iMac 27" mid 2011 or newer iMac for Mojave

[AstarA]

Hi all

I have had my 27" mid 2011 iMac from new and over time added more ram and fitted a SSD in place of the hard drive. My machine runs absolutely perfectly. Since new SSD it really fast and a joy to use.

Well now it won't support Mojave. What to do?
1. Sell and buy newer say 2017 version (seems such a waste of my machine)
2. If I keep the old one will I still be secure over the coming years for updates ?
3. Do I mitigate any lack of software support by apple with a top antivirus / malware programs ?

Wake up each morning with this on my mind. I know its sad but I have a lot of Apple gear and want to see a way forward.
Other users thoughts appreciated. I can't be the only one with an older iMac

Dave

 

[SecuritySteve]

Hi all

I have had my 27" mid 2011 iMac from new and over time added more ram and fitted a SSD in place of the hard drive. My machine runs absolutely perfectly. Since new SSD it really fast and a joy to use.

Well now it won't support Mojave. What to do?
1. Sell and buy newer say 2017 version (seems such a waste of my machine)
2. If I keep the old one will I still be secure over the coming years for updates ?
3. Do I mitigate any lack of software support by apple with a top antivirus / malware programs ?

Wake up each morning with this on my mind. I know its sad but I have a lot of Apple gear and want to see a way forward.
Other users thoughts appreciated. I can't be the only one with an older iMac

Dave

Dave,

The way Apple supports OS's is that they support the current and previous two OS versions with security updates. If your 2011 iMac is on High Sierra, it still has two years of security update life in it.

Antivirus programs do help by basically storing hashes of known malicious files and executables. They do mitigate against some threats, but they are spotty and will not always protect you in the same way that regular updates do.

I would suggest keeping your machine on High Sierra for two more years, and then upgrade once your system is no longer supported by security updates.

 

[AstarA]

Thanks SecuritySteve

Seems a very sensible way forward.
Will wait a while and keep eyes open for new iMac when the time comes unless tempted by the voice on my other shoulder

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Mojave will not, as you know, install natively on pre 2012 models so no joy And when you purchased it if you knew it would last +seven years, would you have been happy? Probably yes.

For mine don't bother with antivirus software. Use Ghostery, an adblocker and free version of Malwarebytes for Mac.

 

[Guy Clark]

The mid 2011 27" iMac is a mighty fine machine the likes of which Apple do not produce today. Completely user serviceable and upgradeable
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iMac_Intel_27"_EMC_2429

I thoroughly recommended you hang on to it.The inability to run Mojave is a small tradeoff as High Sierra will be supported at least until the release of macOS 10.17 and even after then just ensure you are using the most secure browser available and you will be fine.
[doublepost=1532442622][/doublepost]

I would suggest keeping your machine on High Sierra for two more years, and then upgrade once your system is no longer supported by security updates.

What is the point in upgrading what is a perfectly good iMac. You are just be playing in to the hands of Apple's planned obsolescence policy.

 

[SecuritySteve]

The mid 2011 27" iMac is a mighty fine machine the likes of which Apple do not produce today. Completely user serviceable and upgradeable
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iMac_Intel_27"_EMC_2429

I thoroughly recommended you hang on to it.The inability to run Mojave is a small tradeoff as High Sierra will be supported at least until the release of macOS 10.17 and even after then just ensure you are using the most secure browser available and you will be fine.
[doublepost=1532442622][/doublepost]
What is the point in upgrading what is a perfectly good iMac. You are just be playing in to the hands of Apple's planned obsolescence policy.

Hah. The problem with your logic is that the mac is not perfectly good, it is no longer supported with security updates. He was clearly asking a question in the context of a security update, and frankly a 9 year old machine (in 2020) would be due for an update. There will have been many technological improvements by then.

Please, tell me more about how I'm being unreasonable ... or perhaps you still want to hold on to your powerPC mac?

 

[Guy Clark]

Hah. The problem with your logic is that the mac is not perfectly good, it is no longer supported with security updates. He was clearly asking a question in the context of a security update, and frankly a 9 year old machine (in 2020) would be due for an update. There will have been many technological improvements by then.

