So I got a 15" macbook pro from mid 2010 that still runs snow leopard, and I am absolutely amazed about how nicely it's been running for all these years. But after approximately 7 years of use, i can definitely tell that it's starting to tire out.. and that it's time for an upgrade. I've been thinking of buying a new macbook, but i'm still very found of this machine and I can still pretty much do all my tasks on it, considering that I'm not an advanced user in the sense that I don't use heavy programs.
I know it's late and already near the end of 2019, but I also have a mid-2010 macbook pro. Mine is the 13 inch variant, but it is still a great little machine.
But yes, it's getting old and more and more programs demand that i upgrade my operative system to keep using them. (F.ex Adobe Flash Player and Itunes). another thing I've noticed is that my macbook has started to freeze a lot more now.
Agreed, the new requirements do limit your possibilities as far as software, including web browsers, utilities software and a whole bunch of other programs. Luckily, it does support the 64 bit kernel, so your options are very open as of this post.
update: If your computer is freezing a lot, it could be for a few reasons: failing hard drive, defective ram, overheating or failing battery.
- So for a failing hard drive, replacing it for SSD will solve it.
- For defective ram, upgrading it will solve it
- Overheating: you need to clean it. Clear our the vent fins from the internal fan, remove as much dust as possible and if you are savvy enough, replace the thermal paste for your cpu & gpu for new one like arctic silver or something like that. It helps, specially after a thorough cleaning
- For failing battery, it could either be the cmos or main battery. so replacing either one or both should help this problem. For the cmos, if your internal clock is usually wrong, that is a sign it's gone bad.
So this is what I plan to do:
1. I'd like to improve my macbook pro by: adding more ram and upgrading my hdd to ssd. I believe this would be essential for increasing performance and to make a new OS more compatible with this old machine.
This is definitely one of the best upgrades you can do to it. Just remember that SATA II is the best it can handle, so no need to spend the extra buck for a SATA3 unless its price just makes sense. Don't get a TLC or QLC, at most a MLC as it will give your disk longer life and improved performance.
Another thing that I also suggest, if you can remove the internal superdrive, you can replace it for a second HDD caddy. That way the SSD can become your main drive and the mechanical will become your storage. Who uses DVDs in 2019 anyway, right?
2. I realize I have to upgrade my operative system, but which one should i choose?? I'm thinking about upgrading to Maverics, because i'm thinking OSsierra might be too energy consuming.. what do you think? I also realize that the older operative systems are no longer available, which really sucks, and therefor I realize I might have to Install OS sierra after all.
You can officially run up to High Sierra (10.13), but I am running Mojave using a patch tool and I have had no issues so far, except for OpenGL on some programs like Blender and Krita, that I must disable it for them to work. I may try Catalina if a patch is available for it, after it's released.
so do you think upgrading from 4GB ram to 16GB ram, and swithing from hhd to ssd and installing OS Sierra (or Maverics) would be a good move?
Get 2x 8GB of PC3-8500 RAM 204-pin module sticks. It is supported by your mac if you run Lion 7.5 or newer, but with 8GB (2x4GB) you are also fine for regular computing. Definitely switch to SSD as the primary drive, and if possible, turn the superdrive into a second HDD bay for storage (super useful). Go for the highest your macbook officially supports. It'll add a few years of software support to your machine. I use mojave in dark mode and I love it.
I hope this helps you and other readers who saw this
