kernel_task using 100% CPU

I have a Mavericks late 2013 MBP. When I launch Mail, my memory use skyrockets and within a minute or so, I get a "run out of application memory" error message. The same thing happens even if I launch mail and immediately close it. It does not happen if I boot in safe mode, however. I ran the diagnostic suggested by Link Davis; results copied below. Can anyone help me or suggest what applications I should delete?

Step 1

nothing

Step 2

com.google.keystone.daemon

com.adobe.fpsaud

Step 3

com.google.keystone.system.agent

com.displaylink.useragent

com.zeobit.MacKeeper.Helper

com.spotify.webhelper

com.facebook.videochat.rossmeador.updater

com.adobe.ARM.ad895013aeb33ea6e968d9fdc06c0eb42c7c2a5229d98d64ad002716

com.adobe.ARM.202f4087f2bbde52e3ac2df389f53a4f123223c9cc56a8fd83a6f7ae

com.adobe.AAM.Scheduler-1.0

Step 4

/Library/Components:

/Library/Extensions:

ATTOCelerityFC8.kext

ATTOExpressSASHBA2.kext

ATTOExpressSASRAID2.kext

ArcMSR.kext

CalDigitHDProDrv.kext

HighPointIOP.kext

HighPointRR.kext

PromiseSTEX.kext

SoftRAID.kext

/Library/Frameworks:

.DS_Store

AEProfiling.framework

AERegistration.framework

Adobe AIR.framework

AudioMixEngine.framework

DivX Toolkit.framework

HPDeviceModel.framework

HPPml.framework

HPServicesInterface.framework

HPSmartPrint.framework

HPSmartX.framework

NyxAudioAnalysis.framework

PluginManager.framework

Skype.framework

TSLicense.framework

iLifeFaceRecognition.framework

iLifeKit.framework

iLifePageLayout.framework

iLifeSQLAccess.framework

iLifeSlideshow.framework

iTunesLibrary.framework

/Library/Input Methods:

/Library/InputManagers:

Ecamm

/Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

AdobePDFViewer.plugin

AdobePDFViewerNPAPI.plugin

AmazonMP3DownloaderPlugin101750.plugin

DRM Plugin.bundle

Default Browser.plugin

DirectorShockwave.plugin

Disabled Plug-Ins

DivXBrowserPlugin.plugin

Flash Player.plugin

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin.plugin

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin.webplugin

GarminGpsControl.plugin

Google Earth Web Plug-in.plugin

JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

OfficeLiveBrowserPlugin.plugin

Quartz Composer.webplugin

QuickTime Plugin.plugin

RealPlayer Plugin.plugin

Silverlight.plugin

flashplayer.xpt

googletalkbrowserplugin.plugin

iPhotoPhotocast.plugin

npdivx.xpt

npgtpo3dautoplugin.plugin

nsIQTScriptablePlugin.xpt

o1dbrowserplugin.plugin

/Library/Keyboard Layouts:

/Library/LaunchAgents:

com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist

com.displaylink.useragent.plist

com.google.keystone.agent.plist

/Library/LaunchDaemons:

com.adobe.fpsaud.plist

com.displaylink.usbnivolistener.plist

com.google.keystone.daemon.plist

/Library/PreferencePanes:

DivX.prefPane

Flash Player.prefPane

Flip4Mac WMV.prefPane

/Library/PrivilegedHelperTools:

/Library/QuickLook:

GBQLGenerator.qlgenerator

iBooksAuthor.qlgenerator

iWork.qlgenerator

/Library/QuickTime:

.DS_Store

AppleIntermediateCodec.component

AppleMPEG2Codec.component

macam.app

macam.component

/Library/ScriptingAdditions:

/Library/Spotlight:

.DS_Store

GBSpotlightImporter.mdimporter

LogicPro.mdimporter

Microsoft Office.mdimporter

iBooksAuthor.mdimporter

iWork.mdimporter

/Library/StartupItems:

HP IO

/etc/mach_init.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_login_session.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_user.d:

Library/Address Book Plug-Ins:

