iMac running slow - again, even after installing more memory

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Level 1

5 points

iMac running slow - again, even after installing more memory

Last month, I installed 2GB of additional memory on my iMac (mid 2008), trying to address it's incredibly slow processing speed. Now it's at the max capacity for memory, 4 GB. For a short time, the iMac was moving faster. Now it's really slow again. Can't upgrade to Yosemite, but I have Mavericks (10.9.5). I keep getting an error message in during Yosemite download. Is there anything I can do short of buying a new iMac?

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Aug 10, 2015 8:48 AM

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Answer 1

babowa

Level 9

78,580 points

Aug 11, 2015 8:08 AM in response to kwwspin

You have to consider the age and much slower processor of your Mac in addition to the RAM problem. 4 GB is generally considered the bare minimum. To help, try to only have one app open at a time (don't just close the window - quit the app with Command + Q), and have plenty of empty hard drive space at all times.

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Answer 2

Eric Root

Level 10

685,311 points

Aug 11, 2015 8:30 AM in response to kwwspin

I now have 6GB installed on a early 2008 iMac supposedly limited to 4 GB and noticed an improvement. Check at the link below.

Other World Computing

Activity Monitor - Mavericks also Yosemite

Activity Monitor in Mavericks has significant changes

Performance Guide

Why is my computer slow

Why your Mac runs slower than it should

Slow Mac After Mavericks

Things you can do to resolve slowdowns see post by Kappy

6 Easy Tips to Speed Up OS X Yosemite on Your Mac

Try running this program and then copy and paste the output in a reply. The program was created by Etresoft, a frequent contributor. Please use copy and paste as screen shots can be hard to read.

Etrecheck – System Information

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Answer 3

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,108 points

Aug 11, 2015 8:44 AM in response to kwwspin

In reality the iMac early 2008 can have 8GB of Ram: originally when the iMac was available in 2008 Apple said the max Ram was 4GB. Apple never changes these specifications. But later on it was found that you can upgrade to 8GB, which is very beneficial when you use a "modern" OS like Mavericks or Yosemite.

Lex

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Answer 4

Oct 5, 2015 1:32 PM in response to kwwspin

I know it has been a while since your post. I recently replaced the conventional hard drive in my 24inch early 2008 2.8GHz iMac with a Samsung 500GB SSD. That has discernibly boosted performance - start up, launch of applications and working in say Word all happen much faster. I also did as you did and installed 6GB of RAM, but the SSD has produced the greater change. The iMac runs El Capitan. It is early days and I will see how it goes over the coming months, but you might consider replacing the hard drive with an SSD.

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