update Mid 2007 iMac 4GB RAM to Yosemite?

[patent10021]

I heard it's not recommend to update the Mid 2007 iMac to Yosemite as it requires too much RAM.

Right now this iMac is running 10.7.5. Should I upgrade only to Mavs?

 

[Floris]

Here is a list of compatibility for Yosemite, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS_X_Yosemite
Mid 2007 iMac is on the list, but it seems to be on the 'edge'.
2GB RAM seems to be required, 4GB helps.
Make a full system backup, give it a try? Restore to backup if it isn't to your liking?

 

[patent10021]

Hi. Yup I already know it's compatible. But I heard that this iMac is brutally slow on Yosemite so I was hoping to get this confirmed. What do you think if I just upgrade to Mavs?

 

[keysofanxiety]

I heard it's not recommend to update the Mid 2007 iMac to Yosemite as it requires too much RAM.

Right now this iMac is running 10.7.5. Should I upgrade only to Mavs?

Install El Cap instead (10.11.6). Also it would be best to swap the HDD for an SSD if you're able to.

 

[elf69]

I have a 2007 20" imac (aluminium, not white)

2.0GHz core2duo with 4GB ram.

I run el capitan.

rarely get the beachball and works well.
I am going to upgrade to 6GB and SSD soon.

 

[patent10021]

Install El Cap instead (10.11.6). Also it would be best to swap the HDD for an SSD if you're able to.

10.11.6 specifically? Not just the GM for example?

Also I know El Cap works but many people say it's slower than Lion/Mavs on these 2007 iMacs. Do you think that's true? Because I don't want El Cap to just work. I would like to see an improvement in speed or at least the same speed.

 

[keysofanxiety]

10.11.6 specifically? Not just the GM for example?

Also I know El Cap works but many people say it's slower than Lion/Mavs on these 2007 iMacs. Do you think that's true? Because I don't want El Cap to just work. I would like to see an improvement in speed or at least the same speed.

Yeah, 10.11.6 is the latest build of El Cap. It runs better than Yosemite in my experience.

Lion was an absolute RAM-hungry dog and not much is supported on it anyway. Mavs is stable and a solid OS but has the same issue with compatibility these days. Honestly, I think El Cap would run OK. My housemate has your model of iMac and it seems to be fine.

Worth remembering that after the update, the system will be quite slow while it's indexing, so don't be immediately disheartened; give it a few days. Worst case scenario, throw in an SSD and the performance will be vastly improved.

 

[patent10021]

Thanks. Can't throw in an SSD since it's not my machine but I'll definitely recommend it to my friend. I put in an SSD in my mum's 2007 MB and the start up is pretty much just as fast as my 2015 MBPr lol.