My Mac - How Old Is Old?
- Dec 10, 2019
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 29
When should I upgrade or replace my Mac?
Signs your computer might be getting old.
Startup and shut down is slow.
Loading applications take a long time.
Current operating systems are no longer supported.
Computer is getting louder.
Multitasking issues.
Spinning pinwheel.
Running out of storage room.
No longer supports online security settings.
Laptops 3-5 years
A typical laptop's lifespan is between 3 to 5 years. Some laptops still run efficiently longer than five years, but their range of tasks and ability to keep up with online security requirements may be limited.
Storage: Older laptops often have smaller hard drives, like 128GB or 256GB, which can be limiting. When buying a Mac laptop, consider starting with a larger drive—512GB, 1TB, or more.
Batteries: Laptop batteries degrade over time—that’s just the nature of battery technology. After a certain number of charge cycles, their capacity diminishes. Keeping your laptop plugged in constantly isn’t ideal either, as it can shorten battery life. However, newer laptops with Apple’s "M" processors are more efficient and offer longer battery life.
Performance: Laptops range from entry-level models like the MacBook Air to high-end powerhouses like the MacBook Pro. Did you buy a computer that meets only your initial needs, or one you can grow into? Have you outgrown your laptop’s capabilities?
Does your laptop have an Intel processor, or have you upgraded to Apple’s Silicon M series? The M series is excellent for Apple AI, speed, and overall performance.
RAM Memory: The minimum RAM requirements have doubled in just a few years and continue to grow rapidly—4GB, 8GB, and now 16GB or even 32GB. RAM is essential for running the operating system and applications. As operating systems and applications become more advanced (especially with technologies like Apple AI), the need for more RAM increases, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously without slowdowns. How much RAM do you have?
Damage: MacBooks are portable, making them more susceptible to accidental damage—another factor that can shorten their lifespan. One of the best investments you can make is adding AppleCare+ when purchasing a new MacBook. This extends Apple’s standard 1-year parts and labor warranty (plus 90 days of phone support) to a full 3 years, including accidental damage coverage.
Trade-in or Resale: If you want to maximize your laptop’s trade-in or resale value, consider upgrading around the 3-year to 4-year mark.
iMac 3-8 years
iMac Lifespan: A typical iMac tends to last longer than a laptop since it remains stationary and is less prone to physical damage. Older Intel-based iMacs were somewhat upgradable—adding more RAM or a faster, larger hard drive could extend their lifespan. However, modern iMacs are no longer upgradable, so it’s important to purchase enough RAM and a large enough SSD for future needs. This will help maximize the lifespan of your iMac.
iMacs generally last between 3 to 8 years, depending on their configuration. Most come with larger storage as a standard feature. Considerations like memory, storage, and trade-in or resale value apply to iMacs just as they do to laptops.
Mac Mini 4-6 years
Mac Mini Lifespan: The Mac mini is typically considered an entry-level Mac, but it can be configured with faster processors (now featuring M-series chips), expanded memory, and larger storage, which can significantly extend its lifespan. Depending on its configuration, a Mac mini typically lasts between 4 to 6 years.
Like iMacs, a Mac mini tends to last longer than laptops because it remains stationary and is less prone to physical damage. Older Intel-based Mac minis were slower than the new M-series processors, but if they were purchased with more RAM or larger hard drives, their lifespan was extended. For modern Mac minis, it's important to purchase enough RAM and a large enough SSD to accommodate future needs. This will help maximize the lifespan of your Mac mini.
Considerations like memory, storage, and trade-in or resale value apply to Mac minis, just as they do to iMacs and laptops.
Mac Studio 3-6 years
Mac Studio Lifespan: The Mac Studio is designed for power users with higher-end needs, offering exceptional performance with the latest M-series processors, expanded memory,
and large storage configurations. These features make the Mac Studio ideal for demanding tasks like professional video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. Depending on its configuration, a Mac Studio typically lasts between 3 to 6 years, depending on usage and the configuration.
Like the iMac and Mac mini, the Mac Studio tends to last longer than laptops because it remains stationary and is less prone to physical damage. For Mac Studios, it’s important to purchase sufficient RAM and a large SSD for future needs. This will help maximize the lifespan of your Mac Studio.
Considerations like memory, storage, and trade-in or resale value apply to Mac Studios, just as they do to iMacs, Mac minis and laptops.
Mac Pros and iMac Pros 3-8 years
Mac Pro Lifespan: The Mac Pro is designed for power users with high-end needs, offering exceptional performance with the latest processors (M-series for newer models), expanded memory, and large storage configurations. These features make the Mac Pro ideal for demanding tasks like professional video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. Depending on its configuration and use, a Mac Pro typically lasts between 3 to 6 years.
For Mac Pros, it’s important to purchase sufficient RAM and a large SSD to accommodate future needs. The more a user depends on speed and performance for high-end tasks, the more likely they will want to trade it in and replace it sooner—typically every 3 to 4 years for production computers.
Like iMacs, Studios and Mac minis, Mac Pros tend to last longer than laptops due to being stationary and less prone to physical damage. The Mac Pro’s lifespan is greatly influenced by the user’s demands, making configuration and future-proofing crucial to maximizing its longevity.
Considerations like memory, storage, and trade-in or resale value also apply to Mac Pros, just as they do to iMacs, Mac minis, Studios and laptops.
