iMac unresponsive - CPU maxing out

Question

Level 1

35 points

iMac unresponsive - CPU maxing out

lately my iMac has become virtually unusable (app hangs/crashes, CPU processes >100%, Mail not loading, photos not loading, Chrome hanging etc.)

I’m running High Sierra 10.13.6, the latest OS my Mac can run, so fully up-to-date. No other peripherals or partitions.

The issues seem to be related to iCloud, Mail, Address Book or a combination. Related processes tag-team in maxing out the CPU, even with no apps open except Activity Monitor. The main culprit appears to be soagent, and address book/contact related processes.

Nothing I’ve tried seems to work: Disk First Aid in Safe or Recovery modes report no issues; resetting NVram, reinstalling OS from bootable USB has no effect with problems persisting.

This is my only computer so I really need to find a solution urgently. Apple Support telephone support is no use as my system is no longer supported and I’ve tried everything they suggest.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Posted on Feb 9, 2024 12:46 PM

Reply

Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,060 points

Feb 9, 2024 1:21 PM in response to Arcadian

Did you completely fill up the computer's internal storage? The computers internal storage may be damaged (crashed hard disk) if that is the case the your best option is to replace the computer and use your Time Machine backup to restore your data on the new computer. You can also take the computer to an independent Apple Authorized Service Provider if you have one in your area and they can at least diagnose it to tell you what is wrong.

Apple Authorized Service Provider Locator (AASP) & Genius Appointment

Reply

Answer 2

Arcadian Author

Level 1

35 points

Feb 9, 2024 1:32 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for your reply.

only ~ 250gb of 1TB used. Alas Time Machine not working so can’t back up. Finances limited at present new/ replacement machine not an option.

Ideally I’d like to try and self-diagnose the issue. Once I know what is the root cause. I’m pretty sure it’s a software rather than hardware issue. The Mac was running fine until a week ago.

Reply

Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,060 points

Feb 9, 2024 1:39 PM in response to Arcadian

Apple offers up to 24 months of no-interest financing so that is an option. Another option is to buy a used Mac from a reputable reseller such as Macsales.com or if you can afford an Apple refurbished machine, navigate to Apple.com, go to the bottom of the page and select the Refurbished Store.

If you are adamant about not replacing it then your only option is to take it to an independent Apple Authorized Service Provider in your area.

Sorry you are experiencing this though but I'm sure you will learning some lessons from it such as why it is imperative to keep your Time Machine up-to-date and to check it very frequently. Many experienced users (myself included) use redundant backups as a backup External Hard Disk can fail too.

Reply

Answer 4

Arcadian Author

Level 1

35 points

Feb 9, 2024 1:41 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Any suggestions on how I might go about pinpointing what may be causing the issues I’m experiencing so that I can see if it’s fixable before I splurge money I haven’t got? Thanks

Reply

Answer 5

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,060 points

Feb 9, 2024 1:44 PM in response to Arcadian

Nope, that is why you need to take it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Reply

Answer 6

Arcadian Author

Level 1

35 points

Feb 9, 2024 1:54 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for your input.

anyone else?

Reply