At PCMacgicians, we recently helped a university student in Kingston, London, who was stuck with a MacBook Pro that wouldn’t update macOS. Their device kept throwing vague errors, failed to restart properly, and sometimes got stuck on the Apple logo screen. This type of issue is surprisingly common especially with slightly older MacBook Pro models that haven’t had regular maintenance.

MacBook Pro Not Updating macOS

The customer came in with their 2019 Apple MacBook Pro in their hand and mentioned the following issues:

• Repeated failures when trying to install macOS Ventura.

• “An error occurred while preparing the installation” message.

• Endless reboot loops or the update freezing mid-installation.

• No recent Time Machine backups.

Why Your MacBook Pro May Not Be Updating

We looked into his Macbook and found the following issues and dealt with them one by one:

• Insufficient disk space (macOS needs 20–40GB free).

• Corrupted system files or caches.

• Outdated firmware or incompatible apps.

• Faulty SSD or hardware limitations in older models.

• Broken macOS installer or USB drive.

 How to Fix a MacBook Pro That Won’t Update

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Use Time Machine or copy your important files to an external drive. Don’t risk data loss during repairs or clean installations.

Step 2: Free Up Storage Space

• Go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage.

• Clear out unnecessary apps, files, and trash.

• Use CleanMyMac or a similar tool for junk removal.

Step 3: Boot into Safe Mode

• Shut down your Mac.

• Hold Shift while turning it back on.

• This disables third-party extensions that could interfere with updates.

Now try updating macOS again via System Settings > Software Update.

Step 4: Use macOS Recovery Mode

If Safe Mode fails:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn it on and immediately hold Command (⌘) + R.
3. When the macOS Utilities screen appears, choose Reinstall macOS.
4. Follow on-screen steps to reinstall without erasing your data.

Step 5: Create a Bootable macOS USB Installer

If Recovery Mode fails, build your own installer.

• Format a USB Drive (16GB or more) as “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)”.
• Download macOS from the App Store.
• Open Terminal and run this command (example for macOS Ventura):
• sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/MyUSB
  
• Insert the USB, reboot while holding Option (⌥), and choose the USB installer.

Step 6: Erase & Reinstall macOS (Clean Install)

 Use only if other steps fail and you’ve backed up your data.

• Boot into Recovery (⌘ + R).

• Use Disk Utility to erase the main drive as APFS with GUID scheme.

• Reinstall macOS from scratch.

Step 7: Hardware Check

Still failing? The problem could be:

• Faulty SSD

• Motherboard issues

• RAM errors

Use Apple Diagnostics:

• Turn off your Mac.
• Hold D while turning it on.

What We Did for the Student

At PCMacgicians, our technician:

• Backed up her files using Target Disk Mode.

• Freed up 50GB of space.

• Built a Ventura bootable USB and clean-installed macOS.

• Updated her firmware and removed an old kernel extension causing crashes.

Now his MacBook Pro runs like new, with smooth updates and better performance.

Need Help in Kingston?

Based in Kingston or nearby? Contact PCMacgicians for fast, affordable MacBook repairs — whether it’s a stuck update, failed SSD, or full system recovery.

So, you finally built your dream gaming PC (or maybe your awesome parents hooked you up – lucky!). You’re ready to dive into the latest AAA titles, stream your epic wins, and dominate the online leaderboards. But… something’s not quite right. Maybe your frames are stuttering, your system’s running hotter than a summer LAN party in a basement, or worse, it just keeps crashing mid-clutch. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. We see it all the time at PCMacgicians, especially with new gaming PC owners. You’ve got the fancy graphics card, the lightning-fast RAM, the RGB that could light up a small city… but there’s often one critical piece of the puzzle that gets overlooked, the silent saboteur undermining all that glorious hardware.

What’s this rookie error that’s turning your gaming paradise into a performance purgatory? Ignoring proper cooling and airflow!

Think of your gaming PC like a high-performance athlete. You wouldn’t expect them to run a marathon in a sauna, right? Well, that’s essentially what’s happening inside your rig when heat isn’t managed effectively. All those powerful components – your CPU, GPU, even your motherboard – generate heat under load. If that heat isn’t efficiently removed, it builds up, leading to:

• Performance throttling: Your components will automatically reduce their speed to prevent overheating, resulting in lower frame rates, stuttering, and a generally sluggish experience. That shiny new GPU suddenly feels… meh.
• System instability and crashes: Extreme heat can cause your system to become unstable, leading to frustrating mid-game crashes and lost progress (rage quit incoming!).
• Reduced lifespan of components: Over time, excessive heat can degrade your expensive hardware, meaning you’ll be looking at upgrades sooner than you planned (wallet crying!).
• Annoying noise: Overworked fans desperately trying to cool things down can sound like a jet engine taking off right next to your head, killing your immersion.

