Tunabelly Software

TG Pro: Advanced Temperature Monitoring for Apple's M3 series

At Tunabelly Software, we're proud to announce that TG Pro 2.88 stands as the only application offering what we believe to be the most accurate temperature monitoring and fan control for Apple's M3 series Macs. Achieving this milestone involved non-stop research, testing, and dedication to overcoming numerous challenges.

To see the results of our efforts firsthand, we invite you to explore TG Pro. Compatible with macOS 10.13 and later, download now and enjoy a 14-day free trial.

Here are a few of the challenges that were encountered while working on adding support for the Apple Silicon M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max models.

Challenge 1: Sensor Mapping Complexity

One of the most significant hurdles we faced was deciphering the sensor data for the M3 series, especially for the M3 Max with its robust architecture. Mapping out which sensors correspond to specific CPU and GPU cores was an intricate task, given the sheer number of sensors involved. For the M3 Max, there is a total of 2709 values exposed, some of which are temperatures, some are related to fan speeds, some are related to power usage, although the majority are a mystery (since they are not documented by Apple). Here’s a small sample of the list of potential temperature sensors to try and map:

Tp04 [flt ] 87 (bytes e7 a3 ad 42)
Tp05 [flt ] 93 (bytes b4 70 b9 42)
Tp06 [flt ] 98 (bytes 00 18 c3 42)
Tp0C [flt ] 90 (bytes e3 35 b3 42)
Tp0D [flt ] 96 (bytes b0 02 bf 42)
Tp0E [flt ] 99 (bytes 00 c8 c6 42)
Tp0K [flt ] 84 (bytes c3 5c a7 42)
Tp0L [flt ] 90 (bytes 90 29 b3 42)
Tp0M [flt ] 94 (bytes 00 68 bb 42)
Tp0R [flt ] 89 (bytes 9f 01 b2 42)
Tp0S [flt ] 94 (bytes a3 8a bb 42)
Tp0T [flt ] 99 (bytes 00 b0 c6 42)
Tp0U [flt ] 93 (bytes 63 95 ba 42)
Tp0V [flt ] 100 (bytes 63 95 c8 42)
Tp0W [flt ] 106 (bytes 00 f8 d4 42)


From this small list, how do we know if any are temperatures, and if so, what component do they belong to? It was incredibly difficult, although we believe we have determined the best way to map the values to the CPU & GPU cores, and will continue to refine as we discover more details.

Challenge 2: Diverse Model Support

The diversity of models and configurations within the M3 series added another layer of complexity. Ensuring TG Pro's compatibility across all these variations was no small feat, however we were committed to providing comprehensive support for every M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max model. Not only were there multiple new models to support (ex: iMac and MacBook Pros), some of the same models could have different versions of the same chip.

For instance, one configuration of the MacBook Pro (16-inch, Nov 2023) might feature an M3 Max with a 14-core CPU and 30-core GPU, while another variant boasts a 16-core CPU with a 40-core GPU.

Challenge 3: Fan Control Limitations

A unique aspect of the M3 series is the hardware-controlled fan activation. Currently, TG Pro can control fans only when the hardware activates them. We're actively exploring workarounds to enhance fan control functionality while adhering to the system's hardware limitations.

Interesting Features of the M3 Max

In the course of the research that was necessary to support these new chips, a few interesting features of the M3 Max were discovered.

CPU Clusters

The M3 Max chip contains three distinct CPU clusters:

The letter-E in a square box. Efficiency: Low-power cores that are highly efficient but less powerful.
The letter-P in a square box. Performance: The first set of powerful cores with higher clock speeds and increased power consumption.
The letter-P in a square box. Performance: The second set of powerful cores.

CPU Core Temperatures:

We observed that under light loads, only the first Performance cluster reports back valid temperatures. This seems to be a deliberate power-saving measure. When the cores from the second Performance cluster are not needed, they are turned off to conserve energy, leading to invalid temperature readings. TG Pro addresses this by employing an alternate method for all CPU cores in this state, resulting in similar temperature reports across these cores. As the utilization escalates, these cores reactivate, allowing for even more accurate temperature measurements.

TG Pro showing CPU Performance core temperatures on the M3 Max when at low and high usage.

Showing the CPU Performance cores at low and high usage for the M3 Max

GPU Core Temperatures:

Similar to the behavior observed in the CPU cores, the GPU cores in the M3 Max chip exhibit a unique temperature reporting pattern. At times of low usage, the temperature sensors for the GPU cores are not actively reporting, which is also a likely measure to conserve power and resources.

In response to this, TG Pro adopts an alternative method for temperature measurement. When the GPU cores increase in activity and the sensors resume operation, TG Pro then provides access to the most accurate temperature readings.

TG Pro showing GPU core temperatures on the M3 Max when at low and high usage.

Showing the GPU cores at low and high usage for the M3 Max

Comments

TG Pro 2.84 Fully Embraces macOS 14 Sonoma: Enhanced Temperature and Fan Monitoring

TG Pro 2.84 now fully supports macOS 14 Sonoma, offering enhanced monitoring of critical temperatures such as CPU, GPU, SSD and more, along with fan speeds. With full fan control, hardware diagnostics, notifications, logging, and more, experience an elevated level of insight into your Mac's thermal performance and overall health on the latest macOS platform. Read More…
Comments

TG Pro: Now Supporting Apple Silicon Mac Pro, 15-inch MacBook Air, and Mac Studio

TG Pro 2.82 introduces full support for the latest Mac models, including the Apple Silicon Mac Pro with M2 Ultra, 15-inch MacBook Air, and Mac Studio with M2 chips, along with other important improvements. Read More…
Comments

Create QR codes for contacts using QR Factory 3

QR codes have become an increasingly popular way to share information quickly and easily, particularly in situations where it may be difficult or impractical to exchange information using more traditional methods such as email or physical business cards.

