• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

SL or ML 2009 white MB

M

mindlessLump

Junior Member
I have a late 2009 unibody style Macbook. Currently, I'm running Mountain Lion. I don't use it for much besides light MS Office use (2011 for Mac), iLife and surfing the web.

I recently had an "invalid node structure error" so I'm thinking of upgrading to a 7200rpm HD. Either way, it has a fresh format on it, and I haven't bothered installing any more software yet. I'm going to be using it as my main home computer now, so I am wondering if I will see any performance improvements by switching from Snow Leopard to Mountain Lion?

I will be doing a clean install.

Thanks.
 
The best upgrade is to get an SSD. Otherwise you're not going to see much performance difference.

The second best upgrade is to get more memory (if you currently have 2 GB or less).
 
LOL. By the title of this thread, I thought that it should have been in the Garage. I was still kind of puzzled though, "Why would they compare a Mercedes-Benz SL (sports car) with an ML (SUV)? And why both 2009 and white?"

I agree with Eug, performance differences are likely to be minor. Much better performance with an SSD and/or more RAM. RAM is so cheap now, there's no reason not to go ahead and max it out if it's not already.
 
10.8 is okay. Maybe a little zippier but not OMGFAST or nuthin'.

I mostly upgraded for the iCloud features, actually.

++ on the SSD recommendation though.

An invalid node structure should be fixable with a utility like DiskWarrior, no?
 
mindlessLump said:
Currently, I'm running Mountain Lion.
................
I am wondering if I will see any performance improvements by switching from Snow Leopard to Mountain Lion?
Click to expand...

Not sure what you're trying to say?
I'd recommend obtaining a copy of the bootable ML installer on DVD or USB thumb drive. Then do a fresh ML install on your choice of newly-formatted storage medium.
 
From personal experience with older Mac laptops I'd stick with Snow Leopard over Mountain Lion. ML was a total dog on my 15" 2008 MBP whereas SL was smooth as silk, comparatively.
 
Mountain Lion is fine on my 2009 2.26 GHz 13" MacBook Pro, but it has an SSD and 4 GB RAM.

The specs of my MBP are very similar to the OP's white unibody MB.
 
Last edited:
Unless you already know, you have to manually enable TRIM in OS X with non-native SSDs if you're going to upgrade to one. A few programs are available on the web that simplify the process.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top