If you're interested in knowing what your Mac is capable of when you push it to the limit, 3DMark is no longer the exclusive domain of the PC: it now has a native version for macOS that allows you to measure graphics performance accurately. In this guide I explain how to use it to obtain Reliable gaming and graphics performance data, how to interpret the scores, and what additional features will help you fine-tune your results.
In addition to the step-by-step instructions, we've compiled all the available tests, their differences, and installation, pricing, and compatibility options in one place. The app runs on Metal, which ensures Consistent benchmarks across macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android, and includes extras like Explorer mode, HDR support, and saving results to 3DMark.com. Let's get down to business.
What is 3DMark for macOS and what makes it different?
3DMark for macOS is the official adaptation of UL Solutions (UL Benchmarks) that arrives as an application native based on Apple's Metal API. This means that we are not dealing with a “fast” port, but rather with software optimized for the Apple's architecture and system, with scenes designed to stress GPU and CPU in a modern and comparable way.
The trigger for this launch was a curious fact: approximately 1 in 6 Steel Nomad Light test shipments It came from Macs running the iOS version. The frame rate limitations of the iOS app, especially on powerful machines, could skew the scores. With the macOS version, the problem is solved, as There is no FPS capping outside the test and execution is done natively.
This approach ensures that the results are consistent across platforms and that you can compare your Mac with PCs or mobile devices without cheating. In other words, 3DMark for macOS allows realistic measurements of Apple hardware, with functional parity with Windows in the tests available for Metal.
As if that weren't enough, UL has brought the experience up to par with that of a PC: you can save your runs on 3DMark.com, access achievements on Steam, and enjoy Explorer mode to browse the benchmark scenarios. All of this contributes to a complete testing ecosystem for gamers, developers and enthusiasts.
Tests available on macOS: what each one measures
The macOS edition includes four main benchmarks: Wild Life Extreme, Solar Bay, Steel Nomad Light and Steel NomadEach one explores a different aspect of graphics performance, so it's best to choose the one that's best for your system and your goals.
Wild Life Extreme focuses on very demanding graphics loads in terms of shaders and effects. It's ideal for viewing How integrated and dedicated GPUs scale of the latest Macs in an intense scene, with metrics that let you compare against other devices.
Solar Bay introduces ray tracing tests, key if you want to measure the impact of these techniques on your hardware. Thanks to this test, you can evaluate ray tracing performance in scenarios designed to reflect modern video game loads.
The Steel Nomad Light offers a strong yet somewhat more affordable load than its bigger brother. It's useful for teams that need a demanding but not extreme reference, maintaining comparability between devices of different ranges.
Steel Nomad, previously exclusive to Windows, finally arrives on macOS with a particularly tough scene that stresses the GPU and CPU. If you want a no-nonsense test to learn where is your Mac Regarding a gaming PC, here you will find a very ambitious measurement pattern.
Key modes and features that make the difference
In addition to the typical “Start benchmark,” 3DMark for macOS incorporates tools that enrich the experience. The Explorer mode allows you to move freely through the scenes, change the camera, activate HDR if your equipment supports it and discover small technical secrets that the developers have hidden.
This Explorer mode also supports game controllers and controls, a detail that makes it easier to navigate test environments. It's a great way to study visual bottlenecks or to calmly show someone how graphic effects work.
Other interesting features: saving results to 3DMark.com for later comparison, creating runs at custom resolutions, loop execution for stability and heat testing, and built-in Steam achievements for those who enjoy gamifying their benchmarking sessions.
The presence of immersive audio and demo-like presentation options help to show the evidence as if it were a cinematic, which is also useful for detecting stutters or artifacts during playback.
Download, price and availability
3DMark for macOS can be downloaded at Steam, with a free demo available so you can try before you buy. The full version has a guide price of $34,99 / €34,99, in line with what we know about 3DMark on other platforms.
If you already had 3DMark on another supported platform, UL Solutions confirms that You will get the macOS version at no additional cost from your library. This is a great advantage if you use multiple devices and want to keep your tests unified.
In addition, UL has announced that the complete edition will be available Epic Games Store and the application will also be available for download from 3DMark.com where applicable. This offers flexibility if you prefer one store or another to manage your licenses.
In short, you have several ways to install it and, thanks to the Steam demo, you can validate compatibility and performance on your Mac before checking out. Easy and straightforward.
Prepare your Mac for reliable results
Before running any benchmark, it's a good idea to prepare your environment. Keep macOS and 3DMark running. updated to the latest version to ensure performance and compatibility fixes. System updates typically include graphical and stability improvements.
Close background apps and processes that can consume CPU or memory. The fewer tasks the system has, the more effective the results will be. It's recommended. disable heavy syncs (cloud, backups) during the test.
Connect your Mac to power to avoid throttling due to battery or energy-saving profiles. Ensure good ventilation, and if using a laptop, place it on a surface that allows airflow. dissipate heat efficiently to minimize thermal cuts.
