Guide: How to solve Yosemite memory leaks and CPU usage

Excellent! Thank you, this really helped!

I tried your recommendations and still having the same issue. I have done it 3 times.

here's my Etcheck

EtreCheck version: 2.1.1 (104)

Report generated December 10, 2014 at 6:00:20 PM EST

Hardware Information: ℹ️

MacBook Pro with Retina display, Intel Core i7, 15" (Mid 2012)

MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro10,1

1 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7 CPU: 4-core

8 GB RAM Not upgradeable

BANK 0/DIMM0

4 GB DDR3 1600 MHz ok

BANK 1/DIMM0

4 GB DDR3 1600 MHz ok

Bluetooth: Good - Handoff/Airdrop2 supported

Wireless: en0: 802.11 a/b/g/n

Video Information: ℹ️

Intel HD Graphics 4000 -

Color LCD spdisplays_2880x1800Retina

NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M - VRAM: 1024 MB

System Software: ℹ️

OS X 10.10.1 (14B25) - Uptime: 0:0:17

Disk Information: ℹ️

APPLE SSD SD512E disk0 : (500.28 GB)

S.M.A.R.T. Status: Verified

EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB

Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB

Macintosh HD (disk1) / : 499.06 GB (38.27 GB free)

Encrypted AES-XTS Unlocked

Core Storage: disk0s2 499.42 GB Online

USB Information: ℹ️

Apple Inc. BRCM20702 Hub

Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller

Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad

Apple Inc. FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in)

Thunderbolt Information: ℹ️

Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus

Apple Inc. Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

Gatekeeper: ℹ️

Mac App Store and identified developers

Kernel Extensions: ℹ️

/Applications/Easy VHS to DVD/Easy VHS to DVD Capture.app

[not loaded] com.elgato.driver.Pluto2 (1.1) [Support]

/Applications/SyncMate.app

[not loaded] com.eltima.SyncMate.kext (0.2.5b15) [Support]

/Applications/Wireless Auto Import.app

[not loaded] com.sony.driver.dsccamFirmwareUpdaterType00 (1 - SDK 10.5) [Support]

/System/Library/Extensions

[not loaded] com.Belcarra.iokit.USBLAN_netpart (2.0.2) [Support]

[not loaded] com.Belcarra.iokit.USBLAN_usbpart (2.0.2) [Support]

[not loaded] com.RemoteControl.USBLAN.usbpart (2.0.6) [Support]

[not loaded] com.elgato.driver.DontMatchCinergyXS (1.1) [Support]

[loaded] com.protech.NoSleep (1.3.0 - SDK 10.7) [Support]

/System/Library/Extensions/Belcarra.USBLAN_netpart.kext/Contents/PlugIns

[not loaded] com.belcarra.iokit.netpart.panther (1.6.1) [Support]

/System/Library/Extensions/Belcarra.USBLAN_usbpart.kext/Contents/PlugIns

[not loaded] com.belcarra.iokit.usbpart.panther (1.6.1) [Support]

/System/Library/Extensions/RemoteControl.USBLAN_usbpart.kext/Contents/PlugIns

[not loaded] com.RemoteControl.USBLAN.panther (1.6.1) [Support]

Launch Agents: ℹ️

[loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist [Support]

[running] com.sony.WirelessAutoImportLauncher.agent.plist [Support]

[running] syncmateStarter.plist [Support]

Launch Daemons: ℹ️

[loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist [Support]

[loaded] com.google.keystone.daemon.plist [Support]

[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist [Support]

User Launch Agents: ℹ️

[loaded] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist [Support]

[running] com.akamai.single-user-client.plist [Support]

[running] com.microsoft.LaunchAgent.SyncServicesAgent.plist [Support]

[invalid?] com.nds.pcshow.plist [Support]

[invalid?] com.nds.pcshow.uninstall.plist [Support]

User Login Items: ℹ️

Microsoft Database Daemon Application (/Applications/Microsoft Office 2011/Office/Microsoft Database Daemon.app)

IDriveMonitor UNKNOWN (missing value)

iTunesHelper UNKNOWN (missing value)

NoSleepHelper Application (/Applications/Utilities/NoSleepHelper.app)

Dropbox Application (/Applications/Dropbox.app)

AdobeResourceSynchronizer ApplicationHidden (/Applications/Adobe Reader.app/Contents/Support/AdobeResourceSynchronizer.app)

Internet Plug-ins: ℹ️

LogitechHarmony: Version: 1.0.0.1 [Support]

o1dbrowserplugin: Version: 5.38.6.0 - SDK 10.8 [Support]

Google Earth Web Plug-in: Version: 6.1 [Support]

