Which system for mid-2011 21.5-inch iMac?
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Hello,
I have a 21.5-inch iMac from May 2011, with its standard configuration:
4 GB of RAM
Intel Core i5-2400S (2.5 GHz)
7200 RPM HDD
It is currently running Lion (10.7.5) and feels a bit outdated in terms of system and apps.
With its current configuration, which OS would you recommend to make the most of this machine? It is compatible with Sierra and High Sierra, but will it not take a hit in terms of performance? Or would upgrading RAM/SSD be better?
Otherwise, I was thinking of El Capitan as a compromise.
I look forward to hearing your opinions!
Thanks, everyone.
I have a 21.5-inch iMac from May 2011, with its standard configuration:
4 GB of RAM
Intel Core i5-2400S (2.5 GHz)
7200 RPM HDD
It is currently running Lion (10.7.5) and feels a bit outdated in terms of system and apps.
With its current configuration, which OS would you recommend to make the most of this machine? It is compatible with Sierra and High Sierra, but will it not take a hit in terms of performance? Or would upgrading RAM/SSD be better?
Otherwise, I was thinking of El Capitan as a compromise.
I look forward to hearing your opinions!
Thanks, everyone.
5 réponses
Hello,
This iMac can run up to Mac OS X 10.13.6 and can accommodate up to 32 GB of memory, which means 4 sticks of 8 GB of 204-pin PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM.
For smooth operation under modern OS versions starting from 10.10, Apple claims that 4 GB is sufficient, but with this amount, Macs lag!
Therefore, it's better to have a minimum of 8 GB. Your iMac currently has 4 GB, which means two sticks of 2 GB; if you add 2 sticks of 4 GB in the two available slots, you'll have 12 GB, and you'll be comfortable.
If, additionally, you install a 1 TB SSD, you'll get speed and storage space, and their prices make them very affordable.
RAM Installation iMac
https://support.apple.com/fr-fr/HT201191
If you want to first switch to El Capitan, go here:
https://itunes.apple.com/app/os-x-el-capitan/id1147835434?mt=12
Or by following the instructions here:
https://support.apple.com/fr-fr/HT211683
You may encounter installation issues, as certificates have not been valid since October 2019; see here:
https://www.journaldulapin.com/2018/08/10/mavericks-date-verification/ you'll find information for El Capitan
Upgrading to High Sierra:
https://support.apple.com/fr-fr/HT211683
Regards
PS: messages to check out:
https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36518352-probleme-mac-osx-el-capitan-ne-s-est-pas-installe-sur-mon-macbook
https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36510486-besoin-d-os-el-capitan-ou-maverick-pour-macbookpro-2009-bloque-en-recovery
https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36644405-installation-mac-os-el-capitan-impossible
PS2: For applications, those that run under 10.7 should run under 10.11 after potential updates. For peripherals (printers, scanners...), it's the same if drivers have been updated by manufacturers.
When it's urgent, it's already too late (Talleyrand)
When all else fails, read the manual ;)
This iMac can run up to Mac OS X 10.13.6 and can accommodate up to 32 GB of memory, which means 4 sticks of 8 GB of 204-pin PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM.
For smooth operation under modern OS versions starting from 10.10, Apple claims that 4 GB is sufficient, but with this amount, Macs lag!
Therefore, it's better to have a minimum of 8 GB. Your iMac currently has 4 GB, which means two sticks of 2 GB; if you add 2 sticks of 4 GB in the two available slots, you'll have 12 GB, and you'll be comfortable.
If, additionally, you install a 1 TB SSD, you'll get speed and storage space, and their prices make them very affordable.
RAM Installation iMac
https://support.apple.com/fr-fr/HT201191
If you want to first switch to El Capitan, go here:
https://itunes.apple.com/app/os-x-el-capitan/id1147835434?mt=12
Or by following the instructions here:
https://support.apple.com/fr-fr/HT211683
You may encounter installation issues, as certificates have not been valid since October 2019; see here:
https://www.journaldulapin.com/2018/08/10/mavericks-date-verification/ you'll find information for El Capitan
Upgrading to High Sierra:
https://support.apple.com/fr-fr/HT211683
Regards
PS: messages to check out:
https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36518352-probleme-mac-osx-el-capitan-ne-s-est-pas-installe-sur-mon-macbook
https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36510486-besoin-d-os-el-capitan-ou-maverick-pour-macbookpro-2009-bloque-en-recovery
https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36644405-installation-mac-os-el-capitan-impossible
PS2: For applications, those that run under 10.7 should run under 10.11 after potential updates. For peripherals (printers, scanners...), it's the same if drivers have been updated by manufacturers.
When it's urgent, it's already too late (Talleyrand)
When all else fails, read the manual ;)
A huge thank you for this very thorough response!
I'll tackle it this weekend; I'm going to start by trying to update it to El Capitan right away. And I'll keep your links and advice safe, as well as the idea of upgrading the RAM and SSD. Thank you very much!