Zwift on Macbook (not Macbook Air or Macbook Pro)

Triathlon Forum
1

Is anyone running Zwift on the 12" Macbook? Not the Air and not the Macbook Pro, but the ultra lightweight 12" Macbook with the M processor and no fan. I expect the graphics to be poor due to cheap video card/processor, but I’m more curious whether the low-end processor that requires no cooling fan can handle the load.

It’s time to replace the wife’s laptop and she needs something small, light, and ultra portable, limiting options to a Chromebook, Macbook, or Macbook Air, and one of the few local applications used that would eliminate Chromebook as an option is Zwift.

2

I use a several year old Mac Mini which works completely fine. It has the same internal as the Macbook from the same year.

3

Thanks. But the new Macbooks are not at all like the old. They use this M series processor that runs cool and requires no fan. But, the processor is also somewhat underpowered, with the M standing for Mobile, so it is designed for phones and tablets. I know Zwift is a power hungry app and the fan runs constantly on my Macbook Pro, so I’m just curious how (and if) it performs on these new Macbooks with the M processor and no fan.

4

I have a 2015 13in Macbook Pro I use and never had an issue, and I have had it going for 4+hrs
.

5

Thanks. But the new Macbooks are not at all like the old. They use this M series processor that runs cool and requires no fan. But, the processor is also somewhat underpowered, with the M standing for Mobile, so it is designed for phones and tablets. I know Zwift is a power hungry app and the fan runs constantly on my Macbook Pro, so I’m just curious how (and if) it performs on these new Macbooks with the M processor and no fan.

(coming from an IT person, I tear up a bit on the inside when people can’t grasp basic technology)
The new Macbook (not the mini, or air, or pro) should have no problem running Zwift.
the Intel M processor is not made for phones or tablets (ipads, etc.) It’s made for laptops. Small laptops.
Shouldn’t have any problem in the CPU department, as Zwift can run in a Core2Duo.
What it really needs is processor memory. The Macbook uses an Intel 515 video chipset, which uses “shared system memory”, which is to say it “borrows” from the built in system RAM.

The new Macbook isn’t too far removed from the Air as far as graphics and power, so read this:
https://support.zwift.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/201883459-What-graphics-quality-can-I-achieve-with-the-various-Mac-computers-available-now-

6

Hi
I have a 12" Macbook, the first version from about 18 monthd ago
Running Zwift with a Tacx Neo and HR sensor by Bluetooth
HDMI out to a TV
No problem at the low resolution setting (520p ? the lowest). It gets a bit too choppy for my tastes at 720p or 1080p (don’t have the exact FPS number, but probably lower than 30…)
Ran the Macbook 2h straight, no overheating. Plugged in to the AC, no idea what the battery autonomy is if left unplugged.

7

Maybe you should try to emulate the iPad app on it.
Would run pretty smooth I guess

8

Thanks. But the new Macbooks are not at all like the old. They use this M series processor that runs cool and requires no fan. But, the processor is also somewhat underpowered, with the M standing for Mobile, so it is designed for phones and tablets. I know Zwift is a power hungry app and the fan runs constantly on my Macbook Pro, so I’m just curious how (and if) it performs on these new Macbooks with the M processor and no fan.

(coming from an IT person, I tear up a bit on the inside when people can’t grasp basic technology)
The new Macbook (not the mini, or air, or pro) should have no problem running Zwift.
the Intel M processor is not made for phones or tablets (ipads, etc.) It’s made for laptops. Small laptops.
Shouldn’t have any problem in the CPU department, as Zwift can run in a Core2Duo.
What it really needs is processor memory. The Macbook uses an Intel 515 video chipset, which uses “shared system memory”, which is to say it “borrows” from the built in system RAM.

The new Macbook isn’t too far removed from the Air as far as graphics and power, so read this:
https://support.zwift.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/201883459-What-graphics-quality-can-I-achieve-with-the-various-Mac-computers-available-now-

Thanks, srschick. But, I’ve taken two software companies to IPO, so you don’t need to tear up inside over my lack of grasping technology. And, as dj_pal has confirmed, my reasons for concern about ability to handle zwift are validated and legitimate; as I suspected Zwift works but is choppy.

