iMac running very slow and sometimes won't start

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Level 1

8 points

iMac running very slow and sometimes won't start

Hey.

I have an iMac intel from 2009.. the computer is used only for simple internet exploring, word documents, emails... etc. The hard drive has 140GB of free space, and I have erased the free disk space with 1 pass.

The computer runs SO slow to the point where it's almost unusable. To me, it feels like a memory issue, even though the programs that are used require very minimal memory... I tried ejecting the RAM stick blowing on it and popping it back in, but no luck... It has 1GB of ram total.

I have an appointment to bring it in to Apple tomorrow but i'm no longer under waranty and I was hoping to fix it myself.

Any ideas?

iMac

Posted on Jul 1, 2012 1:27 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

92,404 points

Jul 1, 2012 1:48 PM in response to Titan40

1GB of RAM is hardly enough to run the OSX, less Word and Safari.

To check RAM usage, see > Using Activity Monitor | Mac Tricks And Tips

For RAM upgrades see > Upgrade Apple iMac Memory

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Answer 2

Titan40 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 1, 2012 2:41 PM in response to den.thed

1GB is what the computer came with back in 2009. You don't think it's sufficiant amount of RAM to run a program like Safari? or even start up the computer??

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Answer 3

MichelPM

Level 10

81,541 points

Jul 1, 2012 4:57 PM in response to Titan40

Yeah,

Apple only ships their Macs with enough RAM memory to get the computer to a functioning level.

Not enough to have a Mac run at good performance levels.

OS X, by itself, needs a working minimum of 4 GBs of RAM.

Running extra applications needs extra RAM atop the 4 GBs minimum.

Early 2009 models can take up to 8 GBs of RAM.

Late 2009 models can take up to 16 GBs of RAM.

If not doing anything CPU intensive, I would go and purchase and install, at least 6 GBs of RAM and, maybe consider purchasing and installing 8 GBs.

That should be plenty of RAM for what you do with your iMac.

Here's a link to the type of RAM your iMac takes and how to replace and install new RAM

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423

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