Apple expands high-power mode – but does it help?
While previously only certain expensive machines could activate a "performance mode", Apple is expanding the availability of Mac mini and MacBook Pro with M4.
High Power Mode settings on the Mac: click for more power – and more noise.
(Image: Apple)
Since the introduction of the 16-inch MacBook Pro M1, selected Apple Silicon machines have been given a new mode: High Power Mode is designed to make Macs particularly powerful for gaming or video production, for example. Of course, power-saving modes are lost and the device should be operated on the power supply if possible. You can also expect the fans to start up. With the release of the new Mac mini M4 Pro and MacBook Pro M4 models, the manufacturer is extending the "performance mode" function to new models.
Once only an option on expensive models
This can be seen in a support document in English, updated at the end of last week, in which Apple describes the various modes. Previously, they were only available on the MacBook Pro with M1 Max and M2 Max with 16 inches, as well as the MacBook Pro with M3 Max with 14 and 16 inches. Now the M4 Pro models are being added, both the MacBook Pro M4 (here: plus M4 Max) and the Mac mini M4.
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"[Performance Mode] can improve performance in graphics-intensive workflows such as color grading 8K ProRes 4444 or 8K DNxHR video. In video editing and 3D applications, exports can run faster and playback can be smoother when it's enabled," Apple writes. However, the fan may run faster and "therefore be louder".
User experiences vary
Initial tests of the performance mode on the M4 Pro (and M4 Max) showed that the increase in speed on the Mac mini was relatively small, as Ars Technica found. In CPU tests and many GPU tests, the improvements were in the area of fault tolerance. At least in some GPU tests, however, the results were "a very small bit better".
However, the fan noise – was clearly audible, something that Apple Silicon users rarely hear. Apple itself states that the Mac is normally always operated in automatic mode, which can then be switched to low power mode (to save battery power) or high power mode if desired. It remains to be seen whether the active fans will at least help to maintain performance over a longer period of time. This is likely to be the case with the MacBook Pro M4 in particular.
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