Q: My macbook is still hot, slow, with a noisy fan: ANY ideas? I've run First Aid and reset my SMC but it didn't help. Ma ... more
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Nov 1, 2015 9:21 AMby dominic23,Please run EtreCheck and post the report here.
If this doesn’t help, please run EtreCheck and post the report here.
Download it, open Downloads folder, click on it to open, select”Open” in the dialog to run it.
Click “Share Report” button in the toolbar, select “Copy to Clipboard” and then paste it when you reply.
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Nov 1, 2015 10:11 AMby viviansoho,EtreCheck version: 2.6.3 (223)
Report generated 11/1/15, 1:06 PM
Runtime 3:37
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.
Click the [Click to remove] links for help removing adware.
Hardware Information: (What does this mean?)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
[Click for Technical Specifications]
MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro8,1
1 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7 CPU: 2-core
4 GB RAM Upgradeable
[Click for upgrade instructions]
BANK 0/DIMM0
2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok
BANK 1/DIMM0
2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok
Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported
Wireless: en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Battery: Health = Normal - Cycle count = 466 - SN = W01256F30D3BA
Video Information: (What does this mean?)
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Color LCD 1280 x 800
System Software: (What does this mean?)
OS X El Capitan 10.11.1 (15B42) - Time since boot: about 2 hours
Disk Information: (What does this mean?)
TOSHIBA MK5065GSXF disk0 : (500.11 GB) (Rotational)
EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB
Macintosh HD (disk1) / : 498.88 GB (136.51 GB free)
Core Storage: disk0s2 499.25 GB Online
MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898 ()
USB Information: (What does this mean?)
Apple Inc. FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in)
Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
Apple Inc. BRCM2070 Hub
Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
Thunderbolt Information: (What does this mean?)
Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus
Configuration files: (What does this mean?)
/etc/hosts - Count: 23
Gatekeeper: (What does this mean?)
Mac App Store and identified developers
Kernel Extensions: (What does this mean?)
/System/Library/Extensions
[not loaded] com.markspace.missingsync.palmos.classicseize (1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.master (5.5.1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.palm.ClassicNotSeizeDriver (3.2.1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.wacom.kext.pentablet (5.2.1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] net.pocketmac.driver.BlackberryUSB (3.0.9) [Click for support]
[not loaded] net.pocketmac.driver.BlackberryUSBDev (3.0.9) [Click for support]
/System/Library/Extensions/PACESupportFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns
[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.leopard (5.5.1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.panther (5.5.1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.tiger (5.5.1) [Click for support]
Startup Items: (What does this mean?)
HPlaserjet Trap Monitor: Path: /Library/StartupItems/HPlaserjet Trap Monitor
HWNetMgr: Path: /Library/StartupItems/HWNetMgr
HWPortDetect: Path: /Library/StartupItems/HWPortDetect
MissingSyncMounting: Path: /Library/StartupItems/MissingSyncMounting
PACESupport: Path: /Library/StartupItems/PACESupport
Startup items are obsolete in OS X Yosemite
System Launch Agents: (What does this mean?)
[killed] com.apple.CallHistoryPluginHelper.plist
[killed] com.apple.CallHistorySyncHelper.plist
[killed] com.apple.FolderActionsDispatcher.plist
[killed] com.apple.cloudphotosd.plist
[killed] com.apple.coreservices.appleid.authentication.plist
[killed] com.apple.gamed.plist
[killed] com.apple.icloud.fmfd.plist
[killed] com.apple.photolibraryd.plist
[killed] com.apple.pluginkit.pkd.plist
[killed] com.apple.security.cloudkeychainproxy.plist
[killed] com.apple.telephonyutilities.callservicesd.plist
[killed] com.apple.xpc.loginitemregisterd.plist
12 processes killed due to insufficient RAM
System Launch Daemons: (What does this mean?)
