Optimal configuration for best performance (El Capitan on late-2008 Macbook)

[iFanaddic]

Hey guys, so I just started using my Macbook again after 3 years of not caring for it (no use) I finally have use for it again.

So I bought a new battery, upgraded the ram and cleaned it a little. I also got Memory Clean from the Mac App Store because I was told this was a good way to keep my Macbook as fast as possible.

I'm not gonna do anything too demanding with my computer, but just with Safari opened I'm noticing that the fans are always on, if I open up iTunes my laptop seems to be getting ready for take off.

Is there any way I can help my computer not become so hot while performing such basic task or am I out of luck with such an old model? (for example; I heard somewhere that turning off transparency helped a great deal in previous generations of Mac OS, that's the type of advice i'm looking for here)

 

[KALLT]

There is not much you can do. The only suggestions I have are:

• Keep the workload to a minimum (don’t have to many background apps running); avoid using some system services, if you can (such as iCloud).
• Disable some of the visual effects in System Preferences → Accessibility.

The hardware is just old and web browsing in particular has become much more resource intensive since 2008.

I also got Memory Clean from the Mac App Store because I was told this was a good way to keep my Macbook as fast as possible.

This sounds like a program that messes with system memory. If so, you should remove it. Such programs usually hinder the system and cause more trouble. Plus it is an additional background app that runs constantly.

 

[iFanaddic]

There is not much you can do. The only suggestions I have are:

• Keep the workload to a minimum (don’t have to many background apps running); avoid using some system services, if you can (such as iCloud).
• Disable some of the visual effects in System Preferences → Accessibility.

The hardware is just old and web browsing in particular has become much more resource intensive since 2008.

This sounds like a program that messes with system memory. If so, you should remove it. Such programs usually hinder the system and cause more trouble. Plus it is an additional background app that runs constantly.

Will try that thank you

 

[BrianBaughn]

I've got the same Macbook and don't really notice that sort of fan activity (like I do in a 2007 MacBook Pro).

I put an SSD in mine (as well as the RAM and new battery) and it's working well in El Capitan. Not the fastest thing but workable. I did install the unsupported Sierra (per the guide on these forums) but after seeing some odd behavior I reinstalled EC.

 

[sboychuck]

After I finally got El Capitan onto my 2008 17-inch MacBook Pro it seems to be working just fine. With the new SSD, it certainly seems faster than the old spinner. If you have an SSD, make sure you turn TRIM on. I used TRIM Enabler for free. For what my 3rd grader needs to do in school and Internet surfing, it is more than sufficient.

 

[jbarley]

After I finally got El Capitan onto my 2008 17-inch MacBook Pro it seems to be working just fine. With the new SSD, it certainly seems faster than the old spinner. If you have an SSD, make sure you turn TRIM on. I used TRIM Enabler for free. For what my 3rd grader needs to do in school and Internet surfing, it is more than sufficient.

Any reason you used a third party app, "Trim Enabler" rather then El Capitans built in Trimforce command?

"sudo trimforce enable"

 

[sboychuck]

No, not really...