Apple Expands High-Power Mode – But Does It Do Anything?

Since the introduction of the 16-inch MacBook Pro M1, selected Apple Silicon machines have been given a new mode: with the help of the so-called High Power Mode, the Mac is intended to be particularly powerful for gaming or video production. Of course, power saving modes do work and you should operate the device on the power supply if possible. Also, fans are expected to start. With the release of the new Mac Mini M4 Pro and MacBook Pro M4 models, the manufacturer is expanding the function known in German as “Performance Mode” to the new models.

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Once the only option on expensive models

This is according to an update late last week supporting documents in english In which Apple describes the different modes. Previously, they were only available on the 16-inch M1 Max and M2 Max MacBook Pros, as well as the 14 and 16-inch M3 Max MacBook Pros. Now M4 Pro models are being added to both the MacBook Pro M4 (here: Plus M4 Max) and the Mac mini M4.

“(Performance Mode) Color grading can improve performance in graphics-intensive workflows such as 8K ProRes 4444 or 8K DNxHR video. In video editing and 3D applications, exports can run faster and playback can be smoother when enabled, “Apple writes that at the top. However, the fan can run faster and “thus get louder”.

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User experiences vary

Initial tests of Performance Mode on the M4 Pro (and M4 Max) showed that the speed increase over the Mac mini was relatively small, as Ars Technica notesIn CPU tests and several GPU tests, there were improvements in the area of ​​fault tolerance. However, results were “very slightly better” in at least some GPU tests.

However, fan noise was clearly audible – something that Apple silicon users rarely hear. Apple itself says that the Mac usually always operates in automatic mode, which you can switch to low power mode (to save battery) or high power mode if you prefer. It remains to be seen whether active fans help maintain performance at least for a longer period of time. This is especially likely to be the case with the MacBook Pro M4.

(B.Sc.)