Repair Question: Is it worth it?

[trahajje]

I have a Mid-2010 27" iMac that is having hard drive trouble. I'm thinking about putting an SSD in it, but I'm curious about whether or not it's worth it. The Mid-2010 iMacs made the cut and were able to upgrade to Sierra when it came out, but there will obviously come a time when they will no longer make the cut.
For all I know, it may still be eligible this fall, but there's no guarantee. Here's my question: How long can I reasonably expect to at least receive security updates once my machine is no longer eligible to upgrade to the latest operating system?

 

[M3Jedi77]

I had a dying 2009 iMac just last month. I replaced the hard drive with a new 1TB SSD (super simple & cheap process) + maxed out the ram all at once. It's BLAZING fast now. Nearly as fast as my late-2014 iMac.

Definitely worth it. I see my 2009 lasting many years still. Such a great machine from Apples better days.

 

[Attonine]

Having the latest OS isn't the be all and end all.

I would look at it this way; how much do you really want to spend? Unless there is a compelling reason to have the latest OS all the time, keep your cash until there is a compelling reason to buy a new machine.

Just buy the SSD!

 

[ApfelKuchen]

Apple is providing security updates for Yosemite and El Capitan. On that basis, it's not unreasonable to assume that Sierra will be receiving security updates for at least the next 2.5 years.

It's too early to speculate on whether your Mac will be compatible with MacOS 10.13 - Apple does not follow a formal, clock-tick policy when it comes to supported hardware for MacOS; it has more to do with the actual capabilities of the hardware - a particular generation of processor, Bluetooth, etc. that may be needed to support one or more key new features. So, maybe you get lucky and your machine will run 10.13, in which case you may have 3 years or more of security updates ahead of you. Maybe not.

I have an early 2008 iMac that still has its original HDD. I probably should have upgraded to an SSD several years ago. Now, I'm not sure it'd be worth the money - I'd prefer having a machine that can run the same version of MacOS as my other Macs - El Capitan was the end of the line for this one. If I had done it a couple of years ago, it would have turned out to be a worthwhile investment.

 

[MarvinHC]

I had a dying 2009 iMac just last month. I replaced the hard drive with a new 1TB SSD (super simple & cheap process) + maxed out the ram all at once. It's BLAZING fast now. Nearly as fast as my late-2014 iMac.

Definitely worth it. I see my 2009 lasting many years still. Such a great machine from Apples better days.

Super simple?
I am also considering putting an SSD into my 2010 but dread the procedure of taking the screen out etc. Looks like a lot of things could go wrong (I looked at the ifixit procedure).

 

[maflynn]

I think if overall you're happy with the iMac, then the SSD upgrade will make it feel like a new computer. As for the latest OS - its not a necessity to always be current, if an older is is working why change?

 

[BrianBaughn]

No one can say for sure about the security updates. My guess is about three years maximum from OS release.

You didn't say which OS version is currently installed or how much RAM you have...this would be a factor for me.

 

[kschendel]

I think the SSD replacement/upgrade is generally worth it for your iMac. It should definitely feel quite a bit snappier. Pick an SSD capacity that will leave you with some free space (say at least 25% free) -- don't try to fill an SSD up to the max just to save a few dollars.

I don't know that I would call the process "super simple", but it's fiddly rather than difficult. If you follow the iFixit instructions, make sure you read the comments first! I'm not sure about your model, but on ours (early 2009) the instructions say to disconnect a display cable that is extremely hard to reconnect, and it turns out not to be necessary at all. Fortunately I read the comments first and found out that I didn't have to disconnect the cable.

If you read the instructions and comments, have the right tools available, and work in a clean environment without distractions or interruptions, you can expect the HD/SSD swap to go without any problems.

 

[MrMJS]

I have an 09 27" iMac that had issues too, I replaced the HD with a WD 3Tb Black drive and it works great. I also add additional memory to give it a total of 24Gb. It's still going strong, though I only use it for tether shooting with Capture One [photography]... At one time I had replaced the Superdrive with an SSD and kept the other HD for content, but I had issues wit the SSD and returned it.
[doublepost=1486579900][/doublepost]

Super simple?
I am also considering putting an SSD into my 2010 but dread the procedure of taking the screen out etc. Looks like a lot of things could go wrong (I looked at the ifixit procedure).

There is one little wire you have to watch for [at least on my 09]. Other then that it is pretty simple. I've had my screen off a number of times without any issues.

 

[dictoresno]

Super simple?
I am also considering putting an SSD into my 2010 but dread the procedure of taking the screen out etc. Looks like a lot of things could go wrong (I looked at the ifixit procedure).

I just did this "operation" and was also nervous. But it was actually very simple. Hardest part was just making sure the screen is lined up perfectly before you reseat it on the adhesive strips.

By the way, I got the adhesive strip kit from eBay for $10. No need to pay the $20+ on ifixit's website.

Overall, it's not that bad. I won't be as nervous next time I do one. The right tool kit, which I already had but bought another more complete one to make sure, and the screen adhesive kit, make the job actually very simple.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Just did this on an early 2010 27" iMac at work last week. New HD, not even a SSD. Was worth it. Good performance (better that the OEM). Notably faster......and a good SSD would be much better.

----

FYI: Some iMacs have/had HDs with a Mac specific firmware that was required to send temp info to the OS for fan control. Some non-Apple branded drives don't support this; without the temp info, the HD fan kicks up to high speed to as a fail safe. It is annoying loud, and creates excessive fan wear.

Should one encounter this, there are several work-arounds, but the easiest that I am aware of is Macs Fan Control. Free, and works great. Bonus: they have a Windows version if you run bootcamp (this works great too).

I have used it on several HD/SSD upgrades as required, and it has always worked perfectly....including on the machine last week.

 

[MarvinHC]

I just did this "operation" and was also nervous. But it was actually very simple. Hardest part was just making sure the screen is lined up perfectly before you reseat it on the adhesive strips.

By the way, I got the adhesive strip kit from eBay for $10. No need to pay the $20+ on ifixit's website.

Overall, it's not that bad. I won't be as nervous next time I do one. The right tool kit, which I already had but bought another more complete one to make sure, and the screen adhesive kit, make the job actually very simple.

Thanks, that is reassuring, I might try it out too in the coming weeks, also a 2010 (27"). Luckily here in China the tools etc. cost next to nothing.

 

[briloronmacrumo]

I don't think security updates are an issue, as others have pointed out. Depending on your time/preferences/budget, another potential issue is the hardware's age. Video cards fail reasonably often in iMacs of that vintage. Maybe you've already replaced it but if not the time/money to repair it might be a consideration. Otherwise, get the SSD and be happy.