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Performance Issues with Apple M2 Max

Hello everyone,


I recently upgraded from a 2017 iMac Pro to a 2023 Apple M2 Max with 64GB RAM, running MacOS Sonoma 14.2.1. I was expecting a significant performance boost, but surprisingly, I haven't noticed any improvement. Applications take a long time to launch, and after a while, they either freeze or slow down significantly, especially TradingView.


I have conducted an EtreCheck and am attaching the report here. Has anyone experienced similar issues and found a solution? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mac Studio (2023)

Posted on Mar 21, 2024 10:49 AM

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7 replies

Mar 22, 2024 10:50 AM in response to KhunTheOne

Your EtreCheck report doesn't show any performance problems.


However, you had recently restarted the computer before you generated the report. It is better to avoid restarting. Otherwise, the restart process will erase some of the information that EtreCheck looks at.


Ideally, wait until your computer starts to exhibit problems, especially if this TradingView app locks up. Then, generate a new EtreCheck report before restarting. Post that new report in a reply here.


Most likely, something with that app is going horribly wrong and taking down the entire computer. Another possibility is 3rd party cloud services like OneDrive and DropBox. I've seen people report similar problem, but without any obvious symptoms, which software like that is installed.

Mar 21, 2024 6:41 PM in response to KhunTheOne

By far the easiest way to cause poor performance, instability, overheating and crashing is to install ANY third-party speeder-uppers, Cleaners, Optimizers, or Virus scanners. or a VPN that you installed yourself. The main reason is that they are relentless in scanning your files, non-stop, looking for virus-like patterns in Everything. When completed, they do it all again.


The idea that a third party, with no special knowledge of the inner workings of MacOS, can somehow find a simple way to protect your computer — that is not already being done by MacOS itself — suggests that the MacOS developers are somehow "holding out on you". That is absurd.


You should remove any and all (other than Apple built-in) virus scanners, speeder uppers, optimizers, cleaners, App deleters or VPN packages you installed yourself, or anything of that ilk.


Third-party file Sync-ers such as DropBox, BackBlaze, OneDrive, or GoogleDrive can ruin performance, but are not inherently dangerous.


Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community

Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community



Mar 21, 2024 11:03 PM in response to KhunTheOne


Its nice of you to share the EtreCheck report. Its likely unusual to see such issues, despite its powerful hardware specifications, such as the M2 Max CPU and 64 GB of RAM.


Anyways, here i have tried to provide a detailed breakdown of causes and recommended actions based on the report:

But lets first mark down the issues in simple way so that you can understand the major and minor Issues properly.


Major Issues:

  1. Time Machine Backup Not Found: It's crucial to have a Time Machine backup for data recovery in case of issues. Set up Time Machine to an external drive promptly to ensure data protection.


Minor Issues:

  1. Heavy RAM Usage: Identified apps are consuming significant RAM. Use Activity Monitor to identify and close unnecessary apps to free up memory, or consider upgrading your RAM if needed.
  2. Apps with Heavy CPU Usage: Several apps are potentially causing high CPU usage. Monitor CPU usage in Activity Monitor and close or find alternatives for resource-intensive apps.
  3. Clean Up: Orphan files can accumulate over time, impacting performance. Use Disk Utility to identify and remove unnecessary files cautiously.
  4. Unsigned Files: Review and update or remove unsigned applications to prevent compatibility issues.
  5. System Modifications: Evaluate the necessity of system modifications and remove any unnecessary ones, considering consulting a technician if unsure.


Other Observations:

  1. System Extensions: Disable unused camera extensions in OBS Studio if not required.
  2. Kernel Extensions: Ensure kernel extensions are loaded properly for applications like Tunnelblick and Wondershare Filmora.
  3. Launch Daemons and Launch Agents: Analyze and disable unnecessary startup items using EtreCheck or System Preferences.


Now i believe that you might have understand the issues here. Let's find out what do to and fix the problem.

  1. Restart Your Mac: A simple restart can resolve temporary performance issues.
  2. Update macOS: Ensure your system is up to date to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.
  3. Update Applications: Keep applications updated to address performance-related bugs.
  4. Manage Startup Items: Disable unnecessary startup items to improve system performance.
  5. Monitor Activity Monitor: Keep track of resource usage to identify and address performance bottlenecks.

If you're unsure about making these changes, consider seeking assistance from an Apple-authorized service provider for professional support.



By following these recommendations, you can optimize your system's performance and address the issues highlighted in the EtreCheck report effectively.

Mar 21, 2024 6:48 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

you have Microsoft Defender installed.

you have open VPN installed.

You have dropbox installed and it is using a substantial mont of internet resources,

you have Google Browser installed and along with its minions, it is punishing performance.


You have not enabled TRIM for third-party drives, so your external drive is likely getting very slow.


you have deliberately installed unsigned files.

Unsigned Files:

  Running app: /Applications/netspeed.app/Contents/MacOS/netspeed

  Running app: /Applications/netspeed.app/Contents/MacOS/netspeed



Mar 23, 2024 12:31 PM in response to KhunTheOne

Not much difference there. According to your EtreCheck report, that isn't merely a fast computer, is one of the fastest computers ever made.


Maybe go through all of the 3rd party apps listed on your EtreCheck report and closely review each and every one. Unless you absolutely, physically cannot live without the app, then get rid of it. A couple of things, like Adobe and Microsoft are installed on 100 million other computers without any problem. But otherwise, get rid of it.


Otherwise, what's the point of buying the fastest computer on the market and running software that makes it run like a ten year-old computer?

Performance Issues with Apple M2 Max

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