SkypeABDialer.bundle

SkypeABSMS.bundle

Library/Fonts:

Library/Input Methods:

.localized

Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

CitrixOnlineWebDeploymentPlugin.plugin

FacebookVideoCalling.bundle

Picasa.plugin

WebEx.plugin

WebEx64.plugin

Library/Keyboard Layouts:

Library/LaunchAgents:

com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist

com.adobe.ARM.202f4087f2bbde52e3ac2df389f53a4f123223c9cc56a8fd83a6f7ae.plist

com.adobe.ARM.ad895013aeb33ea6e968d9fdc06c0eb42c7c2a5229d98d64ad002716.plist

com.facebook.videochat.rossmeador.plist

com.spotify.webhelper.plist

com.zeobit.MacKeeper.Helper.plist

Library/PreferencePanes:

Library/QuickTime:

Google Camera Adapter 0.component

Google Camera Adapter 1.component

Library/Services:

.localized

Step 5

HP Scheduler

I have a Mavericks late 2013 MBP. When I launch Mail, my memory use skyrockets and within a minute or so, I get a "run out of application memory" error message. The same thing happens even if I launch mail and immediately close it. It does not happen if I boot in safe mode, however. I ran the diagnostic suggested by Link Davis; results copied below. Can anyone help me or suggest what applications I should delete?

Step 1

nothing

Step 2

com.google.keystone.daemon

com.adobe.fpsaud

Step 3

com.google.keystone.system.agent

com.displaylink.useragent

com.zeobit.MacKeeper.Helper

com.spotify.webhelper

com.facebook.videochat.rossmeador.updater

com.adobe.ARM.ad895013aeb33ea6e968d9fdc06c0eb42c7c2a5229d98d64ad002716

com.adobe.ARM.202f4087f2bbde52e3ac2df389f53a4f123223c9cc56a8fd83a6f7ae

com.adobe.AAM.Scheduler-1.0

Step 4

/Library/Components:

/Library/Extensions:

ATTOCelerityFC8.kext

ATTOExpressSASHBA2.kext

ATTOExpressSASRAID2.kext

ArcMSR.kext

CalDigitHDProDrv.kext

HighPointIOP.kext

HighPointRR.kext

PromiseSTEX.kext

SoftRAID.kext

/Library/Frameworks:

.DS_Store

AEProfiling.framework

AERegistration.framework

Adobe AIR.framework

AudioMixEngine.framework

DivX Toolkit.framework

HPDeviceModel.framework

HPPml.framework

HPServicesInterface.framework

HPSmartPrint.framework

HPSmartX.framework

NyxAudioAnalysis.framework

PluginManager.framework

Skype.framework

TSLicense.framework

iLifeFaceRecognition.framework

iLifeKit.framework

iLifePageLayout.framework

iLifeSQLAccess.framework

iLifeSlideshow.framework

iTunesLibrary.framework

/Library/Input Methods:

/Library/InputManagers:

Ecamm

/Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

AdobePDFViewer.plugin

AdobePDFViewerNPAPI.plugin

AmazonMP3DownloaderPlugin101750.plugin

DRM Plugin.bundle

Default Browser.plugin

DirectorShockwave.plugin

Disabled Plug-Ins

DivXBrowserPlugin.plugin

Flash Player.plugin

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin.plugin

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin.webplugin

GarminGpsControl.plugin

Google Earth Web Plug-in.plugin

JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

OfficeLiveBrowserPlugin.plugin

Quartz Composer.webplugin

QuickTime Plugin.plugin

RealPlayer Plugin.plugin

Silverlight.plugin

flashplayer.xpt

googletalkbrowserplugin.plugin

iPhotoPhotocast.plugin

npdivx.xpt

npgtpo3dautoplugin.plugin

nsIQTScriptablePlugin.xpt

o1dbrowserplugin.plugin

/Library/Keyboard Layouts:

/Library/LaunchAgents:

com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist

com.displaylink.useragent.plist

com.google.keystone.agent.plist

/Library/LaunchDaemons:

com.adobe.fpsaud.plist

com.displaylink.usbnivolistener.plist

com.google.keystone.daemon.plist

/Library/PreferencePanes:

