Assuming nothing else is wrong, your problem might be that you have a fusion drive. The 2019 fusion drive is much worse than older ones, as it only comes with a 32GB SSD. I think the older models, like from 2015 or before, had 128GB SSDs, which worked way better. They were big enough that you could split the drives and boot from the SSD if you didn’t need a lot of storage.
Long story short, the best upgrade is to get a 512GB or 1TB SSUBX SSD from eBay and swap that in. It will make a huge difference. If you’re opening the machine, go ahead and install a 2.5" SSD or even a big 3.5" hard drive for extra storage.
If your wife has any important data on there, make sure to back it up now. Fusion drive failure can get messy.
My wife uses this iMac for editing photos, and it’s super slow and loud. Would upgrading the RAM or using an external SSD help, or should we invest in something more powerful?
EDIT: Just watched some YouTube videos, and based on my experience with an older iMac, I ordered an internal SSD. I’m planning to swap it on Friday. I’ll update for anyone else looking for the same info.
Toby said:
My wife uses this iMac for editing photos, and it’s super slow and loud. Would upgrading the RAM or using an external SSD help, or should we invest in something more powerful?
EDIT: Just watched some YouTube videos, and based on my experience with an older iMac, I ordered an internal SSD. I’m planning to swap it on Friday. I’ll update for anyone else looking for the same info.
Is the noise coming from the fan? If so, it might just need cleaning. A bad hard drive can also cause loud noises. If you’re not comfortable taking it apart, you could take it to a repair shop to swap out the drive or upgrade the SSD and processor if needed. It’ll cost you, but it’s doable on your own too, which would save you some cash. Just follow an iFixit guide and watch some videos on YouTube. Make sure you’re confident before you start.
Toby said:
My wife uses this iMac for editing photos, and it’s super slow and loud. Would upgrading the RAM or using an external SSD help, or should we invest in something more powerful?
EDIT: Just watched some YouTube videos, and based on my experience with an older iMac, I ordered an internal SSD. I’m planning to swap it on Friday. I’ll update for anyone else looking for the same info.
Is the noise coming from the fan? If so, it might just need cleaning. A bad hard drive can also cause loud noises. If you’re not comfortable taking it apart, you could take it to a repair shop to swap out the drive or upgrade the SSD and processor if needed. It’ll cost you, but it’s doable on your own too, which would save you some cash. Just follow an iFixit guide and watch some videos on YouTube. Make sure you’re confident before you start.
I haven’t looked too closely yet. I did upgrade the RAM from 32 to 64GB last year. I’m comfortable working on it. After reading up on it, it seems like replacing the Fusion drive is probably the way to go.
Reese said:
Toby said:
My wife uses this iMac for editing photos, and it’s super slow and loud. Would upgrading the RAM or using an external SSD help, or should we invest in something more powerful?
EDIT: Just watched some YouTube videos, and based on my experience with an older iMac, I ordered an internal SSD. I’m planning to swap it on Friday. I’ll update for anyone else looking for the same info.
Is the noise coming from the fan? If so, it might just need cleaning. A bad hard drive can also cause loud noises. If you’re not comfortable taking it apart, you could take it to a repair shop to swap out the drive or upgrade the SSD and processor if needed. It’ll cost you, but it’s doable on your own too, which would save you some cash. Just follow an iFixit guide and watch some videos on YouTube. Make sure you’re confident before you start.
I haven’t looked too closely yet. I did upgrade the RAM from 32 to 64GB last year. I’m comfortable working on it. After reading up on it, it seems like replacing the Fusion drive is probably the way to go.
Yeah, sounds like that’s the issue. A Fusion drive is a combination of an NVMe blade and an SSD or HDD. If you replace both, you’ll see a big boost in performance. If your NVMe is large enough (like 256GB), just replacing the HDD with an SSD is a bit easier. Replacing the NVMe is trickier since you have to remove the logic board, and make sure the NVMe you buy is compatible with your iMac.
