Best way to see if hard drive is needed on a MacBook Pro (13inch -Mid 2012) running macOS 10.13.6 needs defragmentation?
MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012), macOS High Sierra (10.13.6)
The best way is to ask here.
The answer is no additional de-fragmentation beyond what MacOS already does on its own is necessary, and will not provide any additional benefits.
If your Mac is too slow, you need to look elsewhere for the reasons it is slow.
¿Do you have at least 6GB or real RAM? If not you may be stuck in a Paging RUT.
The best way is to ask here.
The answer is no additional de-fragmentation beyond what MacOS already does on its own is necessary, and will not provide any additional benefits.
If your Mac is too slow, you need to look elsewhere for the reasons it is slow.
¿Do you have at least 6GB or real RAM? If not you may be stuck in a Paging RUT.
Thank you for your reply. I didn't know that Apple's OS automatically manages disk de-fragmentation without any necessary participation from me (owing to far more experience with Windows operating systems than with Macs).
My MacBook Pro came with 4 MB of Ram, in (2) 2-MB modules if I'm not mistaken.
Pardon my technical ignorance, but please tell me what a "Paging RUT" is ?
Is it related to the interminably spinning ball that appears all too often ?
Steve Greenberg
The consensus among readers here is that MacOS ElCapitan and later require 6GB or more of real RAM to operate in an acceptably-responsive way.
if you have less, MacOS will simulate the additional required RAM on the boot drive. This use of Virtual Memory, simulated on the drive, is generally referred to as Paging. It is far, far slower than having real RAM.
A RUT is a track in a muddy road, where your wheels get stuck and you can't get out.
Is it related to the interminably spinning ball that appears all too often ?
Exactly.
Many thanks. It sounds as though a solution is relatively achievable -- I need to upgrade to 8 MB of RAM if I wish to continue using this MacBook with the latest OS for reasonably efficient operation without undue delays and to avoid spinning balls that seem interminable.
Thank you again.
Steve Greenberg
sg.austintx wrote:
Many thanks. It sounds as though a solution is relatively achievable -- I need to upgrade to 8 MB of RAM if I wish to continue using this MacBook with the latest OS for reasonably efficient operation without undue delays and to avoid spinning balls that seem interminable.
Apple Mac Memory/ RAM Upgrades from MacSales.com
You can look at MacSales for upgrading to an SSD as well. If you decide to treat yourself to the speed of an SSD, also install a SATA cable at the same time.
MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2012), macOS (10.13.6), i7 480GB SSD 16GB RAM
If money is tight, you CAN replace just one.
Right now the penalty for using two 2GB DIMMs (less than what is needed) is over 100 percent. You could replace ONE with a correct spec 4GB DIMM and get much better performance for about US$40. You pay maybe a 5 percent speed penalty for having mis-matched sizes, far less than you are paying now.
Users who upgrade to a 256GB or larger SSD drive report, "It's like getting a whole new computer!"
What's the best way to see if defragmentation of hard drive is needed on a MacBook Pro (13inch -Mid 2012) running macOS 10.13.6 ?
