Broken MBP for Sale Locally

[Trvlngnrs]

Hi I found an add in the local for sale section for a mid 2012 MBP. The owner is having a problem with it and wants to sell it for $350. Here is what he says:

"It is using a high percentage of my CPU and I don't know why, it works and nothing else is wrong with it."

My question is, if I change the hard drive to an SSD and put in 8gb RAM will it fix it?

Thanks,
Trvlngnrs

 

[treekram]

There are different possibilities as to the high kernel_task usage but typically it isn't solved by adding more memory and/or putting in a SSD. From the serial number, the MBP was manufactured in 2012 (this model is still being manufactured currently). It could be the battery, which would make sense, if it hasn't been replaced since 2012 (a battery replacement from Apple is $129, BTW). It could be a faulty fan or the vents need to be cleaned out. Maybe a PRAM/SMC reset will fix it. Maybe just a new install of OSX will fix it. The high kernel_task CPU usage is one symptom with different causes so you need to consider that. It could be an easy fix ... or not.

 

[Trvlngnrs]

Thanks for the info treekram, I was hoping it was some kind of software conflict and a new SSD & a clean install of a new OS would correct it.

If I could it get for $250 it may be worth it.... or not.

 

[Trvlngnrs]

If I was to purchase this, do you have an idea on the value?

 

[Fishrrman]

You're probably not going to discover "the value" of it, until you've had it in your hands and have tried several things to "fix" it.

It may turn out to be a good deal.
Or it may not.

Do you feel lucky, kid....?

 

[chrfr]

Thanks for the info treekram, I was hoping it was some kind of software conflict and a new SSD & a clean install of a new OS would correct it.

If I could it get for $250 it may be worth it.... or not.

I've seen many liquid damaged MacBooks report the high CPU usage for kernel_task. I wouldn't pay $350, or even $250 for it.