iMac running slow, how to clean up?

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iMac running slow, how to clean up?

Hi,

in the past weeks, I am having problem with a real slowing down of my iMac. Usually start slowing down if in use for a while, so my first clue was overheating, but, it's getting worse and worse, sonow I guess it needs to be clean up. I do NOT want to download any mac cleaner or mac keeper, because I don't trust any of them at all. Sometimes if i do have many windows open, it just almost stop responding for some time.

Can anyone give me an advice how to clean up my iMac, please?

Mac OS X

Version: 10.5.8

Processor: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

Memory: 1 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

In use from February 2008

Space: 232.57 GB

Available: 147.23 GB

Used: 85.34 GB

I tried to Disc utility > "Verify disc permission" > "Verify Disc"

Result: The volume Macintosh HD appears to be OK

Thank you!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Nov 22, 2013 4:54 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 22, 2013 6:00 PM in response to Eurorealtor

This appears to be the model iMac8,1 20" screen?

I have a same era 24" screen iMac, which I recently upgraded with additional memory, and if my memory serves me correctly, memory can be upgraded on the 20" models also. I upgraded to (the maximum for my particular iMac) 6GB SDRAM (from 2GB). It make an instant and significant difference. Like a new machine! If you are prepared to spend some money, investigate installing 2 x 2GB SDRAM modules. Most good online memory stores help with the selection of the correct memory modules.

Otherwise I can highly recommend a complete backup of your data, a fresh install of OS X (10.5.8), and reinstall your files from the backup. I did this and this also made a significant difference. I'm my mind it was definitely worth the pain of the re installation of all my software.

I have little experience actually improving system performance with software - in my mind it is more error prone and problematic and eventually takes more time than a fresh install.

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Answer 2

MichelPM

Level 10

81,547 points

Nov 22, 2013 8:46 PM in response to Eurorealtor

While running OS X 10.5 on 1 GB of RAM is acceptable, your Mac maybe struggling on 1 GBs of RAM.

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

Your Mac should run much better with the additonal RAM installed.

RAM is fairly cheap and I recommend that you consider purchasing and installing the full 6 GBs of RAM.

If, at some point! you wish to upgrade your OS X version, you'll be I good shape with plenty sof RAM.

Correct and 100% reliable Mac RAM can be purchased from online Mac RAM sources Crucial memory or OWC (macsales.com).

OWC (macsales.com) has this 6 GB RAM kit.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/6400DDR2S6GP/

RAM is user installable and fairly easy for a novice Mac user to install.

Good Luck!

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