Logic pro causing my CPU to run at max frequency even with no project open

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Level 1

6 points

Logic pro causing my CPU to run at max frequency even with no project open

Hi guys,

I saw one other post about this, but no satisfactory answer, so I'm hoping someone can shed some light on it. When I run Logic, my CPU immediately jumps to its absolute maximum overclocked frequency of 4.39ghz (it's a 2.3ghz 8-core intel i9). It then stays there regardless of the load on the cpu, type of project loaded etc. Even with no project open at all it's the same. This of course causes the macbook to get hot and fans to max out. Surely this can't be normal behaviour? Every other app uses as much CPU as it needs from moment to moment. Why would Logic be different? The CPU usage is only at 1%, but the frequency is at maximum always...

In the screenshot below you can see normal use before logic, then logic opened, then a period with Turbo Boost disabled (my only workaround to keep fan noise down), then re-enabled.

I have a Macbook Pro 16", 2.3ghz 8-core i9, 16gb ram, AMD Radeon 5500m 4GB.

Any ideas? This stupid Macbook Pro 16" is bad enough as it is with overheating without Logic throwing this into the mix (excuse the pun)!

Cheers

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 25, 2021 1:02 PM

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Answer 1

Pancenter

Level 6

14,782 points

Mar 25, 2021 2:36 PM in response to billy.s

First of all, I would shy away from "Clean my Mac" too many problems reported here after using it with Logic installed.

Looks like the Mac's hardware (possibly the T2 chip) is setting the CPU at it's max available frequency, there could be some Logic to this in the sense that frequency shifts whike running a DAW may (or may not) cause glitches. Your CPU use is minimal but CPU cycles are maxed out. Is this the latest version of Logic? It might be something Apple has done to overcome some of the problems on the newer hardware. Seems like a good query for Apple.

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Answer 2

EddieGrey

Level 4

2,000 points

Mar 25, 2021 2:08 PM in response to billy.s

Hi there! Here are couple of things that could help you save CPU power on your Macbook:

First and foremost, whenever possible keep your wifi and bluetooth off
Use an app like "CleanMyMacx" to help clear unnecessary cache files
In Logic, whenever possible, freeze plugins and bounce tracks down when your projects get plug-in heavy

Another, more advanced, thing you could try if everything is still running hot is reset your RAM:

Here's a partition from another thread:

How to reset NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory)

Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. You can release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might appear to restart.

On Mac computers that play a startup sound, you can release the keys after the second startup sound.
On Mac computers that have the Apple T2 chip, you can release the keys after the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time.

If your Mac is using a firmware password, this key combination does nothing or causes your Mac to start up from macOS Recovery. To reset NVRAM, first turn off the firmware password.

When your Mac finishes starting up, you might want to open System Preferences and adjust any settings that were reset, such as sound volume, display resolution, startup disk selection, or time zone.

Hope this helps speed up your workflow in and out of Logic!

Cheers,

Eddie G.

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Logic pro causing my CPU to run at max frequency even with no project open

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