Q: Early 2011 15" MBP - Kernal tasks draining battery

What happens when you perform a safe boot?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564

Any change?

Ciao.

jtamayo1 wrote:

 

CPU load went down but my laptop is still very choppy and laggy.  Does it matter that I just replaced the battery yesterday?  I wouldn't think so, since the laptop powers on and runs.

If the battery is not properly connected, the performance of the MBP will be throttled by the OSX.  Check for that in System Information>Power.

As far as RAM usage is concerned, Mavericks will use more than prior OSX's so that should not be a concern:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5890

What is important is memory pressure.  If it is green, it is good.  The image you posted indicates no problems in that area.

You might have some third party applications that may be causing your problem.  Download and post an EtreCheck Report:

http://www.etresoft.com/etrecheck

Ciao.

The kernel is using excessive processor cycles. Below are some possible causes for the condition.

Throttling

When it gets high temperature readings from the hardware, or low voltage readings from the battery of a MacBook, the kernel may try to compensate by interrupting the processor(s) to slow them down and reduce power consumption. This condition can be due to:

☞ a buildup of dust on the logic board

☞ high ambient temperature

☞ a worn-out or faulty battery in a portable

☞ the malfunction of a cooling fan, a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, or some other internal component

Note that if the problem is caused by a sensor, there may be no actual overheating or undervoltage.

If the computer is portable, test with and without the AC adapter connected. If kernel_task hogs the processor only on AC power, charging is causing the machine to heat up. That behavior may be normal for some models. CPU usage should drop when charging is complete.

Apple Diagnostics or the Apple Hardware Test, though not very reliable, is sometimes able to detect a fault. For more thorough hardware testing, make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider.

If nothing is wrong with the hardware, then whatever you can do to improve cooling may help.

Installed software

User-installed software that includes a device driver or other kernel code may thrash the kernel. That category includes virtualization software, such as Parallels and VMware, as well as most commercial "anti-virus" products. Some system-monitoring applications, such as "iStat," can also contribute to the problem. You can test for this possibility by completely disabling or removing the software according to the developer's instructions, or starting in safe mode. Note, however, that disabling a system modification without removing it or testing in safe mode may not be as easy as you think.

Corrupt NVRAM or SMC data

Sometimes the problem is cleared up by resetting the NVRAM or the SMC.

External display

Connecting an external LCD display to some MacBook Pro models while the lid is open may cause this issue. If applicable, test by closing the lid or disconnecting the display. You might get better results with a newer LED display.

Google Chrome has a history of compatibility issues with OSX.  I suggest that you rid the MBP of it and all of its components.  Use Firefox, Safari and/or Opera instead.  (You may search these forums for examples)

Also delete Spotify.  Is there a change in performance?

Do you have any Anti-Virus software installed?

Did Apple install the new battery or did you do that your self?

If no change in performance is detected, run an Apple Hardware test.  You can use the # 2 installation disk that came with your MBP or try these instructions:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1509

Ciao.

Yes, that dangerous fake advice has been circulating for a while. Good luck.