Operating System Support (4-6 years): System hardware requirements for running new operating systems vary. Apple generally updates macOS once per year, and most Macs can be upgraded to the latest OS for about 4 to 6 years. Apple provides system requirements for each new macOS update, so ensuring your Mac has the necessary hardware for future upgrades is important for extending its useful life.
Want to know more about which macOS is right for your Mac? Click here - Apple guidelines.
To find out what operating system is running on your Mac click here.
Repairs or component replacement.
Repairing failed, worn out, or broken components maybe a good option, but consider the cost and the age of the computer. Check out our post on Vintage Apple Products.
Is the battery in your MacBook not working properly? It can be replaced. Broken screen? We can replace that too. Oops, liquid damage? That’s a bit more to repair, but MacMan handles that as well.
Upgrades
Upgrades like RAM or switching to a solid-state drive
SATA hard drive and Sold State Drives
SATA
Typically found in older computers.
Less expensive per gigabyte.
SATA drives have moving components and tend to have a higher failure rate.
Slower read/write and data transfer times.
Larger profile.
Older, but reliable technology.
SSD - Sold State Drives and Flash Drives
Typically found in newer computers.
More expensive per gigabyte.
Operates with flash storage and no moving components make these more reliable.
Produces less heat.
Much faster read/write and data transfer times.
Slimmer profile.
Newer technology and is what the industry is moving towards.
Price is coming down which makes this a great upgrade option.
RAM Memory
4GB - Light use, can not open many applications at once.
8GB - Old Standard use, can open a few applications at once.
16GB - Standard as of 2024 - Good for most users based on number of applications opened at once and for use with applications with higher memory requirements. Better for applications such as iPhoto, iMovie, etc. Makes your Mac run more smoothly.
32GB to 48GB - Better for users that open multiple applications at once and for applications with higher memory requirements. If you are working with graphic applications, such as Adobe, or a number of applications at once, you will want at least 32GB of ram.
64GB and higher - Best for users that open a lot of applications at once and for applications with high memory requirements. If you’re running demanding applications such as, CAD, Graphic Design, Photo Retouching, Video Editing, 3D Modeling or Gaming, you will want the extra memory for sure.
What does this all mean?
Talk to us. If your Mac is 3 to 5 years old the effective performance will start to decrease. You should consider your options.
Upgrade to boost performance. - limited to some older Mac computers.
Trade-in advantage - reduces the amount needed to purchase a new Mac.
Giving Mac Program - used to donate to students, their families and Veterans.
Keep until it's time to recycle.
Upgrade options may be:
Adding RAM memory - limited to older Intel based Macs.
Changing to a SSD or Flash Drive - limited to older Intel based Macs.
Upgrading the operating system if the hardware will support it.
Replacement options
Stay up-to-date. There are many options for replacing your older Mac. MacMan has been making recommendations and supplying Macs and Apple based solutions since early 1990's. Contact us for your free consultation on finding the right Mac for you.
Things to consider when buy a new Mac:
Why buy from MacMan - Learn More
What you use your Mac for.
How often you switch out your Mac.
Is this your primary Mac or a secondary Mac.
Will you be sharing your Mac.
What type of applications do you use.
How much data do you have now.
How much data will you be creating - photos, graphics, spreadsheets, text documents, movies, music, etc.
How do you need to access your data.
How do you backup your data.
Budget range.
Data transfer and setup needs.
Payment options:
Outright purchase
Customer Financing - 6 month special financing
Explore Apple
Sales Service and Support
Sales of Macs and iPads across the country are possible through our Explore Apple page or through our store located in Eau Claire, WI. Contact us if you need help with your next Apple purchase, we will be happy to help.
We service and support users and businesses across the United State with our onsite and remote support services.
Need warranty repair service? Use our mail-in repair depot or stop by the store. Contact us for mail-in repairs. We offer bulk repair services for businesses or schools too. All our techs are Apple Certified. MacMan is an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
What is MacMan's White Glove?
Includes Setup or Data Migration
Expedited In Store Repair Services
In Store Device Evaluations & Diagnostics
In Store Tune-Ups (One per 90 day rolling period)
$50 Flat Rate Labor For OOW In Store Hardware Repairs
$50 Flat Rate Labor For In Store Software Repairs
I'm writing this on my 2010 Intel 2 core Mac Mini. 2 years ago, the poor thing had serious problems, so I changed the drive for a solid state and increased the memory to the maximum of 8 gigabites. I was then able to upgrade the operating system to 10.13.6 High Sierra. I am now beginning to run into some 'small' difficulties, so it's finally time to change for a new Mac.
To have an entry level computer that runs virtually without any problems for over 14 years, is nothing short of astonishing! THIS IS WHY I AM BUYING ANOTHER APPLE PRODUCT! Simply Amazing!
I have a Mac Mini from 2010, Model A1347 that was barely ever used. Can I download and play Music or Movies on it?
I have a Mac Mini from 2010, Model A1347 that was barely ever used. Can I download and play Music or Movies on it?
I also have a mid 2011 iMac 27" I've used it every day since the day I bought it new. It's hardly missed a beat not as highly spect as the one above but with 256GB SSD. It is a beautiful machine even though it still uses Sierra OS. I think I'd be lost without it.
Update: It still is running. it's never been turned off.
Now upgraded to Mint 21 (so Linux 5.15 kernel)
This things a beast and has gotten some attention from friends