Optimal OS Rev/Updates for Mid 2011 iMac?

[lwood]

So I have a 2011 iMac and it seems like the performance takes a hit in the more recent OS versions. Is there a known 'optimal' version I should be running, or should I be looking at HD replacement, etc?

Specs are:

Mid 2011 iMac 27 MD063LL/A
3.4 Ghz i7
32GB Ram
1TB Fusion Drive
Radeon 6970

HD is still original, so I was thinking that would be the likely replacement to improve performance since the memory is already maxed. Any other suggestions?

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

If you replace the hard drive, go with an SSD.

According to Mactracker that model either had a 1/2TB 7200rpm hard driv e or a 256GB SSD, and no Fusion Drive options until the 2012 model but sometimes these are not accurate with various BTIO options. If it is a 7200rpm drive there be your problem as today they are as slow as molasses.

Regardless, how full are the drive/s? Remember the old 15% free space rule.

 

[arkieboy72472]

I have one and I have High Sierra and 16GB of ram plus a crucial ssd. Things work fine for me.

 

[lwood]

If you replace the hard drive, go with an SSD.

According to Mactracker that model either had a 1/2TB 7200rpm hard driv e or a 256GB SSD, and no Fusion Drive options until the 2012 model but sometimes these are not accurate with various BTIO options. If it is a 7200rpm drive there be your problem as today they are as slow as molasses.

Regardless, how full are the drive/s? Remember the old 15% free space rule.

Ok, my error, it does have the 1TB 7200 HDD. and it is more than 90% full. so maybe a backup and purge is in order to see if that helps. I'll look at some SSD options as well since I can offload storage duties to a NAS.

 

[Barncore]

I was going to post this question too but thought i'd hop on this thread instead. Not trying to hijack it, just looking for expert opinions too.

What would be the most optimal OS for my imac?
My specs:
-iMac 27-inch mid-2011. (12,2 i believe)
-2.7GHz i5
-8GM RAM DDR3
-1TB 7200 HDD, model = WDC WD1001FALS-403AA0. Currently 290GB available with plans to free up to 100+GB more.
-AMD Radeon 6770M 512MB.

Computer will be used for intensive audio editing/recording and web browsing.

Replacing hard drive to SSD not an option at this stage.

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Well you will just have to live with it at this stage. An SSD is the only option.

 

[Barncore]

Well you will just have to live with it at this stage. An SSD is the only option.

Yes, that's fine, but i'm asking what the best OS is for my current specs

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Give Mojave a try as it is now compatible with Fusion Drives.

Gave my late 2013 i7 iMac to my son who reports Mojave works fast and is rock steady, apart from a minor increase in boot time and this would not concern folk who never turn the iMacs off.

 

[lwood]

Wow, I really haven't kept up on SSD prices, I didn't realize the 1TB drives were under $150 now. Now to see if I can buy the SSD tray and temp sensor for a reasonable price.

 

[vkd]

Give Mojave a try

Won't run on a 2011. It needs Metal and 2011 don't have none of that. Plenny of aluminium tho' LOL.


I have a 2011 iMac too and run 10.9.5 Mavericks without a problem, its getting older by the day though. There's another thread on here about High Sierra toasting 2011 people's GPUs