OS X maintenance - very slow MacBook Pro

[Craiig]

Hi,

Need some help with a MacBook Pro that is running like a dog!

I don't use Mac's and don't know very much about them, however I am an experienced user of Windows and Linux.

OS X El Capitan Version 10.11.1
MacBook Pro 13-inch, mid 2012
i5
4GB
500GB spinning disk

I originally thought the HDD was on its way out, but according to programs its at 100% health and 100% performance.

The Mac is constantly giving the color wheel and struggling to carry out basic operations, as simple as opening finder.

ClamAV has been ran and no infected objects have been detected.

I need some advice on maintenance performance tasks to carry out to help save this Mac.

I already have 16GB of new ram on the way and planning on installing an SSD in the near future but would rather get it working properly now than just relying on new hardware.

any advice is welcome, thanks in advance!

 

[Caged]

The SATA flex cable is probably failing. Replace that when you put the SSD in.

 

[Craiig]

The SATA flex cable is probably failing. Replace that when you put the SSD in.

Is this something that occurs regularly?

 

[Caged]

It's a 'common' fault on 13" MacBook Pros and causes the issues you describe.

 

[Craiig]

nice one, ill add one to my online basket now!

Thank you bud, have a good Christmas

 

[MagicBoy]

OS X 10.9 and upwards don't tend to run well on spinning disks - it will have sudden fits of beachballing. An SSD will transform the machine.

SATA cables are a known weak spot on 2011/2012 machines.