2011 Macbook Pro lagging since SSD upgrade

Question

Level 1

8 points

2011 Macbook Pro lagging since SSD upgrade

Hi everyone. Just a heads up this is my first question. Also I like to think I'm good with computers but I'm no IT person, so I will try to describe my problem the best that I can. My friend (who does IT) has upgraded my early 2011 macbook pro with a SSD (brand is Crucial and size is 480GB). As a side note we also tried with a Kingston brand one and had the same problem. I am fairly confident it was installed correctly. Since the upgrade, certain functions are faster. For example opening Google Chrome is quicker than before the upgrade. I am having problems when I am looking at files and using files stored on my hard drive. For example when I watch a video that is saved on my hard drive on VLC (and Quicktime) it will freeze every few minutes for at least thirty seconds. Also scrolling through files on finder can lead to it freezing. We are not quite sure what the problem is (my friend, while good with Macs is more of a PC guy). I saw other people posting on here and thought maybe you all could help! I noticed EtreCheck is quite popular so I've done one of those reports for more detail. I appreciate any feedback you can offer 🙂

EtreCheck version: 2.9.11 (264)

Report generated 2016-04-28 09:11:20

Download EtreCheck from https://etrecheck.com

Runtime 2:34

Performance: Excellent

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

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

Problem: Computer is too slow

Hardware Information:ⓘ

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)

[Technical Specifications] - [User Guide] - [Warranty & Service]

MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro8,1

1 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5 CPU: 2-core

4 GB RAM Upgradeable - [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 = 632

Video Information:ⓘ

Intel HD Graphics 3000

Color LCD 1280 x 800

System Software:ⓘ

OS X El Capitan 10.11.4 (15E65) - Time since boot: less than an hour

Disk Information:ⓘ

Crucial_CT480M500SSD1 disk0 : (480.1 GB) (Solid State - TRIM: Yes)

EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB

Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / : 479.24 GB (333.45 GB free)

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

MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898 ()

USB Information:ⓘ

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:ⓘ

Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus

Configuration files:ⓘ

/etc/hosts - Count: 15

Gatekeeper:ⓘ

Mac App Store and identified developers

Kernel Extensions:ⓘ

/Applications/Other/Tunnelblick.app

[not loaded] net.tunnelblick.tap (20141104 (Tunnelblick build 4530) Unsigned - 2016-03-06) [Support]

[not loaded] net.tunnelblick.tun (20141104 (Tunnelblick build 4530) Unsigned - 2016-03-06) [Support]

/System/Library/Extensions

[not loaded] com.pctools.iantivirus.kfs (1.0.1 - 2016-04-06) [Support]

[not loaded] com.rim.driver.BlackBerryUSBDriverInt (0.0.97 - 2016-04-06) [Support]

[not loaded] com.rim.driver.BlackBerryUSBDriverVSP (0.0.97 - 2016-04-06) [Support]

[not loaded] com.sony.driver.prs2 (1.0.3d1 - 2016-04-06) [Support]

System Launch Agents:ⓘ

[not loaded] 8 Apple tasks

[loaded] 164 Apple tasks

[running] 66 Apple tasks

System Launch Daemons:ⓘ

[not loaded] 42 Apple tasks

[loaded] 162 Apple tasks

[running] 84 Apple tasks

Launch Agents:ⓘ

[not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist (2012-06-23) [Support]

[failed] com.adobe.ARMDCHelper.cc24aef4a1b90ed56a...plist (2015-10-14) [Support]

[loaded] com.adobe.CS5ServiceManager.plist (2012-06-23) [Support]

[loaded] com.hp.help.tocgenerator.plist (2009-07-28) [Support]

[loaded] com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist (2015-02-02) [Support]

[running] com.rim.BBAlbumArtCacher.plist (2013-06-25) [Support]

[running] com.rim.BBLaunchAgent.plist (2013-06-25) [Support]

[not loaded] com.sony.ReaderDesktop.RunReaderDesktop.plist (2013-11-11) [Support]

[failed] com.teamviewer.teamviewer.plist (2016-04-01) [Support]

[failed] com.teamviewer.teamviewer_desktop.plist (2016-04-01) [Support]