If you're using HDR or custom resolutions, make sure your monitor or integrated display is configured appropriately. A poorly applied setting can introduce variations, so keep your parameters consistent between passes if you plan to compare results.
How to use 3DMark on macOS step by step
- Install the application from Steam and run the demo or the full version. Once inside, you'll see the catalog of tests available on macOS. Select the benchmark that best suits your system and the type of load you want to measure; for example, Wild Life Extreme for a general intense graphic scene.
- Go to the test settings to set the resolution, HDR (if applicable), looping, or activating the demo sequence. You don't have to change anything, but adjusting the resolution allows you to customize the test requirements depending on your objective.
- Start the test and don't touch your computer until it's finished. The scenes are deliberately demanding, with effects and loads typical of a cutting-edge video game. You can sit back and watch everything render in real time while the app collects performance data.
- After finishing, 3DMark will display the overall score, graphics and CPU metrics, and FPS per scene. Save the result to your 3DMark.com account to compare it with other users and your own runs. This database allows you to track the evolution of your Mac with changes in version, temperature or settings.
How to read and compare scores
La overall score It serves as an indicator of your system's overall performance under that specific test. It's useful for quick comparisons, but it's not the only way to do it. Also look at the graphics and CPU sections to understand whether the bottleneck is in the GPU or the processor.
The Average FPS of each scene helps detect particularly heavy segments. If you see a section dropping more than expected, perhaps that combination of effects (shading, particles, ray tracing) isn't right for your hardware, and that's a clue to adjust your gaming or work expectations.
Comparing with similar machines is key. At 3DMark.com, you can filter by Mac type and configuration to see where you stand. For example, It has been published that an M1 Max is around 18.737 points in Wild Life Extreme, approaching what we've seen on some RTX 3060s. Take this as a reference, always remembering that the exact scene, version, and temperature affect the result.
If you're testing the impact of ray tracing, prioritize Solar Bay and keep settings consistent between passes. 3DMark loops allow you to observe if thermal throttling appears Over time: If the score drops, you may need to improve ventilation or repeat the test with cooler equipment.
Which tests aren't in macOS (and why)
In the 3DMark universe there are classic benchmarks such as Time Spy, Fire Strike or Night Raid. These tests are designed to Windows APIs (DirectX 12/11) and are therefore not part of the native offering on macOS. On Mac, the base is Metal, so the available exams focus on that technology.
The result is that many historical PC comparisons use Time Spy or Fire Strike, while on macOS you'll have to rely on Wild Life Extreme, Solar Bay and the Steel Nomad family. Still, UL is working to make scenarios comparable across platforms so you can get an accurate idea of relative performance.
If you read guides for Windows, you'll find references to DirectX and those benchmarks. Keep this in mind so you don't confuse metrics, and try do not mix tables of results from different tests when you compare your Mac to a PC.
You'll occasionally see materials with embedded videos or browser compatibility notes. If you see a warning like "your browser doesn't support video," it won't affect running the benchmark in the native app, so It's not a problem for your tests.
Other utilities to complement the diagnosis on your Mac
3DMark is ideal for graphics performance, but you can get a 360º view by combining it with other tools. The key is to understand disk, memory, CPU, and stability to reveal where the bottlenecks are real of your team.
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test measures the read/write speed of your storage. With one click on “Start” you will see if your SSD offers enough performance for editing or gaming, and if a low rate can be slowing down texture loading or streaming.
Apple Diagnostics (formerly Apple Hardware Test) checks your hardware for errors. On Apple silicon: Start your Mac, press and hold the Power button until you see startup options, then press Command–D to launch diagnosticsOn Intel: boot and hold the D key. You'll get codes that point to possible issues and, if necessary, official support channels.
Geekbench 6 (in many guides you'll still see Geekbench 5) tests CPU and memory under real-world loads. It's useful for benchmarking performance. of the CPU outside the graphical contextYou can run the free version and compare scores with other similar models.
Cinebench, based on Cinema 4D, tests the CPU and GPU with complex 3D scenes. If you're interested in an additional rendering metric, it's a popular benchmark. free for measuring multi-thread and rasterization.
Novabench offers a quick system test (CPU, RAM, GPU) and a database for comparison. It's a good lightweight add-on for viewing the overall picture and detecting errors. abnormal behaviors in minutes.
PerformanceTest includes multiple CPU and memory tests with over 18 tests. Its focus on the computational part helps you understand if the bottleneck is not graphic but computational or RAM.
Finally, a practical note: although macOS doesn't have many classic "PC benchmarks," 3DMark now offers a serious and comparable tool. Use it alongside the previous utilities to have a good understanding of the benchmarks. a complete interpretation of performance and not just stick with a number.
Overall, 3DMark for macOS provides a professional and consistent way to evaluate your Mac's graphics performance, with native Metal tests, Explorer mode, HDR, game controllers, and synchronization with 3DMark.com. By installing the demo on Steam, setting up your system, choosing the right test, and comparing against similar machines, you'll get a clear readout of What your Mac can do today and how it's evolving with new versions or adjustments.