[killed] com.apple.audio.systemsoundserverd.plist
[killed] com.apple.awdd.plist
[killed] com.apple.ifdreader.plist
[killed] com.apple.softwareupdated.plist
[killed] com.apple.tccd.system.plist
[killed] com.apple.wdhelper.plist
[killed] com.apple.xpc.smd.plist
7 processes killed due to insufficient RAM
Launch Agents: (What does this mean?)
[loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.canon.SPPHelper.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.wacom.pentablet.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.startx.plist [Click for support]
Launch Daemons: (What does this mean?)
[failed] PACESupport.plist [Click for support]
[failed] com.WesternDigital.WDSmartWareD.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.cloudpath.maccmd.plist [Click for support]
[failed] com.filemaker.fms.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.google.keystone.daemon.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.oracle.java.JavaUpdateHelper.plist [Click for support]
[failed] com.wdc.WDDMservice.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.privileged_startx.plist [Click for support]
User Launch Agents: (What does this mean?)
[failed] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist [Click for support] [Click for details]
[loaded] com.apple.SafariBookmarksSyncer.plist - /Applications/Safari.app/Contents/SafariSyncClient.app/Contents/MacOS/SafariSyn cClient: Executable not found!
[loaded] com.pia.pia_manager.plist [Click for support]
[failed] ws.agile.1PasswordAgent.plist [Click for support] [Click for details]
User Login Items: (What does this mean?)
Flux Application (/Applications/Flux.app)
Day One Application Hidden (/Applications/Day One.app)
Google Chrome Application Hidden (/Applications/Google Chrome.app)
CNQL1213_ButtonManager Application Hidden (/Library/CFMSupport/CNQL1213_ButtonManager.app)
Other Apps: (What does this mean?)
[running] 2BUA8C4S2C.com.agilebits.onepassword-osx-helper
[running] com.dayoneapp.dayone-agent
[running] com.dayoneapp.dayone.23712
[running] com.etresoft.EtreCheck.29152
[running] com.wacom.Consumer_TouchDriver.117792
[running] com.wacom.TabletDriver.118432
Internet Plug-ins: (What does this mean?)
o1dbrowserplugin: Version: 5.41.0.0 - SDK 10.8 [Click for support]
nplastpass: Version: 2.0.11 [Click for support]
WacomNetscape: Version: 1.1.0-4 [Click for support]
Default Browser: Version: 601 - SDK 10.11
WacomSafari: Version: 1.1.0-4 [Click for support]
SELPHY Photo Print Plugin: Version: 1.0.0.2 [Click for support]
AdobeAAMDetect: Version: AdobeAAMDetect 1.0.0.0 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 18.0.0.209 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
Silverlight: Version: 5.1.30317.0 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
Flash Player: Version: 18.0.0.209 - SDK 10.6 Outdated! Update
googletalkbrowserplugin: Version: 5.41.0.0 - SDK 10.8 [Click for support]
iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0
SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.0.0 [Click for support]
eMusic: Version: Unknown [Click for support]
JavaAppletPlugin: Version: Java 7 Update 51 Check version
Safari Extensions: (What does this mean?)
LastPass
GoPhoto.it Adware! [Click to remove]
3rd Party Preference Panes: (What does this mean?)
Box Sync [Click for support]
Flash Player [Click for support]
Growl [Click for support]
Time Machine: (What does this mean?)
Auto backup: YES
Volumes being backed up:
Macintosh HD: Disk size: 498.88 GB Disk used: 362.36 GB
Destinations:
Elements [Local]
Total size: 2.00 TB
Total number of backups: 43
Oldest backup: 10/4/13, 10:46 PM
Last backup: 10/29/15, 8:03 AM
Size of backup disk: Excellent
Backup size 2.00 TB > (Disk size 498.88 GB X 3)
Top Processes by CPU: (What does this mean?)
5% WindowServer
2% mds_stores
0% launchd
0% UserEventAgent(2)
0% fontd
Top Processes by Memory: (What does this mean?)
