Improving my late 2009 iMac.

[AdamA9]

Hi Guys.

I have a late 2009 iMac and wanted to speed it up. It's getting to the point now where programs are starting to run slow, and games like Football Manager are slowing down and not running as well as they could.

My iMac is the following:

21.5-inch, Late 2009 (Mac OS X 10.7.4)
3.06 GHz Intel Core-2-Duo
4GB 1067 MHz DDR3
ATI Radeon HD 4670 256MB

I see there's space for another two RAM chips, which must be 1067 cards. Would it be as simple as purchasing another couple of 2GB chips and putting them in, or are there other things I can do to improve this once great machine.

Or, should I bite the bullet and buy a new Mac? If so, what do you think I could get for this one if I sold it. Perfect condition.

Thanks for your help.

 

[user418]

Adding an SSD and RAM will make a significant difference in performance on any Mac. To get an idea of what your current iMac is worth you can check on EBay or Mac2Sell.

 

[AdamA9]

Adding an SSD and RAM will make a significant difference in performance on any Mac. To get an idea of what your current iMac is worth you can check on EBay or Mac2Sell.

Thanks. It suggests around £400 which is quite good I guess.

If I were to increase the RAM, is that a simple job on these? I don't want to have to pay Apple to do it, especially since my warranty is up anyway.

 

[AdamA9]

Looking on Amazon, I've found this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/memory-upgr...GF1E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341912982&sr=8-1

Since I have 4GB already (2x2GB), if I were to put in 2x4GB into the two other available slots, would that work, giving me 12MB or do they all have to be equal?

 

[Manic Nimrod]

I am in the exact same situation. 21.5" late '09 iMac, all the same specs.

--

I've just googled about the adding different sized RAM into the slots and i've read that it's fine to do, however I will let some one confirm.

I've also read that adding an SSD will help, I've looked at the iFixIt guide and it looks a little challenging. :/

 

[user418]

Looking on Amazon, I've found this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/memory-upgr...GF1E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341912982&sr=8-1

Since I have 4GB already (2x2GB), if I were to put in 2x4GB into the two other available slots, would that work, giving me 12MB or do they all have to be equal?

I am in the exact same situation. 21.5" late '09 iMac, all the same specs.

--

I've just googled about the adding different sized RAM into the slots and i've read that it's fine to do, however I will let some one confirm.

I've also read that adding an SSD will help, I've looked at the iFixIt guide and it looks a little challenging. :/

@AdamA9 That RAM should work just fine. Here's a video to help you out.

Adding RAM

@Manic Nimrod You're right about the SSD. I haven't gotten up the nerve to change mine out either. Here's another video on changing the SSD. I assume it would be the same on a 2009 iMac.

Adding SSD


Excuse the last post. I forgot and thought we were talking MBP's

 

[I8P'CS]

If you are going to sell the 2009 late iMac DO NOT SELL FOR £400 THATS WAY TO LOW, I SOLD THE SAME MODEL IN FEB ON GUMTREE FOR £650

 

[Manic Nimrod]

If you are going to sell the 2009 late iMac DO NOT SELL FOR £400 THATS WAY TO LOW, I SOLD THE SAME MODEL IN FEB ON GUMTREE FOR £650

Yeh, I've seen then going for £600 on ebay.

I was thinking of selling mine and getting the next Mac Mini. However, I am not sure the best way of selling it. I guess it would have to be a collection only deal unless someone at my uni was interested. :/

 

[vladfein]

If you are going to sell the 2009 late iMac DO NOT SELL FOR £400 THATS WAY TO LOW, I SOLD THE SAME MODEL IN FEB ON GUMTREE FOR £650

Really? For a few bucks more you can get a new iMac...

 

[AdamA9]

If you are going to sell the 2009 late iMac DO NOT SELL FOR £400 THATS WAY TO LOW, I SOLD THE SAME MODEL IN FEB ON GUMTREE FOR £650

Really? For that I could justify the new Macbook Pro.

 

[I8P'CS]

Yeh, I've seen then going for £600 on ebay.

I was thinking of selling mine and getting the next Mac Mini. However, I am not sure the best way of selling it. I guess it would have to be a collection only deal unless someone at my uni was interested. :/

Yes collection only pal. I made sure i had couple heavies with me, didn't need it as the guy was a good guy. Just have protection better to be safe than sorry.

As for the other comments quoting me I don't understand. Is it my fault if iMacs hold their price?