Toby said:
My wife uses this iMac for editing photos, and it’s super slow and loud. Would upgrading the RAM or using an external SSD help, or should we invest in something more powerful?
EDIT: Just watched some YouTube videos, and based on my experience with an older iMac, I ordered an internal SSD. I’m planning to swap it on Friday. I’ll update for anyone else looking for the same info.
You already have plenty of RAM. Try installing macOS on an external SSD and run the system from there.
Check Activity Monitor to make sure the CPU isn’t maxed out and that your RAM isn’t being overused. Also, run DriveDX to see if there are any issues with your storage.
You might also want to install Macs Fan Control so you can monitor fan speeds and CPU temperature. Most people fix performance issues on this system by replacing the Fusion drive, either by swapping out the hard drive or using an external SSD.
If you’re thinking about upgrading, consider getting an iMac Pro—they’re pretty affordable these days.
Toby said:
My wife uses this iMac for editing photos, and it’s super slow and loud. Would upgrading the RAM or using an external SSD help, or should we invest in something more powerful?
EDIT: Just watched some YouTube videos, and based on my experience with an older iMac, I ordered an internal SSD. I’m planning to swap it on Friday. I’ll update for anyone else looking for the same info.
You already have plenty of RAM. Try installing macOS on an external SSD and run the system from there.
Check Activity Monitor to make sure the CPU isn’t maxed out and that your RAM isn’t being overused. Also, run DriveDX to see if there are any issues with your storage.
You might also want to install Macs Fan Control so you can monitor fan speeds and CPU temperature. Most people fix performance issues on this system by replacing the Fusion drive, either by swapping out the hard drive or using an external SSD.
If you’re thinking about upgrading, consider getting an iMac Pro—they’re pretty affordable these days.
Thanks for all the advice! I’ll probably go ahead and order an SSD and enclosure today since that seems to be the general suggestion. It’s not too expensive, and every time I’ve upgraded to an SSD, I’ve loved the result. I also have an old Mac Pro in the office running as a media server—I could possibly repurpose it for editing photos too.
Toby said:
My wife uses this iMac for editing photos, and it’s super slow and loud. Would upgrading the RAM or using an external SSD help, or should we invest in something more powerful?
EDIT: Just watched some YouTube videos, and based on my experience with an older iMac, I ordered an internal SSD. I’m planning to swap it on Friday. I’ll update for anyone else looking for the same info.
Go with the RAM and SSD upgrade.
Toby said:
My wife uses this iMac for editing photos, and it’s super slow and loud. Would upgrading the RAM or using an external SSD help, or should we invest in something more powerful?
EDIT: Just watched some YouTube videos, and based on my experience with an older iMac, I ordered an internal SSD. I’m planning to swap it on Friday. I’ll update for anyone else looking for the same info.
Clean out the fans with compressed air and replace the drive with an SSD. Doing a clean install of the system and manually transferring the files should give it a good boost.
Your drive is probably failing—replace it with either an internal or external SSD.
Leith said:
Your drive is probably failing—replace it with either an internal or external SSD.
That’s what I’m thinking too. Is there a kit or specific products people usually use for this upgrade?
Leith said:
Your drive is probably failing—replace it with either an internal or external SSD.
That’s what I’m thinking too. Is there a kit or specific products people usually use for this upgrade?
If you’ve got the Fusion drive (which was the standard for 2019), you have two options once you carefully remove the screen:
-
The SATA 3.5" drive is easy to access. You can swap that out with a 2.5" SSD, and then reinstall macOS on it.
-
If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue disassembling and remove the logic board to access the PCIe SSD. It’s faster, but the process is more delicate. Swap it with the NVMe SSD of your choice. iFixit guides and YouTube videos will help!
Edit: Even replacing the SATA will feel much faster than the Fusion drive. The $6 adhesive strip kits on Amazon work well—just secure the screen with painter’s tape for a day or two to make sure it’s reattached correctly. You can add a little clear silicone caulking in the corners for extra security.
