2011 IMAC Which OS is best

[FlorisVN]

Watching an h.264 video shouldn’t stress such a Mac much, assuming your software is doing proper hardware h.264 acceleration. If your software isn’t doing proper hardware h.264 decode acceleration then it’s time for new software. You’re out of luck though if it is h.265 HEVC video, since these machines do not support hardware h.265 acceleration.

Anyhow, I recommend High Sierra on these machines. You just need SSD Plus 8 GB RAM. Don’t waste your time with trying to hack Mojave to work on these machines. Total waste of time.

Yeah High sierra is fine,
Btw Mojave runs fine with dosdude1 patcher, and an upgraded GPU GTX780m or GTX765m for example.
If you really want to, you can make it work just fine with some soft and hardware tweaks..
[doublepost=1543771215][/doublepost]

Hi

here is are the temps after a 30 minute video

GaryView attachment 807572

These temps. look fine to me, no problems..

 

[EugW]

Yeah High sierra is fine,
Btw Mojave runs fine with dosdude1 patcher, and an upgraded GPU GTX780m or GTX765m for example.
If you really want to, you can make it work just fine with some soft and hardware tweaks..

Mojave doesn't really work fine on unsupported machines. It works, but there are a lot of caveats.

This is in stark contrast to Sierra and High Sierra on unsupported machines. On some unsupported machines, those OSes feel basically native. Mojave on unsupported machines does not. It feels like a bad hack.

 

[Garyed055]

Watching an h.264 video shouldn’t stress such a Mac much, assuming your software is doing proper hardware h.264 acceleration. If your software isn’t doing proper hardware h.264 decode acceleration then it’s time for new software. You’re out of luck though if it is h.265 HEVC video, since these machines do not support hardware h.265 acceleration.

Anyhow, I recommend High Sierra on these machines. You just need SSD Plus 8 GB RAM. Don’t waste your time with trying to hack Mojave to work on these machines. Total waste of time.

I'm very Happy with High Sierra, I've upped the RAM to 10gig and hope to get a SSD someday. Being on a fixed income means it will be a while.. Thanks everyone for the TIPS its helped more then you know

Gary

 

[mario24601]

Sorry for the necro bump! How many are still using your 2011s? My 27" still running fine. I have noticed slowing down a little but nothing super bad. I have been debating getting new iMac Pro or building a max 2010 Mac Pro.....what are you guys running if you moved on or still using your 2011?

 

[Garyed055]

Sorry for the necro bump! How many are still using your 2011s? My 27" still running fine. I have noticed slowing down a little but nothing super bad. I have been debating getting new iMac Pro or building a max 2010 Mac Pro.....what are you guys running if you moved on or still using your 2011?

Mine is a 21 inch 2011 imac. still runs fast as ever no problems

Gary

 

[mikehalloran]

My wife's 27" 2011 iMac i5 is chugging along on High Sierra and runs great. Her biggest resource hog is Office so, as yet, she does not have to upgrade. I installed an SSD around 2015 or so and replaced the battery so she's never had the GPU problem caused by excessive heat—nor will she.

When Apple drops security and OS support for OS 10.13 this Fall, I'll consider upgrading her to a 27" SSD iMac from 2017 or later. Til then, no worry, no hurry.

 

[wardie]

I’ve got a 2009 iMac 27” i7 running on High Sierra and it works perfectly well (with boot SSD drive swapped in for the CD drive, which makes huge difference)

 

[USB3foriMac]

I already tried Linux and will move all machines to Linux once High Sierra is no longer supported.
The 2011 is still up to date, with a Core i CPU, possibility to upgrade RAM, SSD, and even USB 3. If they die and can't be revived, I'll go for a high end screen and will mount a mini PC on the back. Have already 2 of them. No locked-down Apples, that's for sure. MacOS is also not what it used to be, with frequently used apps disappearing, functions crippled, and workflow complicated for no reason.

I'm only holding on to HS because my photos are all in (the old no longer provided) iPhoto. Tried the photos app, messed up my entire library, and couldn't get used to it.

I just don't know how I can get this into Linux and what photo app to use, otherwise I would have migrated some time ago.

 

[mikehalloran]

I’ve got a 2009 iMac 27” i7 running on High Sierra and it works perfectly well (with boot SSD drive swapped in for the CD drive, which makes huge difference)

My only issue with the 2009–10 27" is that the motherboard needs to be pulled to replace the NV RAM battery.

The 2011 is still up to date, with a Core i CPU, possibility to upgrade RAM, SSD, and even USB 3.

Why in the world would anyone try to update a 2011 iMac to USB3?

 

[USB3foriMac]

Why in the world would anyone try to update a 2011 iMac to USB3?

Does this really need an answer? It's like asking "Why would anyone upgrade his 56K modem to fiber broadband?" - So no, I'm not going to answer this. The question should be reversed. Why would anyone not upgrade his Mac to USB 3 if he could?

 

[mikehalloran]

Since the only way it can be done is by adding a TB–eSATA external, I'm pretty sure you didn't answer my question. I'm not opposed to it, just wonder why anyone would bother.