Default Browser: Version: 600 - SDK 10.10

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin: Version: 2.3.8.1 [Support]

OfficeLiveBrowserPlugin: Version: 12.2.9 [Support]

AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: Version: 11.0.09 - SDK 10.6 [Support]

FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 16.0.0.235 - SDK 10.6 [Support]

DivXBrowserPlugin: Version: 1.3 [Support]

Silverlight: Version: 5.1.20513.0 - SDK 10.6 [Support]

Flash Player: Version: 16.0.0.235 - SDK 10.6 [Support]

iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0 - SDK 10.8

googletalkbrowserplugin: Version: 5.38.6.0 - SDK 10.8 [Support]

QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3

AdobePDFViewer: Version: 11.0.09 - SDK 10.6 [Support]

SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.4.6 - SDK 10.6 [Support]

ContentUploaderPlugin: Version: 1.2 [Support]

JavaAppletPlugin: Version: 15.0.0 - SDK 10.10 Check version

User internet Plug-ins: ℹ️

fbplugin_1_0_3: Version: Unknown [Support]

WebEx64: Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.6 [Support]

CitrixOnlineWebDeploymentPlugin: Version: 1.0.39 [Support]

Google Earth Web Plug-in: Version: 6.2 [Support]

Safari Extensions: ℹ️

Extensions: No such file or directory

Audio Plug-ins: ℹ️

DVCPROHDAudio: Version: 1.2

3rd Party Preference Panes: ℹ️

Akamai NetSession Preferences [Support]

DivX [Support]

Flash Player [Support]

Flip4Mac WMV [Support]

MacFUSE [Support]

NoSleep [Support]

Perian [Support]

Time Machine: ℹ️

Skip System Files: NO

Mobile backups: ON

Auto backup: YES

Volumes being backed up:

Macintosh HD: Disk size: 499.06 GB Disk used: 460.79 GB

Destinations:

Touro Backup Drive HDD [Network]

Total size: 999.52 GB

Total number of backups: 12

Oldest backup: 2014-08-11 14:32:02 +0000

Last backup: 2014-12-08 06:32:03 +0000

Size of backup disk: Too small

Backup size 999.52 GB < (Disk used 460.79 GB X 3)

Top Processes by CPU: ℹ️

70% NDSPCShowServer

14% mds

3% mtmd

2% WindowServer

1% mds_stores

Top Processes by Memory: ℹ️

198 MB Finder

180 MB Safari

172 MB Messages

155 MB mds_stores

155 MB Calendar

Virtual Memory Information: ℹ️

988 MB Free RAM

3.75 GB Active RAM

2.77 GB Inactive RAM

1.07 GB Wired RAM

1.08 GB Page-ins

0 B Page-outs

Diagnostics Information: ℹ️

Dec 10, 2014, 06:00:07 PM Self test - passed

Dec 9, 2014, 04:01:26 PM com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent_2014-12-09-160126_Macintosh-2.crash

I spent quite a bit of time with another problem with Apple Care. (Hardware)

After that was done, I asked about the other. They don't say yes or no. I sent a log and have heard nothing. From what I've seen It's a cache problem that is sucking the ram.

Type: sudo purge and watch your ram go back to normal.

Ok

It's me again... still attempting to climb Mt Yosemite ... ok there is no Mt Yosemite, it's a park...

... I keep reading everything with much interest- to try and get a handle on Yosemite. The issue is awful because I rely on my MBP for all my design work ... grr...I stupidly did not anticipate this...stooopppiiddd

With that said, in some cases where the fix recommended here is not working (like me) maybe we are simply seeing a computer that needs more RAM?

I now have heard with my 'ancient' piddly 4G's of RAM (Early MBP 2011) I need to install more RAM for Yosemite to function better -- and while I am at it maybe get a newer SS HardDrive too which would also increase speed.

The premise of attempting to fix an OS issue with hardware bugs me (ha) but I am kinda desperate and more RAM couldn't hurt. Tests posted online with my mbp getting a RAM injection to 8G gave good results with photoshop etc. although not all apps worked better; but those tests were not with Yosemite.

Sorry for this rant :-)

Yuck9 wrote:

From what I've seen It's a cache problem that is sucking the ram.

Type: sudo purge and watch your ram go back to normal.

As I've explained more than once it's a cache "feature" not a problem. Purging only defeats the feature. Admittedly with 20GB RAM, I am no longer seeing it as the problem you are seeing.

And how about the CPU-usage of Mail and Windowserver. Not always but quite often Mail needs more than 100% of CPU and the fans start working. This did not occur on Mavericks. Is this to be considered as normal too?

