It follows instructions given by the user, apps, and programs. The CPU is the main chip inside your computer, phone, and even some cars that is responsible for performing most system tasks. More importantly, you'll want to know how to lower CPU usage by filtering out unnecessary programs and optimizing the operating system.Ī set of tools from Setapp could help you sort this out and get things running a bit faster. To make an old Mac feel fast and new, or just to speed things up, it's important to know how to check CPU usage on Mac. Additionally, older Mac devices can start to slow down over time, and that's likely because you've installed too many apps, games, or programs. The CPU is the brain of your Mac, and sometimes it needs a break. If you multitask and like to have many apps running simultaneously, your device's CPU (central processing unit) is probably working overtime.

Or maybe it's just time for a new laptop. Maybe it's been a bit too long since you restarted your computer.

You might bargain with yourself while watching it spin-and maybe it just needs a minute. The rainbow 'circle of death' is familiar to most Mac users, and usually elicits a groan and a sigh. There are few things more frustrating than a computer that barely works.

Mac view cpu usage