Finally, my concern about the M series processor sans cooling fan remains. You say the processor is intended for laptops. I’ve read that the M stands for mobile, like phones and tablets. Who knows. Who cares. But don’t call me wrong when apple fanboy reviews give info about the processor like this:

The Core M is Intel’s new generation of processors that run so cool that they can be fanless. And being fanless means that the computer in which they feature can be thinner and smaller than ever. That M in Core M stands for mobile, though, and these are processors destined for tablets and hybrid laptops, so don’t expect anything like the power of the Core i5.

I’ll probably just play it safe and get a dedicated Alienware Alpha for Zwift to run in the paincave and not try to multi-purpose with a laptop.

But, anyway, hope the tears have cleared.

9

Hi
I have a 12" Macbook, the first version from about 18 monthd ago
Running Zwift with a Tacx Neo and HR sensor by Bluetooth
HDMI out to a TV
No problem at the low resolution setting (520p ? the lowest). It gets a bit too choppy for my tastes at 720p or 1080p (don’t have the exact FPS number, but probably lower than 30…)
Ran the Macbook 2h straight, no overheating. Plugged in to the AC, no idea what the battery autonomy is if left unplugged.

Thanks for the info. This is the actual, real-world experience I was looking to learn.

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In other words, Zwift runs like crap on a Macbook, avoid doing so if you can.

11

Well… not sure if trolling or not, but I’ll bait
It doesn’t run like crap
It runs at a lower resolution perfectly. More importantly, no crashes mid-ride at all. Would it be better at 1080p ? Maybe for some folks. Would 1080p would help me train longer/faster/at a higher wattage ? No.
It’s like saying Zwift is crap at 1080p since there is a prototype VR running somewhere that id more submersive…
The Macbook is far from an Alienware gaming PC, but gets the job done…

12

The Core M is Intel’s new generation of processors that run so cool that they can be fanless. And being fanless means that the computer in which they feature can be thinner and smaller than ever. That M in Core M stands for mobile, though, and these are processors destined for tablets and hybrid laptops, so don’t expect anything like the power of the Core i5.

I’ll probably just play it safe and get a dedicated Alienware Alpha for Zwift to run in the paincave and not try to multi-purpose with a laptop.

But, anyway, hope the tears have cleared.

thanks, tears have dried up. (they were mostly for those commenting about other products, like the MBP that obviously would be faster)

So basically, you don’t think the Macbook will run Zwift to your liking, and you plan to use a more capable computer for that application?
what was the question again? Oh, yes… the Intel M processor is capable of handling the load. It’s your video processing power that is lacking.

Two software IPOs? then you should have been able to answer this question yourself.
but I digress…

13

The Core M is Intel’s new generation of processors that run so cool that they can be fanless. And being fanless means that the computer in which they feature can be thinner and smaller than ever. That M in Core M stands for mobile, though, and these are processors destined for tablets and hybrid laptops, so don’t expect anything like the power of the Core i5.

I’ll probably just play it safe and get a dedicated Alienware Alpha for Zwift to run in the paincave and not try to multi-purpose with a laptop.

But, anyway, hope the tears have cleared.

thanks, tears have dried up. (they were mostly for those commenting about other products, like the MBP that obviously would be faster)

So basically, you don’t think the Macbook will run Zwift to your liking, and you plan to use a more capable computer for that application?
what was the question again? Oh, yes… the Intel M processor is capable of handling the load. It’s your video processing power that is lacking.

Two software IPOs? then you should have been able to answer this question yourself.
but I digress…

Knock yourself out on trying to get your digs in that I am not technically fluent or whatever it is you are trying to say, but the reason for this thread and what I asked for in the original post is actual experience of anyone actually using the 12" Macbook for Zwift. And, thanks to dj_pal, I found firsthand experience. And, despite your claim based on the processor specs that “The new Macbook (not the mini, or air, or pro) should have no problem running Zwift.”, dj_pal, validates my suspicion that it does indeed run Zwift, at best, suboptimally.

If you want to keep playing this game of you saying “you are a technical idiot and should just look at the processor specs rather than ask for firsthand experience” and me saying “shut up”, I am happy to do so.

