Should I change the thermal paste on my Macbook?

Question

macbook

macbook pro 13 not retina 2012
want to upgrade - add ssd

question 1 - how much RAM can i add?

question 2 - how much does the performance increase on average if such an old man is replaced with thermal paste? does it make sense to pay for it?

question 3 - is a 128GB ssd enough for the OS and programs if the old hdd is left
? the macbook is used mainly for the browser and sometimes for simple work in photoshop , the

macbook is not used for professional work such as video editing, 3d or photo processing,
therefore maximalism is not needed
, mainly work in browser with lots of tabs

Answer 1

On the second question - you need to change the thermal paste regularly.
On the third - set at least 512 ssd, throw out hdd.
First, see the manufacturer's specifications.

Answer 2

1. 16 GB can be installed without problems.
2. Be sure to change, it will become quieter and faster.
3. I would put 256 SSD for the system and 256 SSD for files, it was normal.

Answer 3

1) depending on how much there is now, it’s best to have one more exactly the same bar as it’s worth now
2) of course, it makes sense to pay for thermal paste, and it doesn’t cost very much, it will reduce the heating of your laptop, which can affect its performance
3) in general, I think 128GB is enough but I would be safe and just in case I would take 256 how much according to the standard and costs this laptop (in general, look at how many gigabytes you currently occupy on this laptop and start from this already)