MacBook Air M5 shows impressive gaming power efficiency
Recent testing of the MacBook Air equipped with the new Apple M5 chip has revealed remarkable energy efficiency, even when running demanding modern games.
During gameplay tests of Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur’s Gate 3, the processor consumed only about 7 to 8 watts of power. This level of efficiency is significantly lower than most gaming laptops currently available.
Stable gaming performance without cooling fans
One particularly interesting aspect of the test is that the MacBook Air uses a passive cooling design, meaning the laptop operates without internal cooling fans.
Despite this limitation, the M5 chip maintained stable performance without experiencing thermal throttling.
While playing Cyberpunk 2077, the processor consumed around 6.9 to 7.2 watts, remaining below its maximum power limit of 8 watts. The system was able to sustain consistent performance for over an hour without slowing down due to heat buildup.
Ultra settings at 1080p with MetalFX upscaling
During the benchmark, the game was tested at 1080p resolution with Ultra graphics settings.
Under these conditions, the laptop produced an average frame rate of 19.6 FPS. However, when the graphics settings were lowered slightly and MetalFX was enabled, gameplay became noticeably smoother.
This means that even AAA titles can be played on the MacBook Air while the system remains cool and completely silent.
Entire system uses only 19 watts of power
When measuring the entire system’s power usage including the display and other components, the MacBook Air consumed only 19 watts.
This result places the device among the most efficient laptops currently recorded in performance per watt tests.
Although the MacBook Pro 14 equipped with a higher core version of the M5 chip offers stronger raw performance, it also consumes more power compared to the MacBook Air.
Strong balance between performance and battery life
The entry level MacBook Air 13 M5 is priced around $1,070 USD, positioning it as a strong option for users who want a portable laptop capable of both productivity and occasional gaming.
Apple’s continued development of its custom silicon architecture appears focused on balancing performance with energy efficiency. This approach remains one of the key reasons why the MacBook Air lineup continues to attract users looking for powerful yet lightweight laptops.
 Origin: Notebookcheck
