kernel_task is using 100% CPU when waking from sleep

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Level 1

7 points

kernel_task is using 100% CPU when waking from sleep

Since updating my 13" mid-2013 MacBook Air to Mavericks, there's this issue that's been happening when I wake the computer up from sleep. A proccess called kernel_task uses 100% CPU (a whole core) and hangs there until the computer is restarted. This doesn't make the computer unresponsive, but it kills battery life.

So far, I've tried the following:

1. Resetting SMC, NVRAM and PRAM: no effect.

2. Safe Boot: the issue doesn't happen.

3. Deleting old apps/plugins: issue persists.

4. Closing all apps doesn't solve issue after it takes place.

5. Repairing permissions: no effect.

6. Apple Diagnostics: no issue found in hardware.

7. No kernel extensions from third-parties are installed (there are 120 kext, according to Terminal, but they all come from Apple).

8. Everything is up to date.

9. Only external plugin installed is Flash.

Given these, I reckon it's something software-related. Any tips on solving this would be welcome — things to look for in Console logs would be greatly appreciated.

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2013), OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Oct 28, 2013 12:03 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 2, 2013 5:05 PM in response to HalexPereira

I had the same problem on a MacBook Air 2013 on which I had done a complete reinstallation of Maverics from rescue disc and it seems I have actually found a SOLUTION to this...

kernel_task was using 100% CPU and this is what powermetrics said...

Machine model: MacBookAir6,1

OS version: 13A603

**** Interrupt distribution ****

CPU 0:

Vector 0x46(SMC): 2.80 interrupts/sec

Vector 0x49(MacBookAir6,1): 111.89 interrupts/sec

Vector 0x92(IGPU): 265.74 interrupts/sec

Vector 0x96(HDEF): 218867.39 interrupts/sec

Vector 0x98(ARPT): 7.19 interrupts/sec

Vector 0x9e(SSD0): 0.60 interrupts/sec

Vector 0xdd(TMR): 308.49 interrupts/sec

Vector 0xde(IPI): 135.07 interrupts/sec

CPU 1:

Vector 0xdd(TMR): 15.58 interrupts/sec

Vector 0xde(IPI): 48.35 interrupts/sec

CPU 2:

Vector 0xdd(TMR): 482.12 interrupts/sec

Vector 0xde(IPI): 477.92 interrupts/sec

CPU 3:

Vector 0xdd(TMR): 215.19 interrupts/sec

Vector 0xde(IPI): 229.97 interrupts/sec

Now I noticed I had VLC running in the background and closed that. Then I also found quite a few hanging processes named QTKitServer-(####) Safari Web Content... - I killed the first of these and the CPU usage went right back to normal levels.

So I am not sure if the problem was caused by VLC or the hanging QTKitServer process but you might try killing both and check if that helps. It sure solved my problem.

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Answer 2

HalexPereira Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 2, 2013 5:10 PM in response to SundanceX

It's interesting you mentioned the nonresponsive QTKitServer process, because I've been noticing it lurking around in Activity Monitor. I don't have VLC installed, though — I had Perian, however, but I recently removed it to no avail.

One thing I never noticed was if QTKitServer was around when the kernel_rask went haywire. I'll look into it, next time I have the chance.

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Answer 3

Nov 2, 2013 7:29 PM in response to HalexPereira

I have been experiencing the same issue after upgrading to Mavericks, Mid-2013 11" MacBook Air. The last time this happened, I had speakers plugged in to the headphone jack playing music, which agrees with some of the posts here saying this is related to playing music with headphones connected.

The powermetrics also show exactly the same abnormally high level of HDEF interrupts:

**** Interrupt distribution ****

CPU 0:

Vector 0x49(MacBookAir6,1): 25.89 interrupts/sec

Vector 0x93(IGPU): 833.52 interrupts/sec

Vector 0x96(HDEF): 194291.70 interrupts/sec

Vector 0x98(ARPT): 11.95 interrupts/sec

Vector 0x9e(SSD0): 2.99 interrupts/sec

Vector 0xdd(TMR): 301.74 interrupts/sec

Vector 0xde(IPI): 152.36 interrupts/sec

CPU 1:

Vector 0xdd(TMR): 18.92 interrupts/sec

Vector 0xde(IPI): 134.44 interrupts/sec

CPU 2:

Vector 0xdd(TMR): 296.76 interrupts/sec

Vector 0xde(IPI): 896.26 interrupts/sec

CPU 3:

Vector 0xdd(TMR): 129.46 interrupts/sec

Vector 0xde(IPI): 448.13 interrupts/sec

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Answer 4

gius92

Level 1

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Nov 3, 2013 10:55 AM in response to HalexPereira

I have the same issue on MacBook Pro Retina 13" (Late 2013).

