Kernel_task high CPU

Hi,

I have a similar issue whereby the kernal_task seems to accumulate memory usage as I run basic Chrome or Safari browser tasks and MS Word on my MacBook Pro 15". My fan turns on and the computer starts to heat up after 10 minutes of running applications. The MBP will reach a point whereby the processing indicator icon (circular rainbow) will remain present on the screen and it becomes nearly impossible to shutdown the computer without a manual override (holding the power button).

I have used the screenshot process to achieve a baseline of kernal_task Memory utilization. The first screenshot shows the amount of kernal_task memory utilized by booting up MBP normally (652MB).

The kernal_task memory display from safe mode utilizes (502MB):

It appears as if my baseline kernal_task memeory usage should be around 500MB. So now there are 3rd party tasks that take up about 150 MB of memory. Now I have to find out where to start "weeding" out these 3rd party applications!

Thank you alralz, I removed my bad battery and it worked fine. I think it has something to do with bad/incompatible external/hardware items. Same thing maybe for incompatible mouse/flash drive

ahfck wrote:

Hmm, I have a Mac Air from the same era as yours and have the same problem, with no solution. I have had almost the entire system replaced with no resolution, and have since gone through every single trouble shooting and reset task with the Apple technician, and nothing is working. My battery drains fully in around 6 hours, even when only doing basic tasks, and there is significant, noticeable lag on everything. It doesn't make any sense to anyone apparently, but that's what's happening for me too.

I've seen a significant number of comments online about the faulty solder on batteries in the Pro from this same period which they have recalled, and plenty of reports of the same issues with the Air, but Apple is yet to admit the Air has the same problem. Almost everything has been replaced in my system and its still happening, so something isn't right

If you wish to pursue this further in the forums, suggest you create a new thread (see the "Post" link at the top of this page). Provide a description of what you have done, both hardware as well as software testing.

If you are NOT running El Capitan, please choose the forum associated with your operating system, when you create your new Post.

Also Please post the EtreCheck output in your new thread.

<https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6174> or <https://etrecheck.com>

If, when trying to post the output, you get the error:

"The message contains invalid characters"

then try posting to PasteBin.com, and give us a pointer.

<http://pastebin.com/>

.

EtreCheck is a tool that helps Apple Support Community volunteers debug problems without any access to the troubled computers. Debugging problems can be a difficult task even when the machine is in front of you. Attempting it via a discussion forum is extremely difficult. EtreCheck has been a great help.

Here we go ... I have to say there are a number of extensions from old programs not in use, so those will be the first things to jettison.

Thanks for reviewing.

EtreCheck version: 3.1.5 (343)

Report generated 2017-02-13 07:45:53

Download EtreCheck from https://etrecheck.com

Runtime 15:43

Performance: Poor

Click the [Support] links for help with non-Apple products.

Click the [Details] links for more information about that line.

Problem: Computer is too slow

Description:

Intermittent freezing

Hardware Information: ⓘ

Mac mini (Late 2012)

[Technical Specifications] - [User Guide] - [Warranty & Service]

Mac mini - model: Macmini6,2

1 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7 (i7-3720QM) CPU: 4-core

16 GB RAM Upgradeable - [Instructions]

BANK 0/DIMM0

8 GB DDR3 1600 MHz ok

BANK 1/DIMM0

8 GB DDR3 1600 MHz ok

Bluetooth: Good - Handoff/Airdrop2 supported

Wireless: Unknown

Video Information: ⓘ

Intel HD Graphics 4000

Thunderbolt Display 2560 x 1440

System Software: ⓘ

macOS Sierra 10.12.3 (16D32) - Time since boot: about 2 days

Disk Information: ⓘ

APPLE SSD SM128E disk0 : (121.33 GB) (Solid State - TRIM: Yes)

[Show SMART report]

EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB

Boot OS X (disk0s3) <not mounted> : 134 MB

Macintosh HD (disk2) / [Startup]: 1.11 TB (52.19 GB free)

Core Storage: disk0s2 120.99 GB Online

Core Storage: disk1s2 999.35 GB Online

APPLE HDD HTS541010A9E662 disk1 : (1 TB) (Rotational)

[Show SMART report]

EFI (disk1s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB

Recovery HD (disk1s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB

Macintosh HD (disk2) / [Startup]: 1.11 TB (52.19 GB free)

Core Storage: disk0s2 120.99 GB Online

Core Storage: disk1s2 999.35 GB Online

USB Information: ⓘ

U.S.Robotics USB Modem

Logitech USB Receiver

APC Back-UPS ES 350 FW:823.B1.D USB FW:B1

American Power Conversion Back-UPS BR1500G FW:865.L2 .D USB FW:L2

Griffin Technology, Inc. RadioSHARK

Fitbit Inc. Fitbit Base Station

Apple, Inc. IR Receiver

Apple Inc. BRCM20702 Hub

Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller

Logitech USB Receiver

Apple Inc. FaceTime HD Camera (Display)

