Turbo Boost is a feature available in some Macs that improves the computer’s performance when using a lot of memory. Turbo Boost is available only on Macs with Intel processors. It is automatically enabled by macOS when your computer requires more performance. Similarly, macOS turns it off when your computer is not using a lot of memory. However, there are also ways to enable and disable turbo boost manually. This guide shows you how.
Check if you have the Turbo Boost feature
Before enabling or disabling Turbo boost, first check if your Macbook supports this feature in the first place. Only Macs with intel processors have turbo boost – so if you have one of the newer M1 Macbooks, you won’t be able to use this feature.
You can also directly check your model:
- Go to your Mac’s menu bar and click the Apple logo. Then, select About This Mac.
Click the Apple logo on your menu bar and select About This Mac. - A tab appears that displays the full model name of your Mac. Here, you will be able to see if your Mac has an Intel processor or not.You can also search for your exact model. Copy the first line by highlighting it, then press Command + C.
Copy your Mac’s information. - Paste your Macbook’s information into Google. Add “technical specs” at the end of the search term, then press enter.
Paste the information into Google’s search bar. Add “technical specs” to the end of your search query. - Click the result that takes you to support.apple.com or the one that begins with https://support.apple.com in the search results.
Click the result from support.apple.com. - Scroll down and find the “Processor” section on the Apple support website. If you see the term “Turbo Boost” on the page, your Macbook supports Turbo Boost.
Find the term “Turbo Boost” in the “Processor” section.
Enabling Turbo Boost
Apple doesn’t allow you to control Turbo Boost in macOS natively. Instead, you will need to install a third-party app called Turbo Boost Switcher.
- Download Turbo Boost Switcher. It’s available as a free or paid app, with the paid app having more advanced features. For this tutorial, I’ll be using the free version.
Download the Turbo Boost Switcher app. - After downloading the app, open the ZIP file and run the “Turbo Boost Switcher.app”. Then, drag the thunder-like logo to the Applications folder to install the app. Next, do the same with the tbswitcher_resources folder.
Run the Turbo Boost Switcher.app, then drag the app to the Applications folder. - Once Turbo Boost has been successfully installed, it will add a thunder-like icon to your Mac’s menu bar.
Thunder-like icon added to the menu bar. Note: If you receive an error message about an unknown developer, click the Apple icon in your menu bar, select System Preferences, then Security and Privacy, and finally, Allow. Enter your computer’s password to allow the app to make changes to your computer. You may need to restart your computer if you’re using macOS Catalina or Mojave.
Click on Open System Preferences 
Click Allow to unblock Turbo Boost Switcher. - Finally, check if Turbo Boost is already enabled by clicking the thunder-like icon. Once you click the icon, a drop-down menu appears. You’ll see the “Disable Turbo Boost” message at the top if you already have Turbo Boost enabled.
Click the Turbo Boost Switcher logo on the menu bar
Disabling Turbo Boost
When Turbo Boost is enabled, you’ll notice that your Mac runs hotter and drains its battery faster. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to disable it.
- You’ll need Turbo Boost Switcher to disable Turbo Boost on your Mac. You can proceed to the next step if you’ve already installed it. If not, go back to the previous section in the tutorial above to install it.
Launch the Turbo Boost Switcher app - After launching Turbo Boost Switcher, click the thunder-like icon in your Mac’s status bar. Then, in the drop-down menu, select Disable Turbo Boost.
Click on the app’s logo on the menu bar. - Enter your password and click OK to authorize the app to make changes to your computer.
Enter your Mac’s password, then click OK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turbo Boost harmful to your processor?
Turbo Boost is designed to operate within the CPU’s limits and won’t harm your processor.
Will disabling Turbo Boost harm my computer?
No. In fact, it can increase your Mac’s longevity by reducing battery consumption.
Will turning off Turbo Boost affect the performance of my computer?
Yes. When you disable Turbo Boost, you limit the maximum speed of the CPU, which results in lower performance.
Do Apple Macs equipped with the M1 chip support Turbo Boost?
No, newer Macs that come with the Apple M1 chip don’t support Turbo Boost.
What macOS versions support Turbo Boost Switcher?
The Turbo Boost Switcher app is compatible with OS X, Monterey, Big Sur, Mojave, Sierra, Catalina, and High Sierra. If you’re having problems after updating your Macbook to the latest version of Monterey, try restarting your computer.