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Early 13 MBP SLOW!!! Unusable

S

Siggers

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 23, 2020
12
1
Hi All,

Ive got a spare 2013 macbook pro, which had Mojave on it (i think) and its got a problem where the kernel_task uses hundred of % of the CPU, so it is unusable, its so slow, taking almost 30 seconds to just open up "about this mac", I actually have it next to me and I have written out this entire thing, and its only just booted to the login screen.

I installed "Macs fan control" to check if any temp sensors were showing any weird settings, and none were, I then went and replaced the battery, as it was pretty cactus. These didn't change the computers behaviour.

I stumbled across a post about deleting a file inside the IOPlatformPluginFamily kext, and this worked, and it was a great little second computer from here on in. I then went and upgraded to catalina (some time ago) and the problem came back, i tried the same solution, however as I believe catalina is based on a different way of working the protected files its not possible, and I guess I have to look at actually repairing the problem. (I know this isn't advisable, but it was literally a laptop for browsing the web and no important files or if it even worked was/is really that important)

I have tried many a reset on the SMC and PRAM etc, the computer is squeaky clean, and fans don't ramp up at all.

I understand that a HDD cable or something to do with the battery management could be at fault, but the fan control app shows no weird temp problems.

So I guess Im looking at getting some help to find out what could be the problem, and a solution to getting it to work.
 
Siggers said:
Hi All,

Ive got a spare 2013 macbook pro, which had Mojave on it (i think) and its got a problem where the kernel_task uses hundred of % of the CPU, so it is unusable, its so slow, taking almost 30 seconds to just open up "about this mac", I actually have it next to me and I have written out this entire thing, and its only just booted to the login screen.

I installed "Macs fan control" to check if any temp sensors were showing any weird settings, and none were, I then went and replaced the battery, as it was pretty cactus. These didn't change the computers behaviour.

I stumbled across a post about deleting a file inside the IOPlatformPluginFamily kext, and this worked, and it was a great little second computer from here on in. I then went and upgraded to catalina (some time ago) and the problem came back, i tried the same solution, however as I believe catalina is based on a different way of working the protected files its not possible, and I guess I have to look at actually repairing the problem. (I know this isn't advisable, but it was literally a laptop for browsing the web and no important files or if it even worked was/is really that important)

I have tried many a reset on the SMC and PRAM etc, the computer is squeaky clean, and fans don't ramp up at all.

I understand that a HDD cable or something to do with the battery management could be at fault, but the fan control app shows no weird temp problems.

So I guess Im looking at getting some help to find out what could be the problem, and a solution to getting it to work.
Click to expand...
This sounds like an SATA cable issue. I know the 2012's had this problem as well. Your symptoms sound just like what a bad SATA cable causes. Over time, the cable get's wear and tear and causes this EXACT same issue. Boot time take enormous amount of time; or just opening a window; or "About this Mac"; opening any application; browser comes unbearably slow. Like you said, unussable. I repaired two 2012 computers that had this issue and exact same behavior. Not saying this is it but sounds awfully like the same thing. ifixit is where i got a lot of help; ordered the SATA HD cable. And it totally worked! Put a new SD in the (2012) machine and it was like brand new!! Check out this thread: https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View...very+slow+to+respond+to+anything#answer599291
 
It’s actually directly in the middle, it’s a blade style ssd, located under the track pad, has a cable that goes to a smaller daughter board which the ssd connects to!

I think I tried booting from a external hdd, but I’ll make sure they whole internal ssd and it’s cable are removed before trying!
 
I'd boot to internet recovery (NOT the "recovery partition"), erase the entire drive, and start over.
 
thanks fishrrman, I’ve done that, it was a new install originally, took around 3 days to complete!

have also booted from an old drive and it took forever, with the old ssd and it’s cable to the main board removed. Still shows the cpu being dominated by kernel_task
 
Siggers said:
thanks fishrrman, I’ve done that, it was a new install originally, took around 3 days to complete!

have also booted from an old drive and it took forever, with the old ssd and it’s cable to the main board removed. Still shows the cpu being dominated by kernel_task
Click to expand...
If it’s that’s slow the thermal paste on the cpu has decicated and dried up. Reapply thermal paste and your done this happened to my 13 MBP and it runs as good as new. Sold it older neighbor that wants to learn Macs for $500
 
TheRealAlex said:
If it’s that’s slow the thermal paste on the cpu has decicated and dried up. Reapply thermal paste and your done this happened to my 13 MBP and it runs as good as new. Sold it older neighbor that wants to learn Macs for $500
Click to expand...
Thanks TheRealAlex, this has been done. As mentioned earlier, all the temps from the app ‘Macs Fan Control’ all show 55deg c or lower
 
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