We get it. Building a PC can be overwhelming. You’re focused on getting the right parts, making sure everything’s compatible, and maybe even getting that sweet cable management just right. But the airflow pathway and the right cooling solutions are just as crucial as the silicon inside those components.

How PCMacgicians Can Help You Keep Your Cool

At PCMacgicians, we’re not just about building awesome gaming PCs and fixing the ones that go sideways – we’re about ensuring they stay awesome. We understand the science of keeping your rig running cool and efficiently.

Here’s how we can help you conquer the heat monster:

• Expert Consultation on Cooling Solutions: Whether you’re building your first PC or looking to upgrade your current cooling, our experienced technicians can recommend the best options for your specific components and case. From high-performance air coolers to efficient liquid cooling setups, we’ll guide you through the choices.
• Professional Installation and Setup: Don’t risk messing up thermal paste application or struggling with complex liquid cooling installations. Our skilled team will ensure your cooling solutions are installed correctly for optimal performance.
• Optimized Airflow Design: We’ll help you understand the principles of positive and negative pressure, cable management techniques that improve airflow, and the best placement for fans to create a wind tunnel that keeps your components frosty.
• System Health Checks and Thermal Diagnostics: If your PC is already running hot, bring it to us! We can diagnose the issue, identify potential bottlenecks in your cooling system, and recommend solutions to bring those temperatures down.
• Upgrades and Maintenance: Looking to upgrade to a more powerful CPU or GPU that generates more heat? We can advise on and install the necessary cooling upgrades to handle the extra thermal load. We also offer cleaning services to remove dust buildup that can severely impede airflow.

Ready to Unleash Your PC’s True Potential (Without the Meltdown)?

Don’t let a simple oversight turn your gaming dream into a laggy, crashing nightmare. Investing in proper cooling and airflow is just as important as the top-tier components you’ve chosen.

Take control of your PC’s temperature and your gaming experience today!

• Thinking about building a new gaming PC? Let our expert build team create a rig with optimized cooling from the start! [Click here to explore our custom PC build services.]
• Is your current gaming PC running hot or underperforming? Bring it to our repair shop for a comprehensive thermal check-up! [Find our contact information and service locations here.]
• Just have some questions about cooling your gaming PC? Our friendly team is here to help! [Chat with us online now for free advice.]

At PCMacgicians, we’re passionate about helping gamers get the most out of their machines. Let us ensure your rig stays cool, performs flawlessly, and lasts for years to come. Don’t let the heat beat you – level up your cooling with PCMacgicians!

In recent months, we’ve noticed a spike in clients across the UK — particularly students and home workers reporting overheating laptops that slow down dramatically during use. One recent case involved a university student from Stratford, East London, who was experiencing sudden shutdowns and lag during Zoom classes and coursework.

 Thermal Throttling and Overheating

The student’s laptop, a 3-year-old HP Pavilion 15, was shutting down during basic tasks or becoming nearly unusable after just 15–20 minutes of use. The fan was loud, the keyboard area was hot to the touch, and performance dropped drastically even when browsing the internet or using Microsoft Word. Without any delay, PCMacgicians began their Laptop Repair and Health Check protocol for this customer.

Blocked Cooling System and Worn Thermal Paste

After an internal inspection, we found:

• Dust-clogged vents and fan

• Thermal paste on the CPU had dried out

• The fan was functioning but not efficiently

• No malware or software bloat — this was purely a hardware-based thermal issue

At PcMacgicians, we understand that tech mishaps can happen to anyone—sometimes it’s a failing hard drive, other times it’s a cracked screen after an unfortunate drop. Not long ago, we had a customer bring in their HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 laptop (Model 14-ek1000na) after a minor accident left their touchscreen behaving erratically. Instead of springing for an expensive screen replacement, they were hoping for a practical workaround. That’s where we came in.

 How We Fixed the Laptop and How You Can Too

Disclaimer: If you’re unsure or uncomfortable opening your laptop, consult a professional. This guide is for educational purposes and assumes basic technical skills.