525 MB kernel_task
365 MB mdworker(16)
82 MB mds_stores
57 MB Finder
57 MB mds
Virtual Memory Information: (What does this mean?)
1.04 GB Free RAM
2.96 GB Used RAM (1.08 GB Cached)
32 MB Swap Used
Diagnostics Information: (What does this mean?)
Nov 1, 2015, 11:19:46 AM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/Microsoft Word_2015-11-01-111946_[redacted].hang
Nov 1, 2015, 10:48:23 AM Self test - passed
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Nov 1, 2015 1:42 PMby dominic23,Adware GoPhoto.it is installed without your knowledge, removing it will help.
1. Use free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac/ AdwareMedic to remove adware
http://www.adwaremedic.com/index.php
Download, install , open, and run it by clicking “Scan for Adware” button to remove adware.
Once done, quit Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
or
Remove the adware manually by following the “HowTo” from Apple.
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987
2. Disable/Uninstall Extensions and test.
Safari > Preferences > Extensions
Select "GoPhototoit"
Click the “Uninstall” button.
3. Safari > Preferences > Search > Search Engine :
Deselect and select your preferred search engine.
4. Safari > Preferences > General > Homepage:
Set your Homepage.
RAM
Upgrading RAM to 8GB will help.
OtherWorldComputing
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Nov 1, 2015 3:18 PMby Linc Davis,First, never use any kind of "anti-virus" or "anti-malware" software on a Mac. That's how you create problems, not how you solve them.
Please follow the instructions in the support article linked below and post your results:
Apps can affect Mac performance, battery runtime, temperature, and fan activity - Apple Support
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Nov 1, 2015 5:50 PMby viviansoho,I removed the adware but the problem is still there. Even if there is no application open, the fan is running louder than it should be (but it does indeed stop when the computer goes to sleep). Below is the updated etre check. What's going on here? I thought having 136 GB free out of 5GB would be enough to run smoothly, no?
EtreCheck version: 2.6.3 (223)
Report generated 11/1/15, 8:45 PM
Runtime 4:12
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: (What does this mean?)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
[Click for Technical Specifications]
MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro8,1
1 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7 CPU: 2-core
4 GB RAM Upgradeable
[Click for upgrade instructions]
BANK 0/DIMM0
2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok
BANK 1/DIMM0
2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok
Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported
Wireless: en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Battery: Health = Normal - Cycle count = 466 - SN = W01256F30D3BA
Video Information: (What does this mean?)
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Color LCD 1280 x 800
System Software: (What does this mean?)
OS X El Capitan 10.11.1 (15B42) - Time since boot: about 3 hours
Disk Information: (What does this mean?)
TOSHIBA MK5065GSXF disk0 : (500.11 GB) (Rotational)
EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB
Macintosh HD (disk1) / : 498.88 GB (135.02 GB free)
Core Storage: disk0s2 499.25 GB Online
MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898 ()
USB Information: (What does this mean?)
Apple Inc. FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in)
Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
Apple Inc. BRCM2070 Hub
Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
Thunderbolt Information: (What does this mean?)
Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus
Configuration files: (What does this mean?)
/etc/hosts - Count: 23
Gatekeeper: (What does this mean?)
Mac App Store and identified developers
Kernel Extensions: (What does this mean?)
/System/Library/Extensions
[not loaded] com.markspace.missingsync.palmos.classicseize (1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.master (5.5.1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.palm.ClassicNotSeizeDriver (3.2.1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.wacom.kext.pentablet (5.2.1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] net.pocketmac.driver.BlackberryUSB (3.0.9) [Click for support]
[not loaded] net.pocketmac.driver.BlackberryUSBDev (3.0.9) [Click for support]
/System/Library/Extensions/PACESupportFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns
[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.leopard (5.5.1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.panther (5.5.1) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.tiger (5.5.1) [Click for support]
Startup Items: (What does this mean?)
