TL;DR: Check storage health/space, memory pressure, startup junk and updates. If the disk is weak or still a HDD, do an SSD upgrade. If corruption/malware keeps coming back, do a clean reinstall with migration. Otherwise, a focused cleanup is enough—see realistic ZAR ranges below.

What we see most in Stellenbosch (and what actually helps)

Scenario	Symptom snapshot	Our recommendation	Typical time	Typical ZAR*
Still on a HDD or failing SSD	100% disk, beachballs, slow app opens	SSD upgrade + clone	2–4 hrs	R1 400–R3 200 (+SSD)
Healthy SSD, just bloated	Slow boot, lots of menubar apps, pop-ups	Speed-up & tune-up	1–2 hrs	R650–R1 200
Recurring errors/malware	Updates fail, OS glitches return	Clean reinstall + migration	2–4 hrs	R950–R1 600
Heavy multitasking on 8 GB	Tabs + Teams/Zoom choke	Tune-up (trim + settings) → consider newer Mac later	1–2 hrs	R650–R1 200

* Final quote depends on model, data size and parts availability. We confirm at check-in.

Book the right thing fast:

Cleanup → Speed-up & tune-up
Big speed win → SSD upgrade & clone
Fresh start (with backup & migration) → We’ll guide clean reinstall in-shop; start via Remote support session
Move files/app settings → Data migration (device-to-device)

Parts availability & model notes

Upgradable models (best value): Many 2012–2015 MacBook Pro/Air and older iMacs accept SATA/NVMe SSDs—huge speed jump.
T2/Apple silicon models: Storage is soldered; no post-purchase upgrade. Focus on clean reinstall + good storage hygiene.
Batteries: Worn or swollen packs mimic ‘slowness’ (throttle). Replace safely before performance testing.
Authorised vs third-party: If an Apple service programme applies (e.g., keyboard/top-case), authorised wins on price/warranty—we’ll advise.

What each option includes

Speed-up & tune-up

Remove PUPs/toolbars, reset browsers, trim startup/agents
Apply macOS updates, verify firmware where recommended
Clear caches/temp files; set sensible privacy & power settings
Short health report with next steps

→ Book tune-up

SSD upgrade & clone

Health check → clone your data to a new SSD
Fit SSD, update firmware where needed, verify boot
Post-clone cleanup & app updates

→ Upgrade SSD

Clean reinstall (with migration)

Pre-backup of user data, fresh macOS install
Migrate user profile/apps, restore settings
Post-setup checks (iCloud, Mail, printers, browsers)

→ Start via Remote support session (we’ll schedule the in-shop reinstall)

Quick at-home checks (safe)

Storage:  menu → About This Mac → More Info → Storage (keep ≥15% free).
Memory pressure: Launchpad → Activity Monitor → Memory (green = fine).
Login items: System Settings → General → Login Items (remove clutter).
Browser: Remove shady extensions; clear site data for heavy users.
Back up now: Time Machine or cloud before any big changes.

When to escalate (so you don’t waste time)

SMART “Caution/Bad”, clicking or vanishing drives
macOS update loops/failures
Malware/adware that keeps returning
Swollen battery, thermal shutdowns, or liquid damage

We’ll stabilise quickly and give you a clear ETA.

FAQs

Can you keep my Photos and Mail during a reinstall?
Yes—those are part of the migration. We verify sample files with you before handover.

Do I need antivirus on a Mac?
Built-in protections help, but adware/PUPs are common. The bigger wins: browser hygiene, updates, and no shady installers.

Will an SSD upgrade help an old iMac?
Massively. A SATA SSD (or NVMe in supported models) is the single best upgrade for older iMacs.

What about battery health on MacBooks?
High cycle counts and swollen packs hurt performance and safety. We’ll test and quote a safe replacement if needed.

Can you do this same/next-day?
Often yes for tune-ups; SSD upgrades are same/next-day if the SSD is in stock; reinstalls depend on data size.

Slow Mac in Stellenbosch? Cleanup vs SSD upgrade vs clean reinstall (which is right for you)