MacBook RAM problem & OS version update, PLEASE HELP!!

OK...first off, understand that your computer is 11 years old now. I mention this because you'll want to weigh this against the cost of any upgrades that might help it last a bit longer.

Here are my observations, based on your Etrecheck report:

1. 1. Your Mac has only 4GB of RAM, which is less than I'd feel comfortable with. Fortunately, your RAM is upgradable, and Kaz-k has provided the specific RAM type you'd need. Typically, RAM isn't all that expensive, so this is an upgrade you should strongly consider.
   2. You don't have a Time Machine backup. Not only would you not lose any data in the event of a catastrophe, you'd want to use the backup to set up a new Mac, should you elect to get one someday.
   3. The high battery cycle count is concerning...could be a sign your battery will need to be replaced in the near future. You probably wouldn't be able to get it replaced at the Apple Store, as Apple has declared your Mac "vintage" and no longer supports it. However, third party companies are out there that can source a compatible battery for your Mac.
   4. I'm amazed at how much available hard disk space you have! Awesome! As the Etrecheck report states, you COULD replace your hard drive with a Solid State Drive. Be aware, though, it wouldn't be cheap.
   5. I noted that Sensei is installed on this Mac. I lump this type of app into the same category as CleanMyMac. They generally slow things down, as they're constantly monitoring things...and since you have a limited amount of RAM, they're robbing your Mac of performance. If it were me, I'd run the Sensei uninstaller.
   6. You have a Nielsen app installed. For sure, I'd uninstall this using their uninstaller. This does nothing but track your every movement across the internet. Hopefully, there's an uninstaller located in the Applications-->Nielsen folder?
   7. You have an unusually high number of Safari extensions installed. I'd review them and determine if all are needed.

I hope this information helps. Perhaps someone else here will be able to examine your Etrecheck report and see something I missed.

As MacMike points out, Senesi is a serious issue. Want data? It's right here:

Diagnostics Information (past 7-30 days):

2023-10-21 20:56:33 SenseiDaemon Crash (90 times) ⚠️ 😳

Executable: /Library/Application Support/Sensei/SenseiDaemon

Details:

dyld: launch, loading dependent libraries

I've reads thousands of EtreCheck reports here and have never seen one log 90 single-process crashes in its 30-day summation. Congrats! You're the first!! 🎉

Sensei is very likely masking other issues, and must go.

...

I love the 2012 13" and have one with both RAM and storage upgraded that still gets regular use. However, in your case, I see three things that may make that decision inappropriate to this specific computer:

1) Battery: Health = Replace Soon - Cycle count = 1465

Apple no longer replaces batteries in 2012 models (I've checked) and aftermarket batteries are awful. There are NO "original Apple Batteries" sold as parts. Any so marked are counterfeit. Even a "decent" aftermarket battery will give disappointing performance

2) 2023-10-17 03:01:09 WindowServer Crash (2 times)

Executable: /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/SkyLight.framework/Versions/A/Resources/WindowServer

Details:

StartTime:2023-10-14 08:21:03

GPU:IG

MetalDevice for accelerator(0x4c33): 0x7ff41fe1c258 (MTLDevice: 0x7ff4

21b16000)

Metal is a graphics technology and is built into the Intel processor in this model. Any issues with Metal concern me as that could indicate a serious CPU issues requiring a new logic board.

3) /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/AppStoreDaemon.framework/Support/appstoreagent

Details:

dyld3 mode

2023-10-17 21:57:18 Kernel Panic (2 times)

Details:

panic(cpu 2 caller 0xffffff7fabe50ad5): userspace watchdog timeout: no

successful checkins from com.apple.logd in 120 seconds

"Watchdog" errors can also suggest an issue in the CPU.

----------

So with three expensive items looking shaky and potentially on the short path to the graveyard, even I would be reluctant to spend money on this computer

Other findings:

— I believe the HDD has already been replaced:

Drives:

disk0 - ST1000LM024 HN-M101MBB 1.00 TB (Mechanical - 5400 RPM)

Internal SATA 6 Gigabit Serial ATA

The factory drive description would have included "Apple" between "disk0" and the drive's model number (starts with "ST,")

Also the entry-level drives for that model with the 2.5Ghz i5 processor were 5400rpm SATA 3GB. Yours being SATA 6GB is a bit faster than most stock drives in that model. Removing ANY and ALL "cleaning" and "tuning" scamware may increase drive speed from 10 to 30 precent.

Hi,

You can upgrade RAM till 16GB(two 8GB RAM stick), your RAM is SODIMM DDR3  PC3-12800 DDR3 1600 MHz.

Unfortunately, Catalina is the newest MacOS your Mac can run.

As far as your Mac's sluggishness is concerned, it's typically caused by a failing hard drive or third party applications. In fact, CleanMyMac is a common offender that tends to muck things up on a Mac. I'd recommend using their uninstaller to rid your Mac of it.

I'd also suggest downloading/installing/running a benign software application called Etrecheck and copying/pasting the report it generates using the Additional Text icon at the bottom of your reply screen. Allow full disk access, and several of us will be happy to examine the results and offer suggestions on what might be slowing your Mac down. (Not to worry, the Etrecheck report doesn't contain any personal identifying information).

Hope this helps.