MacBook Pro for gaming?

[Alliord]

Hello:

 

First of all, thank you for your time and for trying to help me out.
My macbook pro is a 13" (Late 2011) version. Ive had it for 5 years now. I do not use this macbook for gaming only, I do a lot of web browsing and college stuff. I know a very little about Microsoft computers but I really know nothing about Mac computers. During all this time I replaced the battery once, and replaced the original HDD for an SSD.

 

SPECS:

OS X El Capitan (Version 10.11.6)

Processor: 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5

Memory: 4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 (2 memory slots)

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 384 MB

Storage: 500GB SSD SATA (This one I bought it because the original one died)

Link to full specs page: https://support.apple.com/kb/sp645?locale=en_US

 

The game I play is World of Warcraft, and it ran perfectly all these years except now. It still runs well but when I play the laptop get very hot; it also is lags a little bit when opening and closing the game, and during loading screens. And it lags a lot when Im in crowded zones in-game.

Anyways, my dilemma:

Is there any way I could eliminate or reduce the heat when playing?

Is there any way I could improve my gaming performance and eliminate the lag or reduce it significantly?

If so, what is convenient to do? Add more RAM?

I do not know if it is possible to add graphics card to a macbook pro.

Should I improve this macbook? Or save and buy Windows computer or build my own system?

Im open to all suggestions.

 

BUDGET: $250-300

NOTE: I plan to play World of Warcraft for about 1-2 years more, so thats is why I do not want to spend much.

 

Again, thank you!

[79wjd]

You could try opening up your computer and cleaning out any dust. That could help a bit with temps, but regardless it will get hot. 

 

Upgrading to 8gb of ram would probably help, as would turning down settings/resolution in game. That's all you could realistically do.....so I'd say try that (it shouldn't cost more than $50~) and it could save you from buying a gaming computer ($300-$1000).

[Ykno]

Mac + Gaming = LOL

 

ha

[TheBestUserName]

I'm a Mac user and lover, (but yes, I do both platforms) but I wouldn't recommend upgrading your notebook any more.   The only thing left any way would be the RAM. But adding more isn't likely to help with gaming performance in any way.  

 

I'd suggest keeping your MacBook Pro and saving up for a new machine if you wanted more flexibility with video games.

[Alliord]

16 minutes ago, djdwosk97 said:

You could try opening up your computer and cleaning out any dust. That could help a bit with temps, but regardless it will get hot. 

 

Upgrading to 8gb of ram would probably help, as would turning down settings/resolution in game. That's all you could realistically do.....so I'd say try that (it shouldn't cost more than $50~) and it could save you from buying a gaming computer ($300-$1000).

Thank you.

 

Question:

On the "About this Mac" section of my mac, in the Memory tab it says "Your Mac contains 2 memory slots, each of which accepts a 1333 MHz DDR3 memory module.". However, may I add two sticks of more than 1333MHz? 1600 or 1800 maybe?

[79wjd]

Just now, Alliord said:

Thank you.

 

Question:

On the "About this Mac" section of my mac, in the Memory tab it says "Your Mac contains 2 memory slots, each of which accepts a 1333 MHz DDR3 memory module.". However, may I add two sticks of more than 1333MHz? 1600 or 1800 maybe?

There's no point, just get the cheapest 2x4gb or 1x8gb SODIMM DDR3 (depending on whether you might upgrade to 16gb in the future).

[TheBestUserName]

Just now, Alliord said:

Thank you.

 

Question:

On the "About this Mac" section of my mac, in the Memory tab it says "Your Mac contains 2 memory slots, each of which accepts a 1333 MHz DDR3 memory module.". However, may I add two sticks of more than 1333MHz? 1600 or 1800 maybe?

You could add two more modules up to 16GB, and up to 1600MHz.  But the logic board will slow them down to 1333.  If you were to upgrade the RAM, get whichever speed is cheaper from whatever brand you like. 

[Chaos_Sorcerer]

2 minutes ago, Alliord said:

Thank you.

 

Question:

On the "About this Mac" section of my mac, in the Memory tab it says "Your Mac contains 2 memory slots, each of which accepts a 1333 MHz DDR3 memory module.". However, may I add two sticks of more than 1333MHz? 1600 or 1800 maybe?

There's no point, like @djdwosk97 mentioned. They would just run at 1333MHz. Don't pay more for those 1600MHz sticks. But if they're cheaper than the 1333MHz kit...well...go for it. No compatibility will be affected. Not much else you can do - again, like @djdwosk97 mentioned, you could clean out the laptop and add some more RAM. Maybe an SSD...but there's no point since you'll be investing a lot in something you'll probably replace sooner or later. 

[Alliord]

Okay thank you everyone, appreaciate it a lot!

[Bhav]

1 hour ago, Ykno said:

Mac + Gaming = LOL

 

ha

Steve Jobs = most influential person on gaming. Joke of the century, I cant believe we stopped Hitler for this.