2017 iMac slow and is prone to "Beachballing"

Question

Level 1

8 points

2017 iMac slow and is prone to "Beachballing"

I've seen a few reports of similar issues and tried to take the steps recommended in advance of posting this request. I have a 2017 5K, quad core i5, 27" iMac. In the last month or so it is very slow to respond to commands and loading requested programs, etc. I have also spent a lot more time observing "beachballing" than I prefer.

Etre Check repost

Ran the EtreCheck report and will attach, along with the Drive DX. The only major issue my layperson eyes can see is I do not autoupdate the security updates from Apple.

Not opposed to spending money to regain performance, but want to make sure it goes to the best solution.

Thanks in advance.

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Dec 21, 2024 10:27 PM

Reply

Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

144,820 points

Dec 22, 2024 12:10 AM in response to rickflies

To turn the security back on is pretty straightforward, however I would recommend that you call AppleCare ( AppleCare Contact Info ) and they can help you over the phone. They will also help you to get your Fusion Drive un-split or you can follow the steps in How to fix a split Fusion Drive - Apple Support

If you want to keep the machine, yes you could use an external SSD as your startup drive. Follow the directions in How to setup an external SSD as your startup disk. The external SSD I would recommend is the OWC Envoy Pro SX.

That all being said, another option is rather than investing in an obsolete and vintage 2017 iMac consider replacing it with a new Mac Mini which will be orders of magnitude faster. All you will need is an external display. I would recommend getting the base model with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. External displays start below $100 however for a good quality one, expect about $300. So for about $1300 you have a new computer and display, a 1 year warranty, the machine is eligible for AppleCare and it will far outperform your old device.

Reply

Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

144,820 points

Dec 21, 2024 10:54 PM in response to rickflies

I suspect the Fusion Drive has become infused, possibly a failingHD. Also, somehow the Security has become turned off, which I have seen before when Fusion Drives become infused. \

The Apple security being turned off is a very serious issue too!

Reply

Answer 3

rickflies Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 21, 2024 10:59 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thank you for the reply. Is this something that could be reconciled by purchasing a external SSD drive and using it as the boot up drive? It seems this is basically a way of just using the rest of the machine while taking the internal hard drive out of the equation.

This is probably going to sound like a very silly question, but is turning the security back on a fairly ease fix?

Reply

Answer 4

rickflies Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 22, 2024 12:17 AM in response to rickflies

I was kind of expecting that answer and appreciate the feedback. A few months ago I started having some random things like the computer now waking up or connecting to the trackpad and have to do a restart to get it operating, etc. I kind of thought this was the probable outcome. I have looked at the Mac mini and actually replaced my old mini with this iMac. You can get some nice looking monitors to pair up with the mini as well.

Thanks for your time and input

Reply

Answer 5

rkaufmann87

Level 10

144,820 points

Dec 22, 2024 1:08 AM in response to rickflies

Your welcome.

Reply