EOL is in less than 5 months for those to whom supported OS security updates are important (all of my clients).

 

[USB3foriMac]

No, there is more than one way. My way cost $20, so why would I not do that. There are more possibilities how to do that. We can exchange ideas in my thread. https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/usb-3-0-for-imac-mid-2011.2231026/

Any why would I throw away a machine just because the vendor does not support it and wants me to throw it?
Many here are using Windows already, am I am a Linux user. It runs perfectly well with Windows or Linux. Just because it's from Apple doesn't mean we have to endure MacOS. The machines are available now for nearly nothing. Most die due to graphics. Bake them and they are good to go. If you like, give your money to Apple. I won't no more.

To your USB3 question: I sometimes have to copy large amounts of data in a short amount of time. I simply want to eliminate long waiting time. I don't see how anyone would prefer USB2 over USB3 in any case, if you have a choice.
And btw, you also find several reports that the USB2 ports behave erratic or don't work any more. Same as one of my machines... I used an external powered USB hub for some time, but always hated the clutter.

 

[mikehalloran]

Any why would I throw away a machine just because the vendor does not support it and wants me to throw it?

Apparently, you didn't read my post. Government agencies (including schools) and corporate clients will will not allow Macs or PCs that cannot be maintained with OS security updates.

EOL on OS 10.13 will be sometime in October. In November, Apple will send letters to government agencies and large customers announcing this drop of support. I will receive a copy, too. When that happens, we'll try to figure out what to do with 2009–2011 iMacs, Minis and some MBPs—but they will be gone. When you figure that these machines lasted 9–11 years, that's a pretty good run (I'd replaced all the HDDs 4–6 years ago or that couldn't have happened).

Most years, I'd be replacing machines over the summer since everyone knows it's coming. This isn't most years, of course. I have other work to fill the time and will use this as an opportunity to retire from this business except as a consultant.

Trust me, any opinion you might have on this subject doesn't matter to them. Data and security are way too important.

 

[USB3foriMac]

Apparently, you didn't read my post. Government agencies (including schools) and corporate clients ...

Why so agressive? All I did was to highlight that there are other ways to add USB 3 to an old iMac. This is about principle, not a selection of users out there you may happen to support (which you didn't mention earlier anywhere within this thread).

The problem is that the GPU in your 2011 (and mine and my 2010) does not support graphics acceleration under Mojave and there is no workaround.

Here, too: Look at the thread to upgrade iMac 2010+2011 graphics card to metal. There are many users out there who go where no man has gone before, to extend the life since there is nothing else wrong with this machine. Once again: so why throw it away? Sure, your schools and governments will not want fiddle with the hardware. But home users are very much interested.

Also, you yourself started that you upgraded your machine to SSD. So is your official statement that "it is not possible to do that", same as your statements about "only option for USB 3" and "not possible to run Mojave"? An SSD upgrade was never offered by Apple, so you yourself stepped aside from the official Apple way (where you can only choose such option at order placement), and you did it yourself.

From what I can tell, most if not all people in this forum are regular (home) users with a wide variety of questions.
For them, options that go beyond Apple's online store are not just welcome, but the preferred option for their own upgrade, particularly if the machine is old and you do not want to spend top dollars for a expansion.

 

[Farsider]

I couldn't agree more. If the machine is old, you want a value option that revives an ancient machine and anything more will come with diminishing returns - its not worth paying extra for such as old machine. I'm having the same (pointless) conversation in another thread.

 

[mikehalloran]

You are preaching to a very small group of home hobbyists and no one else. Those thousands of posts about trying to bring Mojave to the 2011 iMac echo the pain and frustration of not that many users, most of whom have given up.

I have quite a few old Macs including a 27" 2011 but the idea of spending a few hours to upgrade to USB 3 is an idea that I find ridiculous. No thanks.

Most users want something that just works and will keep working.

Even though many are still running, the 2011 iMac is dead. As soon as apps start requiring Catalina or later, there will be little interest.

 

[USB3foriMac]

You keep on making statements which you do not substantiate with any evidence, and if you would look at the questions in the board, you would find significant evidence that your statements are plain wrong.
These are:
- that there is only a small group of home users,
- that there is "pain and frustration" and "most have given up" concerning "Mojave" (most are on Catalina) respectively the graphics update.

I have to conclude that your only purpose is to troll us, and to spread fake information.

If you don't like the idea, that is up to you.
But you should respect others who love to play with hardware.
I mentioned several times in this board that Linux is a good alternative. Even Windows is. And both run fine on an iMac 2011.
As you are well aware, Windows is still OS number One. MacOS Market share is pathetic, and will likely disappear very soon as they continue to turn their OS into nothing more than a web browser and email client. Probably thanks to people like you who are satisfied with a glued, unrepairable, locked-down products, for the purpose that the greatest dummy can use it without him harming himself, the device, or the software.

Apple does not demonstrate environmental responsibility by producing such products.
And it is a pity that many do not see this, and even condemn those who extend the life of a working product.