14

And, despite your claim based on the processor specs that “The new Macbook (not the mini, or air, or pro) should have no problem running Zwift.”, dj_pal, validates my suspicion that it does indeed run Zwift, at best, suboptimally.

If you want to keep playing this game of you saying “you are a technical idiot and should just look at the processor specs rather than ask for firsthand experience” and me saying “shut up”, I am happy to do so.

yeah, that’s pretty much what I said in my initial reply?
and, I never called you a technical idiot. I was just clarifying the range of Intel processors in regard to their application and abilities.

also, again, IT’S. NOT. THE. CPU/PROCESSOR. SPECS. YOU’RE. HAVING. A. PROBLEM. WITH.

Enjoy the Alienware laptop. They’re quite nice and very capable. Might I add, if you’re going to connect to an external monitor/HDTV, no need to get the large high-end models. Even mid-lower AW models are more than capable of running Zwift at a high rate.
But that’s just, like, my opinion man…

15

Hey folks, have a related question…

If I want to use my kickr and macbook pro, with Zwift, will it work with nothing else other than the bluetooth connection between the kickr and MBP? I seem to read things online about needing a phone app as a bridge???

Thx!

16

And, despite your claim based on the processor specs that “The new Macbook (not the mini, or air, or pro) should have no problem running Zwift.”, dj_pal, validates my suspicion that it does indeed run Zwift, at best, suboptimally.

If you want to keep playing this game of you saying “you are a technical idiot and should just look at the processor specs rather than ask for firsthand experience” and me saying “shut up”, I am happy to do so.

yeah, that’s pretty much what I said in my initial reply?
and, I never called you a technical idiot. I was just clarifying the range of Intel processors in regard to their application and abilities.

also, again, IT’S. NOT. THE. CPU/PROCESSOR. SPECS. YOU’RE. HAVING. A. PROBLEM. WITH.

Enjoy the Alienware laptop. They’re quite nice and very capable. Might I add, if you’re going to connect to an external monitor/HDTV, no need to get the large high-end models. Even mid-lower AW models are more than capable of running Zwift at a high rate.
But that’s just, like, my opinion man…

Wow…take a deep breath…calm down…just because you are in IT doesn’t mean everyone else knows what you know.

TALKING IN ALL CAPS DOESN’T SOLVE ANYTHING AT ALL.

17

Is anyone running Zwift on the 12" Macbook? Not the Air and not the Macbook Pro, but the ultra lightweight 12" Macbook with the M processor and no fan. I expect the graphics to be poor due to cheap video card/processor, but I’m more curious whether the low-end processor that requires no cooling fan can handle the load.

It’s time to replace the wife’s laptop and she needs something small, light, and ultra portable, limiting options to a Chromebook, Macbook, or Macbook Air, and one of the few local applications used that would eliminate Chromebook as an option is Zwift.

I use a MacBook and even AirPlay it to my TV over Apple TV. No issues at all. Works perfectly.

18

For what it’s worth, I have tried to get Zwift to work on my 2008 Macbook 13" (not pro) which has a new SSD hard drive and a bit more RAM, but to no avail. It’s slow. Very slow. Very slow indeed.

According to Zwift website it should* work (*if I have interpreted system requirements/OSX correctly), but it, like, doesn’t.

Oh, and I’m not into IT. Changing the hard drive and RAM is about my limit.

Luckily I have a newer Sony laptop which works fine. No idea of specs on it (although the in-built wifi connectivity is I believe what IT geeks refer to as “crap” - a USB wifi dongle thingy sorted that out). Would’ve been nice to get the old macbook to be useful for something…

Good luck with it!

19

what about the surface pro, I’ve heard only good things about them with zwift
.

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Zwift runs on my 2012 MBP with 4gb ram and a mechanical HDD (i.e not SSD) and it runs OK, but the fan on my MBP is running 100% of the time and it sounds like a 747 taking off. I only ran it twice as I was using the trial, but if I was a subscribed member, I’d have to upgrade the hardware. Pretty sure it would blow up after a week or so. I think a SSD would get it running pretty well.