Kernel Task is consuming too much CPU on my M2 Mac mini, and I cannot put it in sleep mode.

I recently purchased a new M2 Mac mini and noticed occasional lag.

Upon checking the activity monitor, I discovered a program called "Kernel Task." I searched the internet for solutions and learned that the issue can be resolved for Intel-based Macs by resetting the SMC and NVRAM. However, for Apple Silicon Macs, resetting is not possible according to Apple's official website, which only recommends shutting down or restarting the Mac.

Despite trying these solutions, the problem persists.

I have also observed that I am unable to put my Mac mini to sleep, which may be related to the kernel issue.

(I'm not sure)


Have any of you faced a similar problem? 🥹

Thank you very much.

Mac mini, macOS 13.3

Posted on Apr 24, 2023 01:26 PM

Reply
2 replies

Apr 24, 2023 02:02 PM in response to st418s21

What else beside Kernel Task is consuming the CPU


To avoid the question / answer question answer part of Trouble Shooting this issue


Suggest the User start with Points 1 to 4 and then Test


Still having issues, move onto Steps 5 and 6 and Test Again


Still no resolve - move onto Step 7 and follow instructions therein 


1 - Restart in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.


2 - Safe Mode will also eliminate Third Party Software, extensions and drivers from loading. It will only load the Minimum amount of Core Apple Processes to allow the the computer to function at a reduced Level of Performance 


3 - Does the issue present in this mode ?


4 - Sometimes a Safe Boot followed by a Normal Boot will just put things right.


5 - If not - there could be something in the main User Account playing up. To further isolate this - Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac. Then log out of the Main User account and log into the dummy account and test again if the issue persists.


6 - If the issue is present in the dummy account - then, this appears to be a System Wide issue on the computer.


7 - Download the Application Etrecheck directly from the Developer.


This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer.


It makes a coherent and readable inventory of both the Hardware and Software used on the computer 


The application is free or paid from added features. 


The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 


Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - >>>> using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last ) <<<<





Any Third Party Applications like  1 - Disk Cleaner  or 2  - Third Party Security Software  installed and used on this computer ??


They should be removed as per Developers Instructions

Apr 24, 2023 01:36 PM in response to st418s21

What is too much? 20% or 2000%?


There is a known issue where the kernel_task will show an impossibly huge amount of CPU usage. This is due to throttling the CPU to prevent physical hardware damage. This was quite common on Intel machines. I haven't heard of it on Apple Silicon. It could be a problem as big as a total logic board failure or as small a flaky display dongle.

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Kernel Task is consuming too much CPU on my M2 Mac mini, and I cannot put it in sleep mode.

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