Upgrading/Optimizing MacBook Pro for DJing
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  1. #1

    Default Upgrading/Optimizing MacBook Pro for DJing

    I have a 2.16 GHz MBP w/ 1GB of RAM & a 120GB HD. It is about 4 years old. Still a great computer, but could use some upgrades to optimize for djing purposes.

    Obviously, much more RAM and a larger HD will be on the top of my list. Other than this, are there any other improvements I should consider?

  2. #2
    DJTT Tankard fullenglishpint's Avatar
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    Don't run any other programs (including system apps) while DJing, turn off Airport and other internal processes.
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  3. #3

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    Snow Leopard is faster and should run pretty well.

  4. #4
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    I would recommend getting an ssd inside, and if you need more space get an external drive. The ssd will greatly improve the speed at which things happen; it will seem like a whole new computer. 2gb or ram would be good, 4 would be even better but not really necessary.

  5. #5
    DJTT Infectious Moderator photojojo's Avatar
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    A fresh install of 10.6 will only cost you $29 and is well worth it.
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  6. #6
    Tech Mentor DennisHuiberts's Avatar
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    Keep in mind that your laptop only supports a maximum of 3GB RAM. Has something to do with the chipset...
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  7. #7
    DJTT Tankard fullenglishpint's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DennisHuiberts View Post
    Keep in mind that your laptop only supports a maximum of 3GB RAM. Has something to do with the chipset...
    ~2.5GB RAM is the limit for a 32 bit OS, but Snow Leopard is 64 bit. Theoretically that means it can support a lot more, whether the hardware can back this up I don't know!
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  8. #8
    Tech Guru completej's Avatar
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    ram first
    os second
    sdd third

    would be my recommendation
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  9. #9
    Tech Guru kiss-o-matic's Avatar
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    SSD upgrade would be fine, but more importantly you need to ditch the Super Drive and get an OptiBay. I put one in mine and I have an "extra" 1TB drive in there. Faster than external... and you don't have to drag it along w/ you to gigs. I've got about 400 WAV tracks in my Traktor collection and they don't even put a dent in it.

  10. #10
    Tech Guru completej's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kiss-o-matic View Post
    SSD upgrade would be fine, but more importantly you need to ditch the Super Drive and get an OptiBay. I put one in mine and I have an "extra" 1TB drive in there. Faster than external... and you don't have to drag it along w/ you to gigs. I've got about 400 WAV tracks in my Traktor collection and they don't even put a dent in it.
    woah woah woah

    hold the phone (mbp newb here)

    you can just swap out the useless optical for extra space?


    wtf??
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