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Can I upgrade OS from 10.5.8 to 10.6 or later?

C

confusedconnie

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 16, 2013
16
0
I have discovered a program I would like to use needs 10.6 or 10.7 to run. I have no knowledge of the different versions and therefore don't know the advantages or disadvantages of upgrading my version. (As stated in the title, I'm running on 10.5.8)

How do I do this? Can I do this?


Thanks once again for your help.
 
confusedconnie said:
I have no knowledge of the different versions and therefore don't know the advantages or disadvantages of upgrading my version.
Click to expand...

As previous response you should first see if you can upgrade to a higher version. And the Intel-Mac question is quite fundamental.

For an old Mac (running 10.5 - hence oldish) the advantages are a better OS with more functionality (APP store, Face Time, Messages, etc. built-in), the disadvantages are that your Mac may not be very responsive.

Even here, Apple tries to block installs of newer OS's on low end Macs that do not have a reasonable configuration. (there are hacks to bypass this).

So do not run out to buy the software, and the new OS, until you are sure.

Maybe if you tell us what mac you have, etc, etc. we can be a little more precise.
 
aicul said:
Maybe if you tell us what mac you have, etc, etc. we can be a little more precise.
Click to expand...

1dzexf.png


Is this what you're talking about?
 
Mmmmmhhh.. let's say that is not a very powerful iMac.

Indeed add RAM and you may also want to check the needs of your new app in terms of memory/disk requirements.


Let me ask the question differently, is this new Application really necessary ? Seems you may be rebuilding your whole iMac just for 1 Application..
 
That Mac will run up to 10.7, but not 10.8.

The 1 GB of ram will be ok in 10.6. I don't know about 10.7.

I have the same model with 2GB of RAM and 10.7 ran fine (others have had less luck). But I switched back to 10.6. There are some minor things I prefer, and most of the 10.7 features need a multi-gesture trackpad.

Good luck!!!
 
aicul said:
Mmmmmhhh.. let's say that is not a very powerful iMac.

Indeed add RAM and you may also want to check the needs of your new app in terms of memory/disk requirements.


Let me ask the question differently, is this new Application really necessary ? Seems you may be rebuilding your whole iMac just for 1 Application..
Click to expand...

minifridge1138 said:
That Mac will run up to 10.7, but not 10.8.

The 1 GB of ram will be ok in 10.6. I don't know about 10.7.

I have the same model with 2GB of RAM and 10.7 ran fine (others have had less luck). But I switched back to 10.6. There are some minor things I prefer, and most of the 10.7 features need a multi-gesture trackpad.

Good luck!!!
Click to expand...

This particular application isn't necessary BUT every other application also requires a higher OS (ie. Google Chrome, Realplayer).

I plan on using this computer for about 2 more years before getting a new one and there's no doubt that I'll need more applications in the future that also require a newer system. I'm going to buy more RAM because I also want to install FinalCut Studio (which requires around 124 RAM) so when I go to the store I'll also ask about updating the system.

Thanks for the help.
 
Connie

I've just upgraded a mate's MacBook 2,1 (which was still running the original 512MB RAM and Tiger :eek:), which is the same model as yours, doing what I describe below. It performs very well for a 6 yo laptop, and runs all modern programs pretty smoothly...

There are three things you should do:

1) buy 4GB of RAM - the model can accept 4GB, but will only see 3.3GB, but if you run 10.7 Lion on it, it's highly recommended. This will run to about $60 (e.g. http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/MacBook/DDR2/) as well as a #00 Philips screwdriver. It's a DIY install.
2) buy an SSD - 120GB should be less than $100 and will make the lappy super snappy as well as an empty 2.5" case to set up the SSD and enable migration of your data and a Torx T6 screwdriver
3) buy Lion - this will require a call to Apple.
 
You will have to buy Snow Leopard (10.6) from the Apple online store. With the install DVD, you can easily upgrade your Mac to Snow Leopard.