Please, tell me more about how I'm being unreasonable ... or perhaps you still want to hold on to your powerPC mac?

It's true I have multiple generation Macs and all still work faultlessly regardless of age

late 2015 21.5" 4k iMac (macOS Mojave/Windows 10)

mid 2011 21.5" iMac (macOS High Sierra/OS X Mavericks)

12" Aluminium Powerbook G4 (OS X Leopard)

PowerMac G4 MDD (OS X Tiger)

G4 Mac mini (OS X Tiger)

All the G4 Macs still have their uses and all still go online using TenFourFox.

Just because a Mac is old does not mean it is insecure and there are other options once a release of macOS has become entirely unsupported. Install Linux in a virtual environment so you can browse the web safely with a modern browser and continue to carry out sensitive tasks such as online banking. Of course I do not use my G4 machines for such tasks but with an Intel Mac security should last using Linux indefinitely.

 

[SecuritySteve]

It's true I have multiple generation Macs and all still work faultlessly regardless of age

late 2015 21.5" 4k iMac (macOS Mojave/Windows 10)

mid 2011 21.5" iMac (macOS High Sierra/OS X Mavericks)

12" Aluminium Powerbook G4 (OS X Leopard)

PowerMac G4 MDD (OS X Tiger)

G4 Mac mini (OS X Tiger)

All still have their uses and all still go online using TenFourFox.

Just because a Mac is old does not mean it is insecure and there are other options once a release of macOS has become entirely unsupported. Install Linux in a virtual environment so you can browse the web safely with a modern browser and continue to carry out sensitive tasks such as online banking. Of course I do not use my G4 machines for such tasks but with an Intel Mac security should last using Linux indefinitely.

Yes, blowing away macOS and installing Linux will make the machine last longer. However, I would almost never recommend that a user do this, as Linux is an entirely unfamiliar environment to most casual mac users who would be posting for advice. Failing to do such a thing and still running an application that does not receive updates (like Safari on say, OS X Tiger) would be insecure. Dancing on the edge of the knife in cases like this is dangerous, and I will never recommend that someone not upgrade when the principal OS on their hardware is no longer supported for their hardware.

If all you're doing is web browsing, why not use something cheap like a tablet? I can understand keeping around some old hardware for programs that never got modernized. (The aerospace company I work for keeps an old laptop around for precisely that) But in general, get with the program. Perhaps it's different in your country, but it is not that expensive to upgrade your machine every 9 years.

 

[Guy Clark]

Yes, blowing away macOS and installing Linux will make the machine last longer. However, I would almost never recommend that a user do this, as Linux is an entirely unfamiliar environment to most casual mac users who would be posting for advice. Failing to do such a thing and still running an application that does not receive updates (like Safari on say, OS X Tiger) would be insecure. Dancing on the edge of the knife in cases like this is dangerous, and I will never recommend that someone not upgrade when the principal OS on their hardware is no longer supported for their hardware.

If all you're doing is web browsing, why not use something cheap like a tablet? I can understand keeping around some old hardware for programs that never got modernized. (The aerospace company I work for keeps an old laptop around for precisely that) But in general, get with the program. Perhaps it's different in your country, but it is not that expensive to upgrade your machine every 9 years.

It does not mean doing away with macOS which could still be used for tasks such as Lightroom, Final Cut Pro etc. The Linux virtual environment would be for secure web browsing and reading emails.
I would never use Safari on Tiger. I use TenFourFox which is a fork of the modern Firefox browser developed for PowerPC architecture
https://www.floodgap.com/software/tenfourfox/

Linux is a UNIX (macOS) like platform and their are some excellent easy to use distributions available such as Linux Mint
https://www.linuxmint.com

Try it out in a virtual environment and you will see what I mean.

 

[SecuritySteve]

It does not mean doing away with macOS which could still me used for tasks such as Lightroom, Final Cut Pro etc. The Linux virtual environment would be for secure web browsing and reading emails.
I would never use Safari on Tiger. I use TenFourFox which is a fork of the modern Firefox browser developed for PowerPC architecture
https://www.floodgap.com/software/tenfourfox/

Linux is a UNIX (macOS) like platform and their are some excellent easy to use distributions available such as Linux Mint.

