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awer25

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Apr 30, 2011
1,127
389
Hey all,

I've had a 2018 Mac mini since it came out, and it has the 6-core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB Apple SSD, and running the newest non-beta MacOS (11.2.3). The computer has always been a workhorse, but as time goes on and new OS updates come, it seems to have slowed down a lot and I'd love some advice on what to do. I use it in an office setting and need something quick, but I don't think I should have to pony up to a Mac Pro for basic office tasks.

Memory pressure is at 48%, CPU is barely being used, and SSD is only half full. I do have a Caldigit TS3 Plus connected to it, which connects to 2-3 external drives, speakers, and a couple other devices. It's also running two 4K monitors over the TB3 ports.

The issue is, for example, when I have Safari open even with one tab. I'll press Cmd + T to open a new tab, and it takes 5 seconds or so to open the tab and allow typing. Sometimes it stutters while I'm typing or freezes for a few seconds more. This happens on other apps too, and makes the whole computer feel sluggish. I've restarted the computer, but it still happens.

I'm considering the M1 Mac mini, but the fact it has fewer ports and supports max 2 monitors has been holding me back, since I do on occasion use a 3rd monitor.

Any ideas or tips on what to try next?
 
A. Time to do a clean install if you haven't.
B. Run Windows - it runs smoother
C. Lots of threads about Safari issues

I have the i5 Oct 2020 16/512 and no complaint. I did have to clean up back in 2019 to deal with Catalina and a 2015 MacBook.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: portland-dude
So it begins. Apple no longer cares about Intel Macs. In a couple of years they will be "supported" but actually good only as door stoppers, or as Windows machines. Still a better fate than PowerPC Macs, I guess...
 
Hey all,

I've had a 2018 Mac mini since it came out, and it has the 6-core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB Apple SSD, and running the newest non-beta MacOS (11.2.3). The computer has always been a workhorse, but as time goes on and new OS updates come, it seems to have slowed down a lot and I'd love some advice on what to do. I use it in an office setting and need something quick, but I don't think I should have to pony up to a Mac Pro for basic office tasks.

Memory pressure is at 48%, CPU is barely being used, and SSD is only half full. I do have a Caldigit TS3 Plus connected to it, which connects to 2-3 external drives, speakers, and a couple other devices. It's also running two 4K monitors over the TB3 ports.

The issue is, for example, when I have Safari open even with one tab. I'll press Cmd + T to open a new tab, and it takes 5 seconds or so to open the tab and allow typing. Sometimes it stutters while I'm typing or freezes for a few seconds more. This happens on other apps too, and makes the whole computer feel sluggish. I've restarted the computer, but it still happens.

I'm considering the M1 Mac mini, but the fact it has fewer ports and supports max 2 monitors has been holding me back, since I do on occasion use a 3rd monitor.

Any ideas or tips on what to try next?

Are you using non integer scaling on those 4K monitors?
 
I think that AAPLGeek is onto something with his question in post 4 above...?
 
Are you using non integer scaling on those 4K monitors?
I've tried several resolutions including the "default" (which I think is scaled to 1080p) but it doesn't seem to affect performance. Is 1080 the only resolution on a 4K monitor that would be integer scaling?
 
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