Do that before even considering upgrading to Lion (10.7). Lion requires an installation of Snow Leopard and an upgrade of your machine's RAM memory. The latter is recommendable even if you stay with Snow Leopard, because the 1GB of RAM you have now does restrict the performance of your machine.
 
Hi guys,

I also would like to upgrade by OS from 10.5.8 to 10.6. I came across this very helpful thread and was hoping that you could offer me some advice. My laptop is a MacBook pro (spec below).

Should I follow the same 3 step procedure outlined in surroundfan's last post?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Cheers :)

Hardware Overview:

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06
SMC Version (system): 1.33f8
Serial Number (system): W88453QU1G0
Hardware UUID: 63381072-C053-5C86-AC16-407B70D2C61F
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: Enabled
 
Steady Eddie said:
Hi guys,

I also would like to upgrade by OS from 10.5.8 to 10.6. I came across this very helpful thread and was hoping that you could offer me some advice. My laptop is a MacBook pro (spec below).

Should I follow the same 3 step procedure outlined in surroundfan's last post?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Cheers :)

Hardware Overview:

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06
SMC Version (system): 1.33f8
Serial Number (system): W88453QU1G0
Hardware UUID: 63381072-C053-5C86-AC16-407B70D2C61F
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: Enabled
Click to expand...

Your MacBook Pro, as-is, could run Snow Leopard without issues. Of course, it's always a good idea to upgrade the RAM and trade the HDD for an SSD if you can afford to do so; but unless you're a power-user, you shouldn't truly need to upgrade any components to run 10.6.
 
Can MacPro upgrade OS from 10.5.8 to 10.6 or later?

I know this is thread is for Notebooks but I can't find the same topic in Desktops and there is bit of a time issue.

Want to know the same thing - Can I upgrade OS from 10.5.8 to 10.6 or later with -

Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro4,1
Processor Name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 4
L2 Cache: 256KB (per core)
Memory: 3 GB
Processor Interconnection speed: 4.8GT/S
Boot ROM Version: MP41.0081.B07
SMC Version (system): 1.39f5
Serial Number (system): YM9090Y74PC
Hardware UUID: CBDCB5BD-D823-5792-AC12-FE819A84423A
State: Enabled
 
Ticktoe said:
I know this is thread is for Notebooks but I can't find the same topic in Desktops and there is bit of a time issue.

Want to know the same thing - Can I upgrade OS from 10.5.8 to 10.6 or later with -

Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro4,1
Processor Name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 4
L2 Cache: 256KB (per core)
Memory: 3 GB
Processor Interconnection speed: 4.8GT/S
Boot ROM Version: MP41.0081.B07
SMC Version (system): 1.39f5
Serial Number (system): YM9090Y74PC
Hardware UUID: CBDCB5BD-D823-5792-AC12-FE819A84423A
State: Enabled
Click to expand...
Your machine is far more than capable of being upgraded. :cool:
 
Upgrading from OS X 10.5.8

(Do I need to re-post or move this to the MacBook Pro forum?)

Hi all, have a similar question, however, from all of the helpful posts and replies, I have determined that I "CAN" upgrade to at least 10.7.x, but my question is, "SHOULD" I? I'm looking for your opinions based on the following:

Specs:
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro4,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP41.00C1.B03
SMC Version (system): 1.27f3

I believe I have read that I will need to upgrade to Snow Leopard 10.6.x first (approx $20 from Apple), then, if I should want/need, upgrade to Lion 10.7.x (another $20?). I understand that I cannot upgrade to Mountain Lion 10.8.x (someone please confirm for me?), but for my purposes, I may not need to.

I currently run Aperture 2.1.4. I am willing to upgrade if necessary to retain compatibility.