Apple Inc. Apple Thunderbolt Display

Logitech USB Receiver

Apple Inc. Display Audio

VIA Labs, Inc. USB3.0 Hub

VIA Labs, Inc. USB3.0 Hub

VIA Labs, Inc. USB3.0 Hub

VIA Labs, Inc. USB3.0 Hub

VIA Labs, Inc. USB2.0 Hub

MediaTek Inc MT1956

VIA Labs, Inc. USB2.0 Hub

Apple Inc. iPhone

VIA Labs, Inc. USB2.0 Hub

Blue Microphones Yeti Stereo Microphone

Aliph Jawbone

VIA Labs, Inc. USB2.0 Hub

FTDI FT232R USB UART

Fitbit Inc. Fitbit Base Station

Thunderbolt Information: ⓘ

Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus

Drobo 5D

Apple Inc. Thunderbolt Display

Gatekeeper: ⓘ

Mac App Store and identified developers

Unknown Files: ⓘ

/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.cutedgesystems.ldap.plist

/usr/libexec/slapd -d 0 -f /usr/local/cutedge/ldap/etc/slapd.conf -h ldap:///

~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.pyTivo.plist

/Applications/TiVo/pyTivo2/pyTivo.py

~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.tricklestar.pyzwave.plist

/usr/bin/env python2.5 zwserver.py -q -l

~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.webdeck.homebridge.plist

~/runhomebridge

~/Library/LaunchAgents/streambaby.plist

/Applications/TiVo/streambaby/streambaby

5 unknown files found. [Check files]

Kernel Extensions: ⓘ

/Library/Application Support/Citrix Receiver

[not loaded] com.citrix.kext.gusb (12.4.0 - SDK 10.9 - 2016-12-09) [Support]

/Library/Application Support/LogMeIn/drivers

[not loaded] com.logmein.driver.LogMeInSoundDriver (1.0.3 - SDK 10.5 - 2013-12-16) [Support]

/Library/Application Support/Roxio

[not loaded] com.roxio.TDIXController (2.0 - 2014-11-12) [Support]

/Library/Extensions

[loaded] at.obdev.nke.LittleSnitch (3.7.3 - SDK 10.11 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[loaded] com.Cycling74.driver.Soundflower (2.0b2 - SDK 10.10 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[loaded] com.Logitech.Control Center.HID Driver (3.9.5 - SDK 10.8 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[loaded] com.Logitech.Unifying.HID Driver (1.3.5 - SDK 10.8 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[loaded] com.Perfect.Driver.SystemAudioRecorder (1.1.0 - SDK 10.9 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[loaded] com.TrustedData.driver.VendorSpecificType00 (1.8.0 - SDK 10.7 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[loaded] com.drobo.SCSI.ThunderBolt (1.1 - SDK 10.8 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[loaded] com.sophos.kext.oas (9.6.51 - SDK 10.11 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[loaded] com.sophos.nke.swi (9.6.51 - SDK 10.11 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[loaded] com.zdziarski.LittleFlocker (1.4.8 - SDK 10.12 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

/System/Library/Extensions

[not loaded] com.AmbrosiaSW.AudioSupport (4.1.2 - SDK 10.6 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.Belcarra.iokit.USBLAN_netpart (3.1.1 - SDK 10.6 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.Belcarra.iokit.USBLAN_usbpart (3.1.1 - SDK 10.6 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[loaded] com.FTDI.driver.FTDIUSBSerialDriver (2.2.14 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.RemoteControl.USBLAN.usbpart (3.1.1 - SDK 10.7 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.aliph.driver.jstub (1.1.2 - SDK 10.7 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.attotech.driver.ATTOiSCSI (3.4.1b1 - SDK 10.6 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.bodymedia.codelessAB185.kext (1.0 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.elgato.driver.DontMatchAfaTech (1.1 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.elgato.driver.DontMatchCinergy450 (1.1 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.elgato.driver.DontMatchCinergyXS (1.1 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.elgato.driver.DontMatchEmpia (1.1 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.elgato.driver.DontMatchVoyager (1.1 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.markspace.missingsync.palmos.classicseize (1.0.0 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.ovolab.driver.phlink (1.0 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.perceptiveautomation.indigo_overrides.kext (1.0.0d1 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

[not loaded] com.roxio.BluRaySupport (1.1.6 - 2017-02-11) [Support]

