10-03-2010, 01:29 AM

I recently received an older unused imac, with these specs:

Model Identifier: iMac4,1
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per processor): 2 MB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: IM41.0055.B08
SMC Version: 1.1f5

I want to know how 'current' I can make this computer, so it's as up to date as possible AND it NEEDS to be able to handle Adobe Creative Suite 5 design premium (I am a graphic designer).

Any help I can get would be much appreciated.

10-03-2010, 01:49 PM

According to MacTracker, that machine is an early 2006 20" iMac with an ATI Radeon X1600 graphics chipset. The maximum amount of memory it can take is 2 GB (2 each 1 GB modules). If that's the machine you have, you can see that it's going to be somewhat limited for memory and graphics.

About the only upgrades you can do are the hard drive, memory, and operating system. (Leopard or Snow Leopard) The graphics can not be upgraded or updated in any way since the chipset is soldered to the logic board. How well it will perform using CS5 is unknown since the amount of memory you can put in that machine is only 2 GB. I would say that the machine will be fine for everyday use - browsing the net, email, word processing, etc. But for graphics design.... ?

10-03-2010, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by corbear

I want to know how 'current' I can make this computer, so it's as up to date as possible AND it NEEDS to be able to handle Adobe Creative Suite 5 design premium (I am a graphic designer).

The important thing to know is that this computer will run CS5 (versus not being able to run it at all)...thus it can "handle" CS5...but "handle" it well is another story.

Honestly...only you will be able to determine if this computer can do what you want it to do in a timely manner...and of course you won't know this until you load it up with CS5 & begin doing your regular CS5 tasks.

HTH,

- Nick