Toby said:
Leith said:
Your drive is probably failing—replace it with either an internal or external SSD.
That’s what I’m thinking too. Is there a kit or specific products people usually use for this upgrade?
If you’ve got the Fusion drive (which was the standard for 2019), you have two options once you carefully remove the screen:
-
The SATA 3.5" drive is easy to access. You can swap that out with a 2.5" SSD, and then reinstall macOS on it.
-
If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue disassembling and remove the logic board to access the PCIe SSD. It’s faster, but the process is more delicate. Swap it with the NVMe SSD of your choice. iFixit guides and YouTube videos will help!
Edit: Even replacing the SATA will feel much faster than the Fusion drive. The $6 adhesive strip kits on Amazon work well—just secure the screen with painter’s tape for a day or two to make sure it’s reattached correctly. You can add a little clear silicone caulking in the corners for extra security.
Would these options be better than using an external SSD? I already have suction cups and prying tools from working on an older iMac. I’m fine with replacing the 3.5" drive, but going deeper into the NVMe seems more complex.
Brown said:
Toby said:
Leith said:
Your drive is probably failing—replace it with either an internal or external SSD.
That’s what I’m thinking too. Is there a kit or specific products people usually use for this upgrade?
If you’ve got the Fusion drive (which was the standard for 2019), you have two options once you carefully remove the screen:
-
The SATA 3.5" drive is easy to access. You can swap that out with a 2.5" SSD, and then reinstall macOS on it.
-
If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue disassembling and remove the logic board to access the PCIe SSD. It’s faster, but the process is more delicate. Swap it with the NVMe SSD of your choice. iFixit guides and YouTube videos will help!
Edit: Even replacing the SATA will feel much faster than the Fusion drive. The $6 adhesive strip kits on Amazon work well—just secure the screen with painter’s tape for a day or two to make sure it’s reattached correctly. You can add a little clear silicone caulking in the corners for extra security.
Would these options be better than using an external SSD? I already have suction cups and prying tools from working on an older iMac. I’m fine with replacing the 3.5" drive, but going deeper into the NVMe seems more complex.
Maybe someone can comment on speeds with Thunderbolt 3 versus SATA. But since you have the tools, I’d recommend the SATA swap. You’ll need adhesive strips, a sled adapter for the 3.5" to 2.5" SSD, and the SSD itself. You’ll also need T8 and T10 Torx screwdrivers.
Toby said:
Brown said:
Toby said:
Leith said:
Your drive is probably failing—replace it with either an internal or external SSD.
That’s what I’m thinking too. Is there a kit or specific products people usually use for this upgrade?
If you’ve got the Fusion drive (which was the standard for 2019), you have two options once you carefully remove the screen:
-
The SATA 3.5" drive is easy to access. You can swap that out with a 2.5" SSD, and then reinstall macOS on it.
-
If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue disassembling and remove the logic board to access the PCIe SSD. It’s faster, but the process is more delicate. Swap it with the NVMe SSD of your choice. iFixit guides and YouTube videos will help!
Edit: Even replacing the SATA will feel much faster than the Fusion drive. The $6 adhesive strip kits on Amazon work well—just secure the screen with painter’s tape for a day or two to make sure it’s reattached correctly. You can add a little clear silicone caulking in the corners for extra security.
Would these options be better than using an external SSD? I already have suction cups and prying tools from working on an older iMac. I’m fine with replacing the 3.5" drive, but going deeper into the NVMe seems more complex.
Maybe someone can comment on speeds with Thunderbolt 3 versus SATA. But since you have the tools, I’d recommend the SATA swap. You’ll need adhesive strips, a sled adapter for the 3.5" to 2.5" SSD, and the SSD itself. You’ll also need T8 and T10 Torx screwdrivers.
Looks like OWC and iFixit have some kits available. I might go that route to make sure I don’t forget anything.