/System/Library/Extensions/2.2.0/Belcarra.USBLAN_netpart.kext/Contents/Plug-Ins

[not loaded] com.belcarra.iokit.netpart.panther (1.6.3 - 2014-01-30) [Support]

/System/Library/Extensions/2.2.0/Belcarra.USBLAN_usbpart.kext/Contents/Plug-Ins

[not loaded] com.belcarra.iokit.usbpart.panther (1.6.3 - 2014-01-30) [Support]

/System/Library/Extensions/2.2.0/RemoteControl.USBLAN_usbpart.kext/Contents/Plu g-Ins

[not loaded] com.RemoteControl.USBLAN.panther (1.6.2 - 2014-01-30) [Support]

Startup Items: ⓘ

DynDNSUpdater: Path: /Library/StartupItems/DynDNSUpdater

Phlink_Unload_AppleUSBCDC: Path: /Library/StartupItems/Phlink_Unload_AppleUSBCDC

RetroRun: Path: /Library/StartupItems/RetroRun

TiVoDesktop: Path: /Library/StartupItems/TiVoDesktop

Startup items no longer function in OS X Yosemite or later

System Launch Agents: ⓘ

[not loaded] 7 Apple tasks

[loaded] 165 Apple tasks

[running] 108 Apple tasks

System Launch Daemons: ⓘ

[not loaded] 36 Apple tasks

[loaded] 167 Apple tasks

[running] 108 Apple tasks

Launch Agents: ⓘ

[running] at.obdev.LittleSnitchUIAgent.plist (2017-02-07) [Support]

[running] com.Logitech.Control Center.Daemon.plist (2016-11-09) [Support]

[not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist (2016-01-05) [Support]

[loaded] com.citrix.AuthManager_Mac.plist (2016-12-09) [Support]

[running] com.citrix.ReceiverHelper.plist (2016-12-09) [Support]

[running] com.citrix.ServiceRecords.plist (2016-12-09) [Support]

[running] com.flipvideo.FlipShare.AutoRun.plist (2011-12-01) [Support]

[running] com.fujitsu.pfu.ScanSnap.AOUMonitor.plist (2017-01-13) [Support]

[loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist (2016-11-08) [Support]

[loaded] com.hp.help.tocgenerator.plist (2010-04-09) [Support]

[failed] com.logmein.LMILaunchAgentFixer.plist (2013-12-16) [Support] - /Library/Application Support/LogMeIn/bin/LMILaunchAgentFixer.app/Contents/MacOS/LMILaunchAgentFixer: Executable not found!

[not loaded] com.logmein.logmeingui.plist (2014-01-16) [Support]

[not loaded] com.logmein.logmeinguiagent.plist (2014-01-16) [Support]

[not loaded] com.logmein.logmeinguiagentatlogin.plist (2014-01-16) [Support]

[not loaded] com.maintain.PurgeInactiveMemory.plist (2017-01-13)

[not loaded] com.maintain.Restart.plist (2016-12-10)

[not loaded] com.maintain.ShutDown.plist (2016-12-10)

[running] com.maintain.SystemEvents.plist (2016-12-25)

[loaded] com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist (2017-01-27) [Support]

[running] com.sophos.uiserver.plist (2017-01-30) [Support]

[not loaded] com.teamviewer.teamviewer.plist (2016-03-29) [Support]

[not loaded] com.teamviewer.teamviewer_desktop.plist (2016-03-29) [Support]

[running] com.zdziarski.LittleFlockerUpdater.plist (2017-02-11) [Support]

[running] com.zdziarski.LittleFlockerUserAgent.plist (2017-02-11) [Support]

[running] org.gpgtools.Libmacgpg.xpc.plist (2016-10-14) [Support]

[loaded] org.gpgtools.gpgmail.enable-bundles.plist (2015-09-21) [Support]

[loaded] org.gpgtools.gpgmail.patch-uuid-user.plist (2015-09-21) [Support]

[loaded] org.gpgtools.macgpg2.fix.plist (2017-01-20) [Support]

[running] org.gpgtools.macgpg2.shutdown-gpg-agent.plist (2017-01-20) [Support]

[loaded] org.gpgtools.updater.plist (2017-01-25) [Support]

Launch Daemons: ⓘ

[running] at.obdev.littlesnitchd.plist (2017-02-07) [Support]

[loaded] com.JWVD.cbcache.plist (2014-08-07) [Support]

[loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist (2015-05-01) [Support]

[loaded] com.ambrosiasw.ambrosiaaudiosupporthelper.daemon.plist (2012-11-19) [Support]

[not loaded] com.attotech.iscsid.plist (2014-08-11) [Support] - /usr/sbin/xtendsan/iscsid: Executable not found!

