OS X Accessories/programs/advancements to speed up Macbook Air (2013) for few reasons

[Ashawkrivosh]

Hello my name is Alan and I'm looking for answers as to how I can speed up my Macbook Air 13 inch 128GB.
I've only had it for 8 months, I still have 77GB left of storage.

I'm looking to speed it up because 1) I may download and play World of Warcraft again. I've played it once before on this mac for one month and worked pretty well. But I want it faster so there's minimal lag and interference. 2) I simply want it faster for internet browsing, writing papers, videos I watch, etc.

I don't have any third party apps downloaded or anything really besides microsoft word, Skype maybe one or two other small ones.

Let me know what programs, accessories or applications I can use to do what I want.

 

[saturnotaku]

I'm looking to speed it up because 1) I may download and play World of Warcraft again. I've played it once before on this mac for one month and worked pretty well. But I want it faster so there's minimal lag and interference. 2) I simply want it faster for internet browsing, writing papers, videos I watch, etc.

1) A MacBook Air is not well suited for gaming. The only way to improve performance is to lower your resolution and detail settings. If your system has the Intel 5000 graphic processor, you should be able to play at 1440x900 or 1280x800 resolution with medium details. As far as lag, that depends on your Internet connection. Using a Thunderbolt or USB to Ethernet adapter and a wired connection to your router should improve latency and is recommended for optimal online gaming.

2) Your system is already plenty fast enough for those tasks. There is nothing you can do to "speed it up." If you have the 128 GB model, you probably have 4 GB of RAM. If you're doing heavy-duty multitasking, you will probably notice some slowdowns. Unfortunately you're stuck, though, as the MacBook Air's RAM cannot be upgraded after the fact.

 

[Ashawkrivosh]

Can you develop more on what you said "Using a Thunderbolt or USB to Ethernet adapter and a wired connection to your router should improve latency and is recommended for optimal online gaming."

 

[saturnotaku]

Search for Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter (or USB to Ethernet if you want to spend a bit less money). Purchase said adapter. Connect adapter to your Mac. Connect Ethernet cable to the adapter and your router. Profit.

 

[artfun]

I don't have any third party apps downloaded or anything really besides microsoft word, Skype maybe one or two other small ones.

I don't know if it causes the increase in productivity, but I always Quit all the programs that I don't use. Not just Close, but Quit. The program that is closed but not exited is still using resources. Thus watch for those programs that are highlighted in you dock, and if you don't need one - use quit in dock options or Command+Q.