Creating a QR code for a contact that includes their vCard information is particularly useful because it allows the recipient to easily import the contact information directly into their address book or contact management system. This can save time and reduce the likelihood of errors or typos when manually entering contact information.

QR codes can also be used in a variety of contexts, from personal networking to professional events, to facilitate the exchange of information with potential clients, partners, or colleagues. They can be printed on business cards, displayed on websites, or shared via email or social media, making it easy to distribute contact information quickly and efficiently.

Using QR Factory 3, it's incredibly easy to create them and even include multiple emails, phone numbers, postal addresses and social profiles. It supports adding in all the fields one at a time, or using an existing contact that's already in the system (either macOS or iPadOS).

In addition, it has many other common types of QR codes templates built-in, along with the option to create multiple codes using a simple CSV file.

Download QR Factory 3 from the App Store today for either macOS or iPadOS and enjoy all the features for free for 7 days.

Create vCard QR code

Comments

M2 Pro & M2 Max: Fan control and temps with TG Pro

TG Pro 2.78 now supports the M2 Pro & M2 Max chips in the new MacBook Pro and Mac mini, with full temperature monitoring and fan control, overcoming challenges in temperature reporting for low CPU usage. The update also includes various minor fixes and improvements. Read More…
Comments

Ready for macOS 13 Ventura

All of our apps are fully compatible with the new macOS 13 Ventura. Read More…
Comments

MacBook Pro M2 gains support for CPU, GPU temperatures & fan control

TG Pro has been updated to version 2.70 to fully support the new MacBook Pro M2. Read More…
Comments

How to keep the Mac Studio fans quiet

Learn how to use TG Pro to keep the Mac Studio fans to a minimum so they stay nice and quiet! Read More…
Comments

Mac Studio gets temperature monitoring & fan control

TG Pro now supports the new Mac Studio models, including both the M1 Max and M1 Ultra versions. Temperatures such as CPU, GPU, memory, Thunderbolt ports and many more are available along with fan speeds and full control. Read More…
Comments

Temperature monitoring & fan control for M1 Pro / M1 Max MacBook Pros

TG Pro now supports the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with temperature monitoring for over 30 sensors, along with fan speeds and full fan control, plus many more features. Read More…
Comments

View CPU/GPU temperatures, fan speeds, battery health and more with TG Pro

View CPU/GPU temperatures, fan speeds, battery health and more with TG Pro. Read More…
Comments

Fan control & temperature monitor for M1 iMac

TG Pro now supports the 24-inch M1 iMac with temperature monitoring including specific ones to the iMac such as the LCD panel and power supply. Read More…
Comments

Fan control for M1 (Apple Silicon) Macs

TG Pro now supports the Apple Silicon based Macs with the M1 processor! This includes the new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and Mac mini. Read More…
Comments

macOS 11 at WWDC 2020?

We think there will be some massive changes in macOS coming… Read More…
Comments

Fan control for 15 and 16-inch 2019 MacBook Pros

TG Pro now supports both the 15-inch and 16-inch 2019 MacBook Pros with over 30 temperature sensors shown and full fan control. Read More…
Comments

Our apps are safe from CVE-2019-13013

TG Pro & Disk Diet have both been updated to close the potential privilege escalation. Read More…
Comments

Fan control for 2018 MacBook Pros

TG Pro now supports fan control and temperature monitoring for the 2018 MacBook Pros. Cool down that hot Core i7 or i9 processor with one click. Read More…
Comments

Fan control for the iMac Pro

Got a new iMac Pro? TG Pro now supports fan control and temperature monitoring. Read More…
Comments

Apple will probably use A11 Bionic chip in a MacBook

We really believe that Apple will use a A11 Bionic chip (or a successor) in a MacBook soon. Read More…
Comments

6 things Apple should change on the Mac App Store

The Mac App Store can be a great way to find apps although it has a lot of issues that developers would like to see fixed. Read on to find out what we think they are. Read More…
Comments

Our apps are ready for macOS Sierra (10.12)

All of Tunabelly's Mac apps are ready for the new macOS Sierra - get tips on how to update and makes sure your license keys migrate on a fresh install. Read More…
Comments

Will Apple use an A10 chip in the next MacBook?

Will the switch to an A10/A10X CPU happen in a 2017 MacBook? Read More…
Comments

Xcode - use incrementing buid numbers

Make your development life easier with incrementing build numbers for your Mac and iOS projects. Read More…
Comments

TG Pro app tutorial updated for 2.9.7

Includes explanation of all sensor types, fan control modes, forcing a fan to a lower speed and how to fix a nosy fan in an iMac. Read More…
Comments

What does the iPad Pro mean for MacBooks and OS X?

With the introduction of the new iPad Pro, will people still want a MacBook Pro with OS X? Read More…
Comments

Will the desktop disappear in OS X 10.11?

The concept of the Mac desktop has been around since 1984. Will it leave with OS X 10.11? Read More…
Comments

What helps to make a great developer?

Find out one key thing that every developer should be doing. Read More…
Comments

Our apps are being pirated

Piracy is common place for any digital format (apps, movies, songs, etc). See an example about one of Tunabelly's Mac apps. Read More…
Comments

Developing for the Mac App Store

People have asked me what I do for a living and when I tell them I write apps they immediately think about the iOS App Store... Read More…
Comments