[loaded] com.citrix.ctxusbd.plist (2016-11-09) [Support]

[loaded] com.cocoatech.pathfinder.SMFHelper.plist (2012-03-23) [Support]

[loaded] com.cocoatech.pathfinder.SMFHelper6.plist (2013-02-04) [Support]

[loaded] com.cocoatech.pathfinder.SMFHelper7.plist (2015-03-17) [Support]

[running] com.crashplan.engine.plist (2016-10-27) [Support]

[not loaded] com.cutedgesystems.ldap.plist (2016-12-10)

[not loaded] com.cutedgesystems.named.plist (2009-01-05) [Support] - /usr/sbin/named: Executable not found!

[loaded] com.cyberghostsrl.CyberghostPrivilegedHelper.plist (2016-10-02) [Support]

[running] com.datarobotics.ddservice64d.plist (2016-12-09) [Support]

[running] com.datarobotics.ddserviced.plist (2016-12-09) [Support]

[running] com.edovia.screensconnect.daemon.plist (2016-01-27) [Support]

[running] com.flipvideo.FlipShareServer.launchd.plist (2011-12-01) [Support]

[loaded] com.google.keystone.daemon.plist (2016-11-08) [Support]

[not loaded] com.klieme.TimeMachineScheduler.plist (2011-06-06) [Support]

[loaded] com.laratech.nc_dns_updater_daemon.plist (2015-05-29) [Support]

[not loaded] com.logmein.logmeinblanker.plist (2014-01-16) [Support]

[not loaded] com.logmein.logmeinserver.plist (2014-01-16) [Support]

[not loaded] com.maintain.HideSpotlightMenuBarIcon.plist (2016-12-10)

[loaded] com.microsoft.autoupdate.helper.plist (2016-12-13) [Support]

[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist (2010-08-25) [Support]

[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensingV2.helper.plist (2015-07-01) [Support]

[running] com.nordvpn.NordVPN.Helper.plist (2016-10-03) [Support]

[loaded] com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist (2016-12-13) [Support]

[loaded] com.rogueamoeba.instanton-agent.plist (2016-07-12) [Support]

[loaded] com.sharpcast.xfsmond.plist (2014-01-10) [Support]

[running] com.sonos.SonosLibraryServer.plist (2017-01-16) [Support]

[loaded] com.sonos.smbbump.plist (2014-12-08) [Support]

[running] com.sophos.common.servicemanager.plist (2017-01-30) [Support]

[loaded] com.spotflux.Spotflux.tun.plist (2017-01-13)

[loaded] com.stclairsoft.DefaultFolderXAgent.plist (2011-08-26) [Support]

[loaded] com.surteesstudios.Bartender.BartenderInstallHelper.plist (2015-10-13) [Support]

[loaded] com.teamviewer.Helper.plist (2016-02-15) [Support]

[not loaded] com.teamviewer.teamviewer_service.plist (2016-03-29) [Support]

[loaded] com.timesoftware.timemachineeditor.helper.plist (2016-02-07) [Support]

[running] com.zdziarski.LittleFlockerDaemon.plist (2017-02-09) [Support]

[running] fi.polar.polard.plist (2011-07-29) [Support]

[loaded] org.gpgtools.gpgmail.patch-uuid.plist (2015-09-21) [Support]

User Launch Agents: ⓘ

[failed] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist (2011-10-11) [Support] - /Volumes/Discovery (10.6)/Applications/Adobe Acrobat X Pro/Adobe Acrobat Pro.app/Contents/MacOS/Updater/Adobe Acrobat Updater Helper.app/Contents/MacOS/Adobe Acrobat Updater Helper: Executable not found!

[loaded] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist (2016-02-17) [Support]

[running] com.amazon.cloud-player.plist (2014-05-02) [Support]

[loaded] com.apple.SafariBookmarksSyncer.plist (2009-02-05) - /Applications/Safari.app/Contents/SafariSyncClient.app/Contents/MacOS/SafariSyn cClient: Executable not found!

[loaded] com.aviator.agent.plist (2014-09-16) [Support] - ./UpdateAviator.sh: Executable not found!

[running] com.c-command.SpamSieve.LaunchAgent.plist (2016-12-08) [Support]

[loaded] com.citrixonline.GoToMeeting.G2MUpdate.plist (2017-01-12) [Support]

[failed] com.ecamm.printopia.plist (2011-12-14) [Support] - ~/Library/PreferencePanes/Printopia.prefPane/Contents/MacOS/Printopia Server.app/Contents/MacOS/Printopia Server: Executable not found!

