# t2-cruise: reconstructing Apple SMC power-limit behavior on Linux

> t2-cruise reconstructs how a T2 MacBook's Apple SMC requests CPU and GPU power limits. The author compared SMC readings under macOS and Linux, mapped MSLC and MSLG limit steps, and wrote a Linux daemon that applies them through intel_pstate and an optional Radeon power cap.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Firmware
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-08
- Original resource: <https://github.com/flo-coast/t2-cruise>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/flo-coast/t2-cruise/blob/9d5a7b668186982edf4ce99b31448cd49a88c8e7/docs/FINDINGS.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/t2-cruise-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/t2-cruise-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/t2-cruise-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** A T2 MacBook running Linux with t2linux kernel patches, applesmc, intel_pstate and Python 3 is required.
- **Prerequisites:** GPU limiting additionally requires an unlocked Radeon power cap.
- **Testing evidence:** The author tested MacBookPro16,1; other models remain untested.
- **License:** GPL version 3 or later.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/flo-coast/t2-cruise/blob/9d5a7b668186982edf4ce99b31448cd49a88c8e7/docs/FINDINGS.md>
2. <https://github.com/flo-coast/t2-cruise/blob/9d5a7b668186982edf4ce99b31448cd49a88c8e7/README.md>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.