I have an iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014), 4 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 processor, 32 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 memory. I am running macOS Big Sur Version 11.7.10.
How do I find out what the optimal macOS for this computer is?
Do I start by upgrading to the optimal OS or do I load each version that I failed to use each step along the way?
iMac 27″, macOS 11.7
Big Sur is the last supported version of macOS for your 2014 iMac. If you need to use a newer version of macOS, then you will need to buy a newer Mac.
FYI, getting an M-series Mac Mini and and external display is a good option as it is less expensive than a new iMac plus next time your computer needs replaced, only the computer itself will need to be purchased saving you even more money.
Big Sur is the last supported version of macOS for your 2014 iMac. If you need to use a newer version of macOS, then you will need to buy a newer Mac.
FYI, getting an M-series Mac Mini and and external display is a good option as it is less expensive than a new iMac plus next time your computer needs replaced, only the computer itself will need to be purchased saving you even more money.
Cate Walker wrote:
Thanks. Can I get a MacBook and hook my iMac up to use for its larger monitor?
Your iMac does not support Target Display Mode. That feature went away when your iMac – the first 27" iMac to have a 5K Retina screen – came out. Apple later added restrictions such that no current or recent Mac supports using any iMac as a Target Display.
See the bad news here: Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
There is a third-party workaround product called Luna Display (by Astropad) that might let you use that iMac as a second display. The connection is not as good as with a real hardware monitor, and even an article on the vendor site says that Luna Display is not recommended for high motion content such as video editing or gaming.
Thanks. Can I get a MacBook and hook my iMac up to use for its larger monitor? I have to work on photos big time in my next project.
Cate Walker wrote:
Thanks. Can I get a MacBook and hook my iMac up to use for its larger monitor?
How to upgrade from macOS Big Sur to something current?