BTW: I've tried all the things recommended here, but no long-term improvement. I might say, the error - if I may call it so - comes back.

monostone wrote:

And how about the CPU-usage of Mail and Windowserver. Not always but quite often Mail needs more than 100% of CPU and the fans start working. This did not occur on Mavericks. Is this to be considered as normal too?

Not normal. All my comments have been limited to RAM use.

I wish I had some ideas about your CPU observations, but not only have I never observed it personally, none of the folks I work with on Mail issues have either. Certainly have been many other Mail problems, beginning with the first version of Mavericks I got my hands on. Some have been fixed, but for every one that is a new one seems to show up.

Tried that last night after I read that. Same outcome. I put a combo of 20 and 24 gb of ram in the system.

Same problem.

I'm having Apple restore the system to ML And never going to look back. Sad to have to take it to them to do it. Once you do a Internet recovery you can't go back from it being Apple no longer provides the 50 cent disc to do it.

It is pretty clear that Apple feels that most of our complaints are blamed on user error. They really should participate (or at least read) in the various forums to see what goes on outside the Apple campus labs and in the real world.

Great tip, seems to be working thus far.

Shouldn't Apple work up a fix/ patch for this issue?

Also check out:

http://www.macissues.com/2014/10/20/prevent-the-windowserver-process-from-draggi ng-yosemite-down/

I was reeeeaaaally looking forward to have found the solution here, but unfortunately the error came back after a while. The "workaround" is quite simple...

To get rid of the slow WindowServer, just restart the process OR log off and on again OR restart the machine. This solves the problem immediately (and equally well I guess) for some unspecified amount of time, but it'll return for sure. Quite annoying.

This just didn't happen with Mavericks or Mountain Lion on my MBA Mid-2013.

Not only following the SCM and PRAM resetting didn't help, it looks like it hurt the situation. on fresh boot I had 1.5 GB of App Memory. Now on the first boot 3.6GB. I only have chrome opened with one only tab writing this post.

I've been searching for this issue for weeks now. Things I've notice with Yosemite upgrade:

-USB Keyboard Tab Caps Lock Left [~`] Tilde Key and Esc (All above left shift) stopped working. I'm a Software Developer and Tab is essential so is ESC.

-Start Up RAM Level to the roof. The memory I have left after a clean boot is less that 2GB on an 8GB Machine. Insane.

+ On this topic I have ~322MB of Google Chrome Helper 1, ~126MB of #2, and , ~98.7 of #3, ~100MB of Google Chrome (browser)

600MB on a web browser not running anything but the Apple Discussion Board. It is a shame.

Now that I am finishing to write this post, my Memory is Up to 6.57GB. Again only Chrome with this tab (the post) opened and Activity Monitor

Someone needs to do something about this.

Will everybody please stop paying any attention to RAM usage. Mavericks and Yosemite's new Memory Management attempts to keep RAM as full as possible, mostly with cache to avoid having to constantly access the hard drive. As long as the MEMORY PRESSURE graph at the bottom of Activity Monitor is in the green there is no memory problem. Apple is not going to fix this now any more than they did when 33 pages worth of Mavericks users thought this was a problem last year at this time.

That being said, I believe Apple has done a disservice to users by telling them that they can run Yosemite in 2GB RAM. That is only true if they don't want to run any apps. I think most users will find 4GB is the very minimum and you really need 8GB or more to run multiple apps comfortably.

Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of other issues with Yosemite that are still being worked, so concentrate on those.

frankydt wrote:

Someone needs to do something about this.

There is nothing wrong with your Ram useage, nothing to fix.

Yosemite will use all Ram, most of the time because unused Ram IS NOT DOING ANYTHING

1-Thanks for the quick reply.

2-I have an 8GB machine from early 2013 and this is the first time I have memory issues, not SENSATIONS because I'm looking at AM obsessively. issues with heavy swapping and lagging. I didn't know about the RAM usage policy you mentioned. It is definitely good to know.

3-My USB keyboard was my life :-). I have one of those aluminum stands combined with a Thunderbolt I had like a two monitor setup and only the small keyboard on the front part of my desk. Amazing. Now I have my stand empty, because my keyboard doesn't work anymore (or the Caps Lock, Esc, Tab keys don't work anymore).

The least disserving thing Apple has done, is to tell users Yosemite could run on 2GB. That is not only logical but acceptable and even too much memory for an OS. They clearly have an issue they haven't solve, they already released a few updates, including one for TB Displays. All desent forums point to Apple having release Yosemite too green, and having a lot of pressure from customers to solve issues.

So in conclusion, I think dismissing the issue all together doesn't feel accurate to me. IMHO