Brown said:
Toby said:
Brown said:
Toby said:
Leith said:
Your drive is probably failing—replace it with either an internal or external SSD.
That’s what I’m thinking too. Is there a kit or specific products people usually use for this upgrade?
If you’ve got the Fusion drive (which was the standard for 2019), you have two options once you carefully remove the screen:
-
The SATA 3.5" drive is easy to access. You can swap that out with a 2.5" SSD, and then reinstall macOS on it.
-
If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue disassembling and remove the logic board to access the PCIe SSD. It’s faster, but the process is more delicate. Swap it with the NVMe SSD of your choice. iFixit guides and YouTube videos will help!
Edit: Even replacing the SATA will feel much faster than the Fusion drive. The $6 adhesive strip kits on Amazon work well—just secure the screen with painter’s tape for a day or two to make sure it’s reattached correctly. You can add a little clear silicone caulking in the corners for extra security.
Would these options be better than using an external SSD? I already have suction cups and prying tools from working on an older iMac. I’m fine with replacing the 3.5" drive, but going deeper into the NVMe seems more complex.
Maybe someone can comment on speeds with Thunderbolt 3 versus SATA. But since you have the tools, I’d recommend the SATA swap. You’ll need adhesive strips, a sled adapter for the 3.5" to 2.5" SSD, and the SSD itself. You’ll also need T8 and T10 Torx screwdrivers.
Looks like OWC and iFixit have some kits available. I might go that route to make sure I don’t forget anything.
The OWC kits are overpriced, but their SSDs are good. But you DO NOT need the inline temperature sensor they sell—it’s not necessary anymore.
While you’re inside the iMac, blow out the dust around the fan with compressed air. Amazon has SSDs for around $60, sleds for $5, and adhesive strips for $7.
I use budget TimeTec SSDs often, but if you prefer, you can go for a more reputable brand.
Toby said:
Brown said:
Toby said:
Brown said:
Toby said:
Leith said:
Your drive is probably failing—replace it with either an internal or external SSD.
That’s what I’m thinking too. Is there a kit or specific products people usually use for this upgrade?
If you’ve got the Fusion drive (which was the standard for 2019), you have two options once you carefully remove the screen:
-
The SATA 3.5" drive is easy to access. You can swap that out with a 2.5" SSD, and then reinstall macOS on it.
-
If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue disassembling and remove the logic board to access the PCIe SSD. It’s faster, but the process is more delicate. Swap it with the NVMe SSD of your choice. iFixit guides and YouTube videos will help!
Edit: Even replacing the SATA will feel much faster than the Fusion drive. The $6 adhesive strip kits on Amazon work well—just secure the screen with painter’s tape for a day or two to make sure it’s reattached correctly. You can add a little clear silicone caulking in the corners for extra security.
Would these options be better than using an external SSD? I already have suction cups and prying tools from working on an older iMac. I’m fine with replacing the 3.5" drive, but going deeper into the NVMe seems more complex.
Maybe someone can comment on speeds with Thunderbolt 3 versus SATA. But since you have the tools, I’d recommend the SATA swap. You’ll need adhesive strips, a sled adapter for the 3.5" to 2.5" SSD, and the SSD itself. You’ll also need T8 and T10 Torx screwdrivers.
Looks like OWC and iFixit have some kits available. I might go that route to make sure I don’t forget anything.
The OWC kits are overpriced, but their SSDs are good. But you DO NOT need the inline temperature sensor they sell—it’s not necessary anymore.
While you’re inside the iMac, blow out the dust around the fan with compressed air. Amazon has SSDs for around $60, sleds for $5, and adhesive strips for $7.
I use budget TimeTec SSDs often, but if you prefer, you can go for a more reputable brand.
Good call. I might shop around and put together my own kit.
You could also upgrade the i5 to an i7, but the SSD is the most important part.
Phoenix said:
You could also upgrade the i5 to an i7, but the SSD is the most important part.
Upgrading the processor probably won’t make much of a difference.