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iMac 2007 core2duo i7

HappyMBAowner

HappyMBAowner

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 23, 2015
142
156
Quebec
Hi,
I have an iMac 2007 core2duo i7 that has started to be quite slow recently. I stil can use Logic Pro X on it, but it is getting at the end of its pro line usage. Otherwise, my mac is in excellent shape, since I take care a lot of my computers. It still looks brand new. If I were to revert to the initial configuration, would it recover it's initial speed (or close) and could I continue using it for basic email, web surfing and a few card games? I will get another mac for my pro software, but I find it a real waste not to be able to use my iMac 2007 for other usages. Selling is not an option. Putting my iMac in the garbage is not an option I'll consider due to environmental issues. I recycle 'old' iPhones because I am mad at all electronics going into the garbage around the world. That should not be allowed.

Thanks for your advice.
 
OP:

What version of the OS are you using on it?
You should realize that the more recent versions (from Mavericks on up) seem to run much slower on Macs with platter-based hard drives than do previous versions (such as Mountain Lion).

I'm also going to guess that after nearly ten years, your internal hard drive is hopelessly "fragmented" (not just files, but fragments of "free space" as well). DO NOT be misled by the postings of others here who will proffer that Macs "do not need to be defragmented" -- ALL platter-based drives suffer from this problem over time.

There's an easy way to get rid of the file and free space fragmentation. Just do this:
1. Download CarbonCopyCloner (or SuperDuper). Both are FREE to download and use for 30 days.
2. Use CCC (or SD) to create a bootable cloned backup of your internal drive on an external drive.
3. Next, BOOT FROM the cloned backup.
4. Re-initialize the internal drive using Disk Utility
5. Now, RE-clone the backup BACK TO the internal.
When you do this, all the files will be re-written contiguously (no fragmentation), and no free space between them.

It takes a little time to do a full clone, and then a "clone back", but I'll bet you notice an improvement in running afterwards.

Final thought (and you knew this was coming):
After 10 years, it's time to start looking for something new (or at least newER).
 
keysofanxiety said:
HDD likely failing due to age. Replace with SSD to increase longevity.
Click to expand...
Good idea. I had thought about that. I'll keep it in my pool of ideas.
[doublepost=1494801907][/doublepost]
Fishrrman said:
OP:

What version of the OS are you using on it?
You should realize that the more recent versions (from Mavericks on up) seem to run much slower on Macs with platter-based hard drives than do previous versions (such as Mountain Lion).

I'm also going to guess that after nearly ten years, your internal hard drive is hopelessly "fragmented" (not just files, but fragments of "free space" as well). DO NOT be misled by the postings of others here who will proffer that Macs "do not need to be defragmented" -- ALL platter-based drives suffer from this problem over time.

There's an easy way to get rid of the file and free space fragmentation. Just do this:
1. Download CarbonCopyCloner (or SuperDuper). Both are FREE to download and use for 30 days.
2. Use CCC (or SD) to create a bootable cloned backup of your internal drive on an external drive.
3. Next, BOOT FROM the cloned backup.
4. Re-initialize the internal drive using Disk Utility
5. Now, RE-clone the backup BACK TO the internal.
When you do this, all the files will be re-written contiguously (no fragmentation), and no free space between them.

It takes a little time to do a full clone, and then a "clone back", but I'll bet you notice an improvement in running afterwards.

Final thought (and you knew this was coming):
After 10 years, it's time to start looking for something new (or at least newER).
Click to expand...
[doublepost=1494802362][/doublepost]-I'm using the latest El Capitan version - Sierra is not compatible with my model.
-Your point confirms my impression that reverting to older Mac OSX versions would help.
-I was sure you didn't need to defragment under Mac OS. I may try that. But I guess reinitialize and going back to original settings would do the that. What do you think?
-I have a newer 2013 MBA which runs my Logic Pro X very smoothly. That's the reason I want to use the MBA for for my pro software in the future and keep my old iMac for web browsing and other simpler tasks. Is that a good idea? I will also buy eventually a brand new, latest version of an iMac or a MacBook pro for my logic pro projects. I like to keep LogicPro on a separate computer because when I produce music, I don't want to bothered by anything else.

A million thanks for your great advice!
 
I also have the 2007 model. I am still running snow leopard but all software stop to support it so is a dead os (chrome has also stopped the support). I don't want to update because i love the OS and spaces way too much.

I suggest you to put an ssd (120-250 gb are cheap) to run el capitan because with a normal hdd it is realy slow.
 
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- MacOS does a good job at keeping itself defragmented but I find that either a defragmentation or a reformat/clean install is still helpful about every 3rd OS upgrade.
- Yosemite/Mavericks/Mountain Lion might run faster if one of those is available. I'd recommended not trying to run anything older because then web browser compatibility starts to become and issue.
- Alternatively consider installing Linux. You can always try that out by burning and booting Live DVDs.
 
