Mid-2010 iMac - Worth Upgrading?

[rambo47]

I have a 27" 2010 iMac that has served me well since I bought it new. It sees only light duty; web surfing, email, Microsoft Office, and a touch of Photoshop LE. Lately, however, the hard drive is making noises that sound a lot like boiling water. I'm considering a 1TB SSD upgrade from OWC for $220. I've done plenty of hard drive upgrades but never on an iMac. I upgraded the RAM long ago from the original 4GB to 12GB. If I do the SSD upgrade and completely screw the pooch then my upgrade path is clear: new iMac. I'm thinking for $220 it's worth a shot. I also have a new 2020 MacBook Air so I won't be Mac-less if things go horribly wrong.

 

[Juicy Box]

I have noticed that a lot of people on the forum tend tell people in your situation to just get something new(er). I have a different perspective. If you don't need it and can make due with the Mac you have, then why spend $$$$ on a new one.

Lately, however, the hard drive is making noises that sound a lot like boiling water.

Please, make sure you have at least one back up of your drive. A bootable back up is better.

It sounds like your HDD is starting to go. HDDs are funny, they could be failing for years before they totally fail. Or, it could be just minutes.

You iMac is pretty old, so it is not surprising that you are starting to have issues with your HDD.

I did an SSD upgrade on a Mid-2011 iMac which is similar, and as far as upgrades, it was relatively easy. It would probably be easier and safer to remove the display, but if you have a little stubby driver, you might be able to lift the display a few inches and pull the drive without removing the the display. This is quicker, but you can potentially damage the cables if you lift the display too high.

I have done it, but maybe for the first time, you should just unplug on the cable connectors (I think 3 of them?), and remove the display.

I'm considering a 1TB SSD upgrade from OWC for $220.

You can get a 1TB SATA3 SSD much cheaper elsewhere. You might want to consider getting the SATA temp sensor cable adapter:

iMac Intel 21.5" and 27" (Late 2009-Mid 2010) SSD Temperature Sensor

Add an SSD to your iMac with this cable. A temperature sensor for the SSD is included.

www.ifixit.com

Better yet, at about the same price as OWC, ifixit has a 1TB upgrade kit for your iMac that includes all the tools, cable sensor adapter, SSD, 3.5" to 2.5" adapter, etc.:

iMac Intel 21.5" and 27" (Late 2009-Mid 2010) SSD Upgrade Kit

Upgrade the storage and improve boot time and read/write speed in your iMac Intel 21" and 27" Late 2009-Mid 2010 with this SSD upgrade kit.

www.ifixit.com

 

[Juicy Box]

I forgot to mention that I really like the Late 2009 - Mid 2011 iMacs. There are things you can do on those iMacs that you cannot do on most other Macs. Swappable GPUs, up to three internal drives, and target display mode are some really cool things you can do with those iMacs.

Plus, you can swap the HDD for a SSD in about 5 minutes if you know what you are doing.

My favorite of those models is the Mid 2011, but one thing that the Mid 2010 iMac has over the Mid 2011 is that you can use your iMac in Target Display Mode with non-Macs.

I'm thinking for $220 it's worth a shot.

If cost is an issue and you wanted to play it safe is price, you could go a lot cheaper than that.

I am unsure where you are located, but Best Buy has 1TB SATA3 SSDs for as low as $90. You can get a 1TB SSD, tool set, sensor adapter, and 3.5" to 2.5" adapter for about about half of what OWC is charging for their SSD.

 

[rambo47]

I forgot to mention that I really like the Late 2009 - Mid 2011 iMacs. There are things you can do on those iMacs that you cannot do on most other Macs. Swappable GPUs, up to three internal drives, and target display mode are some really cool things you can do with those iMacs.

Plus, you can swap the HDD for a SSD in about 5 minutes if you know what you are doing.

My favorite of those models is the Mid 2011, but one thing that the Mid 2010 iMac has over the Mid 2011 is that you can use your iMac in Target Display Mode with non-Macs.


