5 Mac Performance Issues and Their Causes

MacBook owners do not have to worry about potential performance issues on their computers as much as those who have computers from other brands.

However, even though Apple is great at manufacturing a reliable device, it does not mean that Macs are problem-free. Ultimately, they are no different from other computers, and you are bound to encounter an issue here and there.

The severity of a performance problem on a MacBook depends on how much effort you put into maintaining the computer in good condition. Sure, in some cases, the primary cause of a problem might be related to faulty hardware that is the result of a manufacturing mistake, but neglecting to maintain the device is usually the primary reason.

Tinkering with MacBook’s hardware without the necessary knowledge is not advised. As a rule of thumb, if the issue becomes too difficult to manage on your own, you should seek professional help and not hesitate to pay money to get it fixed.

Having said that, there are still a few potential troubles that you can manage on your own. Knowing how to do that can save you time and money, so let’s get to it.

Frozen Screen

A frozen screen is not that common, particularly on MacBooks. However, you can still encounter this trouble.

According to https://setapp.com/how-to/how-to-fix-frozen-mac, some of the most common reasons behind a frozen screen on a MacBook include:

  • Malware
  • Too many background apps
  • Lack of storage space

Before you can troubleshoot the issue, restart the computer and wait for it to load. For malware, get reliable antivirus software and scan the device. 

For background apps, remember to quit apps properly after you are done using them. Activity Monitor is the tool to use when you want to figure out which of the applications and other processes are running in the background.

As for storage issues, you should clear the drive by removing redundant files or transferring some of the data to external HDDs, flash sticks, or your iCloud account.

Screen Flickers

A rare screen flicker here and there might not feel like a big deal, but you cannot ignore the issue for too long. If the flickering becomes too frequent, using the computer becomes more or less impossible.

Again, this is an issue related to the MacBook’s screen, and if the problem stems from hardware, you are unlikely to fix it yourself all the time. But before you give up, try to check for macOS updates or downgrade to a prior macOS version.

Sometimes, flickering occurs when the operating system and graphics processing unit become incompatible. 

Overheating and Loud Noise

Dealing with both overheating and loud noise on a MacBook can get on one’s nerves quite fast. Not having a quietly performing computer disrupts your workflow and comes with a sense of anxiety. 

You cannot really focus when you have to wonder whether it is good to leave a computer running when there is a notable temperature increase in addition to loud noises.

A cooling pad, an accessory for laptops, is often the first consideration for those who wish to eliminate the issue.

If a cooling pad does not help that much, cleaning the dust inside a MacBook should be the next step. The filth that accumulates inside the device over time is not going to disappear by itself. And the more you delay, the more there will be, so get in the habit of cleaning the dust inside your laptop regularly. 

Battery Problems

Battery issues are becoming less and less frequent thanks to the new technology that goes into manufacturing laptops. Not only do MacBook batteries last long, but they are also less likely to drop down to a low percentage out of nowhere.

With that said, it does not mean that you should underestimate the odds of battery issues occurring. It is still possible, and you ought to keep an eye on background processes as well as other battery hogs. Also, remember that malware and other cybersecurity threats that attack your computer can affect the battery, so be sure to have reliable antivirus software.

Memory Leaks

Memory leaks occur on every computer because the system distributes its memory incorrectly after a computer has been running without pauses.

Restarting your Mac is the simplest solution to stop memory leaks for the time being. If you have restarted the device before, you must have noticed how its performance increases. 

As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to restart a computer every few hours, and since the loading does not take too long, restarting your MacBook regularly should not cause too many problems, right?

Conclusion

To sum it all up, the number of potential issues on laptops, including MacBooks, is pretty large, but you can still manage some of them fine without anyone’s help. 

Hopefully, this article was insightful enough and gave you valuable information as a MacBook owner who is likely to face performance issues with their computer.

Recent Articles

Related Stories