I have an old 2008 17-inch MacBook Pro, and 2009 24-inch iMac. They are both still working and just recently installed a Crucial MX300 525GB SSD into both. They both run on El Capitan and they work just fine. They are both now my 10-year old daughters computers, and they work fine for her needs. I have a USB connected enclosure attached to each to do Time Machine and CCC backups. These are the first two Mac's I have ever had and keeping them until they finally go critical and are not usable. Comparing the cost of new ones to doing minimal upgrades to these, the SSD route was the best. https://forums.macrumors.com/members/fishrrman.283487/
 
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How much memory do you have, and can you add memory to get to 6 Gb? or at least 4?

Agree that swapping the HDD for an SSD is probably your best way to keep the machine running for a while. It doesn't have to be an expensive SSD, pretty much anything ought to work.
 
HappyMBAowner said:
Thanks for your advice.
Click to expand...

Definitely listen to Post #2. I have a 2007 2.4 ghz core 2 duo 4 gb of ram. At a point, my pc was going to ****...so slow to boot up, would take a while to open apps. I had done a restore but it was back at it in no time. So I bought a ssd instead. It fixed all my problems and made it run like brand new again. This is a mid 2007..so it's almost 10 years old. Buy an ssd..you won't regret it.
 
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UL2RA said:
SSD upgrade ... it will be like getting a new computer.
Click to expand...

Seconded (or is it thirded..)
This will be the single biggest way to breathe new life into the machine.
Also if you can, max out the ram, it will stop the computer accessing the disk as frequently and speed things up.

Check out the ifixit.com site for a step-by-step guide to replacing the drive.
You need to take off the screen and uncouple some cables, but it doesn't seem so hard, take it slowly and you will have no problems at all.
 
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windowpain said:
Seconded (or is it thirded..)
This will be the single biggest way to breathe new life into the machine.
Also if you can, max out the ram, it will stop the computer accessing the disk as frequently and speed things up.

Check out the ifixit.com site for a step-by-step guide to replacing the drive.
You need to take off the screen and uncouple some cables, but it doesn't seem so hard, take it slowly and you will have no problems at all.
Click to expand...
I've maxed the RAM about two years after purchasing it initially. But after reading about many people's positive experience with SSD, I'll go that route. In the past, it used to be expensive to change the SSD. Nowadays, 1TB seems to cost less than US$400. It used to be so close to buy a new computer (or refurb) that I was not sure if the investment was worth it. But now, it's definitely worth it. With 480gb (US$208), I'll be completely happy.
[doublepost=1495106799][/doublepost]Thanks to everybody for being so helpful.
[doublepost=1495106857][/doublepost]
kschendel said:
How much memory do you have, and can you add memory to get to 6 Gb? or at least 4?

Agree that swapping the HDD for an SSD is probably your best way to keep the machine running for a while. It doesn't have to be an expensive SSD, pretty much anything ought to work.
Click to expand...
I'm already at 4 gb max.
[doublepost=1495107060][/doublepost]
padams35 said:
- MacOS does a good job at keeping itself defragmented but I find that either a defragmentation or a reformat/clean install is still helpful about every 3rd OS upgrade.
- Yosemite/Mavericks/Mountain Lion might run faster if one of those is available. I'd recommended not trying to run anything older because then web browser compatibility starts to become and issue.
- Alternatively consider installing Linux. You can always try that out by burning and booting Live DVDs.
Click to expand...
I was told to try linux also. I thought about it. But I have other priorities. This would consume too much time for me learning to adapt and I could not continue using my pro software. Linus has options for music production and graphic design, but I don't really have time to invest learning other types of software. That's why either I get my iMac going for a few years, or I just keep it to play card games. But I'll try with replacing my drive with an SSD since many people report very positive experience with that option.
[doublepost=1495107337][/doublepost]
Fishrrman said:
OP:

What version of the OS are you using on it?
You should realize that the more recent versions (from Mavericks on up) seem to run much slower on Macs with platter-based hard drives than do previous versions (such as Mountain Lion).

I'm also going to guess that after nearly ten years, your internal hard drive is hopelessly "fragmented" (not just files, but fragments of "free space" as well). DO NOT be misled by the postings of others here who will proffer that Macs "do not need to be defragmented" -- ALL platter-based drives suffer from this problem over time.

There's an easy way to get rid of the file and free space fragmentation. Just do this:
1. Download CarbonCopyCloner (or SuperDuper). Both are FREE to download and use for 30 days.
2. Use CCC (or SD) to create a bootable cloned backup of your internal drive on an external drive.
3. Next, BOOT FROM the cloned backup.
4. Re-initialize the internal drive using Disk Utility
5. Now, RE-clone the backup BACK TO the internal.
When you do this, all the files will be re-written contiguously (no fragmentation), and no free space between them.

It takes a little time to do a full clone, and then a "clone back", but I'll bet you notice an improvement in running afterwards.

