Mac "Messages App" can be a pain

Ok so I have a MBP and and an iPhone 5. I absolutely LOVE the messages app on Mac. It is so useful.


HOWEVER!


I participate in multiple group messages and at the end of the day, my message counts can reach 2,000 +.

I'm seeking an alternative option to prevent the messages app from "back-filling" all of the already "read" messages.

Even with an SSD and 8 gigs of RAM, the app still freezes and then crashes once or twice before it even catches up.


The only way I know of preventing the back-fill as of now, is to simply disable iMessage on my Mac Accounts until I return to using my Mac.


Anyone know any other options?


Greatly appreciate your input,

--George