Why does gmail cause kernel_task to consume all RAM

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Level 1

54 points

Why does gmail cause kernel_task to consume all RAM

This has been annoying for a long time, but within the past month or so I've noticed a dramatic increase in RAM usage by Safari and Kernel_Task only when I am logged in to gmail.com, no matter whether I have other browser tabs on or not. My iMac has 32GB of RAM and Memory Clean 3 is set to run when available memory drops below 4GB. It cannot keep up; I frequently have to force quit Safari or, (if I'm quick enough) the gmail page web content process, or my system locks up with no available memory. Kernel_Task then releases RAM.

I have tried shutting off all extensions. Problem persists. Same problem with JS Blocker plugin on or off (it does not show that it blocks anything to or from the gmail site anyway).

I have searched this forum, ask.com, bing, and google. I find the Kernel_Task memory hogging problem related to Chrome, but I don't have Chrome. I find nothing specific to Safari or gmail.com so…am I the only google user getting beachballed like this?

iMac, macOS High Sierra (10.13.2)

Posted on Dec 13, 2017 4:22 PM

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Answer 1

Eric Root

Level 10

684,039 points

Dec 13, 2017 5:54 PM in response to Scott Paine

I would uninstall Memory Clean. It tends to interfere with the computer's operation while providing minimal to no benefit.

Memory Clean Uninstall

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