DivX.prefPane

Flash Player.prefPane

Flip4Mac WMV.prefPane

/Library/PrivilegedHelperTools:

/Library/QuickLook:

GBQLGenerator.qlgenerator

iBooksAuthor.qlgenerator

iWork.qlgenerator

/Library/QuickTime:

.DS_Store

AppleIntermediateCodec.component

AppleMPEG2Codec.component

macam.app

macam.component

/Library/ScriptingAdditions:

/Library/Spotlight:

.DS_Store

GBSpotlightImporter.mdimporter

LogicPro.mdimporter

Microsoft Office.mdimporter

iBooksAuthor.mdimporter

iWork.mdimporter

/Library/StartupItems:

HP IO

/etc/mach_init.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_login_session.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_user.d:

Library/Address Book Plug-Ins:

SkypeABDialer.bundle

SkypeABSMS.bundle

Library/Fonts:

Library/Input Methods:

.localized

Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

CitrixOnlineWebDeploymentPlugin.plugin

FacebookVideoCalling.bundle

Picasa.plugin

WebEx.plugin

WebEx64.plugin

Library/Keyboard Layouts:

Library/LaunchAgents:

com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist

com.adobe.ARM.202f4087f2bbde52e3ac2df389f53a4f123223c9cc56a8fd83a6f7ae.plist

com.adobe.ARM.ad895013aeb33ea6e968d9fdc06c0eb42c7c2a5229d98d64ad002716.plist

com.facebook.videochat.rossmeador.plist

com.spotify.webhelper.plist

com.zeobit.MacKeeper.Helper.plist

Library/PreferencePanes:

Library/QuickTime:

Google Camera Adapter 0.component

Google Camera Adapter 1.component

Library/Services:

.localized

Step 5

HP Scheduler

Can anyone help me or suggest what applications I should delete?

Start with the execrable MacKeeper. For instructions please start a new Discussion.

I deleted Mackeeper, but it made no difference.

That's another reason you need to start a new Discussion. You aren't going to fix your problems until you do.

Hello,

I also had the same problem and have posted my results and question on a new thread:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5621545?tstart=0#23979767

any help I could recieve would be great,

this is the textedit message

Step 1:

com.eltima.SyncMate.kext (0.2.5b15)

Step 2:

com.eltima.async.rapiback

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper

com.leapfrog.connect.shell

com.bombich.ccc

com.adobe.fpsaud

Step 3:

com.brother.scanner.ica.94368.25CD0946-3A52-4652-85D4-7AE8F6BC8442

com.google.Chrome.15344

com.brother.ControlCenter.15872

com.brother.utility.NETserver.15520

com.brother.utility.USBserver.15168

jp.co.canon.cijscannerregister.83632

com.microsoft.outlook.databasedaemon.12880

com.Eltima.SyncMateServer

com.newwellnesssolutions.DLconnectMonitor

com.brother.LOGINserver

com.google.keystone.user.agent

com.facebook.videochat.andrewgoddard.updater

com.adobe.ARM.202f4087f2bbde52e3ac2df389f53a4f123223c9cc56a8fd83a6f7ae

com.adobe.AAM.Scheduler-1.0

Step 4:

/Library/Components:

/Library/Extensions:

ATTOCelerityFC8.kext

ATTOExpressSASHBA2.kext

ATTOExpressSASRAID2.kext

ArcMSR.kext

CalDigitHDProDrv.kext

HighPointIOP.kext

HighPointRR.kext

PromiseSTEX.kext

SoftRAID.kext

/Library/Frameworks:

AEProfiling.framework

AERegistration.framework

Adobe AIR.framework

AudioMixEngine.framework

HPDeviceModel.framework

HPPml.framework

HPServicesInterface.framework

HPSmartPrint.framework

MacFUSE.framework

NyxAudioAnalysis.framework

PluginManager.framework

iLifeFaceRecognition.framework

iLifeKit.framework

iLifePageLayout.framework

iLifeSQLAccess.framework

iLifeSlideshow.framework

iTunesLibrary.framework

/Library/Input Methods:

/Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

.DS_Store

AdobePDFViewer.plugin

AdobePDFViewerNPAPI.plugin

Default Browser.plugin

Flash Player.plugin

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin.plugin

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin.webplugin

Google Earth Web Plug-in.plugin

JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

OfficeLiveBrowserPlugin.plugin

Quartz Composer.webplugin

QuickTime Plugin.plugin

SharePointBrowserPlugin.plugin

SharePointWebKitPlugin.webplugin

Silverlight.plugin

Unity Web Player.plugin

Unused

flashplayer.xpt

iPhotoPhotocast.plugin

nsIQTScriptablePlugin.xpt

/Library/Keyboard Layouts:

/Library/LaunchAgents:

com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist

com.brother.LOGINserver.plist

com.newwellnesssolutions.DLconnectMonitor.plist

syncmateStarter.plist

/Library/LaunchDaemons:

com.adobe.fpsaud.plist

com.bombich.ccc.plist

com.leapfrog.connect.shell.plist

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist

rapiback.plist

/Library/PreferencePanes:

Flash Player.prefPane

Flip4Mac WMV.prefPane

MacFUSE.prefPane

/Library/PrivilegedHelperTools:

com.bombich.ccc

com.leapfrog.connect.shell

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper

/Library/QuickLook:

GBQLGenerator.qlgenerator

iBooksAuthor.qlgenerator

iWork.qlgenerator

/Library/QuickTime:

AppleIntermediateCodec.component

AppleMPEG2Codec.component

/Library/ScriptingAdditions:

/Library/Spotlight:

GBSpotlightImporter.mdimporter

LogicPro.mdimporter

Microsoft Office.mdimporter

iBooksAuthor.mdimporter

iWork.mdimporter

/Library/StartupItems:

/etc/mach_init.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_login_session.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_user.d:

Library/Address Book Plug-Ins:

SkypeABDialer.bundle

SkypeABSMS.bundle

YMsgrCallABPlugin.bundle

YMsgrMsnABPlugin.bundle

YMsgrSmsABPlugin.bundle

YMsgrYimABPlugin.bundle

Library/Fonts:

Library/Input Methods:

.localized

Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

FacebookVideoCalling.bundle

Picasa.plugin

fbplugin_1_0_3.plugin

Library/Keyboard Layouts:

Library/LaunchAgents:

com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist

com.adobe.ARM.202f4087f2bbde52e3ac2df389f53a4f123223c9cc56a8fd83a6f7ae.plist

com.apple.FolderActions.enabled.plist

com.apple.FolderActions.folders.plist

com.facebook.videochat.andrewgoddard.plist

com.google.keystone.agent.plist

Library/PreferencePanes:

Library/Services:

.localized

Step 5:

Monitor, iTunesHelper, My Day, Microsoft Database Daemon, AdobeResourceSynchronizer, Director Docker

Having experienced similar problems as expressed in this forum I have used Linc Davis instructions and keep fingers crossed for help to decipher the following outputs. Any hints on how to proceed would be much appreciated.

STEP 1

uk.co.linn.songcast (4.3.7)

com.Cycling74.driver.Soundflower (1.6.6)

STEP 2

com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool

com.oracle.java.Java-Updater

uk.co.linn.SongboxUpdater

org.macosforge.xquartz.privileged_startx

com.wdc.WDSmartWareServer

com.wdc.WDDMservice

com.voddler.vnetd

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper

com.ea.origin.ESHelper

com.adobe.fpsaud

STEP 3

com.microsoft.autoupdate.fba.61632

jp.co.canon.cijscannerregister.60048

com.getdropbox.dropbox.34000

com.lightheadsw.Caffeine.48960

com.skype.skype.54768

com.doodle.Doodle-iCal-Connector.33824

com.wdc.wdquickview.57584

com.evernote.EvernoteHelper

uk.co.linn.songcast

uk.co.linn.Songbox

org.macosforge.xquartz.startx

org.the-hardings.ChorusServer

com.spotify.webhelper

com.google.keystone.user.agent

STEP 4

/Library/Components:

