Testing speed of computer

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Level 2

411 points

Testing speed of computer

I have a late model 2017 iMac. I thought I could improve its speed by increasing the memory from 8GB to 24GB, but I was surprised to find that doing so made absolutely no detectable difference in any way.

I'm now thinking of installing an SSD internal drive, but the cost gives me pause.

My computer seems to be much too slow (maybe it's because of age). Anyway, I want to test its speed against some objective standards, because maybe the problem is with my unrealistic expectations, not the computer. How can I test my computer to see if its performance is what it should be?

I can't remember the term that describes a problem I have (stuttering? fluttering? ) but it's as if I'm watching the computer struggling to make a connection, open a file, etc.

iMac 27", macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 14, 2020 10:54 PM

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Answer 1

macjack

Level 10

111,282 points

Jan 15, 2020 8:04 AM in response to Niku

Uninstall Avira and CleanMyMac as per the develop's instructions, then post another Etrecheck report.

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Answer 2

Camelot

Level 9

60,055 points

Jan 14, 2020 11:26 PM in response to Niku

Those numbers are completely meaningless when it comes to local performance of your computer. All it gives is a hint at what your internet connection looks like but you have to pair that with the service level you expect from your ISP to know if it's in line - for example, if you order gigabit service and you're getting 79.74Mbps, that's pretty bad (≈8% of expected throughput), but if you order a 100mbps connection it's probably OK.

However that only affects any online activities. You didn't mention what kind of work you're doing on the computer to be able to tell if this is relevant. If you're doing word processing, spreadsheets, video editing, audio processing, graphic design... then these are all more dependent on the disk speed and memory in your system.

Geekbench is a useful benchmarking tool that will tell you if your machine is performing in line with other similar systems. It might highlight problems (e.g. poor disk performance (is your disk full?)) that can be addressed

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

137,365 points

Jan 15, 2020 4:28 AM in response to Niku

Just to add, a Late 2017 is hardly old. You should post an EtreCheck report for analysis.

http://etrecheck.com/

See this post on how to add the report.

How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

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Answer 4

Niku Author

Level 2

411 points

Jan 15, 2020 7:31 AM in response to Birkhoff92

You may be right, but I've always heard/read/been told that more RAM means more speed. Well, it sure didn't work that way for me. Anyway, now I'm again going to try to test the computer using Etrecheck and Geekbench and the Internet connection using what I can find. I'll be back. It's just that I was unable to use Etrecheck's Add Test Feature when I tried earlier.

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Answer 5

dialabrain

Level 10

137,365 points

Jan 15, 2020 4:08 AM in response to Niku

FWIW, You can compare what your model's results are here…

https://browser.geekbench.com/mac-benchmarks

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Answer 6

macjack

Level 10

111,282 points

Jan 15, 2020 8:37 AM in response to Niku

From your Finder "Go" menu > "Go to folder" then copy & paste this file path:

~/Library/LaunchAgents

Click Go.

Find and delete com.macpaw.CleanMyMac4.Updater.plist

No Anti-Virus software or so-called “cleaning” apps are needed or recommended for Mac OS. They can conflict with Mac's own built-in security.

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Answer 7

Niku Author

Level 2

411 points

Jan 15, 2020 7:57 AM in response to dialabrain

Etrecheck

Etrecheck Report

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Answer 8

Niku Author

Level 2

411 points

Jan 15, 2020 8:11 AM in response to macjack

Hmm. I didn't see any mention of Avira (whatever that is) or CleanMyMac, but I'll uninstall them. In the meantime, Geekbench gave the following ratings for my computer: Single-Source Score: 4,109; Multi-Source Score: 12,190. Internet connection rating to follow.

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Answer 9

macjack

Level 10

111,282 points

Jan 15, 2020 7:35 AM in response to Niku

Simply adding RAM won't increase speed unless the problem is insufficient RAM. Unused RAM = wasted RAM. Adding an SSD will increase performance greatly.

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Answer 10

Niku Author

Level 2

411 points

Jan 15, 2020 4:05 AM in response to Camelot

Thanks, I thought I had used something like that in the past. I didn't remember the name, but Spotlight found Geekbench for me. As you know, the results are quite extensive, but Single-Core Scan is 4062, and Multi-Score Scan is 10,586. Are these readings enough to know whether my computer is operating satisfactorily, or must all of the readings be taken into account?

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Answer 11

macjack

Level 10

111,282 points

Jan 15, 2020 8:30 AM in response to Niku

/Library/Extensions
   
    [not loaded]    com.avira.kext.FileAccessControl (1.1.1 - SDK 10.9) [Lookup]

User Launch Agents: ⓘ

[loaded] com.macpaw.CleanMyMac4.Updater.plist (MacPaw Inc. - installed 2019-11-14) [Lookup]

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Answer 12

Niku Author

Level 2

411 points

Jan 15, 2020 8:53 AM in response to macjack

Wait. Are you talking about two different things?

(1) Posting a Etrecheck report that will enable a skilled computer technician to analyze my iMac? [That's what I want to do]

(2) Following Apple's "party line" about tools like CleanMyMac? As to that, I believe Apple takes an extremist position, and I have found CleanMyMac and Onyx to be irreplaceable. Onyx once saved my computer when nothing else worked, and I then sent them a voluntary contribution in gratitude.

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Answer 13

macjack

Level 10

111,282 points

Jan 15, 2020 8:58 AM in response to Niku

It's up to you but CMM has been implicated in many posts with system issues. Onyx also is not necessary as Mac has it's own routines to clean caches and the like. The less "help" you give the system the better.

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Answer 14

dialabrain

Level 10

137,365 points

Jan 15, 2020 9:01 AM in response to Niku

FWIW, Onyx is a collection of routines that are already present in the OS. It can be convenient if you don't know how to run the routines manually or know with certainty which feature of Onyx you need to use. Or like myself, are too lazy to look commands up. :) The difference between Onyx and CleanMyMac is, Onyx is free and will not make any changes without the users knowledge and permission. That is not the case with CleanMyMac.

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Answer 15

Niku Author

Level 2

411 points

Jan 15, 2020 9:26 AM in response to macjack

Well, it was some time ago, so I've forgotten the details, but I once had a SERIOUS problem with my iMac. Seeking a solution, I naturally called Apple Help. I talked to several helpers, including, I think, a supervisor. The end of the story is that I was told that it seemed that there was no remedy and that I should be looking for a replacement computer. I then used Onyx, and the problem was fixed, simple as that. Now, I'm sure that you seriously doubt my story, and I can't say that I blame you. That, after all, is what loyal Apple people are obliged to believe. However, I do thank you for sticking with me for so long and with the detail and speed that does you credit. Now I'm going to try Onyx. Despite what I've said, I seldom use it. I just don't have that many serious computer problems. Thanks again. Oh, I do have to say that it's not only bumbling amateurs like myself that have good words to say for CleanMyMac and Onyx. It's not difficult to find encomiums for either from people who deserve to be believed. Experts sometimes differ.

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Testing speed of computer

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