MBA running very slow: kernel_task using 150% cpu

norita · norita #1 (**permalink**)

04-24-2011, 08:31 AM

I don't seem to be the first person to have a problem like this, but so far haven't found any solutions. MBA is about 2 years old, have occasionally had some problems with it slowing up, but never for too long. This time, it's been about a month, and it's crazy slow, even with just e.g. firefox and word. Takes ages to open any applications, and is slow to type. Looking for the culprits, Activity Monitor shows kernel-task at around 140% cpu, 58 threads, using 92 MB. What is this and how can I get it down? Nothing else with high % of cpu, but there is something called Intercheck which is using 102 MB RAM, windowserver using 78 MB RAM, mds using 77 MB RAM (and 230 MB virtual memory). CPU has a temp of 55 deg C, and the fan is pretty noisy.

I can't use my computer when it's like this... and have no idea what I can do about it... Any advice?
Thanks

bobtomay · bobtomay #2 (**permalink**)

04-24-2011, 08:57 AM

Try uninstalling Sophos, reboot and see what happens.

Don't just drag it to the trash, you need to use it's uninstaller.

bobtomay #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 22, 2006 Location: Texas, where else? Posts: 21,819 Mac Specs: 15" MBP 2.33 C2D 256 4GB, MBA 13" i7 1.8, MB 2.0 2GB, Nano 4th, 3GS, iPad 1	04-24-2011, 08:57 AM Try uninstalling Sophos, reboot and see what happens. Don't just drag it to the trash, you need to use it's uninstaller. I cannot be held responsible for the things that come out of my mouth. In the Windows world, most everything folks don't understand is called a virus. Place your vote for our Member of the Month Last edited by bobtomay; 04-24-2011 at 09:04 AM.
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MBA running very slow: kernel_task using 150% cpu

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norita #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 24, 2011 Posts: 1	04-24-2011, 08:31 AM I don't seem to be the first person to have a problem like this, but so far haven't found any solutions. MBA is about 2 years old, have occasionally had some problems with it slowing up, but never for too long. This time, it's been about a month, and it's crazy slow, even with just e.g. firefox and word. Takes ages to open any applications, and is slow to type. Looking for the culprits, Activity Monitor shows kernel-task at around 140% cpu, 58 threads, using 92 MB. What is this and how can I get it down? Nothing else with high % of cpu, but there is something called Intercheck which is using 102 MB RAM, windowserver using 78 MB RAM, mds using 77 MB RAM (and 230 MB virtual memory). CPU has a temp of 55 deg C, and the fan is pretty noisy. I can't use my computer when it's like this... and have no idea what I can do about it... Any advice? Thanks
	QUOTE Thanks

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