Mid 2011 iMac upgrades....or don't bother?

Feek · 30 Apr 2020 at 10:45

Oh that's really good to know - I'm actually a little surprised (albeit pleased) that it's made such a difference. When you do the SSD, it'll be even more!

dirtybeatfreak · 30 Apr 2020 at 13:51

Maccy said:
FYI I replaced the internal HDD in my 2008 iMac with an SSHD (similar to an SSD) and didn't suffer with dust behind the glass etc. Took my time but it made a massive improvement in performance.

Feek said:
Aye, I did similar on my mid 2011 27" iMac but I replaced the Apple 2Tb HDD with a 4Tb drive and didn't get any dust in either.

Nice! Only reason I mentioned this as it used to be something customers would bring in to us ALL the time back in the day. 'I changed something myself and now there's dust and I use it for photography'. Just wanted to make sure he was aware as there are a lot of people who will pick up on even the slightest things and the amount of hours I spent on iMacs with dust rollers and anti static equipment still gives me nightmares! I'm so grateful for the new ones where the display panel is all one piece now

placeholder · 30 Apr 2020 at 15:43

Feek said:
Oh that's really good to know - I'm actually a little surprised (albeit pleased) that it's made such a difference. When you do the SSD, it'll be even more!

As per the other thread Ive done a fresh install of the OS and now added the RAM and its like a brand new machine, couldn't be more pleased. Only did the RAM first as it was the cheaper option and Im trying to be a little financially prudent in the current climate (although I can probably safely use this years holiday budget!!) but will certainly be doing the SSD next payday I think. Between cloud storage and other drives I probably don't need to buy a particularly huge SSD either. I wonder how long I can reasonably expect to run this machine when this is done? For a relatively modest outlay its really impressive.

shiver · 2 May 2020 at 12:32

Some good SATA SSD deals to be had at the right times. I picked ups 1TB 860 EVO £100 not too long ago. Plus in this scenario if the iMac finally bites the dust you can reuse the SSD.

I imagine the big limitation will be software versions eventually. Good to see 9yo kit still working though

Feek · 2 May 2020 at 18:39

shiver said:
I imagine the big limitation will be software versions eventually.

It already is - It won't run Mojave or Catalina so it's a couple of versions out of date but I don't know of any software I regularly use that requires Mojave or Catalina

placeholder · 3 May 2020 at 09:42

Yes it running High Sierra but its quick for internet, Office, Email, Spotify and remoting into my work computer so Im happy. The ultimate aim is to buy a new iMac for my home office but with a house refurb almost complete and a two month old new baby anything that will last me for a wee while and put off that purchase is a winner!