Filip Novotny As much as we love computers with a bitten apple, despite all the emotional attachments, after time we have to admit that the iron ages and our Mac slows down inexorably. We can either replace the computer with a newer model or "revive" it with powerful components for a fraction of the price. The domestic company NSPARKLE can help us with this, which is dedicated to just such revival. They can also help if we want to buy a new Mac, but the standard configurations offered by Apple are not enough for us.
We just tried the first variant, we had the new 2012-inch MacBook Pro at our disposal. It is the latest generation (Mid 5) with an Intel Core i2,5 processor clocked at 4000 GHz and Intel HD Graphics 512 with 4 MB of memory. It is equipped with 3 GB of DDR500 RAM and a XNUMX GB hard drive. We ran a few common and more demanding tests on this computer and then had it "brought to life" by NSPARKLE.
Exchange
What can be replaced during such a revival? Aside from aesthetic tweaks like color foils, two components are interchangeable.
Operation memory
Apple currently offers 4 GB of RAM for the MacBook Pro (without Retina display), with a maximum of 8 GB. In fact, we can go even further, the memory can be increased up to 16 GB. NSPARKLE also offers exactly that much. At today's prices, RAM upgrades are very affordable, so we went for the absolute max.
Instead of cheap memories that may not achieve the best performance, NSPARKLE uses OWC brand modules. They installed two 8GB 1600 MHz memories in our MacBook, which work flawlessly with Apple computers. For both memories, we will put together approx. 3 CZK without VAT, which is completely comparable to the commonly available offer of traditional brands. You also get a lifetime warranty on OWC memory.
Larger and faster RAM should help in applications that work with large files, such as Photoshop or Aperture. It also comes in handy at times when we have several applications running at the same time.
Hard disk
It is also possible to replace the hard drive, which is often the target of criticism at Apple. In the usual configurations of the MacBook Pro (but also recently, for example, the iMac), we can find hard drives with a speed of only 5400 revolutions. Of course, such storage does not reach any dizzying performance and often becomes the weakest link of the entire computer. It cannot be measured against modern SSD disks.
The NSPARKLE company gives us several options to choose from in this regard. Either we reach for an affordable hard disk, which offers a particularly large capacity. Such a WD brand hard drive has 7200 revolutions and a capacity of up to 750 GB. If we mainly need performance, fast OWC SSD disks will come in handy. These are available in two series (the powerful Electra and the even more powerful Extreme) and several capacities from 64 GB to the luxurious 512 GB.
For our test, we chose the faster 128GB OWC Extreme series. This size is ideal for the operating system and all applications, but it is still a bit small for all data. Fortunately, there is an interesting solution that allows us to combine speed and capacity. In NSPARKLE, you can remove the optical drive and replace it with a second disk.
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As you can see from the detailed comparison, the improved laptop can handle some operations faster, some exactly the same as the original computer. For example, the initial circular blur takes almost the same amount of time for both configurations. From that moment on, however, NSPARKLE has the upper hand. Except for the final export, it is significantly faster in all operations.
The initial operations seem to take the same amount of time as it mainly depends on the processing power of the processor. But at that moment, the size of the file starts to take up a lot of the operating memory and storage, where NSPARKLE naturally has the upper hand.
Finally
As you can see from our test results, the performance of Mac computers depends not only on the processor and graphics card, but also on other factors. Certain components that can be found, for example, in the classic MacBook Pro (but also in the Mac mini, iMac, etc.), do not necessarily belong to the fastest and can be upgraded for relatively low amounts.
In the case of operating memory nowadays, there is no need to choose lesser-known brands, even high-quality modules can be bought for relatively little money. Storage requires more thought, there are a lot of options available. Hard drives offer capacity, SSDs offer much higher speed. A compromise, albeit a more expensive one, is a combination of both.
Of course, if we insist on the best that is currently available, we will also pay dearly for it. However, only one thing is enough: tell yourself how you will use your Mac, how big an upgrade is still worth to you and what is already an unnecessary luxury.
At the same time, almost every group of users will find some benefit in the upgrade. Professionals can upgrade their new computer to work faster with large graphics files. "Normal" users can then, for example, revive their older MacBook and quickly feel that the computer or individual applications start up faster.
I have an iMac 24″ Early 2008 and instead of a classic HDD, I had an OCZ Vertex SSD (SATA II) installed. The acceleration is incredible, by 60 percent overall. System start time is now 22 seconds compared to the original minute (OS X 10.8.3). PhotoShop CS 5.5 boots up in 5 seconds versus 15 seconds, and overall responsiveness is perfect. I definitely recommend SSD instead of classic HDD!!! :)
I miss the test of how much the battery life decreased and how much the laptop's noise increased due to the 7200 rpm disk. Why is the "revival" not part of the processor resetting? This can reduce its temperature by several degrees and increase its service life. Sorry, but everyone can replace memory and disk at home...
It's like an advertisement for NSPARKLE :D I don't want to say anything, but anyone can do these two exchanges, they definitely don't have to pay that much money for it. But it sure makes sense! :)
Try to calculate for me how much you have saved... I would be interested in that.
That Ephraim and Roman:
Can everyone really do it at home? The latest models of MacBooks and iMacs have memories "hard-wired" soldered to the motherboard. If you upgrade yourself, you lose (among other things) the warranty.
