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Q: Mid-2010 27" iMac with i5 - process for determine why slow

I have a mid-2010 27" iMac with an i5 processor and 12 GB of memory running latest Maverick OS.  I mainly use the computer for email, web browsing, light weight spreadsheets and importing/organizing/sharing photos.  I understand why my computer would be slow on startup (with reloading Safari pages, updating notifications, updating email, updating iMessage, etc.) but more and more often I see the spinning ball while using the computer.  I have run though the basic steps of fixing permissions, etc. and would like to understand what is limiting my computer's performance.  A few other things to note...

  • I have 12 GB of memory (the original 2 GB x 2 and I've added 4 GB x 2).  I have heard that mixing memory isn't best.
  • My 1 Tb hard drive is at 80% capacity.  I have heard that ideally this would be lower.

 

How do I determine what is causing my slowness?  Is there a way of finding out which programs are demanding memory and by how much?  I have read that my iMac can offically support 16 GB memory and unofficially support up to 32 GB.  Not sure if 12 GB is a limiting factor or not.  Just looking to get another year or so from this computer without getting frustrated watching the spinning ball.  Would a fresh install of Marvericks and then reloading my personal stuff improve the situation?

 

Thanks in advance!

Posted on Apr 21, 2014 10:27 AM

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Q: Mid-2010 27" iMac with i5 - process for determine why slow

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