MacOS Sierra on 2010 iMac

[gavroche]

Need opinions....
I'm using a 2010 iMac 27", with 2.8 Core i5. Got 8GB of memory. It has a spinning HDD. Until updating to Sierra, didn't really have much to complain about performance wise, other than the HDD being the noticeable weak link. Since updating, performance is so much slower. So i am curious to know if upgrading either the RAM to 16GB, or removing the optical drive and installing a SSD to run the OS from, would make enough of a performance gain to justify the cost. I would prefer not to have to spring for a newer model iMac if avoidable.
Thanks...

 

[redheeler]

I happen to have the same model of iMac, spinning hard drive I replaced with an SSD, and yes it does provide enough of an improvement to justify the cost. An SSD is completely recommended if you're willing to do a hardware upgrade.

Sierra shouldn't be too much slower than El Captain even on a spinning hard drive though (although that's not saying much for performance). If you just installed it helps to give it some time.

 

[Tarek]

Yes, upgrading to SSD is always a worthy update.

 

[rayward]

Need opinions....
I'm using a 2010 iMac 27", with 2.8 Core i5. Got 8GB of memory. It has a spinning HDD. Until updating to Sierra, didn't really have much to complain about performance wise, other than the HDD being the noticeable weak link. Since updating, performance is so much slower. So i am curious to know if upgrading either the RAM to 16GB, or removing the optical drive and installing a SSD to run the OS from, would make enough of a performance gain to justify the cost. I would prefer not to have to spring for a newer model iMac if avoidable.
Thanks...

You can get a kit from OWC to add an SSD and leave the optical drive in place. I did this (and upgraded the HDD) and it's well worth it. It's like getting a new machine!

 

[idoccurt]

Need opinions....
I'm using a 2010 iMac 27", with 2.8 Core i5. Got 8GB of memory. It has a spinning HDD. Until updating to Sierra, didn't really have much to complain about performance wise, other than the HDD being the noticeable weak link. Since updating, performance is so much slower. So i am curious to know if upgrading either the RAM to 16GB, or removing the optical drive and installing a SSD to run the OS from, would make enough of a performance gain to justify the cost. I would prefer not to have to spring for a newer model iMac if avoidable.
Thanks...

Not sure i would upgrade....i cannot on my 2009