wide variety of games from various online repositories, this earlierversion of Windows still allows you to choose from 20,000 available games.
Are There ANY Games Available for Linux Fans?
For the right gamer,YES.
But then you run into the problem of just what games can you play?
Linux drastically lags Windows — You won’t be able to findgames like Fortnite, Overwatch and PUBG or most AAA titles.
(sigh)
But Linux does support quite a few popular games: Minecraft, CS: GO, Dota 2 and Team Fortressare a few titles that come to mind.
There are just over 14,000games available on Steam for the Linux OS.
NOTE: Keep in mind those games may not be aswell optimized on your Linux OS of choice compared to Windows.
And there’s quite a learning curve to install theapplications necessary to get your desired game up and running once you’vefound one you can play.
But it’s the sacrifices you make to Windows free.
Apple’s Game Selection Must Be Coming Around, Right?
(Long sigh) …nope.
When it comes to the total number of game content availablefor the MacOS, it lags behind even Linux — Steam only supports around 8,700games for the MacOS. TOTAL.
To put it in perspective: For the entire 2017 year, there were over 7000games uploaded on the Steam platform for Windows.
Users celebrate the MacOS for its efficient,broad-minded approach to operating system technology — virtually anyone canhop on and gain mastery.
But alas, the MacOS will NEVERmaster gaming.
And the problem is the same oneplaguing Linux: there’s just not enoughsupport from developers. Since it onlyoccupies 10% of the computer market, game makers aren’t willing to take therisk of porting games to this platform.
Period.
Even if games do find their wayover to Linux and MacOS, there’s no guarantee they’ll continue to be optimizedproperly and updated regularly.
That said, the MacOS can run Steamwith support for a small cache of games like: League of Legends, CS: GO, Minecraft and Rocket League.
The silver lining for MacOS fanboys and girls is that more mobile game developers focus their talents on games for the iOS than the competition.
YOU’VE GOTTA BE WONDERING, WHY THIS IS THE BEST OS FOR GAMING
Support.
Pure and simple.
It’s not just that Windows has support for more games thanLinux and the MacOS. It’s the absolutenumber of popular games available onWindows which gives it such a HUGE advantage.
Of the number of PC games available, MOST run way better onWindows. Even though some games can runon other operating systems, more games are optimized for Windows.
But for the right user, we have hopefully shown that thereare alternative operating systems available for gaming.
They may not be as good as Windows, but they exist.
And here they are.
IT NOT ONLY WINS THE BATTLE FOR GAMING SUPREMECY, IT WINSTHE WAR!
Now listen, you’ve read this far. Some of what we’ve been saying must have madesense otherwise you wouldn’t have kept reading.
Don’t short change yourself.
What’s the point of scrupulously picking all the rightcomponents for your fresh new gaming laptop only to be handicapped by the OS?
Operating systems have improved by leaps and bounds since1990.
But the only REAL choice for your gaming machine is Windows.
While Linux and the MacOS play catch-up, nothing can competewith Microsoft’s latest installment: Windows 10.
This platform offers the best performance, compatibility andthe widest selection of games of any operating system we’ve looked at.
And it looks like it will continue to do so into theforeseeable future.
Choose the ONLY operating system guaranteed to reward youwith an immersive, hiccup-free experience every time you load a game.
And you’ll be tasting the sweet rewards of victory every time you play a game again, and again.
MORE INFORMATION
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll probably like our GigabyteKingdomLaptop Guide as well. Here are somepopular resources to check out.
- Laptop Buying Guides.
- Gaming LaptopGuides & Best i5Laptop
- BestChromebook Laptops & BusinessLaptops
- DesktopReplacement Laptops & Ultraportables
We hope this guide helps you find the best OS for your gaming laptop. If you want to provide feedback or recommend something we missed, please use our contact form to get in touch.
By Andrew O'Hara
Wednesday, June 13, 2018, 08:10 am PT (11:10 am ET)
Let's be frank: Apple's Mac hardware is not well optimized for gaming. Making matters worse, the marketshare gap between Windows and macOS is profound. That said, the iPhone and iPad are gaming powerhouses for the mainstream consumer, and they aren't showing any signs of slowing.
While venues like Mac Gamer HQ covering Mac gaming still are about, nobody else really has much to say about the situation.
So, let's talk about it.
Apple's hardware is great, but not for gaming
Looking to hardware, Apple uses integrated graphical chipsets in many of their machines, leaving dedicated GPUs to the most high-end Macs. These machines are primarily geared towards creative professionals, and not gamers, leaving that audience underserved.
