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PeteMacMan

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 12, 2023
30
4
London
GENERAL UPGRADE QUESTIONS LOOKING AT SSD, PROCESSOR and MEMORY

Hi , So many questions and please go easy on the Jargon, if you cant answer all parts any elements you can are hugely appreciated. Based in Uk but welcome responses from all - even re recommended parts etc if from differing locations.

A. Disc Drive - I want to upgrade my disc drive to a SSD drive.
1. Can i buy an internal SSD 1TB that firstly I can connect externally (with a docking station?) to clone my current old Hard Disc before installing the internal SSD? Assuming an internal SSD is the far better solution.
2. Or can i do the above but just have an external SSD to boot off in future and make the internal drive redundant? (ie clone over etc first) and would I use a USB connection or Thunderbolt? Any info re speeds pros and cons etc of this option against doing the more complex internal install are welcome.
3. Do i need some kind of accessories to buy with an Internal SSD drive to do the install? Ie leads etc or is it like for like with current hard disc. (keep reading about a thermal sensor?)
4. can anyone recommend a good compatible SSD 1TB or are the all much the same?
5. I have heard about fans over spinning and crashing MAC when trying to replace the current drive to SSD. Is this an issue and how do you ensure you avoid.

B. Processor
1.Simple is it worth upgrading the i5 and if so what too, can anyone advise and send links of compatible processors. What difference will it make.
2. Is this a simple process?

C. Memory -
1. I'm not infront of my Mac but I did previously upgrade to either 12gb or 16gb of RAM memory. But im led to believe you can go up to 32 with8GB in each slot. Can anyone confirm and again direct me to the compatible memory .
2. is this again worth the upgrade from 12 or 16 say to 32.

D . Alternate Upgrades
1. Are there any other suggested upgrades that could make my 2011 mid run faster. Its main issue for me is the almost constant whurrring of the hard disk and it acting as if its constantly over working its self. struggles for CPU at times but is slow booting up and opening some applications..

E. OS
1. I assume none of these upgrades will impact the ability to update the OS HIGH SIERRA to a newer version.

Really appreciate your input.

regards
Pete
 
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Longplays

Suspended
May 30, 2023
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I'd use a 2TB Crucial MX500 SSD

I'd Time Machine Backup your current HDD, install the replacement SSD inside the iMac then restore your files to the SSD from the Time Machine Backup.


I'd use 4x8GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SODIMM for a max total 32GB RAM

Be aware that your iMac is officially limited to macOS High Sierra that received its final Security Update nearly 3 years ago.

There are unofficial ways to get newer versions of macOS like Ventura and Sonoma but it will add complications to your life.

Considering your 2011 iMac 27" Core i5 32nm is a more than a dozen years old be aware that a 2023 iMac 27" M2 5nm that may sell for $1799 may be released in 2-4 months from now.

Any M1 or M2 Mac will outclass any Mac sold prior to COVID.
 
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