Tools You’ll Need

• Phillips screwdriver set (small size)

• Plastic spudger or opening tool

• Thermal paste (e.g., Arctic MX-4)

• Isopropyl alcohol (90%+ recommended)

• Microfiber cloth or cotton swabs

• Compressed air can or electric air blower

Step 1: Backup and Power Down

1. Shut down the laptop completely.

2. Unplug it from the charger and remove any USB devices.

3. If the battery is removable, take it out. If not, just proceed with caution.

Step 2: Remove the Back Cover

• Flip the laptop and locate all screws (check under rubber feet and stickers).

• Use a spudger to gently pry open the case after unscrewing.

• Set the back cover aside carefully.

Step 3: Clean the Dust

• Use compressed air to blow out all dust from the vents, fans, and heatsinks.

• Hold the fan blades while blowing air to prevent overspinning.

• Use a small brush or cloth to clean areas air can’t reach.

Step 4: Reapply Thermal Paste

• Locate the CPU and GPU under the copper heatsink.

• Unscrew and lift the heatsink gently.

• Clean off old thermal paste using isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs.

• Apply a small pea-sized drop of new thermal paste on the CPU and GPU.

• Reattach and screw down the heatsink evenly.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

• Reattach the back cover and screw everything back.

• Power on the laptop.

• Use software like HWMonitor or Core Temp to check CPU temperatures.

The Result: A Cooler, Quieter Laptop

After cleaning and repasting, the student’s laptop:

• Ran 15–20°C cooler under load

• No longer throttled or shut down unexpectedly

• Was quieter with better overall responsiveness

• Extended its usable life by at least another 1–2 years

Why Overheating is a Big Issue

Many people use their laptops for extended periods without servicing. This is particularly common among:

• Students using their devices daily for studies and media

• Home workers in post-COVID remote setups

• Gamers using mid-range or budget laptops with limited cooling

   Moreover, lack of awareness about thermal paste degradation and airflow maintenance leads to preventable failures.

When to Seek Help

If you’re not confident doing this yourself or your laptop is under warranty, it’s better to consult an expert. We offer:

• Professional thermal paste replacement

• Internal cleaning

• Fan replacement services

• Full diagnostics

Don’t Ignore the Heat

Overheating can reduce performance, damage internal components, and lead to sudden system failures. For users in Southwest London — where laptops are pushed hard during school, work, and gaming — regular internal maintenance is essential.

Need Help with Your Overheating Laptop?

If you’re in Southwest London and your laptop is running hot, we’re here to help. Whether you’re a student, remote worker, or casual user — we’ll get your device running cool and smooth again. Chat with us now and get a free consult!

A client recently came to PcMacgicians with a non-booting MacBook Pro A1708 (EMC 3164). The machine had been dropped, leaving behind a string of problems: unresponsive trackpad, failing SSD, and a logic board that had seen better days.

Rather than scrap the system, the customer asked if we could salvage it by replacing all three major components — the motherboard, SSD, and trackpad — and recover their files in the process.

Why Replace, Not Repair?

The customer weighed their options. While buying a new Mac was tempting, budget constraints and the urgency to recover work files made repair the better choice. They opted for replacement parts that were a mix of new and refurbished, balancing cost with reliability.

Parts Used

• Motherboard (Logic Board) – Refurbished A1708-compatible board with 2.3GHz i5 CPU. Affordable, reliable, and nearly identical to the original

• SSD (256GB NVMe) – Used Apple OEM SSD. Budget-conscious decision with enough space for basic tasks and a full OS install

• Trackpad – New aftermarket trackpad for A1708. Original was cracked; OEM was pricey, but the aftermarket option performed well in previous repairs

Tools Needed

1. Pentalobe screwdriver (for opening the MacBook case)
2. T5 and T4 Torx screwdrivers (for internal screws)
3. Plastic spudger (for disconnecting cables safely)
4. Tweezers (for handling small components)
5. Suction cup (for lifting the bottom cover)
6. New replacement motherboard, SSD, and trackpad

How to Fix It

1. Getting Started

After powering the device down, we opened it up using precision tools. Ten pentalobe screws later, the bottom case was off.

2. Battery First

We disconnected the battery before touching anything else to avoid damage to sensitive components.

3. SSD Removal for Data Recovery

The original SSD was extracted carefully and later connected to an NVMe-to-USB adapter. The good news? It still worked, and we were able to pull all user data.

4. Out with the Old, In with the New

We methodically removed the trackpad and logic board, keeping screws and connectors labeled throughout. The replacements fit like a glove, and all internal cables were reconnected with care.

