3DMark Benchmarking Tool Now Available on macOS

Great news for Mac gamers! The widely-used 3DMark graphics benchmarking suite, previously primarily known for its PC versions, has finally arrived natively on macOS. This means Mac users now have a dedicated and reliable tool to accurately measure their system's gaming performance. No more relying on less-precise, indirect methods.

What 3DMark for macOS Offers

This native macOS version of 3DMark includes a range of benchmark tests designed to thoroughly assess your Mac's graphical capabilities. These tests leverage Apple's Metal API for optimal performance and provide results directly comparable to those obtained on Windows, iOS, and Android devices. This consistency is crucial for fair comparisons and understanding your Mac's performance relative to other platforms.

The tests included are:

• Wild Life Extreme: A demanding test that pushes your hardware to its limits.
• Solar Bay: A visually stunning benchmark that stresses different aspects of your graphics processing.
• Steel Nomad Light: A good balance of performance and visual fidelity.
• Steel Nomad: The most demanding benchmark, previously exclusive to the Windows version of 3DMark.

Why a Native macOS Version?

UL Solutions, the developers of 3DMark, created this macOS version in response to a significant observation: a substantial portion (approximately one-sixth) of the Steel Nomad Light benchmark submissions were coming from Mac users running the iOS version of 3DMark. The issue was that the iOS app's inherent frame rate limitations, especially on high-performance Macs, resulted in artificially low benchmark scores, providing an inaccurate representation of actual gaming performance.

The native macOS app resolves this problem, providing a much more accurate and reliable assessment of your Mac's capabilities.

Features of the Full Version

The full version of 3DMark for macOS, available for $34.99, unlocks a host of additional features beyond the benchmark tests themselves. These include:

• Explorer Mode (Steel Nomad Benchmarks): This allows for free exploration of the test environments in the Steel Nomad benchmarks, revealing hidden details and giving a more immersive experience.
• Result Saving to 3DMark.com: Track your progress and compare your scores against others worldwide.
• Custom Resolution Settings: Tailor the benchmarks to your specific display settings for optimal results.
• HDR Support: Experience the benchmarks with enhanced visual fidelity and realism.
• Steam Achievements: Earn achievements within the app to add a layer of gamification to the benchmarking process.

Availability and Pricing

Existing 3DMark users will be pleased to know that they can download the macOS version at no extra cost. This is a significant benefit for those already invested in the 3DMark ecosystem. Future purchases of 3DMark will include both Windows and macOS versions where applicable, ensuring a consistent experience across platforms.

You can download 3DMark for macOS from several sources:

• Steam (Free demo and full version available)
• Coming soon: Epic Games Store (Full version)
• 3DMark.com (Direct download)

Conclusion

The arrival of a native macOS version of 3DMark is a significant development for Mac users interested in accurately assessing their system's gaming performance. With its comprehensive benchmark tests, cross-platform compatibility, and wealth of features, 3DMark for macOS sets a new standard for benchmarking on Apple's operating system. Whether you're a casual gamer or a serious enthusiast, 3DMark offers an invaluable tool for understanding and optimizing your Mac's graphical capabilities.

This improved accuracy and the added features make it a must-have for any Mac gamer looking to get the most out of their hardware. Download it today and see how your Mac stacks up!

This article, "3DMark Benchmarking Tool Now Available on macOS" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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