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Speeding up 2013 iMac

Are there any upgrades for 27 inch late 2013 iMac to help speed it up. I understand it's old, but it stills runs well, just slow. I do not wish to purchase a new machine at this time. I have attached an etrecheck for your information.


iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Oct 21, 2024 7:48 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 21, 2024 8:25 AM

You might consider using an external SSD as the startup drive on that old iMac.

It would certainly perform better than the internal HDD.

There is some great guidance for that in this user tip:

Use an external SSD as your startup disk … - Apple Community


This is Apple's guidance on the same subject:

Install macOS on an external storage device and use it as a startup disk - Apple Support



11 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 21, 2024 8:25 AM in response to mrbill412

You might consider using an external SSD as the startup drive on that old iMac.

It would certainly perform better than the internal HDD.

There is some great guidance for that in this user tip:

Use an external SSD as your startup disk … - Apple Community


This is Apple's guidance on the same subject:

Install macOS on an external storage device and use it as a startup disk - Apple Support



Oct 21, 2024 10:57 AM in response to mrbill412

"CleanMyMac" claims another victim.


Things like Drive "Genius" don't help either. If you want your Mac to run well, the only thing you have to do it let it. Rule 1 of Macs is don't install junk.


Erase the Mac. Using non-Apple "cleaning" scam products can result in insidious corruption that cannot be undone merely by removing it. Once the damage is done, it's done.


Erase the Mac and rebuild it from the ground up. It will save time — yours.

Oct 22, 2024 9:53 AM in response to mrbill412

To be 100% honest, spending $1 on a 2013 iMac is $1 wasted. Why, the computer is extremely obsolete. By obsolete this means:


  • Cannot run current versions of Mac OS which will eventually force you into a corner by only being able to run only old un-supported third party apps.
  • Parts are largely unavailable, you can still get things like RAM and HD's however if something like a fan sensor, fan, cable breaks internally you are out of luck because Apple will not work on the machine because those parts are unavailable.


Have you considered a more up-to-date Mac, something that will run current versions of Mac OS and isn't classed as obsolete and Vintage? You have many many options available to you including buying new, Apple Refurbished (check on www.apple.com and look for the Refurbished Store) or buying used from a reputable reseller such as Macsales.com. Also, if you buy from Apple directly 12 month same as cash (meaning no fees) financing is available!

Speeding up 2013 iMac

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