However, I also note that it does not upgrade retina macbooks, but classic macbook pro, where it is easy
Cus, I have a "late 2011" iMac, I would definitely be interested in a memory upgrade (which I would certainly be able to do myself) and even more of an SSD upgrade. It's just... I have a lot of data, backed up, but still on the internal drive. How would the guys from NSPARKLE deal with it? Do I copy not only the system but also data and applications to the SSD? How do you ensure that the data does not get elsewhere? Or do you recommend deleting everything and reinstalling... I wouldn't like that ;-)
Thanks
srrry, but I'm writing like a moron... they are of course backed up off the internal disk ;-)
Ask them :)
Of course I can, but I wanted to see it here, publicly ;-)
ps: mike=horsevillehideout, I just wasn't logged in
Hello, we are making a clone of the entire system including applications, user data and settings. If the SSD is smaller than the original system disk, the largest items such as the movie folder, the iphoto library, the music library (depending on the specific case) will be omitted from the data transfer. We then leave these folders and files on a large disk and link them so that applications (iphoto, itunes, imovie) can find them. The data will only remain on your computer. In short, we are trying to get your Mac to start up after recovery and everything will be in place as before.
thanks for the reply. Signing an NDA on the data probably won't be a problem either, right?
Trust is usually enough, but an NDA would certainly not be a problem. ;)
Thanks, how long does the whole operation take? Will I conquer Ristreto or will it be Cafe Lungo? ;-)
I know it looks like a paid advertisement, but I'm really interested. Anyone who has clicked through my reg to my website will surely understand that I have nothing to do with the subject. In addition, I am sure that I am not alone in how I function, and that there are many people who need answers to similar questions.
If the editors don't see it that way, I ask the admins to delete my question and related answers. I have no problem moving to another channel.
It takes longer with the iMac, as it has to be almost completely disassembled, and then it also depends on the amount of data transferred. After an agreement, you could deliver the iMac to us in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon or pick it up in the evening.
HELLO,
I HAVE A MACBOOK PRO late 2008 (17″)
IS IT WORTH UPGRADING TO AN SSD DISK?
THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR THE ADVICE,
I think that at least 8GB of RAM is required. But it is better to do it at home for a fraction of the price of NSsparkle, because this upgrade on a macbook is absolutely simple.
Hello, if you are not planning to buy a new MacBook in the near future, upgrading to an SSD is definitely worth it - you will notice the difference in speed in any activity. Such an older MacBook, especially if it has the original disk, will come to life significantly and can serve for years to come. We can also increase the operating memory to a maximum of 6GB.
Advertisement!!! Correct the nonsense about inserting the SSD into the frame in the article. Of course, the data disk belongs there!!! Frame for 1600!??? Try optibay in the search engine...you can find it on ebay with freeshipping around $17. Otherwise, agree with the choice of component from OWC. A reliable company shipping to the Czech Republic.
nice guy, did you do something with the fans too? my 2008 keeps spinning
I didn't do anything with them, I'm not that handy anymore :o) but they run fast and make noise only for processor-intensive tasks (video, numbers, etc.), i.e. it has nothing to do with the RAM and SSD upgrade (btw. I put the SSD in place of the original HDD and the HDD then in place of the DVD - I read somewhere that the system should be on the disk that is where the original disk was, just because... maybe a hoax , but I didn't solve that)
I recommend opening it and cleaning it with compressed air :) If it has never been cleaned, there is a high probability that both fans are clogged with dust...
how much did the replacement cost you in total... I have a macbook pro mid 2010 and even after reinstalling the OS, the poor thing is still a bit slow.
cau, copy+paste from 'confirmation for order' email :o)
Date of Purchase: July 26 2012 2:48 AM
Quantity: 1 OWC8566DDR3S8GP, $55.97 each
8.0GB(4.0GB+4.0GB Kit) PC8500 DDR3 1066MHz SO-DIMM Memory Upgrade Kit
Quantity: 1 OWCDDMBSSD120, $159.99 each
OWC DIY Kit: Data Doubler + 120GB OWC Mercury Electra 3G SSD Drive
Sub-Total: $215.96
Tax: $0.00
Shipping: $17.41
Grand-Total: $233.37
after all, it is only older DDR3 and "only" 3G SSD
I have a Mac mini 2011, I would like to do these things, but I want to ask one thing - when my mac does not support the latest software from apple (it will be in a few years, so I am preparing) so this will help me reach the parameters so that the software did it work or do I need a better processor for it? :)
Hello, from experience so far there has always been a fixed limitation on the type of processor and graphics card. Another limitation was the size of the operating memory, so it will help in this revival. Personally, I think that with a 2011 Mac mini, you don't have to worry about not running the current OS X in the next few years.
I did exactly such an operation last summer. I bought the Optibay frame from the Czech Republic for €25 from a gentleman via an unnamed website, I have an SSD drive from A-DATA, unfortunately my MacBook Pro (mid 2009) has a bit of a problem supplying it with full speed S-ATA II, so I don't reach full speed ( if someone could advise me how to get around it, I'd be happy), I've changed the RAM before and I can only warmly recommend it. The system recovery is relentless, starting in less than 20 seconds. Simply amazing performance. And I did it all at home "on my knees" :)
So I'll throw in my experience with a Mac mini 2011, 2.3 GHz i5.
The upgrade to 8 GB of ram was not enough, so I upgraded to 16 GB and immediately replaced it with 1333, 1600 MHz (Kingston SO-DIMM 16 GB KIT DDR3 1600 MHz HyperX CL9 Plug and Play) it works flawlessly and the built-in graphics that are on she depended on them. Then the disc came up for advice. A Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD was added to the original one, and since then it's the fastest Apple computer I've had the opportunity to work on (and there have been quite a few ;-)) if finances allow, I wouldn't be afraid of it and I definitely recommend it.
Any difference in "battery life" after changing the RAM?)
But they probably can't do anything with macbook air, right? (FRAME)