HPlaserjet Trap Monitor: Path: /Library/StartupItems/HPlaserjet Trap Monitor
HWNetMgr: Path: /Library/StartupItems/HWNetMgr
HWPortDetect: Path: /Library/StartupItems/HWPortDetect
MissingSyncMounting: Path: /Library/StartupItems/MissingSyncMounting
PACESupport: Path: /Library/StartupItems/PACESupport
Startup items are obsolete in OS X Yosemite
System Launch Agents: (What does this mean?)
[killed] com.apple.CallHistoryPluginHelper.plist
[killed] com.apple.CallHistorySyncHelper.plist
[killed] com.apple.FolderActionsDispatcher.plist
[killed] com.apple.Maps.pushdaemon.plist
[failed] com.apple.SocialPushAgent.plist
[killed] com.apple.coreservices.appleid.authentication.plist
[killed] com.apple.coreservices.uiagent.plist
[killed] com.apple.gamed.plist
[killed] com.apple.icloud.fmfd.plist
[killed] com.apple.pluginkit.pkd.plist
[killed] com.apple.printtool.agent.plist
[killed] com.apple.security.cloudkeychainproxy.plist
[killed] com.apple.spindump_agent.plist
[killed] com.apple.spotlight.IndexAgent.plist
[killed] com.apple.telephonyutilities.callservicesd.plist
[killed] com.apple.xpc.loginitemregisterd.plist
15 processes killed due to insufficient RAM
System Launch Daemons: (What does this mean?)
[killed] com.apple.aslmanager.plist
[killed] com.apple.audio.systemsoundserverd.plist
[killed] com.apple.awdd.plist
[killed] com.apple.cache_delete.plist
[killed] com.apple.ifdreader.plist
[killed] com.apple.installd.plist
[killed] com.apple.periodic-monthly.plist
[killed] com.apple.softwareupdated.plist
[killed] com.apple.tccd.system.plist
[killed] com.apple.wdhelper.plist
[killed] com.apple.xpc.smd.plist
11 processes killed due to insufficient RAM
Launch Agents: (What does this mean?)
[loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.canon.SPPHelper.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.wacom.pentablet.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.startx.plist [Click for support]
Launch Daemons: (What does this mean?)
[failed] PACESupport.plist [Click for support]
[failed] com.WesternDigital.WDSmartWareD.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.cloudpath.maccmd.plist [Click for support]
[failed] com.filemaker.fms.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.google.keystone.daemon.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.malwarebytes.MBAMHelperTool.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.oracle.java.JavaUpdateHelper.plist [Click for support]
[failed] com.wdc.WDDMservice.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.privileged_startx.plist [Click for support]
User Launch Agents: (What does this mean?)
[failed] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.apple.SafariBookmarksSyncer.plist - /Applications/Safari.app/Contents/SafariSyncClient.app/Contents/MacOS/SafariSyn cClient: Executable not found!
[loaded] com.pia.pia_manager.plist [Click for support]
[failed] ws.agile.1PasswordAgent.plist [Click for support]
User Login Items: (What does this mean?)
Flux Application (/Applications/Flux.app)
Day One Application Hidden (/Applications/Day One.app)
Google Chrome Application Hidden (/Applications/Google Chrome.app)
CNQL1213_ButtonManager Application Hidden (/Library/CFMSupport/CNQL1213_ButtonManager.app)
Other Apps: (What does this mean?)