[loaded] com.perceptiveautomation.IndigoServer2.plist (2017-02-11)

[running] com.pyTivo.plist (2012-02-09) [Support]

[running] com.spotify.webhelper.plist (2016-03-25) [Support]

[failed] com.tricklestar.pyzwave.plist (2016-10-21)

[running] com.webdeck.homebridge.plist (2016-04-27) [Support]

[running] streambaby.plist (2015-01-21) [Support]

[running] ws.agile.1PasswordAgent.plist (2013-10-28) [Support]

User Login Items: ⓘ

Arq Agent Application (2017-01-27)

(/Applications/Arq.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/Arq Agent.app)

Nordvpn Application

(/Applications/Nordvpn.app)

Bartender 2 Application

(/Applications/Bartender 2.app)

smcFanControl Application

(/Applications/smcFanControl.app)

iTunesHelper Application (2017-01-24)

(/Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/MacOS/iTunesHelper.app)

Flux Application

(/Applications/Flux.app)

Citations Application

(/Applications/Papers2.app/Contents/SharedSupport/Citations.app)

Growl Application

(/Applications/Growl.app)

Dropbox Application

(/Applications/Dropbox.app)

Jawbone Updater Application

(/Applications/Jawbone Updater.app)

Plex Media Server Application

(/Applications/Plex Media Server.app)

Spotdox Application

(/Applications/Spotdox.app)

Capster Application

(/Applications/Capster.app)

PandaBar Application

(/Applications/PandaBar.app)

Shazam Application

(/Applications/Shazam.app)

ScanSnap Manager Application

(/Applications/ScanSnap/ScanSnap Manager.app)

CrashPlan menu bar Application

(/Applications/CrashPlan.app/Contents/Helpers/CrashPlan menu bar.app)

TextExpander Application Hidden

(/Applications/TextExpander.app)

Android File Transfer Agent Application

(~/Library/Application Support/Google/Android File Transfer/Android File Transfer Agent.app)

Fantastical Application

(/Applications/Fantastical.app)

Google Drive Application

(/Applications/Google Drive.app)

Screens Connect Application

(/Library/PreferencePanes/Screens Connect.prefPane/Contents/MacOS/Screens Connect.app)

Indigo 6 Application

(/Applications/Indigo 6.app)

Phone Amego Application Hidden

(/Applications/Phone Amego.app)

HazelHelper Application

(~/Library/PreferencePanes/Hazel.prefPane/Contents/MacOS/HazelHelper.app)

LaunchBar Application

(/Applications/LaunchBar.app)

DEVONthink Sorter Application

(/Applications/DEVONthink Pro Office Beta.app/Contents/PlugIns/SorterPlugin.bundle/Contents/MacOS/DEVONthink Sorter.app)

Amazon Drive Application

(/Applications/Amazon Drive.app)

DDAssist Application

(/Applications/Drobo Dashboard.app/Contents/Resources/DDAssist.app)

AppPolice Application

(/Applications/AppPolice.app)

com.adobe.SwitchBoard.monitor.plist MachInit

(/etc/mach_init_per_user.d/com.adobe.SwitchBoard.monitor.plist)

Mach Init items are deprecated

Internet Plug-ins: ⓘ

DirectorShockwave: 12.0.4r144 - SDK 10.6 (2013-09-04) [Support]

Google Earth Web Plug-in: 6.0 (2011-05-17) [Support]

OfficeLiveBrowserPlugin: 12.3.2 (2011-12-18) [Support]

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin: 3.2.0.16 - SDK 10.8 (2013-05-25) [Support]

net.juniper.DSSafariExtensions: Unknown (2013-02-28) [Support]

RealPlayer Plugin: Unknown (2009-01-24) [Support]

AdobeAAMDetect: AdobeAAMDetect 1.0.0.0 - SDK 10.6 (2016-01-05) [Support]

Silverlight: 5.1.30317.0 - SDK 10.6 (2014-05-08) [Support]

SlingPlayer: Unknown - SDK 10.8 (2013-11-20) [Support]

QuickTime Plugin: 7.7.3 (2016-12-25)

iPhotoPhotocast: 7.0 - SDK 10.8 (2013-04-21)

CitrixICAClientPlugIn: 12.4.0 - SDK 10.11 (2016-12-09) [Support]

googletalkbrowserplugin: 3.6.1.9117 (2012-08-24) [Support]

npgtpo3dautoplugin: 0.1.44.16 - SDK 10.5 (2012-09-11) [Support]

SharePointBrowserPlugin: 14.7.1 - SDK 10.6 (2016-12-19) [Support]

npDDRia: 0.0.14.5 - SDK 10.9 (2015-12-18) [Support]

JoostPlugin: 0.13.0 (2007-09-27) [Support]

JavaAppletPlugin: Java 8 Update 121 build 13 (2017-01-27) Check version

User internet Plug-ins: ⓘ

WebEx64: 1.0 - SDK 10.10 (2015-09-30) [Support]

