alexol

I have a 2012 27" iMac - works perfectly, but has a non-Apple 1 Tb drive, which is one of several reason the OS can't be updated any longer.

The only thing I use it for is playing music, and storing ripped CDs etc which I'm now moving to a dedicated small NAS.

Although I still have the original box it's a bit bulky to sell and ship and I was wondering what else I might use it for?

I'm not a Mac user so it isn't useful as an additional monitor.

John Matthews Loc: Wasilla, Alaska

There no reason why your hard drive should prevent an update. Your computer is 11 years old and the latest OS does not support a 2012. You can install windows on it natively or via emulation and use it as another windows machine or Linux.

John Matthews Loc: Wasilla, Alaska

There no reason why your hard drive should prevent an update. Your computer is 11 years old and the latest OS does not support a 2012. You can install windows on it natively or via emulation and use it as another windows machine or Linux.

alexol

The non-Mac is just one of the reasons it can't be updated - it's age and overall tech specs nail the rest of it - rather like it's owner;)

The Windows idea is a good one and thank you for that that, but I don't really have a use for what would be (compared to my "daily driver") VERY slow and severely underpowered.

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

The main reason for no update is the 2012 only supports 32 bit OS.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

I found this article has some great ideas - 10 Things to Do With an Old Computer

alexol

Great! Thank you! Should have remembered that from time to time, Aunty Google is your friend.

#2 should fit the bill, I think.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Your 27" iMac is upgradeable to Mac OS Ventura (the latest OS, if you are willing to put in the work) but if you no longer have any use for the machine then recycle it. Do NOT put it in the trash!

alexol

Even with the latest OS, it would still be 11 years old & far behind my desktop PC (i9/64GB RAM/fancy video card/ 2 x 2TB SDs etc) so I think the "Option 2: use it in the workshop" idea for music and instructional YT vids is the answer.

Simply putting it out for trash would never be an option.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

True, but as it is a 27" iMac it can be upgraded to the latest Mac OS (Ventura). However, it is more than just pop the case and add a drive, so most people just assume it cannot be successfully upgraded to accept the newer or latest 64 bit OS. For further information, complete with "how to do it" videos, go to www.owc.com and search for the appropriate id number for the particular 2012 model and watch the video that explains the update process. I'm using a late 2013 27" iMac that has been upgraded to Mac OS Ventura.

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

Tigger1, I did find the Open Core Patcher that you must be referring to in this article from Macworld....https://www.macworld.com/article/672461/how-to-install-macos-on-unsupported-mac.html
However, when you get into it in depth, you will find that the 2011 model will likely need special hardware upgrades. And, it is highly unlikely that anyone would want to use this computer for 'everyday needs' when the likely problems and potential problems are so great. Alex's #2 selection is a sensible solution.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

jbk224, you are correct. To get the full benefit of a upgrade to a 2011 model iMac 27" there would be some hardware upgrades necessary and many people may not wish to expend the cash necessary to make the upgrade. I upgraded my 2013 iMac using recommended parts from OWC.com along with YouTube video support from OWC.com. My total cost of parts, including one 1TB NVMe SSD, one 4TB SSD, one CR3022 button battery, one install kit including all tools, suction cups and screen adhesive strips totalled USD$400.00 and approximately five hours of my time which included making a USB drive loaded with a downloaded Open Core Patcher and a copy of MAC OS Ventura. I am NOT a computer tech. This is the first time I have cracked open an Apple computer. For what I consider to be a minimal investment, I have refreshed my ten year old computer into a very useful machine at minimal cost. Because my unit was a maxed out version at time of purchase in December of 2013, there was only three pieces of hardware to upgrade, namely the two new SSD's to replace the ageing 1TB fusion drive and the CR3022 button battery which was down to 2.97volts. Had my machine been a lesser build, then maybe the cost and performance gain would not have been worth my efforts. YMMV!

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

You can use is as a slave second monitor for another Mac.

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

I know but it is an involved process and I just don't feel like it. I have a 2012 MAC cheese grater loaded with ram and two 4 core 3gz Zeon processors, it is amazingly capable even with the old OS, I just refuse to take the chance in the patch as It can apparently brick the machine if you screw up.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Agreed, if you are not motivated, then certainly it makes no sense to attempt the upgrade. I was motivated, I enjoy pushing my computer hardware, my truck and car engines to the max and yes if you screw up then it's on you. I guess that is what makes it so thrilling for me to push my hardware to the limit. Definitely different strokes for different folks!