Will OS X Server slow down mac even if it's not running?

After you've enabled Services to run (in the background), they will do so whether or not Server.app is running itself. They do impose a modest load on modern CPUs.

Most of the services will however respond to network changes, eg. joining a WIFI network or plugging in an Ethernet cable. Doing so a lot would cause them to constantly try to adopt to the new settings. That could indicate that it'd be better to not run server services from a portable device like a Macbook Pro.

BTW: If you've simply added Server.app to your Macbook Pro to administer a remote OSX Server, it'd certainly not start any services. HTH

Christian

The Server app configures services then those services run in the background ALL the time even if you are logged out and the Server app isnt running.

So the issue isn't whether the Server app is running or not, but its more about what services you have enabled and what impact they might have.

If you have all the services OFF in Server app, one could argue that there are a some maintenance routines which have a measurable impact, but there is no perceivable impact.

There may be one exception which could effect your performance.

The server app may have enabled a local DNS server and set your machine to use itself for DNS resolution. If not configured properly, this could add a delay to web browsing and other apps that use the internet.

If you really aren't using any of the Server services, then make sure in your System Prefs/Network settings, that you have the proper DNS server specified (not 127.0.0.1).