iMac 24-inch early 2009, wish to upgrade ram, currently on 4GB

It can't hurt, but you won't increase your capability to run newer operating systems. Hard drives on these systems if they haven't been replaced easily are past retirement age and could go at anytime, and could very well be why you are slow. Also the USB is only 2.0. Firewire is faster than the USB on those Macs. Those machines can be had in the open marketplace for around $150. So throwing that much RAM at it would probably seem kind of futile.

If the hard drive is replaced with an SSD you'll get much more speed. Bring it in to an authorized service center if you must run an older system for applications sake to replace the hard drive with an SSD.

The other thing is speed on these machines can be affected by system optimizers which actually slow it down, any Mackeeper, Mac Cleaner, Macpaw, Zeobit, antivirus, software firewall can slow it down. Use only applications for doing your work, not optimizers on Macs, and make sure the drive doesn't get over 85% full.

There is as I say a tradein value on eBay or Craigslist, if you are careful who you bargain with.

The up side there are many old games these machines are compatible with you won't find on newer machines.

So for the right person, there is value in it.

Hi Su.

You're welcome :)

I went back to my 2017 Amazon orders and found this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GNL1NC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm certain that I took out the two 2gb chips and swapped them for these.

The upgrade should make your existing applications move between each other more quickly and provide an over-all livelier feeling to your iMac. It won't, however, prevent eventual incompatibility with the latest browsers and software.

Older Mac technology, even a decade old, is still great for streaming, DVDs, word-processing and browsing.

It's worth the investment.

Sincerely,

David

P.S. You should make sure the RAM in the link is the same for your iMac. My iMac is also a 2009, but it may have different RAM specs from yours.

if you want extra RAM, i'd suggest OWC Memory Upgrades For 24" & 20" iMac (Early & Mid 2009). macs can be finicky about aftermarket RAM. many members here will only recommend OWC for buying replacement RAM. some will also recommend RAM from crucial.com. other than those two brands, it's a crap shoot wether the modules will function properly in your machine. and also, if you're looking to upgrade your hardware, as mentioned by others here, you may as well swap out the HDD in favour of an SSD. i would also recommend an OWC Solid State Drive. they sell complete install kits, and there are videos on their site so you can determine if you can perform the upgrade for your self, or decide what you would be willing to pay if you need to farm it out.

and, i have no affiliation with OWC. i'm just a very happy customer.

You're welcome Su.

I just realized you said your iMac is a 24". Mine is a 20". Definitely check the RAM specs. The brand of memory in the link worked from the first snap into their slots four years ago and they are still working today. You also stated that you already have one 4gb chip. You only need one more, not a set, as in the link.

All the best.

Sincerely,

David

Yes. It's worth it. Just add another chip.

you're welcome.

You are welcome Su.

As a graphic designer, I have to know the hardware a little.

Fortunately, Apple makes it easy.

Good luck on your exam.

Sincerely,

David

[Edited by Moderator]