Early 2008 iMac upgrade recommendations

[randye007]

Hi Folks,

I'm looking to squeeze a bit more life into my iMac.
Here are the Specs:

• OS: OS X EL Capitan v10.11.1
• iMac (24-inch, Early 2008)
• Processor: 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• Memory: 4 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
• Storage: 750GB Serial ATA 7200 rpm

I have read that people have been safely upgrading their RAM to 6GB (4 + 2).
Also, I have read people upgrading their storage to SSD and seeing quite a performance jump.

So, I'm looking for recommendations on specific makes and part numbers for these items and where to buy them.
Any advice?

In addition, is it difficult to upgrade the HDD to SSD? I am getting quotes on the order of $350 CAD to perform this service.

Thanks!
Randy

 

[Richdmoore]

Hi Folks,

I'm looking to squeeze a bit more life into my iMac.
Here are the Specs:

• OS: OS X EL Capitan v10.11.1
• iMac (24-inch, Early 2008)
• Processor: 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• Memory: 4 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
• Storage: 750GB Serial ATA 7200 rpm

I have read that people have been safely upgrading their RAM to 6GB (4 + 2).
Also, I have read people upgrading their storage to SSD and seeing quite a performance jump.

So, I'm looking for recommendations on specific makes and part numbers for these items and where to buy them.
Any advice?

In addition, is it difficult to upgrade the HDD to SSD? I am getting quotes on the order of $350 CAD to perform this service.

Thanks!
Randy

I can just go on my experience with my 2011 iMac. I didn't see the greatest jump with the memory from 8 to 16 to 32 gigs over the years, but I would think that maxing the memory would help coming from 4gb. I believe according to OWC the max memory is 6 gb (1 4gb stick & one 2 gb stick), so you should only need 1 4gb stick. If you have access to the marketplace forum here, it may be a good place to find the memory you need vs buying new.

The SSD drive really made a difference even in my 2011 iMac. I paired a 1tb crucial BX100 with a Delock thunderbolt enclosure, and it is making my computer fly now. Of course, you don't have a thunderbolt port, so you would need to crack open the computer to install the drive. Look online for the instructions, myself I would consider paying to have it done for me due the complexity of removing the screen to get into the computer.

OWC lists you computer as have SATA 2 (3gb/s), so you can save a bit of money by getting a slightly slower SSD drive. You would probably also need an adapter to fit the smaller SSD drive into the spot that normal 3.5 HDD comes in.

 

[randye007]

Thanks for the help Richdmoore! I'm going to start with the RAM and then upgrade the HDD next month. I'll get someone to do it.

 

[fa8362]

I wouldn't put any money into that computer. It's already 7 years old. I'd continue to use it until it died or until I upgraded. You're talking about spending $400-500 or more on upgrades. For a hundred or so more, you can buy a newer used iMac.

 

[AlexisV]

Second hand value about $540?

New 27" iMac $1799

= $1259 to find?

 

[randye007]

Thanks fa8362 and AlexisV for your thoughts. I'm actually still happy with the iMac I have. Just needs a little more pep. I plan on spending no more than $400 CAD on the upgrade for them RAM and SSD. I agree that spending more than that would not be worth it.

 

[Draekdude]

Heh. I have a late 2007 iMac and have replaced the hard drive twice due to failures. My last replacement was taking out a 1.5 TB Seagate(failed) for a 256MB SSD. I followed a you tube video, but they also have very nice instructions in iFix it:
Change Hard Drive:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+iMac+Intel+24-Inch+EMC+2134+and+2211+Dual+Hard+Drive/8975

Anyone can swap out the memory, it's simple and doesn't require any tool other than a Phillips screwdriver:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+24-Inch+EMC+2134+and+2211+RAM+Replacement/8966

I tell you that SSD change made a HUGE difference!