Should my 2012 cMBP 15'' feel slow?

[Star Nuts]

It only has 4GB of RAM but I feel like the computer needs to pause and think when dealing with multiple programs. Will upgrading to 8GB of RAM fix this? If not, I'm thinking about returning it for a rMBP.

Is there a test I can do to see if this is normal?

 

[Saberon]

Welcome to a 5400RPM Hard Drive.


SSD all the way.

 

[Orlandoech]

Welcome to a 5400RPM Hard Drive.


SSD all the way.

What he said.

HDDs are so slow lol. You need to get an SSD. I recommend Samsung 830, OCZ Vertex 4 and Corsair Force GT/GS Series.

I would also recommend 8GB or 16GB 1600MHz memory upgrade.

 

[hamiltonDSi]

Hey guys ! Quick question for you :
Can my 13" Late 2011 Macbook Pro run RAM at 1600 Mhz ? I now the OS sees 1600Mhz but does it underclock to 1333Mhz or run at the native speed of 1600MHz ?
I currently have 8GB 1333Mhz but I want to max out this MBP
Also, can I install 16GB like the 2012 models ?

 

[Queen6]

Hey guys ! Quick question for you :
Can my 13" Late 2011 Macbook Pro run RAM at 1600 Mhz ? I now the OS sees 1600Mhz but does it underclock to 1333Mhz or run at the native speed of 1600MHz ?
I currently have 8GB 1333Mhz but I want to max out this MBP
Also, can I install 16GB like the 2012 models ?

The ram will only run at system speed save your money

 

[stevelam]

It only has 4GB of RAM but I feel like the computer needs to pause and think when dealing with multiple programs. Will upgrading to 8GB of RAM fix this? If not, I'm thinking about returning it for a rMBP.

Is there a test I can do to see if this is normal?

well it depends on what sort of programs are you running. are you running ram hungry programs?

 

[espiritujo]

Honestly, I'm on a 7200 rpm HD right now, and my computer still runs pretty quickly. Granted, I know that an SSD will be miles faster, but it still feels like a new computer, even though it technically is (got it a month ago).

Having said that, maybe investing in 8gb of ram will be suitable for you. If that doesnt work, than an SSD will probably do the trick.

 

[sth]

Honestly, I'm on a 7200 rpm HD right now, and my computer still runs pretty quickly.

A 7200rpm HDD is a big jump from the standard 5400rpm drive already.

Not as big a jump as an SSD but big jump nevertheless.

 

[mjn298]

4GB is probably insufficient for ML but it's probably the 5400 rpm HDD

i have a 2012 cMBP 15 that i put 16gb RAM in (overkill for me but whatever eventually it might be useful) and an SSD and it rips through both casual use and audio production (image/video production may be a different story but i don't do that)