Launch Daemons:ⓘ

[loaded] com.adobe.ARMDC.Communicator.plist (2015-10-14) [Support]

[loaded] com.adobe.ARMDC.SMJobBlessHelper.plist (2015-10-14) [Support]

[loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist (2012-06-23) [Support]

[loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist (2016-04-16) [Support]

[running] com.fitbit.galileod.plist (2013-10-22) [Support]

[loaded] com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2.Agent.plist (2014-12-01) [Support]

[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist (2010-08-25) [Support]

[loaded] com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist (2015-02-02) [Support]

[running] com.rim.BBDaemon.plist (2013-06-25) [Support]

[loaded] com.teamviewer.Helper.plist (2016-02-01) [Support]

[failed] com.teamviewer.teamviewer_service.plist (2016-04-01) [Support]

[loaded] net.tunnelblick.tunnelblick.tunnelblickd.plist (2015-07-18) [Support]

User Launch Agents:ⓘ

[failed] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist (2014-07-30) [Support]

[failed] com.apple.CSConfigDotMacCert-[...]@me.com-SharedServices.Agent.plist

[loaded] com.bittorrent.uTorrent.plist (2015-07-18) [Support]

[loaded] com.divx.agent.postinstall.plist (2012-06-26) [Support]

[loaded] com.facebook.videochat.[redacted].plist (2014-08-10) [Support]

[failed] com.google.GoogleContactSyncAgent.plist (2012-09-30) [Support]

[loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist (2016-03-03) [Support]

[loaded] com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.diskSpaceWatcher.plist (2014-12-01) [Support]

[failed] com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.scheduledScan.plist (2014-12-01) [Support]

[loaded] com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.trashWatcher.plist (2014-12-01) [Support]

[running] com.spotify.webhelper.plist (2016-04-27) [Support]

[loaded] com.zimbra.desktop.plist (2014-06-15) [Support]

[failed] net.tunnelblick.tunnelblick.LaunchAtLogin.plist (2015-07-10) [Support]

User Login Items:ⓘ

Flux Application (/Applications/Flux.app)

Dropbox Application (/Applications/Dropbox.app)

BetterSnapTool Application (/Applications/Utilities/BetterSnapTool.app)

Android File Transfer Agent Application (~/Library/Application Support/Google/Android File Transfer/Android File Transfer Agent.app)

Other Apps:ⓘ

[running] com.etresoft.EtreCheck.385952

[running] com.getdropbox.dropbox.141472

[running] com.google.android.mtpagent.70432

[running] com.hegenberg.BetterSnapTool.50272

[running] jp.co.canon.cijscannerregister.73632

[running] org.herf.Flux.154912

[loaded] 417 Apple tasks

[running] 181 Apple tasks

Internet Plug-ins:ⓘ

DirectorShockwave: 11.6.3r633 (2011-10-28) [Support]

Default Browser: 601 - SDK 10.11 (2016-04-04)

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin: 2.4.0.11 (2011-11-18) [Support]

AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: 15.010.20060 - SDK 10.8 (2016-03-14) [Support]

FlashPlayer-10.6: 21.0.0.226 - SDK 10.6 (2016-04-28) [Support]

Silverlight: 4.0.60531.0 (2011-11-18) [Support]

QuickTime Plugin: 7.7.3 (2016-04-04)

Flash Player: 21.0.0.226 - SDK 10.6 (2016-04-28) [Support]

iPhotoPhotocast: 7.0 - SDK 10.8 (2014-10-16)

SharePointBrowserPlugin: 14.5.3 - SDK 10.6 (2015-07-31) [Support]

AdobePDFViewer: 15.010.20060 - SDK 10.8 (2016-03-14) [Support]

JavaAppletPlugin: Java 8 Update 73 build 02 (2016-03-20) Check version

User internet Plug-ins:ⓘ

Picasa: 1.0 (2011-03-28) [Support]

Safari Extensions:ⓘ

codec-M - Comtribute - http://allpremiumsoft.com/index8.php (2012-03-27)

3rd Party Preference Panes:ⓘ

AppTrap (2011-05-22) [Support]

Flash Player (2016-04-16) [Support]

Flip4Mac WMV (2011-06-30) [Support]

Growl (2012-06-23) [Support]

