Q: RAM is gone: Kernel_task is using up 1.74GB of RAM...

Hey guys, I've noticed that in Activity Monitor kernel_task slowly uses up more and more RAM. The only way I've been to reduce the amount kernel_task uses is by rebooting Yosemite, but once I've rebooted it still slowly uses up more RAM until the next reboot.

I've been wanting to wipe my Mac Mini's HDD and re-install a clean install of Yosemite. Could this help the problem?

Could someone please help me?

Posted on Dec 19, 2014 5:45 AM

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Q: RAM is gone: Kernel_task is using up 1.74GB of RAM...

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by baltwo,

baltwo Dec 19, 2014 2:40 PM in response to NewbMacUser
Level 9 (62,256 points)

Dec 19, 2014 2:40 PM in response to NewbMacUser

Start with How to use Activity Monitor - Apple Support

27" i7 iMac (Mid 2011) refurb, OS X Yo (10.10.1), Mavs, ML & SL, G4 450 MP w/10.5 & 9.2.2
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by NewbMacUser,

NewbMacUser Dec 23, 2014 5:53 AM in response to baltwo
Level 1 (13 points)

Mac OS X

Dec 23, 2014 5:53 AM in response to baltwo

Thanks, but 'Kernel_Task' is now using 2.47GB... it keeps using more RAM until I reboot....
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by BobHarris,

BobHarris Dec 23, 2014 6:24 AM in response to NewbMacUser
Level 6 (19,682 points)

Mac OS X

Dec 23, 2014 6:24 AM in response to NewbMacUser

You most likely have a 3rd party kernel extension installed, and it either has a memory leak or it is just RAM wasteful.

You can see your 3rd party kernel extensions via EtreCheck. Feel free to post the entire EtreCheck output as a reply to this thread if you need assistance analyzing it.
<https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6174>
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Q: RAM is gone: Kernel_task is using up 1.74GB of RAM...

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by baltwo,

by NewbMacUser,

by BobHarris,

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