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My kernel_task is going crazy. What can I do?

Dear community,

the fan of my Mac mini was going 100% all the time. Now I installed Macs Fan Control and here I could make the fan go automatically based on the average CPU temperature. Silence at last!


But for some reason my kernel_task does not seam to like it. In the Activity monitor it is constantly using more than 700% of the CPU. I know that is odd, but it really seems to use something like 65% of my resources. Still a lot. What can I do?Thanks for any help,

Boris

Mac mini, macOS 13.1

Posted on Feb 9, 2023 7:45 AM

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10 replies

Feb 9, 2023 7:51 AM in response to Blechkraehe

It is suggested to start from the beginning and work you way thought each step and Test


1 - Restart in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.


2 - Safe Mode will also eliminate Third Party Software, extensions and drivers from loading. It will only load the Minimum amount of Core Apple Processes to allow the the computer to function at a reduced Level of Performance 


3 - Does the issue present in this mode ?


4 - Sometimes a Safe Boot followed by a Normal Boot will just put things right.


5 - If not - there could be something in the main User Account playing up. To further isolate this - Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac. Then log out of the Main User account and log into the dummy account and test again if the issue persists.


6 - If the issue is present in the dummy account - then, this appears to be a System Wide issue on the computer.


7 - Download the Application Etrecheck directly from the Developer.


This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer.


It makes a coherent and readable inventory of both the Hardware and Software used on the computer 


The application is free or paid from added features. 


The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 


Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - >>>> using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last ) <<<<



Feb 9, 2023 9:30 AM in response to Blechkraehe

The kernel task only runs like that when there is a serious hardware problem. It is designed to throttle the CPU and prevent it from over-heating.


Your use of the fan control software may physically destroy your Mac. That is one of the few pieces of software that has the ability to damage the hardware.


I recommend you uninstall the fan control software and take your computer to an Apple Store or Authorized Apple Service provider for diagnostics and repair.

Feb 9, 2023 9:23 AM in response to Blechkraehe

Like my Learned Colleague above has mentioned - never see that happen Password issue


I do know


id -Gn username | grep -q -w admin && echo True || echo False


If the $USER  is admin then True will result.


Credit to @VikingOSX


But what is troublesome would be IF the User has Purposefully enable the SuperUser " Root User" on this computer


Or to reset the computer password


Reset Computer Password  for the Administrator Account Password


Intel Computer


1 - Shutdown the computer 


1A - Restart computer and immediately hold the two keyboard combo Command  r 


1B - If using a Bluetooth Keyboard with Rechargeable Battery - Cable the Keyboard to computer for this unique purpose. Bluetooth Kernel may not load soon enough to execute the 2 keyboard commands 


2 - Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal


3 - Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces


4 - Press Return key


5 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password


Apple Silicon M1 / M2 Computer 


1 - Choose Apple menu > > Shut Down.


2- Do not  attempt a Restart to access this feature. The computer Must be Shutdown and pause for about 10 seconds before moving forwards 


 3 - Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see “Loading startup options.”


4 - Click Options, then click Continue. 


5 - Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal


6 - Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces


7 - Press Return key


8 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password

Feb 9, 2023 2:02 PM in response to etresoft

Piggy backing on EtreSoft's answer. Yes you have a heat problem, and your use of Fan Control will just make kernel_task keep the intel CPU chip in a low power idle mode longer, because you have taken away the fan's ability to cool the chip.


Chances are you have dust/pollen/smoke particles in the cooling channels, and it is blocking your cooling system's ability to cool your Mac. Start by getting the insides cleaned.

My kernel_task is going crazy. What can I do?

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