How to Upgrade Your Old iMac Running Catalina

If you have an old iMac running macOS Catalina 10.15.7, you might be wondering how to breathe new life into it without spending a fortune. Here are some practical tips to help you upgrade your iMac and improve its performance.

1. Upgrade to an SSD

One of the most effective upgrades is replacing the mechanical hard drive with a Solid State Drive (SSD). An SSD can significantly speed up your iMac, reducing boot times and improving overall responsiveness. You can use an external USB 3.0 SSD if you prefer not to open up your iMac.

2. Increase RAM

If your iMac has less than 8GB of RAM, consider upgrading it. More RAM can help with multitasking and running memory-intensive applications. Your iMac can support up to 32GB of RAM, which is beneficial for tasks like photo editing and running virtual machines.

3. Optimise Software

Ensure your software is up to date. While Catalina is no longer supported by some major software providers, you can still use alternatives like Firefox, LibreOffice, and Affinity V2 programs. Keeping your software updated can help maintain security and performance.

4. Consider a Mac Mini

If your iMac is too old to justify further upgrades, consider investing in a Mac Mini. You can use your existing iMac as a monitor, although this might require some additional setup. Mac Minis are compact, powerful, and can be a cost-effective solution.

Upgrading your old iMac can extend its life and improve its performance, making it a viable option until you’re ready to invest in a new machine. At Tech.Trade we have a varied selection of refurbished iMac from top-end current machines to older budget machines. Whether you choose to upgrade the hardware, optimise the software, or transition to a Mac Mini, these steps can help you get the most out of your aging iMac. Or ring us at Tech.Trade for some top tech advice on buying your latest machine.