Most Stable OS (OpenCore) For RiMac 27" (2014) After Big Sur?

[Fried Potato]

Hey,

I’ve recently changed my old and trusty Retina iMac 27” from late 2014 for a Mac Studio. I’m thinking of still using the iMac in another room. The thing is that it can’t be updated beyond Big Sur. I thought of upgrading the OS by using OpenCore. The question is which OS is most stable for my iMac? It’s a maxed out model from that time, if that matters. Is Sonoma ok, or should I go with something like Maverick? I’ve never used OpenLegacy before, so I’d just prefer whatever is most stable instead of having the latest OS (Sonoma).

Also, I know that I have to boot it through a USB drive. Is it possible to install the new OS on the main drive, using the computer as normally?

Thanks.

 

[Bigwaff]

I thought of upgrading the OS by using OpenCore. The question is which OS is most stable for my iMac?

Assume you are referring to OpenCore Legacy Patcher and not a manual install / configuration of OpenCore boot loader...

OpenCore Legacy Patcher

Experience macOS just like before

dortania.github.io

OCLP supports Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma. All should be stable. The question is do you need a later macOS than Big Sur?

I know that I have to boot it through a USB drive. Is it possible to install the new OS on the main drive, using the computer as normally?

OCLP supports installing macOS on external or internal drives. You don't have to boot using a USB drive, but you certainly can. Best to watch some really good OCLP videos by Mr Macintosh.

Mr. Macintosh

Apple Macintosh & macOS how-to videos covering new and old Macs!

www.youtube.com

It’s a maxed out model from that time, if that matters.

Does that indicate you opted to buy SSD internal storage rather than Fusion Drive? If you have original Fusion Drive installed, it's only a matter of time. Fusion Drives from that era are notorious for failing. You may want to consider replacing w/ SSD internal storage. Later macOS versions via OCLP will thank you.

 

[Fried Potato]

Assume you are referring to OpenCore Legacy Patcher and not a manual install / configuration of OpenCore boot loader...

OpenCore Legacy Patcher

Experience macOS just like before

dortania.github.io

OCLP supports Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma. All should be stable. The question is do you need a later macOS than Big Sur?

OCLP supports installing macOS on external or internal drives. You don't have to boot using a USB drive, but you certainly can. Best to watch some really good OCLP videos by Mr Macintosh.

Mr. Macintosh

Apple Macintosh & macOS how-to videos covering new and old Macs!

www.youtube.com

Does that indicate you opted to buy SSD internal storage rather than Fusion Drive? If you have original Fusion Drive installed, it's only a matter of time. Fusion Drives from that era are notorious for failing. You may want to consider replacing w/ SSD internal storage. Later macOS versions via OCLP will thank you.

I do need to upgrade. I can't even update Microsoft Teams to its latest version, although Monterey would be enough to update Teams.

Yes, I opted for an SSD. Is Monterey or Ventura more stable as they are thoroughly updated several times compared to Sonoma?

 

[GMShadow]

I do need to upgrade. I can't even update Microsoft Teams to its latest version, although Monterey would be enough to update Teams.

Yes, I opted for an SSD. Is Monterey or Ventura more stable as they are thoroughly updated several times compared to Sonoma?

Monterey will probably lose update support for Office/Teams shortly after Sequoia releases later this year, so I'd look at going to Ventura at the very least if that's a key function for you.

 

[Fried Potato]

Monterey will probably lose update support for Office/Teams shortly after Sequoia releases later this year, so I'd look at going to Ventura at the very least if that's a key function for you.

Thanks! Is it worth just going for Sonoma? Will I get automatic OS updates, or do I have to update the OS myself?

 

[Fried Potato]

So, I actually followed the guide above and chose to go for Ventura, to be safe. Everything went well until I got to the part where I need to restart the computer to get into the boot menu. I did that and saw three alternatives; my regular Mac (SSD) drive, my Windows (Boot Camp) partition and then the Ventura installer.

After choosing the Ventura installer, it leads me to a black screen showing a web link to: support.apple/mac/startup. I've tried this several times and get the same issue. What should I do?

 

[Bigwaff]

I did that and saw three alternatives; my regular Mac (SSD) drive, my Windows (Boot Camp) partition and then the Ventura installer.

After choosing the Ventura installer, it leads me to a black screen showing a web link to: support.apple/mac/startup.

Did you hold down option key while restarting? Then did you select the EFI Boot first then Ventura? You may have to this dance multiple times.

 

[Fried Potato]

Did you hold down option key while restarting? Then did you select the EFI Boot first then Ventura? You may have to this dance multiple times.

I actually didn’t even get an option to select EFI. I went straight for the installer. Do I need to redo everything?

 

[Bigwaff]

I actually didn’t even get an option to select EFI. I went straight for the installer. Do I need to redo everything?

Perhaps. Watch the Mr Macintosh videos again.

 

[Fried Potato]

Well

Perhaps. Watch the Mr Macintosh videos again.

Thanks!

Well, I was able to install Ventura now. One issue (googled about it and found no solution): I've tried installing OpenCore to my internal hard drive, but when I try to reboot the computer, the internal EFI is nowhere to be found. The weird thing is that my Boot Camp partition now has an EFI logo. No matter what I do, I can only get into Mac OS by using a USB, which then gives met the pop-up to install OpenCore on the internal hard drive. No matter how many times I do it, nothing happens.

Has this something to do with my Boot Camp partition? What should I do?

 

[Bigwaff]

Has this something to do with my Boot Camp partition? What should I do?

If this doesn't work...

General troubleshooting | OpenCore Legacy Patcher

then read this...

Installing Windows in UEFI Mode | OpenCore Legacy Patcher

 

[Fried Potato]

If this doesn't work...

General troubleshooting | OpenCore Legacy Patcher

then read this...

Installing Windows in UEFI Mode | OpenCore Legacy Patcher

I’ve already checked both guides and neither has anything to do with my described issue…