My sister's MacBook white is running slow lately

Question

My sister's MacBook white is running slow lately

My older sister got her laptop back in 2012, and its ran like a champ since then, i even updated it from OS X 10.6.8 to OS X 10.7.5 and it ran even better!

but lately, it's started to lag when doing normal tasks, like running basic safari applications, loading and shutting down programs, and even minecraft runs slow even though it ran at maximum graphics settings perfectly! the computer's free storage is 70.61 GB out of 189 GB while the BOOTCAMP has 60.18 out of 60.18

free space. i thought it might just be that my sister is a computer slob, and has 36 files sitting right on the desktop! and from being a Windows user, i know that spamming your desktop with icons gives your exlorer.exe (or in this case, Finder) a back ache. I'm baffled here, haven't used Macintosh OSes for longer than 3 years, but i've used windows for 12 years (i'm 18) and currently i'm taking IT classes, so i should know a thing or two, but i'm stumped : /

some info:

MacBook 'White'

Processor: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 320M 256 MB

Software Mac OS X Lion 10.7.5 (11G63)

i've seen some questions vaguely similar to mine along the lines of 'started running slow' that employed the use of Etrecheck, so i'll post the scan results here:

EtreCheck version: 2.1.8 (121)

Report generated April 1, 2015 10:29:54 PM MDT

Download EtreCheck from http://etresoft.com/etrecheck

Click the [Click for support] links for help with non-Apple products.

Click the [Click for details] links for more information about that line.

Hardware Information: ℹ️

MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010) (Technical Specifications)

MacBook - model: MacBook7,1

1 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2-core

2 GB RAM

BANK 0/DIMM0

1 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok

BANK 1/DIMM0

1 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok

Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported

Wireless: en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n

Battery Health: Check Battery - Cycle count 644

Video Information: ℹ️

NVIDIA GeForce 320M - VRAM: 256 MB

Color LCD 1280 x 800

System Software: ℹ️

Mac OS X 10.7.5 (11G63) - Time since boot: one day 10:37:57

Disk Information: ℹ️

TOSHIBA MK2555GSXF disk0 : (250.06 GB)

disk0s1 (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB

Drive C (disk0s2) / : 189.00 GB (70.61 GB free)

Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB

BOOTCAMP (disk0s4) /Volumes/BOOTCAMP : 60.20 GB (60.18 GB free)

MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898

USB Information: ℹ️

Apple Inc. Built-in iSight

Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad

Apple Inc. BRCM2070 Hub

Broadcom Corp Bluetooth Module

Kernel Extensions: ℹ️

/Applications/Toast 10 Titanium/Toast Titanium.app

[not loaded] com.roxio.BluRaySupport (1.1.6) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.roxio.TDIXController (1.7) [Click for support]

/System/Library/Extensions

[loaded] com.Perfect.Driver.SystemAudioRecorder (1.0.0 - SDK 10.6) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.master (5.9.1 - SDK 10.6) [Click for support]

/System/Library/Extensions/PACESupportFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns

[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.leopard (5.9.1 - SDK 10.4) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.panther (5.9.1 - SDK 10.-1) [Click for support]

[loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.snowleopard (5.9.1 - SDK 10.6) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.tiger (5.9.1 - SDK 10.4) [Click for support]

Launch Agents: ℹ️

[failed] com.divx.dms.agent.plist [Click for support] [Click for details]

[failed] com.divx.update.agent.plist [Click for support] [Click for details]

[loaded] com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist [Click for support]

[loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.startx.plist [Click for support]

Launch Daemons: ℹ️

[loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.gopro.stereomodestatus.plist [Click for support]

[running] com.iobit.AMCDaemon.plist [Click for support]

[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist [Click for support]

[loaded] com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist [Click for support]

[loaded] com.oracle.java.JavaUpdateHelper.plist [Click for support]

[running] com.paceap.eden.licensed.plist [Click for support]

[loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.privileged_startx.plist [Click for support]

[loaded] PACESupport.plist [Click for support]

User Launch Agents: ℹ️

[loaded] com.divx.agent.postinstall.plist [Click for support]

[loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.iobit.AMCUpdate.plist [Click for support]

[failed] com.nero.HSMMonitor.plist [Click for support] [Click for details]

[running] com.spotify.webhelper.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.user.UninstallAD.plist [Click for support]

