How to make my iMac faster?

[missborealis]

Hi,

I am new to Mac Rumors, thought you might help me figure out how to make my 2008 iMac 3.06 GHz Intel Core Duo be faster. It has a NVIDIA GeForce 8800GS graphic card.

I just upgraded it from Leopard to Snow Leopard, and I am downloading the software updates to get to 10.6.7

I currently have 2 GB memory (2 x 1GB DDR@ SDRAM 800MHz). Can I install more? How much more? Do I need to bring the computer to the Apple Store or can I do it myself?

Also, I only "upgraded" from Leopard to Snow Leopard. Would it be better to do a "clean install" as I read on some forums?

I might upgrade to Lion or Mountain Lion so that I can use the iCloud. Is there any other advantages in upgrading?

What else can I do to have my computer be faster. I will be installing Adobe Creative Suite 6 and want to make sure it won't be too slow.

Thanks!

 

[Intell]

Your iMac can take a maximum of 6GB (1x2Gb and 1x4GB stick). I highly suggest doing this. It'll make it a lot faster. It is very easy to do. You just unscrew the only screw under the chin of the iMac, remove the old sticks, and put in the new ram.

If you previous system was still stable, then an upgrade as opposed to a clean install is still alright to do and it won't affect performance. I suggest you upgrade to Mountain Lion this summer, possibly skipping Lion, to keep your system secure as Apple will no longer be supporting Snow Leopard once Mountain Lion arrives.

Lastly, a SSD drive would offer the biggest speed increase for your iMac. But they are much harder to install in then a ram upgrade.

 

[missborealis]

Memory

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

I will buy some memory. I saw on the forum that we can find cheaper memory than the one sold in the Mac store. Any recommendation on a reliable online store to order it? Or a good place in the SF Bay Area?

I will research SDD drives.

Thanks!

 

[lifeguard90]

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

I will buy some memory. I saw on the forum that we can find cheaper memory than the one sold in the Mac store. Any recommendation on a reliable online store to order it? Or a good place in the SF Bay Area?

I will research SDD drives.

Thanks!

Crucial
Kingston
Amazon
Ebay
OWC

 

[missborealis]

Crucial
Kingston
Amazon
Ebay
OWC

Thanks

 

[chevalier433]

Hi,

I am new to Mac Rumors, thought you might help me figure out how to make my 2008 iMac 3.06 GHz Intel Core Duo be faster. It has a NVIDIA GeForce 8800GS graphic card.

I just upgraded it from Leopard to Snow Leopard, and I am downloading the software updates to get to 10.6.7

I currently have 2 GB memory (2 x 1GB DDR@ SDRAM 800MHz). Can I install more? How much more? Do I need to bring the computer to the Apple Store or can I do it myself?

Also, I only "upgraded" from Leopard to Snow Leopard. Would it be better to do a "clean install" as I read on some forums?

I might upgrade to Lion or Mountain Lion so that I can use the iCloud. Is there any other advantages in upgrading?

What else can I do to have my computer be faster. I will be installing Adobe Creative Suite 6 and want to make sure it won't be too slow.

Thanks!

Memory won't help a lot put a SSD for app's and add an eSATA port to handle CS6