How macOS can not only regulate CPU cluster frequencies to control power use, but also moves threads to E cores. This reduces power use of over 50 W to less than 13 W.
CPU
Provides maximum frequencies for E and P cores in each of the M-series, a table of all frequency steps used by current M-series chips, and explanation of how they have come about and their importance.
In any M-series family, I’ve always assumed that P and E cores were the same, whether it’s a base or Ultra variant. That isn’t correct, though.
Low Power mode operates pre-emptive control of CPU core frequency to deliver the best compromise between low power use and performance. Here’s how it does so.
How Apple silicon CPUs control core frequencies and power use when running in Low Power mode. Includes M4 Pro and M3 Pro data, and estimates of energy requirements.
Apple refers to Energy Modes and Power Modes, and despite older MacBook Pro models offering Low Power mode, tells us that isn’t what Low Power mode is now. Here are the observations and explanations.
Can you promote threads set to run on E cores so they run on P cores instead? Can you demote threads set to run on cores so they run in the background on E cores?
Originally Process Viewer and CPU Monitor, in 2003 they merged and became Activity Monitor, similar to the current version. Also borrowed for Xcode Instruments.
The CPU view in Activity Monitor is the starting point for tuning the performance of software. Here are its virtues, and a few vices to beware of when using it.
Set up from unboxing in under 2 hours, its CPU cores perform better than those in the M3, differences that are magnified.
The Eclectic Light Company 