[running] 2BUA8C4S2C.com.agilebits.onepassword-osx-helper
[running] com.dayoneapp.dayone-agent
[running] com.dayoneapp.dayone.23712
[running] com.etresoft.EtreCheck.29152
[running] com.google.Chrome.57632
[running] com.wacom.Consumer_TouchDriver.117792
[running] com.wacom.TabletDriver.118432
Internet Plug-ins: (What does this mean?)
o1dbrowserplugin: Version: 5.41.0.0 - SDK 10.8 [Click for support]
nplastpass: Version: 2.0.11 [Click for support]
WacomNetscape: Version: 1.1.0-4 [Click for support]
Default Browser: Version: 601 - SDK 10.11
WacomSafari: Version: 1.1.0-4 [Click for support]
SELPHY Photo Print Plugin: Version: 1.0.0.2 [Click for support]
AdobeAAMDetect: Version: AdobeAAMDetect 1.0.0.0 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 18.0.0.209 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
Silverlight: Version: 5.1.30317.0 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
Flash Player: Version: 18.0.0.209 - SDK 10.6 Outdated! Update
googletalkbrowserplugin: Version: 5.41.0.0 - SDK 10.8 [Click for support]
iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0
SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.0.0 [Click for support]
eMusic: Version: Unknown [Click for support]
JavaAppletPlugin: Version: Java 7 Update 51 Check version
Safari Extensions: (What does this mean?)
LastPass
3rd Party Preference Panes: (What does this mean?)
Box Sync [Click for support]
Flash Player [Click for support]
Growl [Click for support]
Time Machine: (What does this mean?)
Auto backup: YES
Volumes being backed up:
Macintosh HD: Disk size: 498.88 GB Disk used: 363.85 GB
Destinations:
Elements [Local]
Total size: 2.00 TB
Total number of backups: 43
Oldest backup: 10/4/13, 10:46 PM
Last backup: 10/29/15, 8:03 AM
Size of backup disk: Excellent
Backup size 2.00 TB > (Disk size 498.88 GB X 3)
Top Processes by CPU: (What does this mean?)
5% WindowServer
5% AddressBookSourceSync
1% Google Chrome Helper(21)
0% fontd
0% accountsd
Top Processes by Memory: (What does this mean?)
1.99 GB Google Chrome Helper(21)
467 MB kernel_task
270 MB mdworker(13)
168 MB Google Chrome
57 MB photolibraryd
Virtual Memory Information: (What does this mean?)
77 MB Free RAM
3.92 GB Used RAM (721 MB Cached)
73 MB Swap Used
Diagnostics Information: (What does this mean?)
Nov 1, 2015, 05:21:51 PM Self test - passed
Nov 1, 2015, 01:51:49 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/Paparazzi!_2015-11-01-135149_[redacted].crash
Nov 1, 2015, 11:19:46 AM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/Microsoft Word_2015-11-01-111946_[redacted].hang
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Nov 1, 2015 5:58 PMby viviansoho,Hi, I'm not sure what you are asking. I'm loosely familiar with looking at the activity monitor but the fan is running while there are no applications open. Then just now, I skyped by friend (with skype being the only thing open) and the fan goes crazy and the computer heats up even more than when there is nothing open. See attached images of when there is nothing open and when skype is open. Thanks
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Nov 1, 2015 7:48 PMby etresoft,Hello viviansoho,
Your machine is struggling because it is running with only 4 GB RAM and an old, mechanical hard drive. It was made for software in 2011, such as OS X 10.6.8 "Snow Leopard", not OS X 10.11.1 "El Capitan". It is killing its own processes in an attempt to get more free RAM. You can upgrade both the RAM and hard drive in your machine. Those hard drives tend to fail after 2-3 years anyway. I suggest replacing it with an SSD. OS X 10.10 and 10.11 were designed for an SSD.
However, even with more RAM and an SSD, it will still be loud when you are running Skype. There is no way around that. That is an old machine and it isn't optimized for video. The CPU is doing all the work.
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Nov 1, 2015 8:20 PMby Linc Davis,One of the myths that circulate on ASC is the myth that the current version of OS X always needs more than 4 GB of memory to run well. The myth is based on nothing except the fact that some people keep repeating it. Apple is today selling new Macs with 4 GB of memory that can never be upgraded after they leave the factory. Those Macs come with Yosemite preinstalled, and it can never be downgraded to an older version. So if you were to believe the myth, you would also believe that Apple knows that it's selling products that are permanently crippled right out of the box, no matter how they're used. Read this discussion before you spend money on memory that you may not need.
