"PerfPowerServicesSignpostReader" eats RAM and CPU

I have problems with a process called "PerfPowerServicesSignpostReader". Although I have 24 GB of RAM in my MacBook Pro M4 I need to restart it daily because of RAM swapping, even on days when I barely work. When I check in activity monitor that process will regularly claim 23 GB of RAM and 70 % CPU (Tahoe 26.3). It seems to be a legitimate daemon that processes log files if I understand correctly. How can I find out what triggers it to consume such insane amounts of resources? On my other Mac with 32 GB of RAM I never encountered that problem.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26.3

Posted on Mar 4, 2026 10:15 AM

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5 replies

Mar 4, 2026 11:50 AM in response to Dietmar Liehr

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and reboot normally and test to see if the problem persists.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Mar 4, 2026 5:06 PM in response to Dietmar Liehr

PerfPowerServicesSignpostReader— background daemon on macOS and iOS that gathers system telemetry and performance data


part of the PerfPowerServices framework. It parses os_signpost data to monitor performance, sometimes causing high CPU or RAM usage during intensive logging tasks


No resolve I try turning off Analytics & Imp and compare your results...(?)




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"PerfPowerServicesSignpostReader" eats RAM and CPU

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