Macbook Mid 2010 - OS X recommendation

[mbt90]

Hello everyone
As the title suggests my wife has a Macbook Unibody Mid 2010 model (with 8 GB RAM), currently running OS X Mavericks. It's time for a wipe and a new OS X, but I'm unsure of how new an OS X I dare put on it.

So question is what experience people have with Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra and High Sierra?

I know that according to apple it's supported, but I'd like to know the opinion of the gods of the Macrumor forums.

 

[Fishrrman]

My own mid-2010 MacBook Pro is still running Snow Leopard just fine...

Do you have an SSD in it?
If you want THE BEST performance from ANY OS, the SSD will "make the difference".
It's cheap and easy to do, use the RIGHT TOOLS for the job.

I picked up a 2015 MacBook Pro last December. It came with El Capitan on it, and I'll probably try to keep that going for the entire life of the computer. But that's just me...

 

[mbt90]

I do not yet. But I'm thinking of putting one in it. Keep in mind though that is is not a Macbook Pro.
A newer OS X is unfortunately "mandatory" as the newest Office is a necessity

 

[Fishrrman]

An SSD will fit as easily into a white 2010 MacBook as it will into a 2010 MacBook Pro.
That should be "step #1" for you.

 

[dogslobber]

Install an SSD as anything after Mavericks will crucify a spinner. Then install High Sierra. I’d also switch to the free iWork apps if you can. I don’t believe in funding Microsoft’s existence myself.

 

[EugW]

1. SSD because a HD is way, way too slow.
2. High Sierra because it introduces compatbility for new file formats and is the most up to date.
3. Stick with your plan for MS Office. iWork is not a viable substitute if you need to share files, etc.