OS slows down when I connect external monitor

Question

I'm currently using a Mid-2015 MacBook pro and running Catalina's latest build on it. Although for quite a long time anytime I connect the MacBook to an external display it seriously slows down. when I check the usage via activity monitor I'll notice a huge spike in activities even if I'm not doing anything on the system

I've tried so many things like mission control, Pram reset e.t.c

Answer 1

Kernel task exists to slow things down when the system gets hot. Have you ruled out a temperature rise when running more pixels adds GPU and CPU load? Especially if you run closed clamshell mode.

• https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207359
• Why is kernel_task using so much CPU?
• What exactly does kernel_task do?
• rMBP kernel_task spikes when connecting more than one external monitor

I would expect your Catalina activity monitor to show a GPU tab but maybe that’s only on some hardware. I also would be sure you’re running the latest EFI and firmware and reinstall the OS from recovery on top of your system. Check system information and build which are circled in red.

Answer 2

Restarting SMC chipset helped fixing it.

• Shut down Mac
• Hold. CTRL+OPTION+SHIFT+POWER button for 10 seconds
• Start mac

Answer 3

Experiencing lag, slowing down mac when connecting an external monitor. We have had this experience with several Macs, even a MacPro 2020 with everything maxed out.

• Do the following to resolve this:

• Go to display settings

• Switch "Default for Display" on your external monitor display settings

• Hold OPTION and click Scaled

• Check "show Low-Resolution modes"

• Select desired resolution with (low resolution) attached to it

• Mac Speed Normal!

Enjoy!

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/RAk060t_8S4