Apple has expanded its High Power Mode feature to more MacBook Pro and Mac mini models with the M4 Pro chip, according to Ars Technica’s report. The feature was previously limited to Apple’s highest-end “Max” chip, but now it is available on both 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with a “Pro” chip.
High Power Mode allows fans to run at higher speeds, delivering improved performance for graphics-intensive workloads such as 8K video color grading. The feature can be used when the computer is running on battery power or connected to a power source.
In a review of the Mac mini, Andrew Cunningham found that performance gains from using High Power mode were “essentially negligible,” but fan noise was considerably increased. He noted that his tests showed signs of small upward nudge in some GPU tests, but differences in CPU tests and many other tests were within the margin of error.
To enable High Power Mode on supported Macs, users can access it through System Settings under “Battery” or “Energy.” The feature is designed for sustained workloads, such as long video editing sessions. Apple advises users to leave High Power mode turned off unless necessary.
This expansion comes after previous expansions of the feature to more models and recent macOS versions.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2024/11/07/high-power-mode-for-m4-pro-macs