Sir, I am aware of all of this. My point still stands, and frankly you are steering users the wrong way. There is a difference between being practical about holding onto hardware and not upgrading every year, and hoarding. Forgive me for offering practical and sensible advice to a user within the context of their question.

By the way, in case you were wondering about my background on these topics, I have a degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Information Assurance and Security. I work for a cyber security company that develops a scanner that detects vulnerabilities across many platforms as my regular full time job, and do part time software development for an aerospace company on the side.

But you could not have known any of that, so I do not fault you for it.

 

[Guy Clark]

Sir, I am aware of all of this. My point still stands, and frankly you are steering users the wrong way. There is a difference between being practical about holding onto hardware and not upgrading every year, and hoarding. Forgive me for offering practical and sensible advice to a user within the context of their question.

By the way, in case you were wondering about my background on these topics, I have a degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Information Assurance and Security. I work for a cyber security company that develops a scanner that detects vulnerabilities across many platforms as my regular full time job, and do part time software development for an aerospace company on the side.

But you could not have known any of that, so I do not fault you for it.

I should imagine what you do is very interesting and this is an interesting conversation from different perspectives. I am an IT Technician and work with equipment of all ages. I am particularly aware of the amount of e-waste generated and illegally shipped off to developing countries for disposal.
If a PC or Mac can be refurbished and reused it is helping to avert this problem whilst helping the environment I am all for it. I have an old IBM X41 along with two DELL Dimension 4600's all running Lubuntu which is ideally suited to older Hardware. All perfectly usable for web browsing, Youtube and reading emails.

As I say we are speaking from different perspectives and very interesting.

 

[SecuritySteve]

I should imagine what you do is very interesting and this is an interesting conversation from different perspectives. I am an IT Technician and work with equipment of all ages. I am particularly aware of the amount of e-waste generated and illegally shipped off to developing countries for disposal.
If a PC or Mac can be refurbished and reused it is helping to avert this problem whilst helping the environment I am all for it. I have an old IBM X41 along with two DELL Dimension 4600's all running Lubuntu which is ideally suited to older Hardware. All perfectly usable for web browsing, Youtube and reading emails.

As I say we are speaking from different perspectives and very interesting.

That is an interesting perspective. I'm curious, how much e-waste is shipped off as opposed to recycled each year? I imagine that many of these components could be disassembled / broken down and melted into the raw materials for new components. Plastics and Batteries perhaps not so much, but I am unfamiliar with their disposal processes.

I often do not pay much attention to what happens after I hand it off to an e-waste company.

 

[Guy Clark]

That is an interesting perspective. I'm curious, how much e-waste is shipped off as opposed to recycled each year? I imagine that many of these components could be disassembled / broken down and melted into the raw materials for new components. Plastics and Batteries perhaps not so much, but I am unfamiliar with their disposal processes.

I often do not pay much attention to what happens after I hand it off to an e-waste company.

Just got in from work. The very real issue of illegal e-waste dumping in developing countries is disturbing. Two of the largest e-waste dumping grounds are Ghana and Nigeria
https://www.clarity.eu.com/home/new...&story=BBC+highlights+illegal+e-waste+dumping

Although some of this information is old there is strong evidence to show the practice continues as shown in the first link.

 

[ashamam]

There is some hope for Mojave on imac 2011 (unsupported of course). Not sure of how the 6970m will perform or what will break but it does run apparently.

http://dosdude1.com/mojave/

also check out this thread.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macos-10-14-mojave-on-unsupported-macs-thread.2121473/

 

[D.Reino]

Hi all

I have had my 27" mid 2011 iMac from new and over time added more ram and fitted a SSD in place of the hard drive. My machine runs absolutely perfectly. Since new SSD it really fast and a joy to use.

