Zwift on Mac Mini M2 vs PC: What You Need to Know

#macminim2 #zwift
In this video, we will be taking a closer look at running Zwift on the Mac Mini M2. We'll discuss the performance, graphics, and frame rate, and see how it compares to running Zwift on a PC.
- Buy The Mac Mini M2 (Amazon): amzn.to/42qDg0r
-- Chapters --
00:00 Intro
01:09 What is Zwift
01:45 The Mac Mini M2
02:42 Metal Support
03:22 Graphics in Zwift Explainer
04:56 Mac Mini Graphic Profile
05:43 Mac Mini M2 vs Gaming PC
08:18 Frame Rate
08:40 Final Thoughts
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[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

Great video! I had a 2018 Mac Mini with an eGPU connected to my 55" 4K TV for a while. It was a solid Zwift performer. 👏👏👏 Then my wife realized her computer was missing 🙄🤣🤣🤣 and I had give the Mini back to her and reconnect my Apple TV 4K. I really hope Zwift allows better graphical settings for the M2 Mini as there is no doubt it is MORE than up to the task. 💪💪💪 Sorry to hear you are under the weather. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Oh no… maybe you could’ve offered your wife a new Mac Mini if you get to keep the 2018 🤔 😂 I think it is particularly the M2 Pro which I’m seeing over 100 fps on mine. But still gets the crappy profile and resolution.

[@PureNRG2]

Excellent topic and information! Any chance of doing a similar video on more affordable mini gaming PC’s for Zwift?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

The problem with PCs is there are so many of them and spec changes so often. I will look into it though. Maybe I will do a PC build for Zwift 🤓

[@PureNRG2]

@@SmartBikeTrainers That too would be great. I saw Zwift on ultra the other day and what a difference compared to Zwift on my Apple TV!

[@arweljames]

Great video. Very informative. Any updates for January 2024 if the M2 now runs the Ultra graphics profile at 4k? Thanks!

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

It runs high profile and 4K resolution.

[@jw87240]

Hi can you do a best bang to buck build for a gaming PC in mid 2024 for the ULTRA setting in Zwift please? Thanks

[@wallaceharvey2574]

Does the latest Zwift 1.47 update now mean that the Mini M2 will now run with the improved graphics ? Does it use the silicon chip ?

[@darylv49]

Hi, just wondering, since you posted this video earlier this year and following all the subsequent Zwift updates, has the in game graphic profile now been improved upon? Would seem crazy if it is still only running on medium settings, especially for a machine that is capable of so much more. Love your channel, keep up the good work.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

They currently have Zwift running natively on Apple Silicon. Also, I haven’t tested again with the M2 Mini yet. However I do have it on my M2 MacBook Pro and it runs in 4K and high profile with rider shadow 👌

[@jannikschonfeld7025]

Would be interesting to know, if the brandnew MacBook Pro with M3 will unlock the „ultra“ profile? Do you have any experiences?:)

[@joelterwilliger9901]

@@SmartBikeTrainers Great video (as usual). I launched Zwift on my Mini M2 earlier and the Game Resolution included the Ultra High FWIW

[@chawley52]

I'm currently running Zwift on an Apple TV 4K. Does the Mac Mini M2 offer more/better Bluetooth connections? [Apple TV 4K, Vizio 27" HD TV, Kickr Core, Wahoo Cadence Sensor, Stages crank arm power meter (not connected), iPhone Zwift Companion]. Thanks for the great video. Get well soon!

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Yes, the Mac Mini doesn’t have the Bluetooth limitations you have with the Apple TV. You can can connect all your sensors and also use ANT+ as an option with an ant+ key.

[@joemurphy4489]

Great option. I'm using Zwift on ATV4K, and I hope they increase the profile for ATV, since I'm using it on a 44" TV. I just love the simplicity of ATV. It just works, Zwift starts quickly, and never any issues with sensors, not like my PC

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

The ATV is a very solid option and just works.

[@LeeBoris974]

Zwift drives me nuts on this. I understand Macs might not be common for their users, but how hard is it give us the options to use a better profile? They have said they are working on it, but this shouldn't take months (years).

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

I hear you and it’s frustrating at times. Some code changes can take time and can be easily explained like the transition to full native silicon since they rely on a lot of other third party plugins. So they need to wait for all to convert to silicon before Zwift can make that transition. Also, supporting all the different devices and OS add to complexity of pushing any code change. Not sure how things get prioritized there but like you said, some features they promised have taken years 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@LeeBoris974]

@@SmartBikeTrainers Which I understand for the Macs, but how about about the newest Apple TV? Same hardware, just more powerful version of it. Can't they just set it a higher profile and see how it runs? It's been about 6 months now and still no updates (they said months ago on Reddit that they were working on it).

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

@@LeeBoris974 right, I don’t understand the delay on the ATV either.

[@serraku]

Can you stream with OBS (I don't know if this runs on a mac platform) and play at the same time?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Yes, you can use OBS on MacOS

[@TheOkinawaBoy]

Thanks for the video. While I run Zwift on MBA M1, my laptop becomes very hot. Maybe I should lower resolution down? BTW I'm able to run 1440p

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

I wouldn’t worry about the heat as much. But you can lower the resolution to HD if you would like. Not sure you will notice a difference on a MBA 13” screen.

[@TheOkinawaBoy]

@@SmartBikeTrainers Forgot to mention- MBA connected to 43' TV and input set to 4K

[@dr_taka]

You should update the details now. You can do 4K on Mac mini M2… mine does but I only have a non 4K TV hooked up and so I just use ultra

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

I did :) Zwift Game Update: 2 Hidden Updates No One Told You About kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIOxXpSpiLSpbdk

[@spirro78]

I know it's pricey but how does the Mac Mini M2 Pro go with Zwift?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

As far as graphic performance and graphic profile, it’s the same as the M2. You will get higher frame rate but not worth the upgrade for FPS if you plan to only use it for Zwift. I have the M2 Pro for video editing and it’s superb.

[@Demon09-_-]

wow.... with how good the m1 and m2 are its sad to see it locked to 1080p medium...

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

I’m crossing my fingers Zwift will take full advantage of all that power soon.

[@Check-it-out]

The question is NOT: Is the mini capable. The question is: will Zwift allow the Mac to show its full potential. Again, my iMac 2017 already ran Zwift in its highest settings flawlessly.

[@Check-it-out]

Assigning max 1080p to an m2 Mini shows once again how clueless Zwift’s management is. After 10 years we still can’t modify the HUD or any element regarding on-screen information. That is PATHETIC !

[@FoobsTon]

If you're looking at shadows on your screen, you're not working. Simples.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Haha 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@matthewmcneil9284]

A similarly priced entry level gaming PC will absolutely clobber this. You could buy an apple sticker for the PC if that makes you feel better.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

I completely agree that a similarly priced entry-level gaming PC can outperform the Mac Mini M2 in terms of gaming performance. Not sure if you would get a similar PFS at this price but you will get a higher profile.

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

🤦‍♂️ The PC defenders never fail.