Some users do need more than 4 GB of memory for full performance. They are running memory-intensive applications, such as photo or video editors, or they're running many programs concurrently, or they have more than one account logged in at the same time. Whether you're one of those users can be determined, in part, by observing the level of memory pressure in the Memory tab of the Activity Monitor window. If the memory pressure graph always stays in the green zone, then a shortage of memory is not causing the problem.
Even if memory pressure is high, that doesn't necessarily mean that adding more memory will help. If one or more processes has a memory leak—a kind of bug—then adding memory, no matter how much, won't help. It will merely delay the onset of the problem, perhaps only by a few minutes or less. That is very likely the case if you already have more than 4 GB.
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Nov 2, 2015 8:00 AMby OGELTHORPE,HelpfulLinc Davis wrote:
One of the myths that circulate on ASC is the myth that the current version of OS X always needs more than 4 GB of memory to run well. The myth is based on nothing except the fact that some people keep repeating it. Apple is today selling new Macs with 4 GB of memory that can never be upgraded after they leave the factory. Those Macs come with Yosemite preinstalled, and it can never be downgraded to an older version. So if you were to believe the myth, you would also believe that Apple knows that it's selling products that are permanently crippled right out of the box, no matter how they're used. Read this discussion before you spend money on memory that you may not need.
You are forgetting, again, that those MBPs have SSDs installed in them as original equipment which mitigates the need for large amounts of RAM. The Etrecheck report shows that the OP's MBP has a conventional HDD so that recommendation for additional RAM is justified. Therefore what you characterize as a myth is one of your own making.
The last two paragraphs meet my approval.
Also may I point out that your post should be revised to reflect the fact that Yosemite is no longer available and has been replaced by El Capitan. Such errors as these do not reflect on your credibility and you really should revise this 'prepared post' as I have reminded you of this before. I trust that you find my critiques helpful and I really wish you would take full advantage of them.
Ciao.
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Nov 2, 2015 7:45 AMby etresoft,HelpfulHello again viviansoho,
I'm not going to comment on Apple's policies or the opinions of other posters here on this site. By downloading and running EtreCheck, you become one of my customers. If I see one of my customers on the internet who I think could use my help, I reserve the right to support them. You specifically asked about heat and fan noise, so I will address that first.
I have a machine very similar to yours. In fact, mine is a "Late 2011", so it is slightly newer. It does get very hot and the fans get very noisy when the CPU is working hard. I used to carry around this Thermaltake iXoft passive cooling pad (http://www.thermaltake.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00000712). Otherwise, the MacBook would burn my legs if I used it on my lap. Apple never called these machines "laptops". Cross-platform video software like Flash and Skype were particularly bad at making the CPU work, raising the temperature, and running the fans. I used software like ClickToFlash (http://hoyois.github.io/safariextensions/clicktoplugin/) to switch Flash video to HTML5, which Safari could play using the GPU, resulting in less heat and noise. Otherwise, I would have to use headphones just to drown out the fan noise. These 13" MacBook Pros were entry-level machines in 2011. New software written in 2015 is not going to be optimized for them.
Although you didn't specifically ask about speed or memory usage, I feel it would be unethical if I didn't point out a problem and tell you about easy and inexpensive upgrade opportunities. Your EtreCheck report clearly indicates that you have been running short on RAM. Chrome is notorious for that. It was designed for current machines, not those from 2011. On your machine, Chrome alone is using half your RAM. That doesn't give your operating system much else to work with. An old mechanical hard drive will slow things down even more, and help to build up the heat.
