Macbook Pro Mid 2010, 15" Upgrade

Question

Level 1

18 points

Macbook Pro Mid 2010, 15" Upgrade

I currently have a Mid 2010 MacBook Pro, 15". 500GB SATA Disk, 4GB DDR3 1067MHz, 2.53GHz Intel Core i5. It has recently started to be very slow. I really like this computer for all the ports it has (It has a CD drive which I use for watching movies and burning CDs, and Thunderbolt, SD slot, USB 3, etc.). Overall it's been a great computer, but it's time for an upgrade. I'm going to be going to University next fall and need a reliable computer. Should I invest the money to get another reliable computer or should I consider upgrading the computer I have? On MacSales.com I could spend $438 USD, including shipping, and get a kit to upgrade my 500gb hard drive to a 500GB SSD Drive, upgrade to 8GB RAM, and a fresh battery (My current battery has 900 cycles).

500GB HD to 500GB SSD

4GB RAM to 8GB RAM

New Battery

Or, alternatively, should I invest in a new computer altogether? Looking at prices, I realize I'd be willing to drop to a 13" and 256GB Storage, but I think I would want to go maximum RAM since I'm tired of a slow computer and the new MacBooks I've heard don't have upgradable storage. So Potentially, maybe a 2015 MBP 13" 16GB Memory with 256GB Storage. Buying this computer refurbished or used I could save some money.

Anybody have an expert opinion? Would upgrading my current computer refresh it's lifespan? Would it last me another four years of university?

MacBook, macOS Sierra (10.12.6), 2.53Ghz IntelCore i5;4GB1067MHzDDR3

Posted on Dec 18, 2017 5:27 PM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,302 points

Dec 18, 2017 6:27 PM in response to Shapard

Speed can be due to a variety of factors.

1. Before fixing your machine, backup your data:

http://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-1992

2. Installing any speed optimizers will actually slow you down!

3. Avast antivirus can be run overnight to check for viruses.

4. Malwarebytes is excellent at spotting Malware and cleaning it up.

5. Do not remove System cache, do remove browser caches. System cache files can be removed at the wrong time and damage your machine's ability to launch applications.

For more on optimizing your Mac, I wrote*:

http://www.macmaps.com/Macosxspeed.html

* Links to my pages may give me compensation.

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

77,906 points

Dec 19, 2017 7:32 AM in response to Shapard

I would consider replacing the computer rather than upgrading it. That is a strong statement for me to make because I strongly believe in keeping computers in service as long as possible.

The reason I go outside my comfort zone on this is your sub-model. The 15-inch 2010 MBP series had a serious issue with the video hardware that needs a new logic board to properly fix. Apple had an Repair Extension Program for a long time to fix these at no cost to the owner, but it has now expired, and new logic boards are probably not available.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) intermittent black screen or loss of video Quality Program has ended - Apple Support

You know how things go--you spend a lot of money on upgrades and two weeks later the wheels fall off. Today you have the luxury of shopping around or waiting for the right refurb for you to come to the Apple refurb store. If you have the 2010 computer fail while in university away from home you will be scrambling to get another and may end up with options you neither want or need and/or spending more money.

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Answer 3

Shapard Author

Level 1

18 points

Dec 18, 2017 7:25 PM in response to a brody

I know I tried cleaning up a lot of junk files a few months ago, but now that I think about it, I'm curious if I ever unknowingly removed those cache files. Do you know how I would be able to check? If this is the case, would a clean install of my operating system fix the problem?

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Answer 4

kahjot

Level 4

2,463 points

Dec 19, 2017 8:42 AM in response to Allan Jones

As much as I like my older Macs, I think you are right to suggest caution when the Mac model in question has had hardware reliability issues.

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Answer 5

Shapard Author

Level 1

18 points

Dec 19, 2017 7:42 PM in response to Shapard

Thanks everybody for your insight. I decided to buy the computer parts. Wish me luck, fingers crossed this computer lasts.

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