Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

sr913

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 7, 2016
11
0
So like many of you, I was hoping Apple would announce new MBPs today. Since that didn't happen, I thought I'd start this thread to collect suggestions for anyone who is in the same boat as me - as in you have an old (in my case, purchased in Dec 2013) MBP that's still working, and that you'd like to keep that way for however long it takes.

In particular...
  • What apps or settings adjustments would you use to keep speed and battery life as good as possible?
  • What tips do you have to keep the physical components in good working order, i.e. power cord intact, vents clean, etc? (I started using one of those cooling laptop trays recently...)
  • Any personal techniques you use to get the risk of "accidental damage" down from say 0.1% to 0.0000001%?
 
Is yours a retina model, or perhaps the earlier "unibody" design?
The unibody has the DVD drive on the right.
That one (actually, it's a 2012 design) is easily upgraded with an SSD and more RAM if needed.
 
I'm using MacsFanControl at 3000 rpm, which keeps my late 2013 at 40-45C. Also, I regrettably went back to Mojave from Big Sir, and the MBP looks to be running faster. Regrettably because this past year has seen many OS changes, back and forth. Trying to stay put now, and having Monterey drop my laptop from the supported list helped a lot.

Laptop is on my desk, or is in a neoprene sleeve in my laptop bag, with a tube sock or two below the sleeve for more shock resistance. Neoprene sleeve usually always is in the bag.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Nightfury326
Looks up from his 2008 15".

Apps & OS: Use whatever you're comfortable with. If you're in it for the long haul, going for something that you enjoy using and works well enough is more important than anything.

Physical components: I printed out little braces for the Magsafe heads on my 3D printer - you can purchase braces cheaply online too. Keeps the head from fraying. Also, if you're comfortable digging around in there a bit, repasting the CPU/GPU is a kind thing to do to it every couple of years, especially if it's never been done.

Preventing damage: Don't throw it :p Really though, I'm less gentle with my older machines simply because they are older. Doesn't mean that I'm crazy with them, but if something bumps into it, eh. This 2008 has its share of battle scars, but it's also been toted around for the past 13 years.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nightfury326
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.