If cost is an issue and you wanted to play it safe is price, you could go a lot cheaper than that.

I am unsure where you are located, but Best Buy has 1TB SATA3 SSDs for as low as $90. You can get a 1TB SSD, tool set, sensor adapter, and 3.5" to 2.5" adapter for about about half of what OWC is charging for their SSD.

Many thanks! I'm going to go with the iFixIt kit with all the tools and the sensor adapter. I'm normally a "just get the new model" kind of guy, but I don't do nearly enough with this iMac to justify such an expense. For me that's personal growth!

I'm waiting on a FW800-to-USB-C cable so I can make the bootable copy of my current HDD on a sweet little LaCie 1TB external SSD. I have backups through Time Machine but I've run into trouble using them before. New OS versions not playing nice with ancient backups, etc.

 

[mindquest]

I have a 27" 2010 iMac that has served me well since I bought it new. It sees only light duty; web surfing, email, Microsoft Office, and a touch of Photoshop LE. Lately, however, the hard drive is making noises that sound a lot like boiling water. I'm considering a 1TB SSD upgrade from OWC for $220. I've done plenty of hard drive upgrades but never on an iMac. I upgraded the RAM long ago from the original 4GB to 12GB. If I do the SSD upgrade and completely screw the pooch then my upgrade path is clear: new iMac. I'm thinking for $220 it's worth a shot. I also have a new 2020 MacBook Air so I won't be Mac-less if things go horribly wrong.


View attachment 944478

iMac (late 2009) i7 with internal 1tb Samsung SSD and internal 2tb HDD running Mojave.

Definitely worth the cost for the SSD if you can install it yourself!

 

[Mr. Warbles]

I have a mid 2010 just like you, it has been an absolutely incredible machine. All these years it performed Flawlessly. I bought a new 2020 iMac because I work in Logic Pro X and I could no longer update the program on this machine plus now I want something really powerful. My needs have changed since now I produce whole albums at home.

my view, 10 years is a good long life for a computer. Time to retire And keep up with new operating systems and technology.

 

[PaulD-UK]

<<FW800-to-USB-C cable>> ?????
Tell us more as I didn't know that was possible.
Or rather, I don't think that is possible. Only using 2011 and later Thunderbolt adapters/docks not USB-C.
A 2010 iMac would have to use a USB 2 to USB-C adapter, and would work - but slowly...

 

[Juicy Box]

New OS versions not playing nice with ancient backups, etc.

I should of asked, what OS are you currently using, and what OS will you be using on the SSD?

I ran into an issue with the OS when swapping the HDD to a SSD on a Mid 2011 iMac.

My friend found an iMac and a Power Mac G4 in a dumpster at his work. He gave me the Power Mac to add to my collection, but wanted the iMac. He couldn't get it to work, so he ended up giving it to me as well.

He had no idea of the specs because it wouldn't boot. I discovered that the boot drive was corrupted and the GPU failed. I took the iMac totally apart to remove the GPU and successfully did the oven bake to it to fix it.

As I put it back together I swapped the HDD for a SSD with the iFixit temp sensor SATA cable adapter.

I booted fine, but with no OS on the drive. I used Target Disk Mode and CCC to clone the boot drive with High Sierra from a Late 2011 MBP to the new SSD in the iMac.

Everything worked great. The OS booted, and the GPU was working well.

The first thing I did when I first got it booted was look at the specs. This dumpster iMac ended up being a max upgraded BTO iMac from Apple. It had the 3.4GHz i7, the 2GB AMD Radeon HD 6970M, and 16GB of RAM.

The display looked as beautiful as my Late 2012 iMac.

Now, for the OS problem.....

I decided to give it back to my friend that gave it to me for the cost for the SSD. But before I did, I attempted to reinstall High Sierra with a fresh install for him.

