MacBook Air 2015 CPU speed drops to 0.6 GHz during rendering web pages and videos

So, I have a MacBook Air from early 2015 and it runs Catalina 10.15.7. There are no thermal issues, over 70+ GB free of 120 GB on the disk, Monterey makes it run even slower so I have Catalina 10.15.17. The CPU would throttle to 0.6 GHz when loading anything “significant” (like a 1080p YouTube video or a business insider page). The laptop had been used for playing video games so it might’ve been running hot but it does not exceed 50 degrees now, but the CPU speed would still drop to 0.6 GHz loading stuff. I’m sorry if the story is confusing but can anyone help me as I’ve tried an SMC Reset, NVRAM/PRAM reset and even ran diagnostics and it said nothing was wrong but something is clearly up and I can’t figure it out.

Posted on Sep 22, 2023 10:54 AM

Reply
9 replies

Sep 22, 2023 8:35 PM in response to sarvagya82

One thing I forgot to mention is that the CPU speed idles around 1.7 GHz on Intel Power Gadget and as soon as I load something up, for example a 1080p YouTube Video, the CPU speed would go up to about 2.3 GHZ -ish and then if it takes longer than like 10-15 seconds, the CPU speed plummets down to 0.6 GHz and then if I close the tab, after a few minutes the CPU speed springs back up.

Sep 23, 2023 2:31 PM in response to sarvagya82

If you search this forum you'll find numerous posts about relatively "new computers (younger then yours) failing.


I'm not saying that's your cause, just suggesting it's a possibility.


How long a different device lasts or performs has no bearing on your MBA. Things break and wear out and mostly that's unpredictable.




Sep 24, 2023 5:27 AM in response to sarvagya82

It's possible that applications you've installed over the last couple of years are beginning to bog your computer down. Have you installed any "cleaner", anti-virus, or "optimizer" applications? These are known to create far more issues than they prevent. If that's the case, use the manufacturer's uninstall applications to get rid of them, as simply dragging the app to the trash won't do the trick.


If you aren't sure what might be causing the issue, you can download/install/run an excellent program called Etrecheck that might help. This app can uncover processes and applications that are known to create havoc. If you're interested in going that route, install the app (you can Google Etrecheck to find the app) and allow full disk access. Then run the report, and copy the entire report to the clipboard. Come back here and paste the report using the Additional Text icon (third from the right bottom in the Reply window) and we'll be happy to go over it and recommend any possibilities that would speed your Mac up.

Sep 24, 2023 5:58 AM in response to sarvagya82

First, I would try a different temperature monitor app to verify that the info the Intel app is giving is correct. Most will allow a trial period to check out which is all you really need for verification. They also monitor many more system components than the Intel app and maybe something else is getting too warm and telling the CPU to slow down.


Also, are you sure you have the proper Intel app for the version of macOS that you are using?


Also, you may want to carefully remove the back base cover on the MacBook Air and see if there is an accumulation of dust on the fan and carefully remove it and any other on the board using compressed air. Do not physically touch anything on the logic board. You can get a can of air or simply get one of the bulb type baby aspirators.

MacBook Air 2015 CPU speed drops to 0.6 GHz during rendering web pages and videos

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.