I have an iMac 7.1. 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 1 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRam in memory. Is there anything I can do to cost-effectively upgrade the machine so that it can run the more modern operating systems? Or should I just buy a new iMac?

You should increase your RAM, ideally to not les than 4GB.

Start by checking if you can run Snow Leopard:

Requirements for OS X 10.6 'Snow Leopard'

http://support.apple.com/kb/SP575

The OS 10.6 Snow Leopard install DVD is available for $19.99 from the Apple Store:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

and in the UK:

http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

but nobody knows for how long it will be available.

When you have installed it, run Software Update to download and install the latest updates for Snow Leopard to bring it up to 10.6.8, or download the combo update from here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399

Check via Software Update whether further updates are required.

You should now see the App Store icon, and you now need to set up your account:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4479

To use iCloud you have to upgrade at least to Lion, but some functions are only available in Mountain Lion:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4759

You can also purchase the code to use to download Lion (Lion requires an Intel-based Mac with a Core 2 Duo, i3, i5, i7 or Xeon processor and 2GB of RAM, running the latest version of Snow Leopard), or you can purchase Mountain Lion from the App Store - if you can run that:

http://www.apple.com/osx/specs/

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple/memory/iMac/Intel_Core_2_Duo

or Crucial.com for more memory - $75-$130 depending on 4 or 6GB

lauramikehome wrote:

I have an iMac 7.1 MacOS X 10.5.8 operating system. 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor. 1 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory.

Is there anything I can do to cost-effectively upgrade my machine to let it run more modern operating systems, or should I just buy a new iMac?

The best option for that model is:

1: Getting a external blank powered drive, format it in Disk Uitlity and download Carbon Copy Cloner 3.4.7 (for Leopard 10.5) and clone your present 10.5 configuration to it using the default settings. Disconnect.

http://www.bombich.com/download.html

2: You should move (copy then delete the originals off the boot drive) most all your users files (Music, Pictures, Movies, Documents) into NEW folders on a external storage drive and off the boot drive before upgrading, this will allow the 10.6 upgrade to be written to the faster portion of the hard drive for better machine performance. (apps no need)

3: Run the 10.6 Snow Leopard white upgrade disk from Apple, it will upgrade 10.5 to 10.6, keeping your third party software in place also your files if any.

4: Run Software Update until clear, it will fix security issues and update iLife etc.

5: Return copies of files into the same named folders (Music, Pictures, Movies, Documents) back, and then run the iTunes, iPhoto etc., they will update their support files contining your originals (photo's and music) to the newer versions.

I suggest you remain on 10.6.8 on that machine until it drops dead, upgrade CCC in their program to the later version so you can clone Show Leopard to another external drive, you can hold the option/alt key down on a wired keyboard and boot from this external drive. 🙂

If you decide to go to 10.7 or 10.8 on that machine, your PPC based software will no longer work and your 10.5 software will be too old and all will require rpelacement costing a pretty penny. Some software can't be gotten anymore for 10.7/10.8. Also 10.7/10.8 will slow your older machine down considerably that you wish you want a new machine when that one (provided it's on 10.6.8) is still getting security updates for a next few years at least.

Since that machine is at it's end of life stage, it's simpy not worth spending more on it.

OS X 10.4/10.5 need to upgrade, 10.6.8 ok still

If you need any more assistance, see here (like reinstalling 10.6 if the upgrade fails)

How to erase and install Snow Leopard 10.6

https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_pro?view=documents#/?p er_page=50

Your Mac officially supports 4GB of RAM but many people report successfully installing 1 4GB and 1 2GB SO-DIMM cards for 6GB. Mt Lion will run with 4GB but high RAM applications like Office will slow it down pretty quickly. Lion would probably be the top OS to consider and Snow Leopard is probably the best choice.

If you've not been keeping your software current you may have programs that require Rosetta and while Snow Leopard supports carbon programs, Lion does not. While Apple has moved on beyond Snow Leopard it is a sweet OS and while not actively supported, it has gotten a few security updates in the past year and modern browsers are still supported. However developers are now beginning to drop support for it.

I'm keeping an even older machine running Snow Leopard in my guest bedroom so guests can access email etc. Macs often live almost forever so while your computer has pretty much reached the end of its supported life, that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed for some years to come. If you have a serious need to work with modern software a new(er) computer is probably your best bet.

Your iMac can take a total of 6 GBs of RAM.

RAM is relatively cheap for these older iMacs, now.

Install the max. RAM into your iMac. It will definitely help with performance of your iMac.

Correct and reliable Mac RAM can be purchased from online Mac RAM sources Crucial memory or OWC (macsales.com).

I would only upgrade the OS on your iMac to OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard.

You can purchase the OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard retail install disc from Apple's website for $20.

OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, IMO, is the best and last of what OS X should have continued to have been.

If you feel that you really, REALLY need to run a more current OS X version, I wouldn't go beyond purchasing, downloading and installing, from the Apple's Mac App Store, OS X 10.7 Lion.

The newer versions of OS X, especially, OS X 10.7 Lion and OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion run appreciably slower on older model Intel Macs than OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.

If you really like having a major Mac OS that looks and works more and more like a giant iPad, with Apple adding more and more iOS features from their iDevice OS, then I wouldn't go any farther than OS X 10.7 Lion.

If you do not like this direction, just leave your iMac running OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.

Good Luck!

All are good options. Go to Macsales.com or type in OWC in your search. Then go to My OWC it will ask you what Mac model you have. Then it will show you what you can upgrade. Apple originally said that Late 2008 MacBook 5,1 Unibody could only take 4GB of 1067 MHz 8500-DDR3. OWC tested their chips up to 8GB. They teast all their products and push Macs to the limit. You will find maybe a couple of upgrades. If it was me I would look at all the options from all the posts. Then call Mac Support on the phone and ask. In the long run I think its time to get a new MacBook Pro. I would look at refurbished Macs that will help on the cost. Make sure what ever you get has a decent processor and it doesn't hurt to max out your Ram. A lot of applications take up RAM. Mt. Lion takes 2 right off the start. Since your computer is older than 5 its only going to get worse. I had to abandon my imac when my iPhone 5 wouldn't connect to it. I'm already looking for a new MacBook Pro since this is bordering 5 years.

Good Luck

Remember there is always more than 1 way of doing something,

find out whats best for you

Chris