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Need help getting an older MacBook up to speed

Posted on 1/14/19 at 9:31 am
Posted by GeauxTime9
Baton Rouge, La
Member since Dec 2010
6391 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 9:31 am
My wife has an older macbook that she used in college, after graduating her company gave her a new MacBook. She has found a new job and has to give back the company laptop. Now, we are trying to dust off the old macbook and get it up to speed.

I am not familiar with Macs like i am with windows computers. Is there any type of hardware i can replace to make it run a little faster or maybe hard drive i can swap with an SSD to give her some more space for files?

Also, is it as easy just downloading the latest OS for Macs?
Posted by jcole4lsu
The Kwisatz Haderach
Member since Nov 2007
30922 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 9:34 am to
you can replace the HDD with a SSD, thats about it. as for OS upgrades, that depends on the model. Apple cuts off support for the newest OS based on hardware - so you'll need the macbook's model and cross check that against Apples documentation on the newest OS release.

if her old macbook doesn't qualify for upgrade to the current OS then i would not bother upgrading the hardware, either. just buy a new one.
Posted by Tigahhs97
Member since Feb 2018
372 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 9:50 am to
Would adding an SSD make the computer faster? I have MacBook Pro 2012 and it’s slow as hell.
Posted by jcole4lsu
The Kwisatz Haderach
Member since Nov 2007
30922 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 10:00 am to
generally speaking, yes. switching from a HDD to SSD is the single biggest upgrade you can make for casual use.
Posted by RebelWithACause
Jackson
Member since Nov 2010
1268 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 10:01 am to
SSD
Posted by mooseofterror
USA
Member since Dec 2012
1338 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 11:56 am to
I did this with a 2010 Macbook, amazing afterwards. I overspent on a the ssd, but you can find some good ones on Amazon. Look for a Crucial or if you want the best, then I think the Samsung 850 pro is a great SSD.

Once I got the SSD I used a docking station to connect via USB, downloaded/installed the latest version of MACOS designating the usb/new ssd as the install location. Once completed I physically removed the old HDD, physically installed the SSD and powered up. Blazing fast compared to the original. Still going strong...
Posted by Tigahhs97
Member since Feb 2018
372 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 12:21 pm to
How long has it been working. A buddy of mine told me his slowed a lot after a year
Posted by bluebarracuda
Member since Oct 2011
18228 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 12:25 pm to
quote:

How long has it been working. A buddy of mine told me his slowed a lot after a year



That wouldn't be because of the SSD. SSD and RAM are always safe upgrades to do to older machines to make them last a little lonjger
Posted by runforrestrun
Baton Rouge
Member since May 2013
808 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 12:58 pm to
quote:

switching from a HDD to SSD is the single biggest upgrade you can make for casual use.


This is an understatement. I upgraded a mid-2009 MBP to SSD a couple years ago. The performance improvement was amazing.
Posted by tlsu15
Capital of Texas
Member since Aug 2011
10010 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 1:07 pm to
What model does she have? Do you know the year?

After the 2012 model, you can only upgrade certain hardware. If you put an SSD and at least 8 gbs of ram in, it should run fine. If she has a bunch of junk on it, it’s probably best to wipe it clean and start with a fresh OS.

MacBooks can last a long damn time.
Posted by bluebarracuda
Member since Oct 2011
18228 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 1:11 pm to
quote:

MacBooks can last a long damn time.


This can be said for any computer
This post was edited on 1/14/19 at 1:12 pm
Posted by tlsu15
Capital of Texas
Member since Aug 2011
10010 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 1:59 pm to
True, but the way MacOS works, it’s harder for the average user to screw it up.

Hardware on most PC laptops from 6-7 years ago would still be fine with an SSD upgrade.
Posted by 632627
LA
Member since Dec 2011
12721 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 4:13 pm to
quote:


MacBooks can last a long damn time.


For every day usage, I think a 2012 MacBook Pro has a more than capable processor.

Posted by Pettifogger
Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone
Member since Feb 2012
79117 posts
Posted on 1/14/19 at 4:28 pm to
quote:

How long has it been working. A buddy of mine told me his slowed a lot after a year



My SSD upgrade to a 2009 MBP gave me an extra year of revitalized life but then it hit a wall and really started to struggle again. I assume it had to do with something other than the SSD, but it was a worthwhile upgrade at the time IMO
Posted by UMRealist
Member since Feb 2013
35360 posts
Posted on 1/16/19 at 6:06 pm to
quote:

For every day usage, I think a 2012 MacBook Pro has a more than capable processor.
Still use my mid 2012 MBP and its smooth as butter with no upgrades.
Posted by djangochained
Gardere
Member since Jul 2013
19054 posts
Posted on 1/16/19 at 7:29 pm to
I just updated and my 2013 mbp is slowing down and when I wake it up after it’s been asleep for a few hours the screen is scrambled. I have to restart and all is well
Posted by Hulkklogan
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Oct 2010
43296 posts
Posted on 1/16/19 at 7:44 pm to
There's still an old 2011 MBP flooring around our office at work that gets used as a communal test bench (I work in IT). It's fine for the most part, but the battery life is crap even after being replaced. The RAM isn't sautered on so the RAM was upgraded to 8GB 2 years ago. I am always impressed when I use it. Still a smooth experience. I bet an SSD would make it fly.
Posted by LSU Delts
Louisiana
Member since Dec 2007
2548 posts
Posted on 1/16/19 at 8:05 pm to
Hybrid hard drive.
Max out RAM.
Check which programs run at start-up. Stopping those that are not needed.
Do you homework and see which one of the new iOS runs faster on that computer.
Posted by bluebarracuda
Member since Oct 2011
18228 posts
Posted on 1/16/19 at 8:26 pm to
quote:

Hybrid hard drive


Posted by Dicky
Member since Jun 2017
509 posts
Posted on 1/17/19 at 8:58 am to
Upgraded my 2011 model MacBook pro to SSD and increased RAM--computer is as fast as brand new ones now.
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