Best macOS Version for Mid-2012 MacBook Pro 15-inch (NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M)

Your Mid-2012 MacBook Pro (15-inch) with 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M, and 500GB HDD can support a variety of macOS versions. However, given its aging hardware, newer versions like Sonoma or Sequoia may not perform well, even with OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP) and root patches.

Here’s an overview to help you decide which macOS version will provide the best balance between functionality and performance:

Recommended macOS Versions

1. macOS High Sierra (10.13)

• Why It's Great:
  • Last macOS version with full support for NVIDIA drivers (Web Drivers available).
  • Lightweight and optimized for older hardware.
  • Retains compatibility with most 32-bit and 64-bit apps.
• Performance:
  • Runs smoothly on your system.
  • Ideal for HDD-based setups since newer macOS versions heavily rely on SSDs for optimal performance.
• Drawbacks:
  • Older security updates no longer provided.
  • Some modern apps and features are unavailable.

2. macOS Mojave (10.14) - Recommended

• Why It's Great:
  • Last macOS to support 32-bit apps.
  • Offers a balance of modern features (e.g., Dark Mode) and compatibility with older hardware.
  • Runs well on systems with Metal support, such as your GeForce GT 650M.
• Performance:
  • Still lightweight enough for your configuration.
  • Handles well with 8GB RAM and an HDD, though an SSD would enhance performance.
• Drawbacks:
  • No official NVIDIA Web Drivers for Metal GPUs (use macOS's built-in support).

3. macOS Catalina (10.15)

• Why It's Great:
  • Fully 64-bit, with modern features and app compatibility.
  • Ideal for users who don’t rely on legacy 32-bit apps.
• Performance:
  • May be slower on HDD due to the APFS filesystem's increased reliance on fast storage.
  • Runs better on your hardware if paired with an SSD upgrade.
• Drawbacks:
  • NVIDIA GPUs are supported but limited to Apple’s drivers, which can reduce performance for tasks like gaming or graphics-intensive work.

4. macOS Monterey (12.x) - Only with SSD

• Why It's Great:
  • More modern features and updates compared to Catalina.
  • OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP) enables full functionality with post-install root patches.
• Performance:
  • Likely sluggish on an HDD, but acceptable with an SSD.
  • Demands more resources, which could strain your 8GB RAM setup.
• Drawbacks:
  • May overheat during prolonged use on your older hardware due to increased demands.
  • Significant slowdowns on an HDD.

Not Recommended: Sonoma or Sequoia

• Why Not:
  • Both macOS Sonoma and Sequoia are optimized for newer hardware.
  • Increased RAM, GPU, and SSD requirements make them unsuitable for smooth performance on your Mid-2012 MacBook Pro.
  • Even with root patches and OCLP tweaks, they can cause overheating, frequent lags, and a poor overall experience.

Performance Improvement Recommendations

1. Upgrade to an SSD:

   • Replace your 500GB HDD with an SSD to significantly improve boot times, app loading, and overall macOS responsiveness.
   • Even a basic SATA SSD will make a noticeable difference.

2. Consider RAM Upgrade:

   • Upgrade to 16GB RAM (if possible) to better handle newer macOS versions like Catalina or Monterey.

3. Use OCLP with Prebuilt Patches:

   • For macOS versions above High Sierra, use OpenCore Legacy Patcher to apply necessary GPU and system patches.

Final Recommendation

For your MacBook Pro 2012, macOS Mojave (10.14) is the best balance of performance, features, and compatibility for your hardware. If you upgrade to an SSD, macOS Catalina (10.15) or Monterey (12.x) could also be viable options. Avoid Sonoma or Sequoia for now due to their higher hardware demands.

Let me know if you need help creating a bootable installer or configuring OCLP!