WebEx: 1.0 (2010-09-29) [Support]

CitrixOnlineWebDeploymentPlugin: 1.0.105 (2014-04-29) [Support]

npNASAEyes: NASAEyes_x86_64 1.0.0.0 - SDK 10.6 (2015-07-13) [Support]

Safari Extensions: ⓘ

1-ClickWeather - TWCi - http://www.weather.com/ (2010-07-28)

InvisibleHand - Forward Internet Group - http://www.getinvisiblehand.com (2014-04-25)

delicious - Jeveaux - http://www.jeveaux.com (2010-07-28)

1Password - AgileBits - https://agilebits.com/onepassword (2014-10-20)

DuckDuckGo - DuckDuckGo - http://duckduckgo.com (2016-10-06)

Open in Papers - Alexis Grimaldi - http://github.com/sopo/OpenInPapers (2011-06-06)

Facebook Cleaner - Sonny Fazio - http://sonstermedia.com (2010-07-28)

Clip to DEVONthink - DEVONtechnologies - http://www.devon-technologies.com/download/extras.html (2013-07-11)

ClickToFlash - Marc Hoyois - http://hoyois.github.com/safariextensions/clicktoplugin/ (2014-11-12)

PageRank Unleashed - PC Unleashed Online Inc - http://PCUnleashed.com/ (2014-09-14)

Plugin Customs - Félix Cloutier - http://safari.laissemoichercherca.com/plugincustoms (2010-11-04)

Evernote Web Clipper - Evernote Corp. - http://evernote.com (2017-01-18)

Translate - SideTree.com - Apps for Mac and Web - http://SideTree.com/extensions.html#Translate (2014-07-26)

JavaScript Blacklist - Drew Thaler - http://homepage.mac.com/drewthaler/jsblacklist/ (2011-07-25)

Adblock Plus - Eyeo GmbH - https://adblockplus.org/ (2017-01-18)

Exposer - Calle Gustafsson - http://maypril.se/safariextensions/ (2010-07-28)

Ghostery - GHOSTERY, Inc. - https://www.ghostery.com/ (2016-03-12)

JavaScript Blocker - Travis Roman - http://javascript-blocker.toggleable.com/ (2014-07-26)

Rapportive - Rapportive - http://rapportive.com (2012-09-22)

Save to Pocket - Read It Later, Inc. - http://getpocket.com/ (2016-05-06)

Disconnect - Disconnect - https://disconnect.me/ (2014-03-09)

Save For Later - Revision 1 Studios - http://revision1.com/2010/06/save-for-later-safari-5/ (2011-07-11)

Tab Lister - Paul Petty - http://paulgriffinpetty.com/tablister (2016-05-06)

SafariRestore - SweetP Productions - http://sweetpproductions.com/extensions/extensions.htm (2015-07-22)

Procrastinate - Kristof Speeckaert - http://kristofbe.tumblr.com/procrastinate (2011-03-29)

AdBlock - BetaFish, Inc. - https://getadblock.com (2017-01-18)

Audio Plug-ins: ⓘ

BartenderAudioPlugIn: 1.0.0 - SDK 10.10 (2015-10-30) [Support]

3rd Party Preference Panes: ⓘ

APC PowerChute Personal Edition (2006-02-15) [Support]

BodyMedia SYNC (2013-06-02) [Support]

Candelair (2010-08-31) [Support]

Default Folder X (2012-06-02) [Support]

EarthDesk (2012-07-29) [Support]

Flip4Mac WMV (2013-05-25) [Support]

FUSE for OS X (OSXFUSE) (2014-01-10) [Support]

GoPro (2015-01-28) [Support]

GPGPreferences (2017-01-20) [Support]

Hazel (2016-11-17) [Support]

hueyPRO (2010-01-13) [Support]

Java (2017-01-27) [Support]

Logitech Control Center (2016-11-09) [Support]

Notifyr (2014-11-18) [Support]

OpenBasePreferences (2008-03-06) [Support]

Perian (2011-07-23) [Support]

PTHVolume (2008-04-06) [Support]

Screens Connect (2016-01-31) [Support]

SwitchResX (2014-05-22) [Support]

TextExpander (2009-12-19) [Support]

TimeMachineScheduler (2010-12-01) [Support]

TiVo Desktop (2009-11-23) [Support]

Time Machine: ⓘ

Skip System Files: NO

Mobile backups: OFF

Auto backup: YES

Volumes being backed up:

Macintosh HD: Disk size: 1.11 TB Disk used: 1.06 TB

Destinations:

FreeAgent GoFlex Drive [Local]