5. Boot and OS Install

With the new parts in place, the system booted into recovery using a macOS Ventura bootable USB. We erased the new SSD using Disk Utility and installed a fresh macOS.

Migration & Testing

Data Migration

Using the recovered SSD connected externally, we launched Migration Assistant and transferred the customer’s files, apps, and user accounts.

Final Tests

• Trackpad: Fully responsive with Force Touch

• SSD: Verified using Disk Utility (no errors, solid read/write)

• Motherboard: Passed Apple Diagnostics with no faults

The Outcome

In under three hours, the MacBook was back in working condition with all files restored — a huge win considering the original issues. The customer was relieved not only to have their machine revived, but also to have avoided the high cost of buying a new MacBook.

Whether it’s data recovery, a full teardown, or a single component replacement — PCMacgicians is here to help. We balance quality, cost, and urgency to find the best solution for your specific needs.

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of working with a father from Wandsworth who walked into our shop with his teenage daughter, Teena. She had saved up birthday money, part-time job earnings, and even chipped in from her allowance. She wanted to build her first serious gaming PC. Her father was ready to support her but had one caveat: the budget couldn’t spiral out of control.

Teena wanted something that could handle AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring but also be suitable for light content creation, video editing, and possibly some schoolwork.

Our job? Deliver a reliable, upgradeable custom gaming PC on a mid-tier budget, without compromising on essential performance.

PCMacgicians’ Custom Gaming PC Build Breakdown

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

It’s one of the best value-for-performance CPUs on the market today. We considered an Intel Core i7-12700K, but that would’ve pushed the budget. Great for gaming and multitasking, without bottlenecking modern GPUs. Plus, it stays cool and energy-efficient — less stress on the power supply and cooling system.

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti (8GB)

 A sweet spot GPU for 1080p and 1440p gaming. Teena originally wanted the RTX 4070, but we opted for the 4060 Ti to stay within budget. Capable of ray tracing and DLSS 3 support. It runs most modern games on high/ultra settings and offers future-proofing without going overboard.

RAM: 16GB DDR4 (Corsair Vengeance LPX, 3200MHz)

 Reliable, fast, and cost-effective. 16GB is the current standard for gaming and light productivity. Easy to upgrade later if Teena gets into heavy video editing.

Cooling: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition

Budget-friendly and iconic in the PC building community. Solid thermal performance for the Ryzen 5 5600X without the noise or cost of an AIO liquid cooler.

Motherboard: MSI B550 Tomahawk Max WiFi

Durable, with great VRM quality and built-in WiFi. It supports future Ryzen CPUs, offers M.2 support, and makes future upgrades easy. This is important for a teen who might grow into content creation or streaming.

Storage: Kingston NV2 1TB NVMe SSD

Fast, reliable, and cost-effective PCIe Gen 4 storage. Plenty of space for games and software. A secondary HDD can be added later if needed.

PSU: Corsair CX650M (650W, 80+ Bronze, Semi-Modular)

Reputable brand and semi-modular design for clean cable management. It leaves room for future upgrades (like a higher-end GPU) and ensures power efficiency and reliability.

Case: NZXT H510 Mid Tower

Sleek design, solid airflow, and easy to work with. Teena was very particular about aesthetics — and we couldn’t argue. It’s modern, minimal, and showcases the components beautifully.

Peripherals:

• Monitor: AOC 24G2 24” 144Hz – Great refresh rate for FPS games.

• Keyboard & Mouse: Logitech G213 + G203 combo – Budget-friendly and responsive.

• Headset: HyperX Cloud II – Clear mic and strong sound quality, ideal for both gaming and school Zoom calls.

Why We Chose This Setup

This gaming build PC wasn’t about maxing out every component. It was about balance:

• Performance per pound: Each part was chosen with future-proofing, performance, and budget in mind.

• Upgrade Path: The system has enough headroom for future CPU, RAM, and GPU upgrades.

• Aesthetics: Teena wanted a clean, professional look. RGB was kept minimal but tasteful.

• Budget control: We had a £1,300 target including peripherals, and we hit it.

Troubleshooting the Inevitable: A Real-World Hiccup

As with many PC builds, things didn’t go completely smoothly. When we powered the system on for the first time, the screen remained black. No POST, no BIOS beep, nothing.

Here’s how we fixed it:

Step 1: Reseat Components
Removed and reinstalled the RAM, GPU, and power cables. A slightly loose RAM stick can prevent posting.

