worth saving late-model 2009 iMac?

[kenalex]

Hi! My hard drive is failing fast. Can I settle for replacing the hard drive (again) or should I suck it up and go for a new model iMac?

Current machine is late 2009 iMac, Processor 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Memory 4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 (altho i just realized i could still double to 8G), Graphics ATI Radeon HD 4670 256 MB, 1T ATA hard drive running (barely) Maverick.

I'm not editing feature films on this, just normal work/household stuff and ok sometimes Civilization V for hours. Also, I am using Time Machine and hopefully that will provide sufficient back up, so that either way I'm not losing too much data.

Thanx for advice!

 

[techiesteve]

Replacing the hard drive is cheap and simple. If you are replacing a Seagate drive, using Seagate ST1000DM003 1TB replacement won't cause any fan issues. It would also benefit from adding 8GB to the 2 vacant slots.

Even if you decide to buy a new model, it's worth replacing the drive and moving it on.

 

[harryb2448]

Check this out first. If it is 1TB Seagate may be done free of charge:-

https://www.apple.com/au/support/imac-harddrive/

 

[chas_m]

I would say that machine is worth saving. You might want to look at putting a "hybrid" SSHD drive in there (a small SSD and a large HD combined into one unit). It's as cheap as a normal HD to get but makes a big different in speed on those older machines (be *sure* to get one that is compatible with your Mac though, not all such units are!).

 

[kenalex]

good comments, thanx

Thanks techiesteve, harryb2448, and chas_m. I'm learning good stuff every time someone replies! The upshot seems to be I can probably get this done for a few (or several) hundred dollars instead of buying a new machine for $1500+. I'll make sure my current HD is or isn't the faulty Seagate model that Apple will replace for free.

And, going the hybrid route is an interesting idea, I wonder if this model is compatible?

Thanx,

kenalex

 

[harryb2448]

Did you actually check to see if you qualify for a free hard drive under the replacement program? That is the cheapest way out.

 

[kenalex]

harryb2448 and i quote: Your iMac's hard drive is no longer eligible for a free replacement under this program.

Which i guess means it might have been if i checked a year ago (when it was working fine) but not anymore.

 

[kenalex]

but harryb2448 it was certainly worth checking, thanx.

 

[harryb2448]

Okay. If you want to discuss the benefits, and otherwise, of hybrid drives, shoot Moderator bobtomay a personal message.

 

[chscag]

I think the newer hybrid drives have come a long way from the model that bobtomay had a problem with. However, I'm not sure there's that much benefit from using one. I would just go with either a WD or Seagate 7200 rpm drive that meets the Apple standard so the fans don't go crazy.

 

[kenalex]

chscap and techiesteve, this fans issue...i didn't know at first what you meant, but i gather there's a thermometer thingie that hooks up via wire/cable(?) from the HD to the motherboard (is it still called that? I'm obviously stuck in the 90s) which, if it's not the right kind, can give the computer a false sense of overheating, hence the fans? Which would be super-annoying btw.

 

[harryb2448]

Hence the suggestion to let Apple do it and use the correct hard drive and sensors.

 

[Sawday]

Definitely worth saving. When my hard drive failed last year on my Mid 2007 24" iMac I put in a Seagate 750 Momentus Hybrid drive (and used an OWC NewerTech Adaptadrive caddy) and haven't looked back. Machine is still as sweet as anything - display is wonderful, no complaints about speed and still looks in mint condition. Still loving it!!