What is the kernal_task and why is it slowing down my computer?

[maria91]

Hi,

My 2012 MacBook Pro, with most recent software, and an SSD started running really slow last week. All I have been using is Slack and Chrome. It becomes painfully slow then I restart and the problem happens again quicker each time. I'm seeing that something called kernal_task is taking 30% CPU and at times 60%. I understand that this is something to do with tasks my Mac is doing and have come across articles on how to delete or move a file that fixes this issue BUT I want to know what exactly that does and why it worksand potential issues OR if someone has another solution.

Thanks a lot for any responses. I wish I knew more about this kind of stuff.

 

[pm-r]

What OS X version are you running, as if that really matters??

Kernel_task is the main process of Mac OS X so it's pretty critical, but my iMac running 10.9.5 is running well under 2% and often under 1%.

I'd try a Google search with your specs added, like:
https://www.google.ca/search?client...&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=ALkuVcvxLZCrmALRlIHgDg

And you get some good advice hits like this:
How to solve kernel_task high CPU usage? - MacRumors Forums

I'd suggest you have some stuff making the kernal_task work so much. All you have to do is figure out what and why. The google search will help answer those I'm sure.