Step 2: Check Motherboard Power Connections
Verified both 24-pin and 8-pin CPU power were fully inserted.

Step 3: Clear CMOS
Used the jumper on the motherboard to reset BIOS settings.
Sometimes the board needs a hard reset before first POST.

Step 4: Try Boot Without GPU
Used the motherboard’s onboard HDMI and removed the GPU. Still no display, which confirmed it wasn’t a GPU issue.

Step 5: Breadboarding
As a last resort, we took the motherboard out of the case to rule out grounding issues.
Finally, It booted! The issue was a rogue brass standoff shorting the board.

Always double-check standoff placements in the case, especially when using third-party cases with non-standard layouts.

Thinking of Building Your Own Gaming PC?

Whether you’re a first-time builder or looking for a top-tier rig, our PC building service is tailored to your needs. We’ll guide you through every component choice and help troubleshoot any issues along the way.

Get in touch with PcMacgicians today — let’s build your dream machine together.

 We recently worked with a small but growing marketing firm based in Putney, South-West London, that reached out with a concern many businesses overlook—cloud security.

They weren’t experiencing a full-blown breach, but they’d received reports that phishing emails were being spoofed using their company’s domain, and that was more than enough of a wake-up call. They host client files, live websites, and manage emails through a self-managed VPS (Virtual Private Server), but it had never been professionally secured. That’s where we came in.

What They Were Dealing With

From the outside, everything seemed to be running fine—but under the hood, there were cracks. The firm had set up their VPS quickly through a popular hosting provider. Over time, as their team and client list grew, they simply added more services to it—new websites, marketing files, branded email aliases—without revisiting the server’s setup or security.

Some of the red flags we identified early on included:

• Remote access open to everyone (RDP and SSH were exposed with no IP whitelisting)

• Admin panel using default usernames and no two-factor authentication

• No SPF, DKIM, or DMARC DNS records, leaving their email wide open to spoofing

• Backups? None.

• Antivirus or real-time server monitoring? Not a thing.

It wasn’t malicious intent that led them here—it’s just how small teams often operate when IT isn’t their core business.

Our Approach: One Layer at a Time

We approached this project the way we’d treat securing a home that had never had a lock installed. Everything needed to be layered—from the front door, to the windows, to the valuables inside.

Here’s what we helped them do:

1. Locked Down Remote Access: We configured the firewall (UFW) to allow remote logins only from office IPs. We also disabled root login and set up new secure users.

2. Closed Unused Ports: FTP, Telnet, and a few other services were running by default. We shut them down.

3. Secured the Admin Panel: We moved the login URL to a custom, hard-to-guess path and enforced strong password policies.

4. Set Up SSL Properly: Not just for the main site, but for all subdomains. We used Let’s Encrypt with auto-renewals.

5. Email Authentication: We added SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. This immediately helped with spoofing issues and improved deliverability to Gmail and Outlook inboxes.

6. Backups & Monitoring: Installed a scheduled backup solution that pushes encrypted backups offsite nightly. Also configured server health alerts (disk space, login attempts, uptime) to notify their team via email and Slack.

7. Installed Intrusion Protection: Tools like Fail2Ban were set up to block any suspicious or repeated failed login attempts

The Outcome: Stronger Security, Peace of Mind

By the time we wrapped up, their VPS had gone from “bare minimum” to robust and hardened. Their email reputation improved within a week, and they now have daily backups they can restore with a click if something goes wrong.

More importantly, the business owners felt in control again. No more wondering if their server was vulnerable, or if a client might lose trust due to spoofed emails. They knew exactly how their infrastructure worked—and how to maintain it.

What This Teaches Us

Too often, businesses treat cloud hosting like it’s “set and forget.” You spin up a server, install a few things, and move on. But unmanaged servers are your responsibility, and if you’re not patching, locking down ports, and monitoring access, it’s just a matter of time before something happens.

Here’s the reality:

• Email spoofing is often due to simple DNS misconfigurations

• Open ports can be an open invitation for automated attacks

• No backups = huge risk

• Most issues are preventable if you have the right processes in place

Easy Wrap

If you’re running a self-managed VPS, it’s worth taking a hard look at how secure it actually is. At PcMacgicians, we help businesses of all sizes build reliable, protected hosting setups—from new deployments to hardening existing ones. If you’re not sure whether your setup is secure, we’ll help you find out—and fix it before the worst happens.