The problem was that I was unable to install High Sierra onto the SSD. On the installer app, it showed the SDD as being greyed-out.

It took me a few hours to figure it out, but it ended up being that the original HDD only has Yosemite installed on it. I was able to install up to Sierra on the SSD, but not High Sierra. The reason why is that there was firmware that needed to be installed for High Sierra to be installed on an SSD.

The new issue was that I needed to install High Sierra on an Apple HDD to install the firmware. I didn't have one except the one that barely worked. Also, it needed to be installed internally to install the firmware.

So, I swapped the new SSD for the barely functioning HDD. I was able to install the High Sierra on the HDD and with it, the firmware installed automatically.

After that, I again swapped the HDD for the new SSD, and I was able to do a fresh install of High Sierra. I am unsure if your iMac would have the same issue, but it only takes a few minutes to install High Sierra if you did not already, this way you know for sure that you will not have this issue.

TLDR: Make sure you install High Sierra onto your internal HDD before making the swap for a SSD.

I'm normally a "just get the new model" kind of guy, but I don't do nearly enough with this iMac to justify such an expense.

I am not knocking anyone that wants to buy a new computer, or have the latest and greatest Mac. If they can afford it, it is their money, and they can do what they want with it.

I just think that on the MR forum, some people are so quick to recommend buying a new(er) Mac without considering options to keep an older Mac around.

If one is mostly happy with their older Mac, but would like something simple improved, like disk speed, why spend $2000 on a new Mac when a $100 upgrade would accomplish what the user is asking for.

 

[Donnation]

Deleted for context

 

[rambo47]

<<FW800-to-USB-C cable>> ?????
Tell us more as I didn't know that was possible.
Or rather, I don't think that is possible. Only using 2011 and later Thunderbolt adapters/docks not USB-C.
A 2010 iMac would have to use a USB 2 to USB-C adapter, and would work - but slowly...

I started that process with the USB-USBc last night. I'll see if it worked later after my shift at work. I ordered THIS CABLE from Staples to work with the upgraded drive and speed up the process.

 

[herrdude]

Depending on how comfortable you are with taking apart an iMac, there is a fantastic thread on how to update the GPU: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2011-imac-graphics-card-upgrade.1596614/

This will allow you to install Catalina and some users have installed el Sur beta on 2009-2011 iMacs.

If you install the maximum RAM, an SSD hard-drive, and a new graphics card, you will be happy with the performance your iMac. This all can be done for much less than a new iMac.

Cheers!

 

[rambo47]

I should of asked, what OS are you currently using, and what OS will you be using on the SSD?

I ran into an issue with the OS when swapping the HDD to a SSD on a Mid 2011 iMac.

My friend found an iMac and a Power Mac G4 in a dumpster at his work. He gave me the Power Mac to add to my collection, but wanted the iMac. He couldn't get it to work, so he ended up giving it to me as well.

He had no idea of the specs because it wouldn't boot. I discovered that the boot drive was corrupted and the GPU failed. I took the iMac totally apart to remove the GPU and successfully did the oven bake to it to fix it.

As I put it back together I swapped the HDD for a SSD with the iFixit temp sensor SATA cable adapter.

I booted fine, but with no OS on the drive. I used Target Disk Mode and CCC to clone the boot drive with High Sierra from a Late 2011 MBP to the new SSD in the iMac.

Everything worked great. The OS booted, and the GPU was working well.

The first thing I did when I first got it booted was look at the specs. This dumpster iMac ended up being a max upgraded BTO iMac from Apple. It had the 3.4GHz i7, the 2GB AMD Radeon HD 6970M, and 16GB of RAM.

The display looked as beautiful as my Late 2012 iMac.

Now, for the OS problem.....

I decided to give it back to my friend that gave it to me for the cost for the SSD. But before I did, I attempted to reinstall High Sierra with a fresh install for him.

The problem was that I was unable to install High Sierra onto the SSD. On the installer app, it showed the SDD as being greyed-out.