The amount of free space on your hard drive does not affect the performance unless you get critically low. The old mechanical hard drives tend to fail after 2-3 years. Sometimes they fail spectacularly and sometimes they just slow down over time. I always used to replace mine after 2 years before they showed any signs of failure. I used to treat them like brakes on a car, replacing them before a disaster. In addition to being about 100 times faster (literally), an SSD should last from 7-20 years.
I am confident that if you asked any competent computer repair services, such as at an Apple Store or Authorized Apple Service Centre, the response would be unanimous. A RAM and SSD upgrade would give you an immediate and dramatic performance improvement. The parts will cost about $300 US plus any labour. An equivalent new machine would be $1800 US. I have upgraded my old 2011 MacBook Pro with extra RAM and an SSD. Performance-wise, it is almost as fast as my new 2014 MacBook Pro. However, the new machine is much cooler and quieter. Apple makes a big deal about its "asymmetrical fan" design in the new MacBook Pros (http://www.apple.com/ca/macbook-pro/design-retina/). They introduced this feature in 2012.
You will have to decide if you want to live with it, upgrade your machine, or buy a new one. There are more benefits to a new machine than just the fans. Just avoid the low-end machines. Unlike your 2011 MacBook Pro, they can never be upgraded. If you think you might need more than 4 GB RAM or a 128 GB hard drive (and you already do), you must buy the machine with more RAM and a larger hard drive.
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Nov 2, 2015 8:00 AMby viviansoho,Hi Etresoft
Your post is incredibly informative and clearly something I need to do asap.
I was looking online about memory upgrades and was wondering... is the difference between installing 8GB vs higher like 12 or 16GB, simply the price? Or is my macbook limited to an increase of 8GB.
Would switching to Firefox (or Safari) help with how much cpu Chrome is eating up right now?
Is there any particular SSD mac compatible hardrive brand that's 512GB and over you would personally recommend (since I am aware it is not reflective of the company you are representing)?
Thanks so much
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Nov 2, 2015 8:21 AMby OGELTHORPE,Let me generally echo etresoft's suggestions.
I too have a late 2011 MBP and I have 16 GB RAM installed and a Crucial SSD (17" model).
For both RAM and SSD's I recommend OWC and Crucial as the best Mac compatible sources (especially RAM). Avoid Samsung SSDs at this time. There have been success stories with them but too many problematic ones as well, reported on these forums. Note that they no longer mention Mac compatibility on their web site. As for other brands of SSDs, I have no opinion.
Ciao.
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Nov 2, 2015 8:33 AMby etresoft,Hello again viviansoho,
More memory is always better. But I can't guarantee you would notice much difference between 8, 12, or 16. Once you get past 4 GB, it depends on what software you use. Your EtreCheck report includes the PACE DRM software that is often part of some professional apps. Those are the apps that could really use the extra RAM.
Apple's original technical support documents say that your Mac is limited to 8 GB. But newer chips are available now. OWC says that it can support 16 GB. Here are the OWC memory upgrades for your machine: http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=418&type=Memory
Adding more RAM would be a modest improvement. Replacing your old hard drive with an SSD would be a dramatic improvement. I have a Samsung 840 EVO. That is pretty much the generic, aftermarket SSD that most people have. OWC also sells SSDs and OWC always has a good reputation: http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=418&type=InternalDri ves
The only real issue is if you are comfortable doing this kind of hardware upgrade yourself. For people who do it every day, it is a 5-minute job. I recommend your closest Authorized Apple Service Centre. The OWC links above will tell you how much the parts cost. Add 5 minutes' labour to that price and that is how much everything should cost.
But to be clear, this will only make your machine much faster. But if you watch videos or do any intense CPU activity, the machine will still get hot and the fans will still be loud. It might be a little better than it was before though. And as machines get older, there is always a risk of additional failure of the electronics. On my old machine, some of the keys (A and S, usually) don't want to register the first time I press them. There is a risk that you could put $400 into that machine and then the logic board fails. But then I think just the AppleCare alone costs $400 on a new machine.