User Login Items: ℹ️

iTunesHelper Application (/Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/MacOS/iTunesHelper.app)

GetBackupAgent Application (/Applications/Toast 10 Titanium/Get Backup 2 RE.app/Contents/Resources/GetBackupAgent.app)

Spotify Application Hidden (/Applications/Spotify.app)

Internet Plug-ins: ℹ️

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin: Version: 2.4.4.2 [Click for support]

FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 17.0.0.134 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]

JavaAppletPlugin: Version: Java 7 Update 71 Check version

Flash Player: Version: 17.0.0.134 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]

OVSHelper: Version: 1.1 [Click for support]

QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.1

SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.1.0 [Click for support]

Silverlight: Version: 5.1.20913.0 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]

DirectorShockwave: Version: 12.0.7r148 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]

iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0 - SDK 10.8

Safari Extensions: ℹ️

AdBlock

clea.nr Videos

ClickToFlash

3rd Party Preference Panes: ℹ️

Flash Player [Click for support]

Flip4Mac WMV [Click for support]

GoPro [Click for support]

Java [Click for support]

Time Machine: ℹ️

Time Machine not configured!

Top Processes by CPU: ℹ️

2% WindowServer

1% WebProcess

0% SystemUIServer

0% fontd

0% configd

Top Processes by Memory: ℹ️

614 MB Safari

277 MB WebProcess

26 MB WindowServer

26 MB System Information

21 MB CVMCompiler

Virtual Memory Information: ℹ️

197 MB Free RAM

982 MB Active RAM

422 MB Inactive RAM

278 MB Wired RAM

1.14 GB Page-ins

1.67 GB Page-outs

Diagnostics Information: ℹ️

Mar 31, 2015, 11:50:35 AM Self test - passed

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.7.5), white, 13 inch

Posted on Apr 1, 2015 9:37 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Apr 2, 2015 4:01 AM in response to Community User

The macbook needs more ram. 2gb is the bare minimum just to run the OS, anything after that will slow it to a crawl. A mid 2010 macbook is actually capable of using up to 16gb of ram but in your sisters case I'd guess that 8gb would be sufficient. Crucial http://www.crucial.com/ and OWC http://eshop.macsales.com/ are your best bets for compatible ram at competitive prces. Avoid bargaing basement brands that work in PC's as Macs are more demanding of exact spec ram.

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Answer 2

Apr 5, 2015 8:20 PM in response to SeaPapp

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/scanview/4AAA7C8131D926C3

thanks! : ) i didn't know it could take more than 2GB, this will be nice, because my sister and my mom are always complaining how slow this computer is.

Ya, i know that PC crap won't work in macs, have to have mac stuff : ) for the moment, while i save up some money for the RAM, what can i do to speed it up a little?

Reply

Answer 3

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Apr 6, 2015 3:45 AM in response to Community User

I don't see any of the usual software suspects that cause slow downs in the report. I would make sure to not run more than any one application at a time and it might help to reset the SMC Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) - Apple Support

Crucial sticks to Apples original specs, they're never updated as technology becomes available. At release Apple stated that macbook could run up to 4GB of ram. As higher capacity chips became available and OS technology improved vendors such as OWC tested it and guarentee it to work with as much as 16GB of ram http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3_Whi te Complete specs for the mid 2010 Macbook 7,1 http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook/specs/macbook-core-2-duo-2.4-white -13-polycarbonate-unibody-mid-2010-specs…

*Apple officially supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM, but third-parties have determined that it actually supports 8 GB of RAM running Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" and 16 GB of RAM running OS X 10.7.5 "Lion" or higher and the latest EFI update.

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Answer 4

Apr 6, 2015 11:13 PM in response to SeaPapp

so it is, in fact, true that my sister's mac can "support" (if you will) 16 GB? this is impressive, i thought anything above 2 would be pushing it for this mac, but 16 sounds incredible! where would the best and cheapset place to buy these at be?

Reply

Answer 5

spudnuty

Level 5

7,116 points

Apr 7, 2015 8:26 AM in response to Community User

Talk to OWC:

https://www.macsales.com/

Dealt with them for over 8 years now and never a problem.

They will verify the amount of RAM your machine can use. It looks like Mike is correct.

You also might talk to them about installing a SSD in her machine.