Well now it won't support Mojave. What to do?
1. Sell and buy newer say 2017 version (seems such a waste of my machine)
2. If I keep the old one will I still be secure over the coming years for updates ?
3. Do I mitigate any lack of software support by apple with a top antivirus / malware programs ?

Wake up each morning with this on my mind. I know its sad but I have a lot of Apple gear and want to see a way forward.
Other users thoughts appreciated. I can't be the only one with an older iMac

Dave

Hi there,

I am new in this forum.

I also have a Mid 2011 iMac 27", I have customised it as well with SSD's and 32gb of Ram, I swapped graphic card and monitor (they burned).
I am really fond of this machine, it is in my opinion not comparable to todays machines. I have also other iMac's post 2015 and are not crash free.

I am running Sierra still, there are still security updates and I was weary of the transition to the new apple file system so I sort of let it pass.

All the software I have works flawlessly, I use a mainly 3D CAD and design graphics software, they run very good still and I would confidently say to the same level as newer iMac 27" 5K 4GB with 40+Ram (with exception to graphic's resolution) also with the same OSX.

In reply to the thread, thank you for the information it is clear that most believe upgrading to Mojave unnecessary on the iMac mid 2011.
I am almost unsure if H. Sierra will make any difference as well, if anyone has had this upgrade on this machine I welcome your feedback.

Thanks

 

[FlorisVN]

I can confirm, running Mojave with upgraded Graphics card in our 27" Mid 2011 imacs worked fine.
I have used dosdude1 patcher.

You need an Metal GPU, I have upgraded to GTX765M, which is the best and cheapest option in my opinion...

 

[overshoot]

I can confirm, running Mojave with upgraded Graphics card in our 27" Mid 2011 imacs worked fine.
I have used dosdude1 patcher.

You need an Metal GPU, I have upgraded to GTX765M, which is the best and cheapest option in my opinion...

Do you have the boot screen with this card? Flashed Bios with EFI support?
What about the temperature of the card?

 

[FlorisVN]

Do you have the boot screen with this card? Flashed Bios with EFI support?
What about the temperature of the card?

nope bootscreen not visible..
Macvidcards is working on a bios by the way, it should be there someday soon...

I cannot check gpu temperature withint MacOS, its possible to see it within Bootcamp Windows.
But then Bootcamp has black screen :S..

I know the card is running cool, since the heatsink is only 35 degrees celcious which is way cooler than the AMD card..

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"My machine runs absolutely perfectly.
Well now it won't support Mojave. What to do?"

What follows is an absolutely serious answer:
Don't use Mojave.
Stay "where you are right now".

There's no need to "upgrade", particularly if you can't (because of hardware problems).

I use older versions of the OS (my "main Mac" uses Low Sierra and I'm typing on it now).
I couldn't give a whoot about "having the latest and greatest".
I use what works for me.
And... don't worry about it.

If you read this far, be aware that new iMacs will probably be out in the second quarter of 2019.
You might consider "holding out" until then, get a new one, and keep the old one around "as a spare"...

 

[churinoff]

I can confirm, running Mojave with upgraded Graphics card in our 27" Mid 2011 imacs worked fine.
I have used dosdude1 patcher.
You need an Metal GPU, I have upgraded to GTX765M, which is the best and cheapest option in my opinion...

Hi, FlorisVN!
I too have a Mid 2011 iMac with an added 256GB SSD (via an OWC kit) and 16GB of Ram that I find to be fantastic. Can I ask where you got your GTX765M, how much it cost and how difficult it was to install?
Best wishes,
Churinoff

 

[FlorisVN]

Hi, FlorisVN!
I too have a Mid 2011 iMac with an added 256GB SSD (via an OWC kit) and 16GB of Ram that I find to be fantastic. Can I ask where you got your GTX765M, how much it cost and how difficult it was to install?
Best wishes,
Churinoff

Hi,
It was difficault, but durable.
I reccomend that you have some skills with macs.
Use apple service manual of ifixit manuals, is also recdomended.

I got my card from here :
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.nl/ulk/itm/162776542264

Price inclusing shipping was arround 110€ total.

