CPU Overheating & Kernel Task Usage on 2010 Macbook Pro after Snow Leopard 10.6.8 update to El Capitan.

Hi Folks,

I have a 13" mid-2009 MacBook Pro (2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB memory, non-removable battery). The laptop is currently running OS X El Capitan Version 10.11.6, which was recently updated from Snow Leopard.

The main issue now started after that update, though possibly not immediately (i.e. so possibly something else has set it off?). The problem involves repeated CPU overheating despite low task usage. I'm currently controlling the excess heating by shutting down processes, putting the machine to Sleep mode and waiting for the laptop to cool down completely before resuming.

I have tried several of the solutions given online (via the Apple discussions forums, the official Apple Help pages, and dedicated sites written by Mac experts). I also spoke briefly to a Mac-user IT specialist acquaintance. It seemed that the most likely issues was that the SMC needed to be reset. Having killed off a few processes in the Activity Monitor, the kernel_task one obviously has to remain (being the OS), and it seems to be using a disproportionate amount of the CPU. The steps given on the page (Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support) seem to do precisely nothing.

Any responses or suggestions anyone could offer would be immensely appreciated. If you are able to help, I'd be grateful if you could make the advice as detailed/step-by-step and clear as possible. I'm including a pretty representative/typical Activity Monitor screenshot in the hope that this information may be of use in identifying how to proceed.

I look forward to hearing from you and send many thanks in advance.