Should You Use Frame Gen in Cyberpunk 2077 on a MacBook?

Cyberpunk 2077 on a MacBook struggles to achieve 60 FPS, especially on base variants. The frame gen tech can help, but should you use it?

Picture of Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077 and MacBook Pro
Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077 and MacBook Pro (Image via CDProjektRed | Apple)

The release of Cyberpunk 2077 on MacBooks is a rare opportunity for Apple fans to finally play this acclaimed title. Users with Apple M3 or M4 Pro and Max chips can play the game at 60 FPS without any issues. However, the same cannot be said for MacBook users with older M1, M1 Pro, M2, and other chips, as they struggle to achieve a constant 60 FPS. Fortunately, Cyberpunk 2077 also includes the Frame Generation (FG) technology, which can help you reach 60 FPS in the game.

However, many users would suggest against using this. Therefore, the question is, should you use FG in Cyberpunk 2077 on a MacBook? The short answer is yes, but there’s more to it, as there are two types of Frame Gen technology in this game. In this article, we will discuss how well Frame Gen is implemented in the Mac version of Cyberpunk 2077 and whether you should consider using it.

Note: Parts of this article are subjective and reflect the writer’s opinions.

Is Frame Generation Implemented Properly on the MacBook?

Picture of Cyberpunk 2077's Frame Generation option
Cyberpunk 2077’s Frame Generation option (Image via CD Projekt Red)

CD Projekt Red did a phenomenal job by implementing not one but two different Frame Gen technologies with distinct purposes. The first is MetalFX Frame Generation, which was added as part of the full MetalFX suite. The second is AMD’s FSR FG technology, which is open-source and can be implemented on almost every device.

Both work as intended by boosting the game’s average frame rates to make it smoother. However, they work a bit differently. The MetalFX FG focuses on delivering the best image quality with little to no artifacts, so you don’t double the base frame rate, but it is still higher.

On the other hand, the FSR 3.1 FG almost doubles the FPS in Cyberpunk 2077, but there could be some odd artifacts. However, it’s not very noticeable, especially in the smaller MacBook displays.

Why You Should Enable Frame Gen in Cyberpunk 2077 on a MacBook?

Usually, we advise against using Frame Gen technology, especially on shooter, multiplayer, and souls-like games. However, Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t fully fit any of those categories. It’s an action RPG title, and though there are some action instances, you can still use it. Besides, the impact of Frame Gen’s latency is a bit lower in this game. This is especially true for the MetalFX Frame Generation.

You should use it if Cyberpunk 2077 can reach at least 45 – 50 FPS on its own. The Frame Gen will then boost the FPS to 60 or higher for smoother gameplay. The picture quality will be better with MetalFX FG and almost artifact-free, so that’s an easy choice.

However, if your MacBook struggles and only reaches around 35 – 45 FPS, only then should you use the FSR Frame Generation. It will deliver 60 FPS, or close to 60 FPS gaming performance. We believe most owners of older MacBook Pro models would accept it at that point, despite the visual issues.


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