How to reduce kernel_task usage without SMC reset

[Futuristic_Paladin]

Basically, my mac’s SMC has been through lots of trauma (i’m clumsy). kernel_task has been taking up around 250-2500% of the CPU and I just want to slow it down (stop it from taking so much of the CPU) because an SMC reset is impossible; my built-in keyboard and trackpad were amongst the casualties of my clumsiness.

Are there any solutions? Other than a repair from apple, taking out the battery and obviously my built in keyboard is DEAD as I don’t want to jump straight in.

pls help thanks! 👍🏽

 

[DeltaMac]

Have you tried to reset using an external USB keyboard?

 

[chrfr]

Basically, my mac’s SMC has been through lots of trauma (i’m clumsy). kernel_task has been taking up around 250-2500% of the CPU and I just want to slow it down (stop it from taking so much of the CPU) because an SMC reset is impossible; my built-in keyboard and trackpad were amongst the casualties of my clumsiness.

Are there any solutions? Other than a repair from apple, taking out the battery and obviously my built in keyboard is DEAD as I don’t want to jump straight in.

pls help thanks! 👍🏽

Kernel_task is taking up so much CPU to keep your CPU cool. This can happen if you have no battery, or a defective battery, or sometimes if your computer has had liquid damage, among other reasons.

 

[Futuristic_Paladin]

Have you tried to reset using an external USB keyboard?

Yes I did, it was a Windows one though but I used the correct keys (Windows key, Alt key, Right shift)
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Kernel_task is taking up so much CPU to keep your CPU cool. This can happen if you have no battery, or a defective battery, or sometimes if your computer has had liquid damage, among other reasons.

Thanks, I understand what is going on now, I have had battery damage for a while due to the water damage but it wasn’t significant (only 30 minutes less life than usual) do I need to fix this??

 

[chrfr]

Thanks, I understand what is going on now, I have had battery damage for a while due to the water damage but it wasn’t significant (only 30 minutes less life than usual) do I need to fix this??

If you want full performance from your computer, then yes you would.

 

[DeltaMac]

Yes I did, it was a Windows one though but I used the correct keys (Windows key, Alt key, Right shift)
...

That is NOT a correct SMC reset for ANY Mac, and doesn't do anything. For many Mac laptops with a non-removable battery, when using a Windows USB keyboard, an SMC reset should be Shift-Control-Windows, then while holding those keys, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds. Apple standard keyboard would be Shift-Control-Alt, then hold the power button. Windows keys have reversed positions compared to Mac format keyboards.
I you have a removeable battery, then the SMC reset is different. All you need to do is remove the battery, unplug the power cord, then hold the power button for 5 seconds. Then reinstall the battery, and power on.
But, better to try an NVRAM reset, which is almost always (for your Windows keybard), restarting while holding Alt+Windows+P+R. You should hear a boot chime sound. Keep holding the same 4 keys until you hear the boot chime 2 more times, then release the keys to allow a normal boot.