How to check the CPU usage on a Mac

The Mac/MacBook is a very powerful machine and users of all kinds tend to exploit this feature, by running an insane levels of multitasking. The Mac doesn’t complain, but rather enjoys this and you can see it for yourself when you switch between the different applications and experience no lag whatsoever. Now, if you are an enthusiast, you may be curious to see how the CPU allows the resources to these applications, and thankfully, Apple has included a tool within the macOS package that helps you achieve the same.

Using this tool, you can see the CPU usage, memory usage, RAM utilization, and even the energy consumption per process. While this information may not look like much to the general user, the enthusiasts or analysts will definitely find it worth recording.

Unlock the Mac or MacBook to reveal the Home Screen.

 

 

Click on the ‘Launchpad‘ button to reveal the applications.

 

 

Scroll through the applications list and click on the ‘Other‘ folder.

 

 

In the ‘Other’ folder, click on the ‘Activity Monitor‘ application.

 

 

You will now see a new window open with all the relevant information accessible at the press of a button.

 

 

You can click on the various tabs on the activity monitor window to see the different ways that the applications and services are utilizing the CPU on your Mac or MacBook. Keep in mind that you can only view the information in the activity monitor. If you want to stop an application from running in the background, you will have to do it manually or use the force quit option.

Now, there are many third-party developers who claim to have applications that can help you see and optimize the CPU usage. Such applications are not necessary, as the CPU usage is optimized by the MacOS platform, but even then, if you want to try out such applications on your computer, make sure you check that the developer and the product is genuine. Do not fall for cheap tricks or false promotions.