Do you often do resource-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D designing? Then you’ll want to know how to use High Power Mode on your MacBook Pro. This is a special power mode on your Mac that is designed to optimize performance to better support intensive tasks. What exactly does it do and how can you work with it? Check out all the details below.
What is High Power Mode on MacBook Pro?
You’ve probably heard of Low Power Mode on your MacBook which allows you to conserve battery life. On the flip side, High Power Mode is a performance-boosting feature available on select MacBook Pro models. According to Apple, it helps to maximize the system’s performance for demanding tasks.
When enabled, High Power Mode allows your MacBook to run at higher processing speeds by optimizing power usage and increasing fan speeds to improve cooling. This results in smoother performance for activities such as video editing, 3D rendering, and machine learning tasks.
However, it’s important to note that High Power Mode also increases fan noise and slightly reduces battery life. So, you should only use it when needed.
Supported models
High Power Mode is currently available on the following devices:
- MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2024) with M4 Pro or Max
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024)
- MacBook Pro (14-inch, Nov 2023) with M3 Max
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, Nov 2023) with M3 Max
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023) with M2 Max
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021) with M1 Max
- Mac mini (2024)
How to enable High Power Mode on MacBook Pro
The process to turn on High Power Mode depends on which macOS your device is running, as described below.
macOS Ventura and later
- In the menu bar, click the Apple logo and select System Settings.
- Click Battery.
- Under Energy Mode, select High Power Mode from the “On battery” or the “On Power Adapter” pop-up menu.
macOS Monterey or earlier
- In the menu bar, click the Apple logo and select System Preferences.
- Click on Battery.
- In the sidebar, select Power Adapter.
- Next to “Energy Mode” click the selection box and select High Power.
Remember that using High Power Mode may increase fan noise and make your device feel hotter to the touch.
To summarize, these are the three power modes on your Mac:
- Automatic: The default option that provides optimal energy use and steady performance.
- Low Power: Prolong battery life by reducing energy use.
- High Power: Provides enhanced performance by making the fans run at higher speeds; may drain the battery faster.
You can see which power mode you’re using by clicking the battery or lightning bolt icon in the menu bar to view the battery status menu.
Signing off
High Power Mode is a useful feature for resource-intensive tasks such as 3D graphics or video editing. If you have any further questions about it, let me know in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to answer.
FAQs
High Power Mode boosts performance on compatible MacBook Pros by increasing processing power and fan speeds for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
Use High Power Mode when performing intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or machine learning that require maximum performance and sustained processing power.
Click on the battery icon in the top menu bar to view the battery status menu. Here you can see what power mode your Mac is on.
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