Why does kernel_task run so often and take up so much CPU?

Question

Level 1

20 points

Why does kernel_task run so often and take up so much CPU?

Over the past couple of months, kernel_task is running more and more frequently using 300-580% of CPU. I don't know why. This slows the Mac so much that it is almost unusable. I found the following:

Kernel_task frequently spikes CPU load wh… - Apple Community

In this thread, user Tesserax shared these links:

At Kernel_task high CPU usage - Apple Community , user aleblanc recommended:

Drop this line of code into Terminal if you have a 2012 or later Mac and are having issues with kernel_task overusing the CPU.

sudo mv /System/Library/Extensions/IOPlatformPluginFamily.kext/ ~

It worked on my mid 2012 MacBook Pro with OS X 10.11.6. After many different attempts (reformat, SMC reset, battery check, RAM reseating, etc.) to fix the kernel_task throttling, I was surprised to see a single line of code do the job. Note that a restart is required!

User putumordecai posted:

This really work for my case..

After a frustrating all over googling to fix my problem what a relieve..

My Environment : MBP 2012, 13"

Symptom : sluggish and slow performance, I thought because of my upgrade to Sierra, but comparing performance with my older Macbook Air it seem not right. Watching my activity monitor turn out kernel_task that taking everything.

Kernel_Task taking up cpu and memory up to 300% cpu usage

After trying many suggestion from the forum this one fix my problem...

I wanted to ask if putumordecai was saying that the following worked:

sudo mv /System/Library/Extensions/IOPlatformPluginFamily.kext/ ~

But I'm not able to post on those threads. Is anyone able to confirm the above? What does this Terminal command do? If that does not work or it screws up something, can I reverse the damage by doing the following?

sudo mv ~/IOPlatformPluginFamily.kext /System/Library/Extensions/

How often is the problem caused by software instead of hardware (clogged up vent, broken sensor, too much dust, etc.)?

I have a 15-inch 2017 MacBook Pro

Processor: 3.1 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7

Graphics: Radeon Pro 560 4 GB, Intel HD Graphics 630, 1536 MB

Memory: 16 GB 2133 MHz LPDDR3

MacOS: Ventura 13.7.1

I have an adapter that enables me to plug in an external 24" Dell P2415Q monitor, external mouse, external keyboard and external headset. The lid on the Mac is always closed.

MacBook Pro 15″

Posted on Jan 19, 2025 8:20 AM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

148,128 points

Jan 19, 2025 9:36 AM in response to curt0

User Tesserax is quoting from a reply I originally wrote ages ago: MacBook Air Extremely Slow after Sierra Clean Install - Apple Community.

That excerpt remains relevant, however, I caution you not to follow Terminal instructions intended for someone else equally long ago.

If kernel_task is using a large percentage of your Mac CPU - Apple Support is also applicable, and if you are seeking guidance you will need to post screenshots of Activity Monitor.

That original post also contained an EtreCheck report. I encourage you to do the same, since it will greatly augment any information Activity Monitor may reveal. Instructions: How to use the Add Text Feature When Posting Large Amounts of Text, i.e. an Etrecheck Report - Apple Community. If you should choose to post that report in a reply to this Discussion please be sure to follow those instructions.

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Answer 2

etresoft

Level 9

52,054 points

Jan 19, 2025 9:39 AM in response to curt0

curt0 wrote:

Why does kernel_task run so often and take up so much CPU?

It's the operating system itself.

Over the past couple of months, kernel_task is running more and more frequently using 300-580% of CPU. I don't know why.

...

I have an adapter that enables me to plug in an external 24" Dell P2415Q monitor, external mouse, external keyboard and external headset.

That's why. The adapter is no good.

When the operating system detect faulty hardware, it overloads the kernel_task process as you describe as a way to throttle the performance of the computer in order to prevent overheating and critical damage.

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