What is the newest software my macbook pro will run

Question

Level 1

8 points

What is the newest software my macbook pro will run

I purchased a Macbook Pro 15" from a friend and it's running 10.5.8. The computer has a number of hang ups, it's fairly slow, and there is a great deal of software, bookmarks, etc left over. What is the newest software that I can upgrade to which this computer will handle. It's a 2008 model with a 2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB SDRAM, and Geforce 8600M GT graphics processor. I'd like to install a fresh version of the software as if it just arrived from the factory. I have read differing opinions as to what it will run so any help is greatly appreciated. Also, if it will run Mavericks will I have to purchase Snow Leopard as well?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Mar 6, 2014 6:49 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Mar 6, 2014 7:07 PM in response to asand211

it can run mavericks 10.9, but you need to order 10.6 first so you can access the app store. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard. I would max out the ram at 6gb too.

Reply

Answer 2

K Shaffer

Level 7

34,972 points

Mar 6, 2014 11:26 PM in response to asand211

The computer sounds as though it may need some work before an upgrade;

however if you secure erase the hard disk drive, and have the Disk Utility on

the Snow Leopard 10.6 install DVD over-write one pass Zeros on the HDD,

reformat + install new system on the hard disk drive it would likely work better.

And with content left over by the previous owner totally gone, that would help

the computer run more like a new again. Even better with extra RAM installed.

Mavericks may not be the ideal system for an older computer, but if you do

upgrade past Snow Leopard, you may want to make a bootable backup clone

of the all-new and updated 10.6.8 system with all the Software Updates that

system can gather to put it fully updated in Snow Leopard; this to an external

enclosed hard disk drive, with its own power supply. An enclosure with the

oxford-type chipset and correct formatting to run OS X from there, would give

you a backup alternative should you find Mavericks too much for the MB/Pro.

A good external enclosure with port options, USB2.0/3.0 + FW400/800 is best.

An external with its own power supply can run a full-size 7200 RPM HDD .

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Reply