It took me a few hours to figure it out, but it ended up being that the original HDD only has Yosemite installed on it. I was able to install up to Sierra on the SSD, but not High Sierra. The reason why is that there was firmware that needed to be installed for High Sierra to be installed on an SSD.

The new issue was that I needed to install High Sierra on an Apple HDD to install the firmware. I didn't have one except the one that barely worked. Also, it needed to be installed internally to install the firmware.

So, I swapped the new SSD for the barely functioning HDD. I was able to install the High Sierra on the HDD and with it, the firmware installed automatically.

After that, I again swapped the HDD for the new SSD, and I was able to do a fresh install of High Sierra. I am unsure if your iMac would have the same issue, but it only takes a few minutes to install High Sierra if you did not already, this way you know for sure that you will not have this issue.

TLDR: Make sure you install High Sierra onto your internal HDD before making the swap for a SSD.




I am not knocking anyone that wants to buy a new computer, or have the latest and greatest Mac. If they can afford it, it is their money, and they can do what they want with it.

I just think that on the MR forum, some people are so quick to recommend buying a new(er) Mac without considering options to keep an older Mac around.

If one is mostly happy with their older Mac, but would like something simple improved, like disk speed, why spend $2000 on a new Mac when a $100 upgrade would accomplish what the user is asking for.

I am currently running High Sierra 10.13.6 on my iMac. I believe that's the last possible version that can be installed on such an old model.

 

[rambo47]

Depending on how comfortable you are with taking apart an iMac, there is a fantastic thread on how to update the GPU: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2011-imac-graphics-card-upgrade.1596614/

This will allow you to install Catalina and some users have installed el Sur beta on 2009-2011 iMacs.

If you install the maximum RAM, an SSD hard-drive, and a new graphics card, you will be happy with the performance your iMac. This all can be done for much less than a new iMac.

Cheers!

I tried installing 16GB of RAM and had kernel panics. I exchanged that RAM for another new set of sticks and had the same issue. I dropped it down to 12GB (4+4+2+2) and everything works perfectly.

 

[herrdude]

I am currently running High Sierra 10.13.6 on my iMac. I believe that's the last possible version that can be installed on such an old model.

Unless you change your GPU ;-)

 

[herrdude]

Also, if you are interested there is a way to install 1TB SSD which is much cheaper than the OWC kit. It doesn't involve more work. I can point you to the right post.

 

[rambo47]

Also, if you are interested there is a way to install 1TB SSD which is much cheaper than the OWC kit. It doesn't involve more work. I can point you to the right post.

Thanks, but I already ordered the iFixit kit.

 

[rambo47]

Well this is a fine kettle of fish! I'm noticing artifacts on the screen now. Comes and goes. Looks like a replacement graphics card is in my future too.

 

[herrdude]

Well this is a fine kettle of fish! I'm noticing artifacts on the screen now. Comes and goes. Looks like a replacement graphics card is in my future too.

Might as well do it at the same time as installing your new SSD.

 

[piimacmn]

I have a late 2009 iMac 11,1 that I bought 1/2/2010. I had an Apple service provider update to an SSD1TB in early 2017 which was Sierra timeframe. SSDs were quite expensive then! I've converted to APFS and use Macs Fan Control app. I have also upgraded to Mojave and all is running well. I'll stay on Mojave so I can run 32 bit apps. I also use a couple of 1TB Samsung portable SSD T5s for a rotating backup with Superduper! which boot relatively quickly compared to an HDD backup. The system also runs quite well for light duty with them too, and you might consider using one as a backup of the HDD. I would like a better screen these days as my eyes are getting old. I still use the DVD and SD card slots on the side which are so convenient. Big "chins" and thick chassis don't bother me.

 

[mindquest]

I am currently running High Sierra 10.13.6 on my iMac. I believe that's the last possible version that can be installed on such an old model.