I also run Parallels Desktop 5, build 5.0.9376. Currently seems to work well with Windows XP version 5.1 SP3. I use MSOffice (needed for work and compatibility of documents with friends and colleagues) and Quicken from the Windows side, but very little else. Again, I am willing to upgrade Parallels, but I really hate the idea of upgrading Windows, and yes, I am aware that XP will no longer be supported after this year. I refuse to go to Vista, Windows 7 would be ok if I had to, I am reluctant to move to 8, but 8.1 may be ok. Advice and opinions?

I desire to use a newer version of iTunes to allow me to sync my family's multiple iPhones (4, 4S, and 5), iPods and IPads so I can get pictures and music currently only on my Mac (I have been resisting getting a paid iCloud account), back up my phones locally again, and so I can edit groups for my contacts (I do not understand why I can't have an interface to iCloud on my iPad to do this...but, that is another vent for another time!). Which version do I need to allow me to access iCloud and handle all of my devices?

My MacBook Pro has been freezing up some recently (applications won't close and I can't force quit either). More memory may help this???

So...do I upgrade memory, OS (to what version to you recommend) and apps and keep using what I have...or should I bite the bullet and buy a new MacBook Pro (I can, just don't really want to spend that type of money unless it is the only way to get from here to there)?

What do ya'll think?
 
Last edited:
guppy34 said:
(Do I need to re-post or move this to the MacBook Pro forum?)

Hi all, have a similar question, however, from all of the helpful posts and replies, I have determined that I "CAN" upgrade to at least 10.7.x, but my question is, "SHOULD" I? I'm looking for your opinions based on the following:

Specs:
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro4,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP41.00C1.B03
SMC Version (system): 1.27f3

I believe I have read that I will need to upgrade to Snow Leopard 10.6.x first (approx $20 from Apple), then, if I should want/need, upgrade to Lion 10.7.x (another $20?). I understand that I cannot upgrade to Mountain Lion 10.8.x (someone please confirm for me?), but for my purposes, I may not need to.

I currently run Aperture 2.1.4. I am willing to upgrade if necessary to retain compatibility.

I also run Parallels Desktop 5, build 5.0.9376. Currently seems to work well with Windows XP version 5.1 SP3. I use MSOffice (needed for work and compatibility of documents with friends and colleagues) and Quicken from the Windows side, but very little else. Again, I am willing to upgrade Parallels, but I really hate the idea of upgrading Windows, and yes, I am aware that XP will no longer be supported after this year. I refuse to go to Vista, Windows 7 would be ok if I had to, I am reluctant to move to 8, but 8.1 may be ok. Advice and opinions?

I desire to use a newer version of iTunes to allow me to sync my family's multiple iPhones (4, 4S, and 5), iPods and IPads so I can get pictures and music currently only on my Mac (I have been resisting getting a paid iCloud account), back up my phones locally again, and so I can edit groups for my contacts (I do not understand why I can't have an interface to iCloud on my iPad to do this...but, that is another vent for another time!). Which version do I need to allow me to access iCloud and handle all of my devices?

My MacBook Pro has been freezing up some recently (applications won't close and I can't force quit either). More memory may help this???

So...do I upgrade memory, OS (to what version to you recommend) and apps and keep using what I have...or should I bite the bullet and buy a new MacBook Pro (I can, just don't really want to spend that type of money unless it is the only way to get from here to there)?

What do ya'll think?
Click to expand...

If you are running 10.5, you will need to find snow leopard and upgrade to 10.6.8 before upgrade to mountain lion. You can buy ML in the app store once your at 10.6.8. RAM is rather inexpensive and going to set you back around 50-60 bucks (maybe more depending where you are from). If you are running ML, I recommend 4GB RAM since it is a 64 bit os.
As for programs, if you are running Office 2008, it will work with ML. However, any PPC programs will not work. I would go into system profile and look at your applications. Sort them by kind and see what programs are PPC and you can make a judgement of how many will need to be upgraded.
 
can somebody please tell me if this computer is able to upgrade? i don't know a whole lot about macs, but we just got a new ipod and are unable to use it due to having such an old version on here. thanks.

