Q: Mac Mini sometimes slow.
My 2011 Mac Mini, OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 up-to-date, wifi speed good, 8GB memory, of which 3-5 in use, often slows down with rainbow whirligig. This happens when I switch from wind to window or app to app quickly.
Mac mini, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6), 8GB memory
Posted on Aug 6, 2016 11:20 AM
I suspect a failing HD since it happens when you read/write to the drive. It is slow because data has to be repeatedly read/write from the drive to get a good read/write.
- Try resetting the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
About NVRAM and PRAM
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063
- Try starting in Safe Mode
OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode?
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262
- Boot to Recovery and repair the startup disk
OS X: About OS X Recovery - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201314
Also note in Disk Utility if the SMART status is listed as verified.
- If it is repairable reinstall the OSX
How to reinstall OS X on your Mac - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904
- If you do not have a backup use disk utility to restore the internal disk to an external disk so you can try to recover data.
Then format the startup disk and do a fresh install of OSX
Posted on Aug 7, 2016 12:25 PM