Running Slow
macOS Catalina Version 10.15.7 iMac 21.5 inch Late 2013 Processor 2.7 GHz Memory 8GB Disk
if i max out RAM and install a Solid State Drive, will i see improvements. And what current apple apps work in this OS (latest Itunes?)
iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 16
Please determine if the same problems occur in "Safe Mode": Use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support
That Mac's RAM is not user-accessible.
It's very easy to determine if your Mac's performance is being limited by available memory. Please read Check if your Mac needs more RAM in Activity Monitor - Apple Support. If the "Memory Pressure" graph is frequently "red" your Mac would benefit from additional memory. If not, it won't. It's that simple.
If your iMac uses a traditional hard disk drive replacing it with a SSD is nearly certain to convey the best performance increase. Don't buy just any SSD. If you want recommendations the only aftermarket SSDs I have used and can personally recommend are sold by OWC / MacSales.
And what current apple apps work in this OS (latest Itunes?)
Please determine if the same problems occur in "Safe Mode": Use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support
That Mac's RAM is not user-accessible.
It's very easy to determine if your Mac's performance is being limited by available memory. Please read Check if your Mac needs more RAM in Activity Monitor - Apple Support. If the "Memory Pressure" graph is frequently "red" your Mac would benefit from additional memory. If not, it won't. It's that simple.
If your iMac uses a traditional hard disk drive replacing it with a SSD is nearly certain to convey the best performance increase. Don't buy just any SSD. If you want recommendations the only aftermarket SSDs I have used and can personally recommend are sold by OWC / MacSales.
And what current apple apps work in this OS (latest Itunes?)
John is correct in his assessment. One thing to consider, is the computer is now 10+ years old and cannot run current versions of Mac OS and has very limited value. Investing about $200 in a machine with little value does not make a lot of sense.
Have you considered replacing the computer with a new machine? If you are there are many options available to you for various Mac models and also how much you pay for them. To reduce costs consider buying from Apple's refurbished program (www.apple.com navigate to the bottom of the page and click the Refurb section) . There is zero downside to an Apple refurb as they are identical to new, have the same warranty as new, are eligible for AppleCare and can save hundreds of dollars.
Just something to consider.
Slow late 2013 iMac
