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How to reduce boot time

P

Pablo90

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 21, 2010
85
15
Hi guys,

I've a Mid 2010 MBP 13" basic configuration running Lion OSx

The boot time has increased over the time (it doesn't take 10 minutes, it just takes more than it used to) and I'd like to know how to reduce it.

I know it takes what it takes, that's normal etc etc. I just want to know if it's possible to make it boot faster.

Do you think that adding a 4gb ram might help? What does the RAM actually increases?

Another option I think it's to buy an SSD, but they're expensive (where I live at least).... I might be able to buy a 128 gb, not more I think.
But with a SSD full the booting time increases like with an HDD?

Because I think the main problem of MBP is that I only have 40gb free on a 250gb HDD... I think that's the reason why it takes "long" to boot.
Is it a possible reason, right?

Thank you.
 
Why not use the SLEEP feature?

Pablo90 said:
Do you think that adding a 4gb ram might help? What does the RAM actually increases?
Click to expand...
No. More RAM just allows you to have more applications and documents open without lag.

Another option I think it's to buy an SSD, but they're expensive (where I live at least).... I might be able to buy a 128 gb, not more I think.
But with a SSD full the booting time increases like with an HDD?
Click to expand...
My 2009 MBP with an 128 GB SSD will boot in 30 seconds. I also have a 500 GB HDD in the MBP via an Optibay adapter to have more storage.

Because I think the main problem of MBP is that I only have 40gb free on a 250gb HDD... I think that's the reason why it takes "long" to boot.
Is it a possible reason, right?
Click to expand...
It may be, but 40 GB out of 250 GB is more than enough free HDD capacity, as it is recommended to have 10 % of the HDD's capacity free (25 GB free out of 250 GB).
 
In terms of boot time, between more ram or SSD, SDD wins by a large margin.

SSD basically lowers by a LOT all loading times in ANY program, including loading the OS.

I have a Vertex III SSD and my boot time, since i press de power button until the login screen its around 14 seconds.

Ram will allow you to use more stuff at the same time with the same performance and it will make the computer more responsive under heavy load.


Free space has nothing to do with performance of an hard drive, aslong you have enough room for the swap stuff.

Try to disable some stuff on login under your account preferences, plus check your files permissions, they can be messed up.
 
Maybe, shut down less often? I only ever shut down when I know my computer will be off for extended periods of time.
 
simsaladimbamba said:
Why not use the SLEEP feature?
Click to expand...
Because I move the MBP a lot, so I don't want to ruin anything.
Plus, being always "on" won't decrease its lifetime?

simsaladimbamba said:
My 2009 MBP with an 128 GB SSD will boot in 30 seconds. I also have a 500 GB HDD in the MBP via an Optibay adapter to have more storage.
Click to expand...
It's really expensive.. Or at least for me.
But it's a really good idea, I didn't know about it.

Anyways, thanks for the answers. :)
 
Pablo90 said:
Because I move the MBP a lot, so I don't want to ruin anything.
Plus, being always "on" won't decrease its lifetime?
Click to expand...

You will not ruin anything, as only the RAM is powered during sleep. Moving an MBP around while asleep is SAFE. I have done it since 2004, when I got my iBook.

And it will not decrease its lifetime.


____________________________________________________________

Maybe have a look at Advanced Search to find dozens and dozens of threads about "SLEEP OR POWER OFF / SHUT DOWN":
​
____________________________________________________________
​
 
Pablo90 said:
Because I move the MBP a lot, so I don't want to ruin anything.
Plus, being always "on" won't decrease its lifetime?
)
Click to expand...

Both very common misconceptions, I often leave mine on for weeks, sometimes months at a time in between software updates with no ill effects. If the computer is asleep you can do whatever you like with it, only the RAM is powered, and it contains no movings parts that could break. Currently iStat tells me my computer has been booted for 4 days.
 
Pablo90 said:
Because I move the MBP a lot, so I don't want to ruin anything.
Plus, being always "on" won't decrease its lifetime?
Click to expand...
When your Mac is in sleep mode, it's just as safe to move as when it's turned off. Many Mac users run for several months at a time without ever shutting down or restarting. It won't affect your Mac's life to let it sleep instead of shutting down.
 
GGJstudios said:
When your Mac is in sleep mode, it's just as safe to move as when it's turned off. Many Mac users run for several months at a time without ever shutting down or restarting. It won't affect your Mac's life to let it sleep instead of shutting down.
Click to expand...
Exactly and the only reason one usually restarts at all is because some annoying software update demands it. Or to enter bootcamp for gaming.
 
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