Java (2016-03-20) [Support]

Paragon NTFS for Mac ® OS X (2016-02-15) [Support]

Time Machine:ⓘ

Skip System Files: NO

Auto backup: YES

Volumes being backed up:

Destinations:

JuliaBS [Local]

Total size: 999.86 GB

Total number of backups: 19

Oldest backup: 2016-02-19, 8:30 PM

Last backup: 2016-04-22, 7:38 AM

Size of backup disk: Excellent

Backup size 999.86 GB > (Disk size 0 B X 3)

Top Processes by CPU:ⓘ

5% WindowServer

4% kernel_task

4% mds_stores

1% fontd

0% BBLaunchAgent

Top Processes by Memory:ⓘ

479 MB mdworker(17)

466 MB kernel_task

152 MB Dropbox

74 MB mds_stores

66 MB com.apple.PhotoIngestService(2)

Virtual Memory Information:ⓘ

148 MB Free RAM

3.85 GB Used RAM (611 MB Cached)

0 B Swap Used

Diagnostics Information:ⓘ

Apr 28, 2016, 09:06:25 AM Self test - passed

Apr 27, 2016, 05:34:49 PM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/softwareupdated_2016-04-27-173449_[redacted].cp u_resource.diag [Details]

/System/Library/CoreServices/Software Update.app/Contents/Resources/softwareupdated

Apr 27, 2016, 05:30:02 PM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/Spotify Helper_2016-04-27-173002_[redacted].crash

/Applications/Spotify.app/Contents/Frameworks/Spotify Helper.app/Contents/MacOS/Spotify Helper

MacBook Pro (13-inch Early 2011), OS X El Capitan (10.11.4), Crucial SSD 480GB

Posted on Apr 28, 2016 1:24 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

jkbull

Level 1

86 points

Apr 28, 2016 3:03 AM in response to juliaboltons

I had a similar experience (occasional random delays of tens of seconds) upgrading my 13" 2011 MBP (the "8,1" model), but my SSD was from MacSales (Other World Computing). Their customer support was excellent. They had me download and run a benchmarking program (Quickbench; it was free for me but now apparently costs $15) which exercised the SSD and helped them diagnose the problem as a bad "hard drive cable". I was dubious but I went to a nearby Apple Store and, after a lot of hassle, got them to replace the cable and that fixed the problem.

Of course, you might have a different problem but the faulty hard drive cable is apparently quite common and shows up only when using SSDs (because of faster transfer speeds, I assume).

As I recall (this was several years ago), at first Apple tried to get me to pay $60 for the cable, plus labor, before they admitted that it was covered under AppleCare. It is easy to replace. iFixit carries the cable and has great instructions for replacing it, but they appear to be out-of-stock at the moment (they have a "Notify Me" button for when it becomes available again). You might try a local Apple Authorized Service Provider (use the Locator).

When you get your SSD working properly, I expect you will be very happy with it. It made a huge difference to me.

Reply

Answer 2

juliaboltons Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2016 3:11 AM in response to jkbull

Hi jkbull, thanks for your well thought out answer. We hadn't yet thought of that. It very well may be the culprit. I will pass this information along to my friend and give an update later! 🙂

Reply

Answer 3

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Apr 28, 2016 3:21 AM in response to juliaboltons

You have some problematic applications installed;

If you no longer have a Blackberry, rid the MBP of a RIM files.

Rid the MBP of the unnecessary CleanMyMac2.

Torrents are an excellent avenue to introduce malware into your Mac. Get rid of it.

Look at developer websites for uninstall instructions.

Though not essential, additional RAM would be a welcome addition. The new OSXs like to use as much as is available. The best sources of Mac compatible RAM are OWC and Crucial. Your 2011 MBP will accept up to 16 GB RAM.

Ciao.

Reply

Answer 4

juliaboltons Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2016 3:28 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Hi Ogelthorpe. Thanks for your response. I wan't aware all that software was on there. I thought I had deleted all of it.. I haven't had a Blackberry since 2012! None of it is in my applications folder, thats for sure. I guess I will have to figure out how to get rid of it all. Cleanmymac was admittedly a stupid download a few years ago and was deleted soon after (or so I thought!) Before today I wasn't aware they were running, so thanks for your insight! These aren't recent downloads so I don't think it's related to my recent problems but their removal will surely improve the general performance of my Mac. Thanks! 🙂

Reply

Answer 5

Apr 28, 2016 4:11 AM in response to juliaboltons

If you are looking into SATA cable as recommended by JKBull you may want to view this good video showing how the cable can fail.