/Library/Extensions:

ATTOCelerityFC8.kext

ATTOExpressSASHBA2.kext

ATTOExpressSASRAID2.kext

ArcMSR.kext

CalDigitHDProDrv.kext

HighPointIOP.kext

HighPointRR.kext

PromiseSTEX.kext

SoftRAID.kext

/Library/Frameworks:

AEProfiling.framework

AERegistration.framework

Adobe AIR.framework

AudioMixEngine.framework

DivX Toolkit.framework

Mono.framework

NyxAudioAnalysis.framework

PluginManager.framework

TSLicense.framework

iLifeFaceRecognition.framework

iLifeKit.framework

iLifePageLayout.framework

iLifeSQLAccess.framework

iLifeSlideshow.framework

iTunesLibrary.framework

/Library/Input Methods:

/Library/InputManagers:

QGetIMBundle

/Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

CANONiMAGEGATEWAYDL.plugin

Default Browser.plugin

DirectorShockwave.plugin

DivXBrowserPlugin.plugin

EPPEX Plugin.plugin

Flash Player.plugin

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin.plugin

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin.webplugin

JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

NPDjVu.plugin

OVSHelper.plugin

OfficeLiveBrowserPlugin.plugin

Quartz Composer.webplugin

QuickTime Plugin.plugin

SharePointBrowserPlugin.plugin

SharePointWebKitPlugin.webplugin

Silverlight.plugin

VoddlerPlugin-0.9.17.bundle

flashplayer.xpt

iPhotoPhotocast.plugin

nsIQTScriptablePlugin.xpt

/Library/Keyboard Layouts:

/Library/LaunchAgents:

com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist

org.macosforge.xquartz.startx.plist

uk.co.linn.Songbox.plist

uk.co.linn.songcast.plist

/Library/LaunchDaemons:

com.adobe.fpsaud.plist

com.ea.origin.ESHelper.plist

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist

com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist

com.voddler.vnetd.plist

com.wdc.WDDMservice.plist

com.wdc.WDSmartWareServer.plist

org.macosforge.xquartz.privileged_startx.plist

uk.co.linn.SongboxUpdater.plist

/Library/PreferencePanes:

.DS_Store

DivX.prefPane

EmagicA26A62m.prefPane

Flash Player.prefPane

Flip4Mac WMV.prefPane

JavaControlPanel.prefPane

LinnSongcast.prefPane

VoddlerNet.prefPane

/Library/PrivilegedHelperTools:

com.ea.origin.ESHelper

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper

/Library/QuickLook:

GBQLGenerator.qlgenerator

iBooksAuthor.qlgenerator

iWork.qlgenerator

/Library/QuickTime:

AppleIntermediateCodec.component

AppleMPEG2Codec.component

CanonMJPEGAVI.component

CanonMJPEGAVIDec.component

CanonText.component

DivX Decoder.component

DivX Encoder.component

/Library/ScriptingAdditions:

/Library/Spotlight:

DjVu.mdimporter

GBSpotlightImporter.mdimporter

LogicPro.mdimporter

Microsoft Office.mdimporter

iBooksAuthor.mdimporter

iWork.mdimporter

/Library/StartupItems:

.DS_Store

/etc/mach_init.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_login_session.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_user.d:

Library/Address Book Plug-Ins:

SkypeABDialer.bundle

SkypeABSMS.bundle

Library/Fonts:

FutuBdIt.ttf

FutuLtIt.ttf

FutuLt__.ttf

Futurak.ttf

Futuraxk.ttf

encodings.dir

fonts.dir

fonts.list

fonts.scale

futubk__.ttf

futubkit.ttf

futuhv__.ttf

futuhvit.ttf

futumdit.ttf

futurabc.ttf

futurak0.ttf

futuralc.ttf

futuramc.ttf

futurbci.ttf

futurlci.ttf

futurmci.ttf

futurxkc.ttf

futurxki.ttf

futuxkci.ttf

tt0142m_.ttf

tt0144m_.ttf

Library/Input Methods:

