One of the OS tasks is to schedule low resource tasks to throttle the CPU, it would otherwise overheat. The kernel_task process seems to consume lots of resources. $ sudo powermetrics -samplers smc | egrep -i 'Fan|CPU die' Monitor thermal levels, temperature and fan speed on the CLI:.Turboboost Switcher trial as a Homebrew cask: brew install turbo-boost-switcher.istat menus trial as a Homebrew cask: brew install istat-menus - after installation it asks for your root password to install additional components.Cancel the dialogue to just monitor read-only. Mac's Fan Control as a Homebrew cask: brew install macs-fan-control - after installation, it asks for root permissions to control the fan speed.You can monitor the behaviour by installing additional tools. You'll see the WindowServer task consuming the most CPU resources. Open the Activity Monitor with Spotlight/Alfred/Raycast, and switch to the CPU tab. Spoiler: You'll need to upgrade to macOS Monterey. My solution is at the bottom feel free to scroll below. I've documented my entire research sourcing from multiple articles. Big Sur and Monterey made the problem worse, it seems to be a bug in the AMD driver. Problem: The AMD GPU drains the power source even when running idle. Resolution: 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD - Ultra-Wide Quad HD) The following displays are in use: $ system_profiler SPDisplaysDataType | grep -C1 Resolutionįramebuffer Depth: 30-Bit Color (ARGB2101010) The AMD GPU in use heats up to 75 degrees with the external display turned on. In my case, the Intel Core i7 is accompanied by the AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB, more powerful than the iGPU Intel UHD Graphics 630 built into the processor.ĬPU temperature levels range from 75 to 100 degrees Celsius when under load, 55-60 when starting to work. When an external monitor is plugged in, macOS automatically switches to the more powerful graphics card. The problem is not new, many ideas and solutions are provided online. The external display plays a role in my workspace, as well as turbo-boost triggered from apps. After nearly 2 years of operation, the Macbook's heat output became worrying.

Macbook pro gpu temperature monitor