MacBook Pro hard drive SATA cable issue. MacBook Pro Hard Drive Cable Failure-Free fix and preventative maintenance

Also as OgelThorpe has indicated you need more RAM.

I also have an Early 2011 MacBook Pro and found that El Capitan runs really slow on 4GB or RAM. I upgraded to 8GB and it is much better. But 16 would be even better.

Kim

Reply

Answer 6

juliaboltons Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2016 5:11 AM in response to KimUserName

Hi Kim, thanks for the useful links. I did discuss with my friend about upgrading RAM as well, once we get the SSD sorted out I'll see how well my computer performs. My mac had been quite slow for a while so I did not notice much of a different when I updated to El Capitan. Glad to see more people with 2011 macs still kicking. I know someone with a 2009!

Reply

Answer 7

Apr 28, 2016 6:29 AM in response to juliaboltons

Also you said you are using Chrome. This is a huge memory hog.

If you keep Activity Monitor open while you run Chrome, you will see what I mean.

And here is a little information on upgrading your RAM when you can get your issues sorted out.

OWC OWC memory or crucial Crusial Mac memory are the best places to get memory.

OWC Install Videos: OWC Install Videos

Kim

Reply

Answer 8

jkbull

Level 1

86 points

Apr 28, 2016 10:41 AM in response to juliaboltons

I just noticed that you mentioned "hard drive":

juliaboltons wrote:

I am having problems when I am looking at files and using files stored on my hard drive. For example when I watch a video that is saved on my hard drive on VLC (and Quicktime) it will freeze every few minutes

If you really meant SSD, and not hard drive, then the rest of this comment won't help, but if you actually mean "hard drive", and you have both an SSD and a hard drive installed in your computer (using an OWC Data Doubler, for example, to replace the DVD drive with a hard drive or SSD), then you may need be sure that the drive that replaced the optical drive is a drive with a "3G" SATA interface, not a "6G" SATA interface. That's because the port used to connect to that drive cannot handle a 6G SATA connection. (Don't confuse the 3G/6G interface with the size of the drive, it has to do with the speed of the interface.)

Although the OWC site now says that their 6G drives will work from either port in the Early 2011 MBPs, a few years ago when I installed my SSD it said that only 3G drives should be connected to the optical-drive port, and that if you install an SSD, you should do it to replace the hard drive, and put the (3G) hard drive in the optical bay. That advice is now only for certain earlier MBP models, but it may be that the particular SSDs that OWC sells have 6G interfaces that work in the optical bay of the Early 2011 MBPs, and that some other 6G interfaces don't. If your hard drive is 6G, perhaps that's the actual problem.

Reply

Answer 9

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Apr 28, 2016 11:05 AM in response to jkbull

jkbull wrote:

Although the OWC site now says that their 6G drives will work from either port in the Early 2011 MBPs, a few years ago when I installed my SSD it said that only 3G drives should be connected to the optical-drive port, and that if you install an SSD, you should do it to replace the hard drive, and put the (3G) hard drive in the optical bay. That advice is now only for certain earlier MBP models, but it may be that the particular SSDs that OWC sells have 6G interfaces that work in the optical bay of the Early 2011 MBPs, and that some other 6G interfaces don't. If your hard drive is 6G, perhaps that's the actual problem.

Not quite. This is the current admonishment:

See: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DDMBS6E240/

Ciao.

Reply

Answer 10

juliaboltons Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 29, 2016 3:36 AM in response to jkbull

Hi jkbull I did mean SSD, sorry! I didn''t know you could have both!

Reply

Answer 11

juliaboltons Author

Level 1

8 points

May 16, 2016 2:26 PM in response to jkbull

Hi guys, just wanted to give an update and say it was the hard drive cable. I ordered a new hard drive cable and put it in with the new ssd (ended up using akingston one) and it works perfectly now. I hope this can save someone some trouble in the future. thank you all 🙂

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