Best version of OSX for an old mac mini

[patearrings]

Hi guys,

I have an old 2010 mac mini which i use just for watching netflix etc on my TV. I have noticed it getting slower and slower over the years culminating with my recent upgrade to high sierra.

So my question is, which is the best release of OSX to run on an old mac? I hear that el capitan was considered a big leap in speed, or should i perhaps use the original version of OSX that came with it (i think it was lion).

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

 

[casperes1996]

If it's from 2010, it did not come with Lion, but rather Snow Leopard.

El Capitan and Mavericks are both good choices. If it's not connected to the internet, Snow Leopard will be a speed demon, but it's security is not up to par with modern releases of course.

 

[Fishrrman]

My vote goes to either Mountain Lion (10.8) or El Capitan (10.11).

For an older Mac (especially one with a platter-based hard drive inside), the "latest and greatest" ain't always "the best"...

 

[BrianBaughn]

I agree with the above comments but I wondering in what way you're seeing it get slower. Also, via what method are you watching Netflix?