Final thought (and you knew this was coming):
After 10 years, it's time to start looking for something new (or at least newER).
Click to expand...
I'll go with the replacement of my drive with an SSD. I already have a mba 2013 that runs super fast. I want to keep this excellent 2007 machine going for a few years. I hate to send machines like this to waste. For environmental reasons, for financial reasons, and for sentimental reasons. My iMac 2007 still impresses people and honestly, even if I use my mba a lot, I still like my big 21" display. The iMac 2007 is a beautiful computer.
 
Wikipedia suggests that you can take the memory to 6 Gb, presumably 2+4, and that might help a little bit as well. The SSD upgrade should make a massive difference and I think you will be pleased with the results.
 
What about a new computer?

Don't be ashamed to step into an Apple Store and ask for a new Mac, they won't judge you for being a fanboy after 10 years.
 
Shmoo said:
What about a new computer?

Don't be ashamed to step into an Apple Store and ask for a new Mac, they won't judge you for being a fanboy after 10 years.
Click to expand...

Perhaps you're volunteering to make up the price difference between a 500 Gb SSD and that new iMac? :)
 
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I have a 2007 imac 2.0GHz core2duo.
6GB ram and SSD going in soon.

Depending on what CPU you CAN run sierra (but you need change your wifi card for wifi to work).
I am going to upgrade my CPU (got it already)

they might be old machines but it keeps on kicking much longer than any windows based crap I had.

I got a 64GB SSD to go in (got it free) and got the optical bay adapter so a 500GB drive going in there.
Just beware optical bay is IDE not sata speed.
 
You took the words out of my mouth.
[doublepost=1495193524][/doublepost]
Shmoo said:
What about a new computer?

Don't be ashamed to step into an Apple Store and ask for a new Mac, they won't judge you for being a fanboy after 10 years.
Click to expand...
hum... after all that's been said in the thread, you are serious?
 
HappyMBAowner said:
You took the words out of my mouth.
[doublepost=1495193524][/doublepost]
hum... after all that's been said in the thread, you are serious?
Click to expand...
Don't worry. People just like to read the title.

As i said before just put an SSD and you will be ok. If you already have 4gb of ram don't buy new ram to make 6gb (it costs a lot and not worth it for the use of this imac)
 
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OP wrote (in post 4)
"But I guess reinitialize and going back to original settings would do the that. What do you think?"

The only way to defrag ALL files and remove the fragmented free space between them is to do either of the following:
1. Boot externally and run defrag app on the internal drive
or
2. Follow the process I outlined in post 3 above.

A fresh reinstall of the OS -also- produces a fragmented drive (there will be fragments of "free space" scattered all around).
One cannot see this UNLESS one runs a defrag app and examines the sectors of the drive.

Really, if you want "a faster Mac", you really have only one workable pathway to walk.
Also mentioned in post 3 above.
 
Last edited:
elf69 said:
I have a 2007 imac 2.0GHz core2duo.
6GB ram and SSD going in soon.

Depending on what CPU you CAN run sierra (but you need change your wifi card for wifi to work).
I am going to upgrade my CPU (got it already)

they might be old machines but it keeps on kicking much longer than any windows based crap I had.

I got a 64GB SSD to go in (got it free) and got the optical bay adapter so a 500GB drive going in there.
Just beware optical bay is IDE not sata speed.
Click to expand...

which cpu did you got. I got the T9300 and the wifi/bluetooth card for BT 4.0 and 802.11ac. everything works great. even night shift and unlocking with apple watch
 
I have the same machine,(with ssd) Clap hands!
I got an new Air now, and holy cow, it's a complete other thing
If your are doing video, tell me how, because it drives me mad how slow it was at the of the day,
I also use a lot lr and it was bad
Usb3, faster computer, sierra.
I got the whole setup connected to an external screen (much better than the crappy iMac screen)

At some point, machines keep working but they are simply outdated.
My friend got an original macintosh, and iMac G4 they all work well but not for a serious usage.

I recycle a lot, and apple does the same, upgrading does not mean throwing things away.
 
Last edited:
HappyMBAowner said:
Hi,
I have an iMac 2007 core2duo i7 that has started to be quite slow recently. I stil can use Logic Pro X on it, but it is getting at the end of its pro line usage. Otherwise, my mac is in excellent shape, since I take care a lot of my computers. It still looks brand new. If I were to revert to the initial configuration, would it recover it's initial speed (or close) and could I continue using it for basic email, web surfing and a few card games? I will get another mac for my pro software, but I find it a real waste not to be able to use my iMac 2007 for other usages. Selling is not an option. Putting my iMac in the garbage is not an option I'll consider due to environmental issues. I recycle 'old' iPhones because I am mad at all electronics going into the garbage around the world. That should not be allowed.

Thanks for your advice.
Click to expand...

You can always use the machine as a guest computer, a streaming video computer for the kitchen or bedroom or sell it to others who still uses these things as office computers or whatever. I have old Core Duo minis and Core 2 Duo PCs that are still being used as living room computers and bedroom computers, essentially for just casual browsing and streaming.
 
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