 

[mikehalloran]

So, while it is technically possible to run Mojave on a 2011, life is too short and there are too many issues.

Even if you do get it working, Apple can throw a curve and make it inoperable. I had something similar happen to me recently when Apple disabled DisplayLink monitors in OS 10.13.4–6. Although they were re-enabled in Mojave, the only way to make them work over HS is to roll back to 10.13.3 as I did.

If you’re a hobbyist, knock yourself out.

If you use your machine in any business environment and need Mojave, time to upgrade. I’m in this situation. Upgrading the GPU and installing a hack to make it work is unacceptable. Apple giveth and Apple taketh away.

 

[mlody]

Hi all

I have had my 27" mid 2011 iMac from new and over time added more ram and fitted a SSD in place of the hard drive. My machine runs absolutely perfectly. Since new SSD it really fast and a joy to use.

Well now it won't support Mojave. What to do?
1. Sell and buy newer say 2017 version (seems such a waste of my machine)
2. If I keep the old one will I still be secure over the coming years for updates ?
3. Do I mitigate any lack of software support by apple with a top antivirus / malware programs ?

Wake up each morning with this on my mind. I know its sad but I have a lot of Apple gear and want to see a way forward.
Other users thoughts appreciated. I can't be the only one with an older iMac

Dave

I was in a very similar boat. I had 27" mid-2010 and wanted Mojave. I ended up selling it for $350 and picked up perfectly fine 27" late-2012 for $400. My 2010 had 24 GB of memory and 250 GB SSD. I sold it with the SSD, but kept the 16 GB memory.

My new 2012 came with 8GB but since the so-dimms are compatible I was able to reinstall and upgrade it to 24 GB on a spot. Now I am waiting on OWC kit to arrive and I will install 250 GB SSD in. The kit and the drive sells for under $100 shipped/tax. The 1 TB HDD I will use as a TimeMachine backup in an external HDD enclosure.

Overall, for less than $150 more, I ended up with a better and fully supported computer. I will repeat the same process in 2 years if needed. Small price to pay to stay somewhat current and relevant I have no desire to pay $2000 for outdated crap that Apple sells nowadays, that does not even include SSD/Flash storage in the base model.

 

[Bacci]

Nice way to go mlody! I do suspect many owners of a 2010/2011 feel more attached to their trusted iMac and will keep it going for as long as possible even if it doesn't make perfect sense economically The only problem I see with 2012 and later iMacs is that their integrated circuit makes any component failure turn them into a brick, whereas the 2010/2011 ones are modular and second hand parts are still easy to find out there.

Mid 2010 i3 21.5 iMacs are imo a great buy ATM. They can often be found for 50-100$ and its stock Radeon 4xxx GPU supports Mojave with Dosdude's patch, no boot screen problems. Add a pulled i5-680 (or the more expensive i7-2600s) and an SSD for less than 100$, a new outer screen if needed (30$) and you got a beautiful, silent and fast machine which is much more pleasant to work on than a laptop.

 

[mikehalloran]

The only problem I see with 2012 and later iMacs is that their integrated circuit makes any component failure turn them into a brick, whereas the 2010/2011 ones are modular and second hand parts are still easy to find out there.

What in the world are you talking about?

The 2012–on are held together with double-stick foam tape while the earlier ones are fastened with screws and magnets. System pulls, used parts etc. aren't hard to fine. Being Metal Graphics compatible, no one is scrambling to upgrade the GPUs in these, however.

Mid 2010 i3 21.5 iMacs are imo a great buy ATM. They can often be found for 50-100$ and its stock Radeon 4xxx GPU supports Mojave with Dosdude's patch, no boot screen problems.

Have you actually installed Mojave on a 2010 iMac? I have on my second SATA drive for my 2010 i7. I have to agree with Dosdude: Mojave is useless on these without graphics acceleration. In addition, it doesn't like to update. BTW, I find an i5 way too slow for my needs—and yes, I have one to compare.

If there was a way to just upgrade the GPU and install Mojave on my 2010 without the patch, I'd be all over it. Then I'd do my 2011.

But there isn't.