Total size: 2.00 TB

Total number of backups: 14

Oldest backup: 10/28/16, 12:37 AM

Last backup: 2/11/17, 9:20 AM

Size of backup disk: Too small

Backup size 2.00 TB < (Disk used 1.06 TB X 3)

Top Processes by CPU: ⓘ

135% mdworker(25)

71% Little Snitch Daemon

67% kernel_task

65% Mail

49% quicklookd

Top Processes by Memory: ⓘ

4.24 GB Google Chrome Helper(76)

2.08 GB kernel_task

360 MB Amazon Drive

262 MB Mail

246 MB mdworker(25)

Virtual Memory Information: ⓘ

4.74 GB Available RAM

415 MB Free RAM

11.26 GB Used RAM

4.34 GB Cached files

3.87 GB Swap Used

Diagnostics Information: ⓘ

Feb 12, 2017, 09:16:33 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/CommCenter_2017-02-12-211633_[redacted].crash

/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreTelephony.framework/Support/CommCenter

Feb 12, 2017, 05:38:24 PM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/Console_2017-02-12-173824_[redacted].cpu_resour ce.diag [Details]

/Applications/Utilities/Console.app/Contents/MacOS/Console

Feb 12, 2017, 12:14:30 AM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/media-indexer_2017-02-12-001430_[redacted].cpu_ resource.diag [Details]

/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/AssistantServices.framework/Versions/A/XPCSer vices/media-indexer.xpc/Contents/MacOS/media-indexer

Feb 11, 2017, 11:08:18 PM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/CrashPlanService_2017-02-11-230818_[redacted].c pu_resource.diag [Details]

/Applications/CrashPlan.app/Contents/MacOS/CrashPlanService

Feb 11, 2017, 09:59:01 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/Mail_2017-02-11-215901_[redacted].crash

com.apple.mail - /Applications/Mail.app/Contents/MacOS/Mail

Feb 11, 2017, 05:52:40 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-175240_[redacted].crash

/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/Metadat a.framework/Versions/A/Support/mdworker32

Feb 11, 2017, 05:52:34 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-175234_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 05:46:17 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-174617_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 05:45:57 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-174557_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 05:45:56 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-174556_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 05:45:49 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-174549_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 05:45:43 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-174543_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 05:39:23 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-173923_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 04:39:27 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-163927_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 04:39:26 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-163926_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 03:51:06 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/Unison_2017-02-11-155106_[redacted].crash

com.panic.Unison2 - /Applications/Unison 2.2.app/Contents/MacOS/Unison

Feb 11, 2017, 03:36:26 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-153626_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 03:36:25 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-153625_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 03:26:05 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-152605_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 03:25:45 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-152545_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 03:02:40 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-150240_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 02:50:38 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-145038_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 02:50:32 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-145032_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 02:35:41 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker32_2017-02-11-143541_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 01:28:57 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker_2017-02-11-132857_[redacted].crash

/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/Metadat a.framework/Versions/A/Support/mdworker

Feb 11, 2017, 01:28:56 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker_2017-02-11-132856_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 10:13:17 AM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/Unison_2017-02-11-101317_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 09:52:48 AM Self test - passed

Feb 11, 2017, 09:37:33 AM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/SophosSXLD_2017-02-11-093733_[redacted].crash

/Library/Sophos Anti-Virus/SophosSXLD.app/Contents/MacOS/SophosSXLD

Feb 11, 2017, 04:06:52 AM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker_2017-02-11-040652_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 04:06:51 AM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/mdworker_2017-02-11-040651_[redacted].crash

Feb 11, 2017, 01:23:13 AM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/backupd_2017-02-11-012313_[redacted].cpu_resour ce.diag [Details]

/System/Library/CoreServices/backupd.bundle/Contents/Resources/backupd

OK this worked for me my mom's computer was having the kernel_task problem so I figured a new hard drive and fresh install could do it. I was wrong so I set up a new user account on her computer with me as a ADMIN. Was about to set up a meet with the genius bar. Went and checked the activity monitor and the kernel_task didn't show up. I think it had something to do with updating the computer with the same account. I removed her account and made her a new one. Time machined her stuff back and the computer has been running kernel_task free since. That being said I don't know exactly why it worked but it did for us. Good luck.

I've been trying to diagnose something similar, but what happens is the computer completely freezes for a few minutes, then returns to normal. Activity Monitor then "catches up" and indicates that there was high CPU usage in the graph. I've been trying to find out what's going on using Console, but the console is also often empty during those times (I'm looking at the System Log).

I'll try restarting in Safe Mode - I'm guessing this is a 3rd party extension - I just wish I could figure out which using Console instead of turning them all off and re-adding them back one at a time. That's going to take a while ...