 

[mikehalloran]

Apparently, you have an agenda. I am not interested in it.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Take a look at this thread! You may find a reasonable way to make the iMac mid 2011 more than just usable with Mojave or Catalina. It runs like a champ, using a AMD card also with H.265 hardware acceleration. While doing the mods you have the chance to add BT 4.0 & WIFI ac or USB 3.0 - it is you choice.

And no, we have not given up on even bringing Big Sur to this platform.

 

[mikehalloran]

And no, we have not given up on even bringing Big Sur to this platform

Good luck with that.

Around here, there's always interest in hackintoshes—every Apple engineer I know has one gathering dust—but none in keeping the hundreds of 2009–2011 iMacs I maintain alive past EOL. Although they will be available in the fall, most will go to recycling. All work perfectly, having had SSDs installed and batteries replaced at some point in the last seven years by me.

The workers who like Macs generally have newer machines already in their homes and have no interest in these, even for free. If Homestead High has their big electronics recycling drive fund raiser again this year, that's where they'll likely wind up unless the school districts have other plans. Besides Woz and Jobs, my daughters went there and I like to support their programs when I can.

 

[Hombre53]

Thanks Everyone Ordering the extra memory now. Just out if curiosity what is the reason Apple says the 2011 can't Run Mojave?

Gary

The 2011 iMac graphic cards (5XXX, 6XXX) are not supported on Mojave. They won't run dosdude1 Mojave. No graphics acceleration. See dosdude1 website /mojave for complete explanation.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Good luck with that.

Around here, there's always interest in hackintoshes—every Apple engineer I know has one gathering dust—but none in keeping the hundreds of 2009–2011 iMacs I maintain alive past EOL. Although they will be available in the fall, most will go to recycling. All work perfectly, having had SSDs installed and batteries replaced at some point in the last seven years by me.

The workers who like Macs generally have newer machines already in their homes and have no interest in these, even for free. If Homestead High has their big electronics recycling drive fund raiser again this year, that's where they'll likely wind up unless the school districts have other plans. Besides Woz and Jobs, my daughters went there and I like to support their programs when I can.

Different playground. You will not believe how may people live outside California and outside the dust circle of Apple not being able to afford a new iMac. Others just like playing around with hardware. This machine can have a second or third live used by a young person unless we face the new age of internet usage by non desktop and non iPad alike devices...
When I was young the adults had really big model railways - obviously today a small part of the next gen moved to this?

 

[mikehalloran]

The 2011 iMac graphic cards (5XXX, 6XXX) are not supported on Mojave. They won't run dosdude1 Mojave. No graphics acceleration. See dosdude1 website /mojave for complete explanation.

Actually, if you are booting from an SSD in High Sierra, have a Time Machine backup and some time to waste, try the DosDude1 patch. You will then understand, in ways that no amount of reading about it can give you, exactly why it's a bad idea. The results are truly ghastly—but they won't do any harm.

You can restore your system back to 10.13.6 in a few minutes thanks to APFS Snapshots—and you will—and then have a good laugh over it. Without a Snapshots restore, you'll take a long time doing a complete restore from Time Machine or a clone.

This is not to stop the home hobbyist crowd from from trying to make different cards with twitchy drivers and all the fiddling about to make things work. The second one needs to take a Dremel tool to butcher the inside or case of a Mac, I've lost interest.

Different playground. You will not believe how may people live outside California and outside the dust circle of Apple not being able to afford a new iMac. Others just like playing around with hardware. This machine can have a second or third live used by a young person unless we face the new age of internet usage by non desktop and non iPad alike devices...
When I was young the adults had really big model railways - obviously today a small part of the next gen moved to this?

Absolute nonsense. I have hobbies. Computers as a hobby never interested me—the only reason I have old ones is to access apps and files that cannot run without them. After 50 years, that's never going to change.

No amount of insults or false-equivalency nonsense will influense me. Save that for teenagers.

What others fail to grasp is that all of my clients make their livings on Macs or have interests that require them to be up to date—as do I.

When my wife's 2011 is no longer up to the task, she will buy something newer. Right now, that is a 2017 or newer iMac as I will not tolerate spending good money on anything less. If you don't know the technical reasons for that statement, that's ok with me because I do.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

My friend, use the words nonsense and lack of understanding in your peer group. There these may apply!

I gave you no reason for that harsh reply, I just wrote why different people may have different views. I made no assumption about you, your hobby, your wife, your computer.

Think before write or talk - this is the only difference between a human and the monkeys in the next zoo. Think!

 

[USB3foriMac]

Absolute nonsense.

Sure, only you are right, and all others must do as you say.
Here is something for you:

Computers as a hobby never interested me

This thread was NEVER about you. Why must you always discredit other's activities! You don't need to repeat that you think all this is a bad idea. Let others decide for themselves, as you suggested.
You can throw away your iMac 2011 if you must, but let others find their ways to upgrade, recycle, extend the lifespan, save money, have fun, do something good for the environment, etc etc. Instead of encouraging others to follow our example, you want to keep them away and have them "scrap it, buy new". Sure this is convenient. Great to have new stuff.
But frankly, to have the same felt speed as with an upgraded iMac 2011, you have to spend an amount of money that some do find unjustified. That Apple even offers spinning HDD is - to some - inappropriate.