Level 1

5 points

Is it worth it to upgrade iMac 2008?

I recently inherited an iMac with these specs: iMac (20-inch, Early 2008) | 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 2 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

It had a clean install of Snow Leopard when I got it, but I just updated to Yosemite, which obviously slowed things down a bit. It actually runs pretty well, but I know it can be better with a couple upgrades. The question I have is: which upgrades are worth doing on this machine?

First, I will certainly upgrade the RAM, but I'm not sure whether to go to 4GB or 6GB. I currently have a single 2GB module in slot 1 and was thinking about adding either another 2GB or 4GB to slot 2. Is it OK to add to the existing memory or do the SODIMMS need to match? Also, the price difference is pretty large considering the age of the iMac. I can get a single 2GB Crucial module for about $24, but the comparable 4GB module is over $100. Which of these option would you fellow mac users suggest?

1. Add the new 2GB module to the existing module for a total of 4GB | Cost $24

2. Add the 4GB module to the existing module for a total of 6GB | Cost $102

3. Replace the existing ram with two new 2GB modules | Cost $45

4. Replace the existing ram with a new 6GB kit (2GB and 4GB module) | Cost $135

Second, is upgrading to an SSD worth it if the current drive is working fine? It's a little over $100 for a decent 256GB drive and around $220 for a 512GB drive. Adding to the dilemma is the TRIM support situation with Yosemite. I've read so much about it that I'm more confused than when I started. I've heard everything from, "TRIM doesn't matter with newer drives" to, "You're performance will drop off the table without TRIM". Any users have experience with upgrading a similar iMac to an SSD and running Yosemite? I also read that Angelbird makes an SSD that tricks Mac OS X into using native the TRIM driver, but they're about $50 than a comparible Crucial or Samsung drive. Anyone with knowledge and/or experience with 3rd pard SSD upgrades running Yosemite that could help me out? I'd really appreciate a clear answer on this one. Thanks for your time and sorry for the long post.

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1), 20-inch Early 2008 | 2.66 GHz

Posted on Jan 16, 2015 2:19 PM

23 replies

May 21, 2015 8:56 AM in response to htom18

not tech but surley if you got 2gb in system both will need be same 667 or 800mhz /they may both run together but at the lower speed you got 666mhz you be best throwing it in the bin and replacing both faster ram 800 as long as its compatible with your mac which that year can run higher spec your model no i.e. A1224 SPECS IS WHERE YOUD NEED TO START FROM will give you type motherboard t550 i might be wrong but not all motherboards of that year are compatible ram although there seem to be two different boards same processor speed

Old Toad

Level 10

215,370 points

May 21, 2015 9:37 AM in response to SergeantMac

I could have looked up the wrong Mac model at Crucial.com. You should go there and go thru the process to see what modules it offers for your model. Or use their application that you can download and run. It will see what you need and take you to the webpage that has those modules.

With Mavericks and later the OS X is much more picky about RAM modules and mixing different speeds will not fly.

Brian_41

Level 1

8 points

Sep 19, 2016 11:50 AM in response to Kappy

If you choose to add an SSD then stick to OWC's 3G Mercury models, or any other compatible SSD that uses the SandForce controller. TRIM is not required.

If I understand correctly: ...because...Some SSD drives, such as those supplied by OWC, do not require TRIM to be enabled because they have the feature built into the drive, and are as such unaffected.(

Yosemite kills third-party SSD support)

htom18 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 16, 2015 2:34 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for the reply. Would you reccomend adding the 4GB module to slot 2 or getting a new 6GB kit? I've added RAM to dozens of PCs, but I know Macs are more particular about what they will accept.

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jan 16, 2015 2:49 PM in response to htom18

Yes. Add the 4 GB module. Then erase the drive and install Snow Leopard unless you really need to have Yosemite.

Feb 12, 2015 2:54 PM in response to Phil0124

Thanks for clarifying this, Phil0124. Just too much technology for an old man like me 😉

Phil0124

Level 10

216,950 points

Feb 12, 2015 2:57 PM in response to SergeantMac

No worries, glad I could help.

markman5

Level 1

0 points

Jun 6, 2015 2:14 PM in response to SergeantMac

I have the same 2008 iMac setup and currently have 2 x 2gig memory. How did your performance change with the upgrade to 6gig ?

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Is it worth it to upgrade iMac 2008?