Why Is My Mac Running Slow?
Understanding the Role of Hard Disk Speed

Published: 21st of February, 2023

In today's digital age, hard disk speed is more important than ever. With so much data being generated, processed, and stored every day, having a fast and reliable hard drive can make a significant difference in your productivity and overall computing experience. Unfortunately, some manufacturers like Apple sometimes cripple their otherwise fine hardware with slow hard drives, which can be a major bottleneck in performance.

One of the main reasons why hard disk speed is important is because it affects how quickly your computer can read and write data. The faster your hard drive can access and transfer data, the faster your computer starts up, your programs can load and your files can open. This is especially important for tasks that involve large amounts of data, such as video editing, gaming, and data analysis. In these cases, having a fast hard drive can mean the difference between getting your work done on time or falling behind schedule.


The infamously slow iMac from our office.

Unfortunately, not all MacBooks come with fast SSDs, and even some of the latest models can be equipped with slower versions. This is a shame because, as many users have found, the difference in performance between a slow hard drive and a fast SSD can be significant. Be sure to check all the specs of the device you're looking to buy before hitting purchase! However if you already have a Mac with a slow disk, there is a solution: using an external SSD. In our office, we were able to breathe new life into an old iMac by using an external SSD, which greatly improved its performance and made it much more usable. While ideally you would install an SSD properly inside the computer chasis, it's not always worth the hassle of taking apart a computer like an iMac that's actually glued together!


This is the SSD that saved our iMac.
Simply insert the USB, launch the latest macOS Installer and select the SSD as the install destination.

Another important factor to consider when it comes to hard disk speed is disk health. Over time, hard drives can become cluttered with temporary files, old downloads, and other unnecessary data, which can slow down your system and even cause it to crash, particularly if it's also low on RAM and needs the disk space for virtual memory. This is why it's important to regularly free up space and optimize your hard drive using tools like iBoostUp's Disk Health feature. This can help improve the overall performance and longevity of your hard drive.


Disk Health is one of the many single click maintenance tasks offered by iBoostUp.

In conclusion, hard disk speed is an important factor to consider when buying a new computer or upgrading an old one. While some manufacturers may opt for slower hard drives to cut costs, the difference in performance between a slow hard drive and a fast SSD can be significant. If you're using a slow hard drive, consider upgrading to an external SSD or optimizing your hard drive using tools like iBoostUp's Disk Health feature. This can help you get the most out of your hardware and improve your overall computing experience.


  ✌ Charlie

 

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