I have a late 2009 iMac (internal 1tb SSD) running Mojave flawlessly. Could go to Catalina if I wanted but prefer the stability of Mojave.

This software will make it happen and super easy to upgrade

macOS Catalina Patcher

 

[herrdude]

I have a late 2009 iMac (internal 1tb SSD) running Mojave flawlessly. Could go to Catalina if I wanted but prefer the stability of Mojave.

This software will make it happen and super easy to upgrade

macOS Catalina Patcher

He can't use that software until he changes the GPU. 2010 and 2011 iMacs have non-metal cards.

 

[mindquest]

He can't use that software until he changes the GPU. 2010 and 2011 iMacs have non-metal cards.

FYI: My 2009 has a non metal card and it it running perfectly. It should be the same for other older non metal card iMacs

 

[herrdude]

From the Dosdude1 website:

• iMac11,x (systems with AMD Radeon HD 5xxx and 6xxx series GPUs will be almost unusable when running Catalina.)

 

[EugW]

I have one of these 2010 iMacs too. I had considered upgrading it in the past but at the time it was an expensive upgrade and I didn't want to do it myself. Now it's much cheaper and it's easy to get the SSD adapter kits delivered locally, but I don't really have a use for it now other than using it as a secondary monitor for my 2017 iMac.

If this is your primary Mac and you're getting video anomalies, I personally wouldn't bother trying to upgrade it. You'll be spending $$$ and lots of time just to get a machine that's seen its better days. I'd recommend selling it for parts and getting a new machine or else a used machine with say a 3 month store warranty.

I know it's not your only Mac, but even if it's a secondary Mac for just light usage, then I don't really see the point of installing a 1 TB SSD in it.

He can't use that software until he changes the GPU. 2010 and 2011 iMacs have non-metal cards.

FYI: My 2009 has a non metal card and it it running perfectly. It should be the same for other older non metal card iMacs

Metal is not the issue per se. I am currently typing on a 2.0 GHz MacBook from 2008 with GeForce 9400M, running Catalina. The problem with the iMacs of that generation is those specific AMD cards. Anything past High Sierra is pretty much unusable.

EDIT:

@herrdude beat to it.

From the Dosdude1 website:

Damn annoying too. Here I am with an ancient low powered Core 2 Duo running Catalina, and I can't run anything past High Sierra on that Core i7 iMac. However, like I said, no biggie for me as it is a perfect match as a secondary monitor for my 2017 iMac.

 

[herrdude]

I have one of these 2010 iMacs too. I had considered upgrading it in the past but at the time it was an expensive upgrade and I didn't want to do it myself. Now it's much cheaper and it's easy to get the SSD adapter kits delivered locally, but I don't really have a use for it now other than using it as a secondary monitor for my 2017 iMac.

If this is your primary Mac and you're getting video anomalies, I personally wouldn't bother trying to upgrade it. You'll be spending $$$ and lots of time just to get a machine that's seen its better days. I'd recommend selling it for parts and getting a new machine or else a used machine with say a 3 month store warranty.

I know it's not your only Mac, but even if it's a secondary Mac for just light usage, then I don't really see the point of installing a 1 TB SSD in it.


Metal is not the issue per se. I am currently typing on a 2.0 GHz MacBook from 2008 with GeForce 9400M, running Catalina. The problem with the iMacs of that generation is those specific AMD cards. Anything past High Sierra is pretty much unusable.

EDIT:

@herrdude beat to it.



Damn annoying too. Here I am with an ancient low powered Core 2 Duo running Catalina, and I can't run anything past High Sierra on that Core i7 iMac. However, like I said, no biggie for me as it is a perfect match as a secondary monitor for my 2017 iMac.

I hear you. This is why I installed a K1100m, which quadrupled my memory (from 512mb to 2GB) and gave me access to Catalina and soon Big Sur. I only paid about $40US, but then I love to tinker so it was a fun project. I can see how it's not for everyone.