I thought that is an Hardware Problem, but now i saw this topic and i noticed that i have always Apple Earpod connected!

Now i'm trying to disconnect headphones, and it seems that the process kernel_tastk returns to normal state.

When occurs the issue, the interrupt are the same, the problem is HDEF and related kext AppleHDA.

I tryed to install AppleHDA kext from Mountain Lion but Mavericks don't load these.

Do you think it is only a software problem?

I hope that Apple releases a fix.

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Answer 5

ts1392

Level 1

0 points

Nov 3, 2013 6:10 PM in response to HalexPereira

having the same issue!

retina macbook pro 13" late 2013

not using headphones here.. but itunes running with music..

gonna try a few things to see if it helps.. rebooting everytime I wake my computer up seems to kill the point of putting it to sleep in the first place :/

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Answer 6

John_Raz

Level 1

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Nov 4, 2013 12:16 AM in response to HalexPereira

Having the same issue on my MacBookAir 13" (2013).

I have fixed the issue replacing the AppleHDA.kext driver with the one from Mountain Lion 10.8.5.

Still waiting Apple to fix the issue.

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Answer 7

Roy So

Level 1

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Nov 4, 2013 12:17 AM in response to John_Raz

Would you provide the steps and files? Thanks a lot

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Answer 8

Jayk2

Level 1

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Nov 4, 2013 2:02 AM in response to John_Raz

Hi, if you have fixed this by replacing the AppleHDA.kext driver please share and let us know how.

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Answer 9

gius92

Level 1

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Nov 4, 2013 2:22 AM in response to HalexPereira

On my MacBook Pro Retina 13" (late 2013) I replaced the AppleHDA.kext with one from Mountain Lion 10.8.5 but there is no Audio Device in System Preferences. Perhaps the Mountain Lion Kext does not support Audio Device of last MacBook released at october; or have I done something wrong.

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Answer 10

Jayk2

Level 1

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Nov 4, 2013 2:46 AM in response to gius92

Thanks for the info. A "How-To" replace the files and where to get the files from would be great though.

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Answer 11

John_Raz

Level 1

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Nov 4, 2013 4:05 AM in response to HalexPereira

Here how i have replace the AppleHDA.kext driver on my MacBookAir 13" (2013):

sudo mv /System/Library/Extensions/AppleHDA.kext /System/Library/Extensions/AppleHDA.kext.disabled
sudo cp -pr AppleHDA.10.8.5.kext /System/Library/Extensions/AppleHDA.kext
sudo chown -R root:wheel /System/Library/Extensions/AppleHDA.kext
sudo touch  /System/Library/Extensions

Then reboot

Here the link to AppleHDA driver of Mountain Lion 10.8.5: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/112112/AppleHDA.10.8.5.kext.zip

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Answer 12

HalexPereira Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 4, 2013 4:24 AM in response to John_Raz

Kudos for you, but I wouldn't know what is going on in these command lines. I trust people who are not as savvy as you will exercise due caution when trying this method.

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Answer 13

John_Raz

Level 1

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Nov 4, 2013 4:38 AM in response to HalexPereira

If you afraid to use command line you can use

Kext Wizard: http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7085278/Kext_Wizard/download.html

to install and backup the driver.

Instruction here: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/253395-kext-wizard-easy-to-use-kext-insta ller-and-more/

For the destination use: System/Library/Extensions

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Answer 14

Roy So

Level 1

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Nov 4, 2013 10:16 PM in response to John_Raz

Thank you very much, but it doesn't work on my rmbp 2013. The audio function keys do not work after replacing the the kext of 10.8.5.

I have restored the original one. Waiting for apple.

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Answer 15

Nov 5, 2013 10:02 AM in response to HalexPereira

I have encountered the same problem, after having connected a stereo plug and a minidisplay port one core was using 100%. A restart solved the problem. However, I have tried to recreate it and I did not manage. Even plugging the headphones and unplugging them, with VLC playing, it does not come back. Will try by doing a deep sleep. But it is annoying because I will constantly have to watch my activity monitor.

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