Hardware Overview:

Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac8,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: IM81.00C1.B00
SMC Version (system): 1.29f1
Serial Number (system): W88325ZDZE3
Hardware UUID: F3EDCB5E-AF65-582D-B8C8-298BECF5B04D
 
andreanoreen said:
can somebody please tell me if this computer is able to upgrade? i don't know a whole lot about macs, but we just got a new ipod and are unable to use it due to having such an old version on here. thanks.

Hardware Overview:

Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac8,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: IM81.00C1.B00
SMC Version (system): 1.29f1
Serial Number (system): W88325ZDZE3
Hardware UUID: F3EDCB5E-AF65-582D-B8C8-298BECF5B04D
Click to expand...

If my memory serves me correctly you have an early 2008 iMac. Yes it can be upgraded to run Mountain Lion. As it stands your mac should also be able to run Mavericks and as mavericks is due to be released soon, you may want to hold off upgrading until then. Either way i'd recommend upgrading your Ram to at least a minimum of 4gb
 
How soon would you need to upgrade to at least 10.6?

And as for starters. Snow leopard would be a great upgrade to leopard. Now unless you know you need Lion or above, just upgrade to snow leopard.

on top of that upgrade your RAM while your at it ;)
 
Last edited:
can i upgrade

i have an old macbook and i want to upgrade how can i upgrade my macbook

my macbook overview
Model Name: MacBook
Model Identifier: MacBook3,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MB31.008E.B02
SMC Version (system): 1.24f3
Serial Number (system): W87526KAZ62
Hardware UUID: 4FF2C713-71F3-5080-8BA1-C783BB82EB0D

please help me!!!:confused:
 
frengz said:
can i upgrade

i have an old macbook and i want to upgrade how can i upgrade my macbook

my macbook overview
Model Name: MacBook
Model Identifier: MacBook3,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MB31.008E.B02
SMC Version (system): 1.24f3
Serial Number (system): W87526KAZ62
Hardware UUID: 4FF2C713-71F3-5080-8BA1-C783BB82EB0D

please help me!!!:confused:
Click to expand...

i need help too! my details are here:

Model Name:iMac

Model Identifier:iMac5,1

Processor Name:Intel Core 2 Duo

Processor Speed:2.16 GHz

Number Of Processors:1

Total Number Of Cores:2

L2 Cache:4 MB

Memory:1 GB

Bus Speed:667 MHz

Boot ROM Version:IM51.0090.B09

SMC Version (system):1.9f4

Serial Number (system):W86350TVVUV

Hardware UUID:00000000-0000-1000-8000-0016CB99F602
 
frengz said:
can i upgrade

i have an old macbook and i want to upgrade how can i upgrade my macbook

my macbook overview
Model Name: MacBook
Model Identifier: MacBook3,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MB31.008E.B02
SMC Version (system): 1.24f3
Serial Number (system): W87526KAZ62
Hardware UUID: 4FF2C713-71F3-5080-8BA1-C783BB82EB0D

please help me!!!:confused:
Click to expand...

Emmanuel Seri said:
i need help too! my details are here:

Model Name:iMac

Model Identifier:iMac5,1

Processor Name:Intel Core 2 Duo

Processor Speed:2.16 GHz

Number Of Processors:1

Total Number Of Cores:2

L2 Cache:4 MB

Memory:1 GB

Bus Speed:667 MHz

Boot ROM Version:IM51.0090.B09

SMC Version (system):1.9f4

Serial Number (system):W86350TVVUV

Hardware UUID:00000000-0000-1000-8000-0016CB99F602
Click to expand...

Both of you can upgrade up to 10.7.5, but only if you install at least 2GB of RAM.

I would recommend purchasing a 10.6 Snow Leopard Install Disc from Apple and proceed to upgrade to 10.7.5. For the record 10.6 / Snow Leopard runs fine with 1GB of RAM.

Here is where I located supported OS versions for the iMac 5,1.
Here is where I located supported OS versions for the MacBook 3,1.
 
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