2008 iMac Upgrades

[jhernandez2005]

I recently purchased a 2008 iMac (2211) and would like to upgrade the system (memory and SSD). I am purchasing a Crucial SSD 525GB and want to max out the RAM. After searching for a few hours, I know Apple supports 4GB (2x2GB), but some people have been able to install 6GB (1xeach of 2GB&4GB). I found someone who said that they were able to upgrade to 8GB (2x4GB), but it becomes unstable with the 3.06Ghz CPU (I have the 2.8Ghz CPU) due to the higher clock speed. Has anyone successfully upgraded to 8GB on this model? If so, what RAM (please link) did you use?

Reference Link 1: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4884412
Reference Link 2: https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/95868/Upgrade+memory+to+8GB

 

[Samuelsan2001]

6gb is the max I think on that model.

 

[elf69]

yep 6GB, have 6GB in my 2007 iMac.
4GB ram sticks are available from china, mine was about £40 but this was a while ago.

also the CPU can be swapped if your feeling brave.
I'm also gonna ditch the optical for a 2nd HDD (just the optical is IDE so it will be bit slow)

I am going to do my 2007 CPU swap soon just need some better tools.
Not sure which you have but with my CPU swap I will be able to run Sierra or High Sierra.

I wish at least to run Sierra due to finder file sorting and few other things too.

 

[jhernandez2005]

6gb is the max I think on that model.

I guess I will play it safe and install 6GB. Thanks!
[doublepost=1514915603][/doublepost]

yep 6GB, have 6GB in my 2007 iMac.
4GB ram sticks are available from china, mine was about £40 but this was a while ago.

also the CPU can be swapped if your feeling brave.
I'm also gonna ditch the optical for a 2nd HDD (just the optical is IDE so it will be bit slow)

I am going to do my 2007 CPU swap soon just need some better tools.
Not sure which you have but with my CPU swap I will be able to run Sierra or High Sierra.

I wish at least to run Sierra due to finder file sorting and few other things too.

I don't see a need to upgrade my CPU, 2.8Ghz should be enough for what I'll use it for. Definitely keep us posted on your upgrade though and let us know how it goes. I think the only thing I'll do is clean off the old thermal paste and apply a new coat, clean out dust, etc.

 

[spyguy10709]

A bigger upgrade than 4 vs 6GB of RAM would be an SSD boot drive!

 

[elf69]

I have a 2.8GHz CPU to go in mine as currently only a 2.0GHz

I believe the 2.8GHz is fasted that can be fitted anyway, I read somewhere it was partly to do with heat that this was the fasted CPU the heat sink can deal with without having issues.

I am just waiting a new wifi card as the Sierra install is not compatible with my card.

 

[MultiFinder17]

6GB of RAM and an SSD will make that iMac run like greased lightning! In my classroom, my primary machine is a 2008 24” iMac with 6GB and an SSD, and it does everything I could possibly ask of it. In my office is a 2008 20” iMac with 4GB and an SSD, and it performs wonderfully as well. May this machine serve you well mate

 

[elf69]

the 2007 to 2009 lower end models are very under rated if you ask me.

with very little fettling they can be great work horses.

my 2007 was bought for £149 18 months ago (or longer) with 12 months warranty and has never failed.
Just had odd freeze/hang which I attribute to old 320GB sata drive.

240GB SSD upgrade is pending.

 

[jhernandez2005]

I went ahead and purchased a 4GB (2x2GB) RAM from ifixit.com and no issues. I definitely agree that a SSD upgrade will make the biggest difference especially coming from an old HDD.

 

[MultiFinder17]

On the off chance you were interested, these are the two iMacs in my classroom in action! 24” on my main desk, 20” in my little office

 

[elf69]

I want a 24" model.

cool thats an old skool cinema screen you have right there.
I like those!

 

[dulaney22]

I put 6GBs of Ram and a 256GB SSD in my early '08 24 about 3 years ago. I'm hoping to get a couple more years out of it.