.localized

Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

PersonalPlugin.bundle

WebEx.plugin

fbplugin_1_0_3.plugin

Library/Keyboard Layouts:

Library/LaunchAgents:

com.apple.SafariBookmarksSyncer.plist

com.google.keystone.agent.plist

com.spotify.webhelper.plist

org.the-hardings.ChorusDaemon.plist

org.the-hardings.ChorusServer.plist

Library/PhonePlugins:

Library/PreferencePanes:

Library/Services:

ENService.app

NoteBookHelper.service

Library/Spotlight:

EndNote.mdimporter

NoteBook.mdimporter

STEP 5

Doodle iCal Connector, Skype, Caffeine, Nokia Multimedia Transfer, iTunesHelper, EvernoteHelper, DavMail, Dropbox, WDQuickView, One.com Cloud Drive

I'm not sure how you feel about diagnosing another person's kernel_task issue, but I thought I'd give it a shot. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Best,

Erin

Step 1:

Blank

Step 2:

com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper

com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2.Agent

com.cocoatech.pathfinder.SMFHelper7

com.backblaze.bzserv

com.adobe.fpsaud

Step 3:

at.obdev.LaunchBar.16576

com.getdropbox.dropbox.11472

com.lightheadsw.caffeine.26432

com.flexibits.fantastical.11648

com.smileonmymac.textexpander.MacAppStore.34000

com.fabriceleyne.hourloginhelper

N4RA379GBW.com.busymac.busycal2.alarm

com.oracle.java.Java-Updater

com.citrix.ServiceRecords

com.citrix.AuthManager_Mac

ws.agile.1PasswordAgent

com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.trashWatcher

com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.scheduledScan

com.google.keystone.user.agent

com.backblaze.bzbmenu

com.adobe.ARM.202f4087f2bbde52e3ac2df389f53a4f123223c9cc56a8fd83a6f7ae

Step 4:

/Library/Components:

/Library/Extensions:

ATTOCelerityFC8.kext

ATTOExpressSASHBA2.kext

ATTOExpressSASRAID2.kext

ArcMSR.kext

CalDigitHDProDrv.kext

HighPointIOP.kext

HighPointRR.kext

PromiseSTEX.kext

SoftRAID.kext

/Library/Frameworks:

AEProfiling.framework

AERegistration.framework

AudioMixEngine.framework

NyxAudioAnalysis.framework

PluginManager.framework

iTunesLibrary.framework

/Library/Input Methods:

/Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

AdobeAAMDetect.plugin

AdobePDFViewer.plugin

AdobePDFViewerNPAPI.plugin

CitrixICAClientPlugIn.plugin

CouponPrinter-FireFox_v2.plugin

CouponPrinter-Safari.webplugin

Default Browser.plugin

Flash Player.plugin

JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

Quartz Composer.webplugin

QuickTime Plugin.plugin

SharePointBrowserPlugin.plugin

SharePointWebKitPlugin.webplugin

Silverlight.plugin

flashplayer.xpt

nsIQTScriptablePlugin.xpt

/Library/Keyboard Layouts:

/Library/LaunchAgents:

com.citrix.AuthManager_Mac.plist

com.citrix.ServiceRecords.plist

com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist

/Library/LaunchDaemons:

com.adobe.fpsaud.plist

com.backblaze.bzserv.plist

com.cocoatech.pathfinder.SMFHelper7.plist

com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2.Agent.plist

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist

com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist

/Library/PreferencePanes:

BackblazeBackup.prefPane

FMDSysPrefPane.prefPane

Flash Player.prefPane

JavaControlPanel.prefPane

/Library/PrivilegedHelperTools:

com.cocoatech.pathfinder.SMFHelper7

com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2.Agent

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper

/Library/QuickLook:

iBooksAuthor.qlgenerator

iWork.qlgenerator

/Library/QuickTime:

AppleIntermediateCodec.component

AppleMPEG2Codec.component

/Library/ScriptingAdditions:

Adobe Unit Types.osax

/Library/Spotlight:

Microsoft Office.mdimporter

iBooksAuthor.mdimporter

iWork.mdimporter

/Library/StartupItems:

MobileBrServ

/etc/mach_init.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_login_session.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_user.d:

Library/Address Book Plug-Ins:

SkypeABDialer.bundle

SkypeABSMS.bundle

Library/Fonts:

Library/Input Methods:

.localized

Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

.DS_Store

a.zip

libDynamicDlls.dylib

npBcsMcTcIO.plugin

Library/Keyboard Layouts:

Library/LaunchAgents:

com.adobe.ARM.202f4087f2bbde52e3ac2df389f53a4f123223c9cc56a8fd83a6f7ae.plist

com.backblaze.bzbmenu.plist

com.google.keystone.agent.plist

com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.scheduledScan.plist

com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.trashWatcher.plist

ws.agile.1PasswordAgent.plist

Library/Mail/Bundles:

Library/Mail/Bundles (Disabled 1):

OmniMailMessageServiceEnabler.mailbundle

Library/Mail/Bundles (Disabled):

OmniMailMessageServiceEnabler.mailbundle

Library/PreferencePanes:

Library/Services:

.localized

Step 5:

iTunesHelper, TextExpander, Fantastical, Caffeine, Dropbox, LaunchBar

It looks to me that the commonality between all these dumps is that, at some stage, everyone has installed an audio modification program of some kind. I too, have been having this same problem, and at one point had Soundflower and Boom installed. Though neither program now appear when I follow Linc Davies excellent instructions, I still sometimes have the issue of 100% kernal_task CPU use. However, I do also have iStatMenus installed.. Perhaps I'll uninstall that to see if that fixes the problem.

The remedy posted on the first page, to unplug headphones, close my Macbook Air's lid, plug headphones back in and then re-open the Mac does appear to work. Previously only a restart had fixed my issue.

It seems to be related to how Mavericks selects its audio device.

A general question, as I haven't owned a Mac in some time and cannot remember: if I were to reinstall the OS, will I save my files/programs/home folder?

EDIT: I did some further research and turned up this thread: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5497235?start=0&tstart=0

It looks like this might be a bug in Mavericks, related to headphone use and the AppleHDA.kext in-built audio device.

Message was edited by: Kael M

Linc Davis - Thanks! -- I ran your step one and saw at least one thing that had been annoying me for some time: Soundflower. It's a way of redirecting audio and keeps showing up in Garage Band and Logic and I deleted it a long time ago, don't want it....so...as you suggested, I realized the only full way to get rid of it was to find it again, re-install it, and then use it's provided script to uninstall it.

It's gone. Amen.

Enemy #2 was com.orderedbytes.driver.CMUSBDevices (4.4.3) -- ControllerMate building blocks are triggered by controls on devices or MIDI messages.

Like you indicated, it's these things that effect other progams than cause the most drag. And I think this was making one of my 3rd party mouse a bit unresponsive...so I did the same with this as Soundflower (above).

Thanks for helping us newbies and, uh....not so skilled folks out.

And...if not off topic...I couldn't do your Step 2 because my Terminal won't accept my typing in my password....keystrokes don't show up.

What's up with that?

Soundflower was likely my issue as well. I just uninstalled it and will update if the issue recurrs.

Thanks for the help.

Never mind about Terminal Password. My confusion. It does accept the password, just doesn't show it (and cursor doesn't move). But it works.

Terminal never shows your admin password and that confuses a lot of people, even most of the tech support guys I work with. I reckon it's just added security so if someone is peering over your shoulder they cant tell whats being typed or even how long the password is (incase they want to bruteforce it or something). 😝

My kernel_task memory usage is topping 700mb. Any help would be greatly appreciated -

Step 1:

at.obdev.nke.LittleSnitch (4052)

com.AmbrosiaSW.AudioSupport (4.1.2)

Step 2:

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper

com.intego.BackupManagerPro.daemon

com.intego.BackupAssistant.daemon

com.ambrosiasw.ambrosiaaudiosupporthelper.daemon

com.adobe.SwitchBoard

com.adobe.fpsaud

at.obdev.littlesnitchd

Step 3:

org.mozilla.firefox.11472

com.adobe.Photoshop.28720

com.brother.utility.NETserver.384

com.brother.utility.USBserver.9360

com.tomtom.HOMERunnerApp.56704

net.culater.SIMBL_Agent.47728

net.culater.SIMBL.Agent

com.maintain.SystemEvents

com.intego.backupmanagerpro.agent

com.intego.backupassistant.agent

com.brother.LOGINserver

at.obdev.LittleSnitchUIAgent

com.adobe.ARM.df0ab5bbe6f698196fcc21e3c1e66dcb758bd911f4d637272d9d8109

com.adobe.AAM.Scheduler-1.0

Step 4:

/Library/Components:

/Library/Extensions:

ATTOCelerityFC8.kext

ATTOExpressSASHBA2.kext

ATTOExpressSASRAID2.kext

ArcMSR.kext

CalDigitHDProDrv.kext

HighPointIOP.kext

HighPointRR.kext

LittleSnitch.kext

PromiseSTEX.kext

SoftRAID.kext

/Library/Frameworks:

AEProfiling.framework

AERegistration.framework

Adobe AIR.framework

AudioMixEngine.framework

NyxAudioAnalysis.framework

PluginManager.framework

iTunesLibrary.framework

/Library/Input Methods:

/Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

Default Browser.plugin

Flash Player.plugin

JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

Quartz Composer.webplugin

QuickTime Plugin.plugin

SharePointBrowserPlugin.plugin

SharePointWebKitPlugin.webplugin

flashplayer.xpt

nsIQTScriptablePlugin.xpt

/Library/Keyboard Layouts:

/Library/LaunchAgents:

at.obdev.LittleSnitchUIAgent.plist

com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist

com.brother.LOGINserver.plist

com.intego.backupassistant.agent.plist

com.intego.backupmanagerpro.agent.plist

com.maintain.LogOut.plist

com.maintain.Restart.plist

com.maintain.ShutDown.plist

com.maintain.Sleep.plist

com.maintain.SystemEvents.plist

net.culater.SIMBL.Agent.plist

/Library/LaunchDaemons:

at.obdev.littlesnitchd.plist

com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist

com.adobe.fpsaud.plist

com.ambrosiasw.ambrosiaaudiosupporthelper.daemon.plist

com.intego.BackupAssistant.daemon.plist

com.intego.BackupManagerPro.daemon.plist

com.maintain.CocktailScheduler.plist

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist

/Library/PreferencePanes:

Flash Player.prefPane

/Library/PrivilegedHelperTools:

com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper

/Library/QuickLook:

iBooksAuthor.qlgenerator

iWork.qlgenerator

/Library/QuickTime:

AppleIntermediateCodec.component

AppleMPEG2Codec.component

/Library/ScriptingAdditions:

Adobe Unit Types.osax

SIMBL.osax

/Library/Spotlight:

Microsoft Office.mdimporter

iBooksAuthor.mdimporter

iWork.mdimporter

/Library/StartupItems:

Intego Backup Assistant

Intego Backup Manager Pro

/etc/mach_init.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_login_session.d:

/etc/mach_init_per_user.d:

Library/Address Book Plug-Ins:

SkypeABDialer.bundle

SkypeABSMS.bundle

Library/Fonts:

Jeffrson.ttf

Library/Input Methods:

.localized

Library/Internet Plug-Ins:

Library/Keyboard Layouts:

Library/LaunchAgents:

com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist

com.adobe.ARM.df0ab5bbe6f698196fcc21e3c1e66dcb758bd911f4d637272d9d8109.plist

com.apple.CSConfigDotMacCert-pcwilliams@me.com-SharedServices.Agent.plist

com.apple.FolderActions.enabled.plist

com.apple.FolderActions.folders.plist

Library/PreferencePanes:

Library/Services:

.localized

Step 5:

SIMBL Agent, SpeechSynthesisServer, TomTomHOMERunner