Display issues with BIG SUR , with Zoom and Chrome

[innovato]

Ever since ‘upgrading’ to Big Sur, I’m having huge issues running multiple displays, especially when trying to run any video and Zoom sessions.

Prior to Big Sur I could have multiple browser open with many tabs and it all worked fine. As a Google for Work user, my main browser is CHROME & I usually have 10-20 tabs open on my main Chrome screen. I usually also have SAFARI open with some other stuff showing on another.
My Mac slows to a crawl regularly, and especially if I try watching YouTube and or start a ZOOM session.

I am upto date on all software, I have tried reinstalling Chrome and ZOOM but nothing seem to resolve this.

Now if I have to run a Zoom session, I have to disconnect both external monitors and just use my MACBOOK screen.

I’ve noticed with Mac’s activity monitor that the cpu comes under heavy load with KERNEL_Tsk, WindowServer and Google Chrome Helper (render) usually at the top of the list….

I’ve tried disconnecting each of the external screens in turn and whilst this has a small effect, sooner or later it all slows to a crawl….

I’ve wondered if my macbook was overheating so have tried using a cold block to cool, but dont think this has much effect.
The CPU core temps seem to be around 62deg with occasional peaks at 82Deg. The battery seems to be around 31-35 Deg

Deeply frustrating and am look for a fix…..Suggestions…?

Am wondering if reverting back to CATALINA may resolve..or will this open a whole new can of worms....
It all smells of Apple bricking older models to encourage buying new...!

i'm using:
Big Sur 11.2.1
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro14,3
Processor Name: Quad-Core Intel Core i7
Processor Speed: 2.9 GHz

CHROME
Version 88.0.4324.192 (Official Build) (x86_64)
ZOOM:
Version: 5.5.2 (12513.0205)

 

[appltech]

Well, downgrading is one of the solutions. It is quite tricky though. I wouldn't go fot it, but if you'd like to try it, here's a guide.

In any case, I'd go from simpler solutions, like Safe Mode (restart with the Shift key pressed down, more info here), or resetting NVRAM might help with external monitors problem (the process is different for all the Macs, so check the full guide).

 

[innovato]

Seems related problems are very widespread, with big thread on Apple Community forums , here,

all rather depressing as no solution in sight....a lot of unhappy people....and when you read that Applecare care and their Upper Tier support are unable to resolve...!?? lets hope they DO resolve..... right now the consensus is DONT upgrade to BIG SUR if you need multiple external screens to run.....

So for Zoom i'm just going to have to live with using the 1 screen on my macbook, which is not easy when you have multiple taskS to monitor during meetings/webinar etc....