Steve

BTW - I'm noticing this is in the El Capitan forum - I'm running macOS Sierra on a MacMini (Late 2012)

Try running this program in your normal account, then copy and paste the output in a reply. The program was created by etresoft, a frequent contributor. Please use copy and paste as screen shots can be hard to read. On the screen with Options, please open Options and check the bottom 2 boxes before running. Click “Share Report” button in the toolbar, select “Copy Report” and then paste into a reply. This will show what is running on your computer. No personal information is shown.

Etrecheck – System Information

Is there any 3rd party addition you have not installed? 🙂

Prime suspect is your anti-virus package. Start by removing it, and then read

How does Mac OS X protect me?

<http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg-builtin/>

Then go through everything listed by EtreCheck and remove anything you are no longer using, and remove some of the stuff you only think you might use (re-install it if you really find you need it).

The Kernel Extensions are the most likely to affect kernel_task behavior as they are part of the kernel_task.

But All the Launch Agents, and Launch Daemons are just as capable of asking the kernel to do things for them.

Every one of those loaded Launch Agents and Daemons consume RAM, along with all the Startup Items you have running when you login. Your system is using 4GB of swap space because of all that RAM consumption. When you start using the swap space, your system will slow down, and the kernel_task will have to do more paging and swapping of data in and out of RAM, also increasing your kernel_task usage.

I may have found a solution for this problem. I turned OFF the Energy Saver / Enable Power Nap feature.

The kernel_task problem always happened after my MacBook waked from sleep. The laptop was always hot after waking up. I thought that there might be something running during sleep mode and that sleep mode was preventing the fans from turning on to control the heat. Turning off this feature and not allowing apps to run during sleep has solved the overheating problem. The side effect of that is that the O/S doesn't spin up a kernel_task to intentionally slow down my computer to control the heat.

FYI, I am running a MacBook Pro (Retina, 15 inch, Mid 2014), Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,3. It's almost always plugged in and running two external 1080 monitors.

Hmm, I have a Mac Air from the same era as yours and have the same problem, with no solution. I have had almost the entire system replaced with no resolution, and have since gone through every single trouble shooting and reset task with the Apple technician, and nothing is working. My battery drains fully in around 6 hours, even when only doing basic tasks, and there is significant, noticeable lag on everything. It doesn't make any sense to anyone apparently, but that's what's happening for me too.

I've seen a significant number of comments online about the faulty solder on batteries in the Pro from this same period which they have recalled, and plenty of reports of the same issues with the Air, but Apple is yet to admit the Air has the same problem. Almost everything has been replaced in my system and its still happening, so something isn't right

bo.dacious1 wrote:

Hi,

I have a similar issue whereby the kernal_task seems to accumulate memory usage as I run basic Chrome or Safari browser tasks and MS Word on my MacBook Pro 15". My fan turns on and the computer starts to heat up after 10 minutes of running applications. The MBP will reach a point whereby the processing indicator icon (circular rainbow) will remain present on the screen and it becomes nearly impossible to shutdown the computer without a manual override (holding the power button).

...

If you wish to pursue this further in the forums, suggest you create a new thread (see the "Post" link at the top of this page). Provide a description of what you have done, both hardware as well as software testing.

If you are NOT running El Capitan, please choose the forum associated with your operating system, when you create your new Post.

Also Please post the EtreCheck output in your new thread.

<https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6174> or <https://etrecheck.com>

If, when trying to post the output, you get the error:

"The message contains invalid characters"

then try posting to PasteBin.com, and give us a pointer.

<http://pastebin.com/>

.

EtreCheck is a tool that helps Apple Support Community volunteers debug problems without any access to the troubled computers. Debugging problems can be a difficult task even when the machine is in front of you. Attempting it via a discussion forum is extremely difficult. EtreCheck has been a great help.

Please read and follow Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support.

Excerpted from that document:

Indicators that your SMC might need to be reset

After you perform normal troubleshooting, these symptoms may indicate that an SMC reset could be necessary:

• The computer fans run at high speed, though the computer is not experiencing heavy usage and is properly ventilated.
• ...

Shut down your Mac and restart it in "Safe Mode". To learn how to do that please read: Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up. Compare how your Mac works in Safe Mode to how it has been.

Then, restart normally. If the same problem returns, please read the section If an issue doesn't happen in safe mode for Apple's recommended actions.

Finally, you can temporarily create a new User Account, and log in to that account to determine if the problem also exists when logged in to that Account. To learn how to do that read How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac. When you are finished troubleshooting, you can remove the temporary User Account by following these instructions: macOS Sierra: Delete a user or group (the instructions are the same for El Capitan). Before removing it, confirm you don't need any of the files you might have created in that Account.

Please let me know what you determine.