Does an external SSD really improve Vectorworks performance on iMac?

ricky_nz wrote:

The software program I use is using all available memory. 8gb IMac.

The problem you have is that your iMac does not have enough memory (RAM). An SSD is not RAM, it is storage.

Vectorworks requires a bare minimum 8GB RAM but they recommend at least 16GB and preferably 32GB RAM. Depending on the model of the iMac you have, you may be able to add more RAM. Do Apple > About This Mac and tell us what model it is; it will say something like "iMac Retina, 5K, 27-inch, 2019" (yours may be different). Once we know the exact model we can tell you if you can add RAM and what to get.

Yes, with VectorWorks it seems going to at least 16GB RAM would be prudent. However, your Memory Pressure being in the green does not show your memory being stressed at the time. The large Swap value should go to zero on restarting the computer.

However, to your original question:

Will installing an external SSD improve performance of a software program such as Vectorworks?

What you have posted so far still does not cover your storage type or its performance. In Intel-powered iMacs, "slow" is historically a function of storage type and speed. If you have a storage issue, adding RAM would not help.

2019 iMac 27" models shipped with either a Fusion drive ( a hybrid of a small SSD linked by software to a larger mechanical drive) or a single large internal solid-state drive. The factory SSD-only option is darned near bullet-proof; Fusion drives have a less-than-stellar service record here.

That is why I asked for an EtreCheck report. It is our single best and safest tool for seeing hard data about drive TYPE, HEALTH, and PERFORMANCE in this limited text-based setting, and for making recommendations based on data, not history or presumption.

Specifically, re installing an external SSD:

—If you have the factory SSD-only option, the fastest external SSD will NOT make a difference. Transfer rates for both max out at about 2700MB/sec.

—If you have a healthy Fusion drive, an external SSD can help, but some people may not notice the speed improvement.

If a Fusion drive is sick or "split" (a fixable-at-home loss of communication between the two drive components), a fast external SSD can make a huge difference in the user experience.

At this point we still do not know the storage type you have nor its condition, so it is remains hard to effectively answer your original question. Etrecheck has the data we need to resolve you question in the most cost-effective manner.

The software program I use is using all available memory. 8gb IMac.

Not what we need. We still do not have the device information to effectively help you in this setting where we can nether see nor remotely access your computer.

Please do "About this Mac>. and tell uis the sub-model (the part with a year), the sreen size, and it's current MacOS version. Better yet, post a systen config report that wil show us the detail we need. Fortunately, ther eis a secure way to do that.

Please post an EtreCheck report. We can quickly and within the limitations of these forums help you determine what issues are at play without our playing a protracted game of "20 Questions" with you that could go on for days. 

EtreCheck Pro is available here:

https://etrecheck.com/index

The free version will do nicely for this purpose, although the app is worthy of our financial support.

We can see hard data about drive performance, software issues and interferences, and RAM usage. Etrecheck is the development of a long-serving and trusted ASC contributor. It is a reporting app, not a "fix-it” app, expressly for displaying information in these forums to help us help you remotely. It will not reveal any personal or secure information.

Please see this excellent user tip on how to post long text reports like EtreCheck's into a forum response:

How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

That model iMac has 4 RAM memory slots. They are beneath a cover on the back of the iMac.

In your 8GB iMac, 2 of those slots are occupied by the existing RAM memory modules. You can add 2 more memory modules to the unused slots, or even replace the existing RAM modules. I suggest adding RAM to the unused slots so you can retain the benefit of the existing 8GB RAM.

I suggest getting RAM modules from OWC. Macs are very picky about RAM and OWC has an excellent reputation for providing compatible memory.

Here is a link to the page for RAM for your iMac -> https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/imac-2019-27-inch

You can add 16GB RAM (two 8-GB modules) for only $32. Add 32 GB RAM (two 16-GB modules) for $59. Just make sure you are ordering the correct RAM modules for your iMac. OWC also has installation videos to help you understand how to add the new RAM to your iMac.

You have not provided any information that would tell us if adding an external SSD would benefit or not. 27" iMacs were made in dozens and dozens of configurations as are external SSDs. Without know the method of connection and EXACTLY what you intend to use the external SSD for we cannot answer your question. Please carefully read Writing an effective Apple Support Communities Question and then feel free to re-write your question. If there is adequate useful information provided then we can assist.