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Title. At this point an Etch-a-Sketch would be an upgraded experience. My windows machine died so thrust into the world of Apple on wife’s MacBook with very little experience on how to resolve issues. Really just want to use this for web browsing that requires more than a phone, google docs, printing, managing music and documents. Primary question: Would a ram upgrade be possible and improve experience significantly? Secondary question: Am I missing any easy steps/software that would help? Problem description: Don’t know how much detail there is to give. Laptop takes forever to start and navigate. Opening apps is excruciating as is the first few minutes of using them. It kind of gets into a groove at that point and is usable until the next one is needed. Performance is decent at that point, can even play GeForce Now games! Attempted fixes: Everything in this article: https://www.google.com/amp/s/macpaw.com/amp/how-to/speed-up-mac Cleaned up desktop, removed startup items, refreshed index, etc. Recent changes: System updates and the stuff in that article above. Operating system: MacOS Catalina 10.15.7 System specs: Model A1278 Mid-2012 13in 2.5 ghz dual core intel i5 4gb 1600mhz ddr3 Intel HD graphics 4000 1536 mb Location: USA I have Googled and read the FAQ: Yes Many conflicting accounts of if RAM upgrade is possible, how much can it use, would it help, what type, voltage, etc. Plz Halp Goons!!! I know zero about Macs so any info is valuable.
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# ? Apr 8, 2021 19:06 |
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# ? Mar 29, 2024 03:36 |
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If you install Linux Mint on it, it will run like new and I think you'll be happy with it. It is a lot like Windows. You can reinstall MacOS if it doesn't work out. https://www.linuxmint.com/
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# ? Apr 8, 2021 19:37 |
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Schweinhund posted:If you install Linux Mint on it, it will run like new and I think you'll be happy with it. It is a lot like Windows. You can reinstall MacOS if it doesn't work out. Appreciate the link! Good to have this option in the back pocket. Going to try and keep the Mac intact as a Mac for now. Hoping this can just be a bridge to my next windows pc. Can you dual boot a Mac?
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# ? Apr 8, 2021 20:46 |
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Yes, not sure if you can keep your current MacOS install and do that, but you can install Linux & MacOS on the same MacBook. You could also run Linux Mint off a thumb drive, but everything will reset to default when you log off. It should be good for browsing the internet though.
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# ? Apr 8, 2021 20:57 |
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Schweinhund posted:Yes, not sure if you can keep your current MacOS install and do that, but you can install Linux & MacOS on the same MacBook. Another great option! I’ll look around for one of those to test it out. Thanks!
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# ? Apr 8, 2021 22:38 |
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ReverendDre posted:Primary question: Would a ram upgrade be possible and improve experience significantly? Yes, more RAM would help. Using an SSD would help even more probably. ReverendDre posted:Many conflicting accounts of if RAM upgrade is possible, how much can it use, would it help, what type, voltage, etc. This should show what's possible: https://www.crucial.com/store/systemscanner
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# ? Apr 8, 2021 23:13 |
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Zogo posted:Yes, more RAM would help. Using an SSD would help even more probably. Thank you! I’ll check that site out.
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# ? Apr 9, 2021 06:35 |
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If you are comfortable with some disassembly, new thermal interface material/paste would probably help at this point too. If it's been run hard in its life and is now nine years old, it's probably crusty and not too effective. I would for sure go SSD first, RAM second, paste third, if I was trying the easiest route.
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# ? Apr 9, 2021 16:05 |
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Deffo do the RAM if you're gonna be using this for any length of time, ssd is also a correct move. If either of those don't help, try changing the HD cable itself. Near 100% of the 13" unibodies have a defective HD cable that slows things drastically. In fact I'd order one out of caution anyway if you're replacing the drive to be an ssd.
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# ? Apr 10, 2021 18:01 |
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Appreciate the feedback all! I think I’ll definitely be changing the ram and looking into the SSD and HD cable. The thermal paste and cleaning might be out of my skill set but I’m sure there’s YouTube guides out there.
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# ? Apr 10, 2021 23:14 |
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# ? Mar 29, 2024 03:36 |
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Any news?
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# ? Apr 19, 2021 03:26 |