I put one in a client's daughter's 2009 MacBook Unibody w/ only 4 GB RAM running Lion. Before she was hardly using it because it was so slow. Now after the 250 GB SSD my client reports she's on it all the time because it's so fast. She now worries that she's on it too much!

Reply

Answer 6

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Apr 7, 2015 8:32 AM in response to Community User

If you click the link I posted above it will take you directly to OWC's ram upgrade page for your sisters Macbook. BTW.....the "cheapest" isn't what you're interested in.....unless you're looking to buy constant kernel panics and possible data loss by installing bargain basement ram. Buy only from OWC (preferred) or Crucial. It will only cost a few dollars more if at all.

I second the notion of replacing the hard drive with an SSD. I have one in my early 2009 macbook and it's the single best upgrade I've ever done.

Reply

Answer 7

Apr 7, 2015 8:38 AM in response to SeaPapp

"BTW.....the "cheapest" isn't what you're interested in.....unless you're looking to buy constant kernel panics and possible data loss by installing bargain basement ram."

well, you know what i mean, i just want the RAM for a good price, i don't want to (and can't) pay exorbitant amounts for 16 GB of RAM.

thank you Mike Sombrio and Spudnuty for all your advice! : ) this will help a lot.

will these work?:

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/memory-DDR3/CT2KIT102464BF160B?gclid=CP35nffC5MQCF VKGfgodKRYAOQ&cm_mmc=shopping-_-tsa-_-nu…

Reply

Answer 8

spudnuty

Level 5

7,116 points

Apr 7, 2015 9:06 AM in response to Community User

OK I really want to push you to put an SSD in there. Like Mike says:

" I have one in my early 2009 macbook and it's the single best upgrade I've ever done."

So look at these benchmarks on the OWC site:

http://eshop.macsales.com/Reviews/Framework.cfm?page=/Benchmarks/CS5BenchmarkPag e-MacBookPro13.html

So look at the first RAM upgrade. See how the performance flattens out after 6 GB.

Then look at the performance difference an SSD makes. No brainer!

So for that machine:

Bumping RAM to 8 GB - $79.99

and 120 GB SSD - 73.79

Total $153.78

Here's my early 2011 MBP w/ that exact upgrade but an i5 processor and a 6G SSD:

Startup:

http://tinyurl.com/ooe6sac

Photoshop CS 6 open job:

http://tinyurl.com/nsussol

Reply

Answer 9

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Apr 7, 2015 12:10 PM in response to Community User

MACfan455 wrote:

"BTW.....the "cheapest" isn't what you're interested in.....unless you're looking to buy constant kernel panics and possible data loss by installing bargain basement ram."

well, you know what i mean, i just want the RAM for a good price, i don't want to (and can't) pay exorbitant amounts for 16 GB of RAM.

thank you Mike Sombrio and Spudnuty for all your advice! : ) this will help a lot.

will these work?:

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/memory-DDR3/CT2KIT102464BF160B?gclid=CP35nffC5MQCF VKGfgodKRYAOQ&cm_mmc=shopping-_-tsa-_-nu…

No that is the wrong speed

Reply

Answer 10

Jun 17, 2016 11:36 PM in response to Community User

That MB **definitely** needs more RAM than 2GBs for today's memory/internet demands.

16GBs in the 2010 all-white 2.4GHz Macbook definitely works:

Upgrade its firmware though, and run at least 10.10.** Yosemite or, better yet, El Capitan which I had on another hard drive that I stupidly (not accidentally) turned into a shiny skipping stone. Capitan is MUCH better than Yosemite as far as freeing up unused RAM memory is concerned and, it appears to me, better also at prioritizing CPU usage.

This is the 16GBs of RAM I bought off of Amazon for my mid-2010 MB 7,1:

NEW! 16GB 2 X 8GB DDR3 PC3-8500 SODIMM PC8500 1066MHz LAPTOP MEMORY RAM

by Samsung

4.4 out of 5 stars 7 customer reviews

Price: $54.39 + $4.48 shipping

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KFNBP24/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UT F8&psc=1

The first bootup after installation took a little bit longer than usual, but after that all's well. And with my 16GBs I can see that frikkin Yosemite STILL ***** up & keeps sucked up BIG chunks of RAM. So it's back up to Capitan for me soon.

Happy Mac'in

Impatiently waiting for Sierra with Siri... 😉

Kevin K

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