But, Apple does have a solid workaround for owners of modern machines thanks to the recent macOS 10.13.4 update.
Apple's macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 now supports external GPUs over Thunderbolt 3. Summarizing the situation, a Mac owner with Thunderbolt 3 can buy an external enclosure, and drop in a graphics card that can be upgraded over time.
This comes at a pretty profound price premium, though. With enclosures generally around $300, and a card with any heft hitting $300 and increasing dramatically, doing so is a non-trivial expense in addition to the computer itself. Plus, without hacks, Nvidia card support is non-existent.
BootCamp to install Windows on a Mac is workable, but eGPU support in BootCamp doesn't exist without workarounds right now. So, given Apple's GPU choices, it isn't a great one.
Apple jumping into Virtual Reality
Netserver Is Not Optimized For Your Mac
With the eGPU, comes Apple's first tentative steps into virtual reality. At the 2017 WWDC, while talking about eGPUs, Apple officially added support for VR as well. HTC Vive now works on macOS and Valve launched SteamVR at the same time.
This certainly paves the way, especially with an eGPU, for more immersive gaming on the Mac, even if adoption has been tepid to start.
Apple has the smallest gaming platform, and the biggest
Primarily when it comes to gaming, we think of large role-playing games like 'Skyrim' or first-person shooters like 'Destiny' or 'Halo,', but just counting these this ignores the biggest market for games. So-called 'casual' gamers by far make up the largest sector of those who play, and more often than not they do so on their mobile device.
According to Statista, in July 2017, iOS had over 783,000 games available on the App Store. This is a stunning amount of titles.
Apple's new frameworks for porting over iOS applications to the Mac might be a big deal for gamers. This probably won't help with huge AAA titles, but popular ones such as 'Alto's Adventure,' 'Clash of Clans,' and the like.
If this proves to be effective, it could encourage larger-scale mobile developers to give the Mac a second look, at least for more casual titles.
Apple has used this new platform to port a few apps of their own in macOS Mojave; News, Home, Stocks, and Voice Memos. It will become fully available for third-party developers in 2019.
32-bit apps, OpenGL, and Metal
Metal 2 also got screen-time at WWDC. Apple announced the official deprecation of OpenGL, with new titles expected to use Metal 2 as an alternative. Most games running on macOS already use OpenGL which has caused quite a bit of discontent among developers.
Games and graphics-intensive apps that use OpenGL will eventually cease to run as Apple's OS march continues, without maintenance by the developer. This is further complicated by Apple's declaration that 32-bit apps will no longer be supported after macOS Mojave.
But, Apple has provided the ability to make apps 64-bit for a decade. So, it's not like this is a big surprise, unless you're a Valve front-end developer apparently. As of June 13, 2018, the Steam app itself still isn't 64-bit.
Loginserver Is Not Optimized
Mac App Store, and Steam help —but aren't the solution
Don't get us wrong. Porting houses Feral Interactive and Aspyr are doing a fantastic job. But, they are only two companies and they are vastly outnumbered by the AAA publishing houses.
This all sounds pretty dire. But, popular titles have still shown up on Steam or the Mac App Store. Titles like 'Firewatch' launched on Mac at the same time as other platforms, and 'Civilization 6' was pretty close to day and date.
But, this also exposes some problems. 'Firewatch' launched towards the tail end of 2016 and to this day the Mac App Store is still promoting the game after minor updates. It is a fantastic game, but it shows the lack of other content the Mac App Store has to work with.
Steam, the go-to PC gaming platform, has been available on Mac for years at this point. But, as readers are likely aware, the vast majority of games on it are Windows-only. Looking specifically at the macOS games filter that Steam provides reveals a lot of small titles and new content highlights instead of new, popular games.
We saw this lack of availability recently as we were testing out Steam Link, which allows you to play powerful desktop games on your iOS/tvOS device using your Mac or Windows PC to do the heavy lifting. As we perused the top games Valve recommended to test, the vast majority were not available on macOS.
Valve and Apple have been working together lately, and though Apple eventually rejected the Steam Link from the iOS App Store, they are working together to make it available once more.
Even as Apple has made improvements to the platform, and fully embraced gaming on iOS with nods to it on tvOS, it still has not been enough to entice publishers to throw more weight behind the Mac. In the last several years, very little has changed overall with the lion's share of PC gamers clearly opting for Windows over macOS.
We aren't going to claim to be big Mac gamers. We have a few, but the couple of AppleInsider staffers who game have Windows PCs, or consoles —or just play on our iPads or iPhones.
Looking to the future, gaming on the Mac overall seems unlikely to get better.