Open Core legacy, on MacBook Pro 2.9 GHz help please.

[adamtjones20108]

Hi guys!
I recently converted over to Macs. Last weekend I bought a used Mac Book Pro running 10.9.5. The entire purpose was for Garageband, for recording and guitar stuff. However, I cant download Garageband because the OS it out of date.

So I have been trying to get open core legacy and try and get around the issue that way. But every time I download any of the assets in open core, it says I needs a newer os..... I am kinda stuck and could really use some help. Thanks so much in advance, and sorry if this is super basic and a dumb question.

 

[AlixSPQR]

Can you please provide us with the Model Identifier? Like ”MacBookProX,X”.

MBP's eligible for OCLP support can be found here: https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/MODELS.html#macbook-pro

If eligible for at least Big Sur, you must update your MBP to its latest macOS first. See here:

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Download and install current or previous versions of the Mac operating system on compatible Mac computers.

support.apple.com

Follow the guide here: https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/

 

[BrianBaughn]

2.9 GHz is the spec on several old MBP models so you definitely need to reveal that info here. After that, other hardware details may be pertinent.

 

[adamtjones20108]

Can you please provide us with the Model Identifier? Like ”MacBookProX,X”.

MBP's eligible for OCLP support can be found here: https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/MODELS.html#macbook-pro

If eligible for at least Big Sur, you must update your MBP to its latest macOS first. See here:

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Download and install current or previous versions of the Mac operating system on compatible Mac computers.

support.apple.com

Follow the guide here: https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/

I think its a MacBook Pro 9? I dont know exactly how to find Model,

 

[adamtjones20108]

Model Name: MacBook Pro

Model Identifier: MacBookPro9,2

Processor Name: Intel Core i7

Processor Speed: 2.9 GHz

Number of Processors: 1

Total Number of Cores: 2

L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB

L3 Cache: 4 MB

Memory: 8 GB

Boot ROM Version: MBP91.00D3.B0E

SMC Version (system): 2.2f44

Serial Number (system): C1MN730ADV30

Hardware UUID: 4C040F70-8980-5A00-B920-4D083CC301CB

Sudden Motion Sensor:

State: Enabled

 

[AlixSPQR]

Model Identifier: MacBookPro9,2

It's the 13" Mid 2012 non-Retina. It has the fastest CPU so it should do just fine with Sonoma, even. However, does it have an SSD? If not, the experience would be terrible.

 

[BrianBaughn]

Yes…I wouldn't bother with it unless someone has put an SSD in there or until you do it yourself. SATA SSDs are pretty cheap.

If you do end up putting one in you should go ahead and swap the RAM for two 8GB sticks (16GB total)…while you have the machine open. That can be found for less than $40.

 

[AlixSPQR]

swap the RAM for two 8GB sticks

I agree, it will come in handy when working with Garageband.

 

[adamtjones20108]

Alright. I am just gona buy a newer Macbook. But is there a way I could use open core legacy to upgrade this one before I give it away to a friend. I kind of want to do it just out of frustration. lol

 

[BrianBaughn]

Alright. I am just gona buy a newer Macbook. But is there a way I could use open core legacy to upgrade this one before I give it away to a friend. I kind of want to do it just out of frustration. lol

I think you could…but you haven't seen the end of frustration if you try. Installing macOS on a mechanical hard drive formatted APFS will be quite the slow experience.

 

[adamtjones20108]

I understand. Well I will upgrade it. Do you guys have a how to video and stuff? I am new to Macs and stuff, trying to understand it all.

 

[BrianBaughn]

I understand. Well I will upgrade it. Do you guys have a how to video and stuff? I am new to Macs and stuff, trying to understand it all.

It seems to me the OCLP website has complete and up-to-date instructions pertaining to the process. An online video may leave out steps or just be wrong. No harm in watching them but just be aware that the process has evolved and is slightly different for some Mac models.

If there's something you don't understand feel free to ask here.