Does your 2013–2019 iMac take minutes to boot and apps seem to open forever? The most common culprit is the old mechanical HDD. At MacLife we replace it with a lightning-fast SSD or an ultra-fast NVMe drive and — if you want — install the latest macOS using Open Core Legacy Patcher, even on models that Apple has abandoned.
Why an iMac with an HDD is slow
For years Apple fitted iMacs with mechanical HDD drives. Despite their large capacity (1–2 TB), they are dramatically slow — read/write speeds of just 80–120 MB/s, while modern macOS and applications require much faster data access. HDDs also have moving parts that wear out and generate noise and heat.
HDD vs SSD vs NVMe
| Parameter | HDD | SSD 2.5" | NVMe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read speed | ~100 MB/s | ~550 MB/s | ~3500 MB/s |
| Write speed | ~80 MB/s | ~520 MB/s | ~3000 MB/s |
| Access time | 5–10 ms | 0.1 ms | 0.02 ms |
| Speed-up vs HDD | — | 5–6× | 30–35× |
| Noise | Audible | Silent | Silent |
Depending on the iMac model, we install a 2.5" SSD or an NVMe drive — during the free diagnostics we check which option is available and advise you on the best solution.
Real-world time differences
- macOS boot: 2–4 min → 15–25 s
- Safari launch: 30–60 s → 3–5 s
- Photoshop launch: 45–90 s → 8–15 s
- Copying 10 GB: 2–3 min → 20–30 s
The latest macOS via OCLP
Open Core Legacy Patcher (OCLP) is a mature, open-source tool that lets you install the latest versions of macOS on older Macs no longer officially supported by Apple. With it, 2013–2019 iMacs can run macOS Sequoia or Sonoma, complete with security updates.
Which iMacs we upgrade
- iMac 21,5"/27" (Late 2013, Mid 2014)
- iMac 27" Retina 5K (Late 2014, Mid 2015)
- iMac 21,5"/27" (2017) and iMac Pro (2017)
- iMac 21,5"/27" (2019)
All of the models above can run macOS Sequoia (the latest macOS 15 with full security support) via OCLP.
The upgrade process at MacLife
- Free diagnostics — model, drive condition, RAM, SSD/NVMe availability
- 1:1 system clone — all data, apps and settings preserved
- Drive replacement — installation of a 2.5" SSD or NVMe
- Dust cleaning — better cooling and longer lifespan
- OCLP installation (optional) — macOS Sequoia/Sonoma
- Testing and handover — with original Apple seals, the iMac looks like new
iMac upgrade pricing (2013–2019)
| Service | Gross price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| 512 GB drive (SSD 2.5" or NVMe) | 750 zł | 12 months |
| 1 TB drive (SSD 2.5" or NVMe) | 990 zł | 12 months |
| 2 TB+ drive (SSD 2.5" or NVMe) | 1999 zł | 12 months |
| Open Core Legacy Patcher installation | 349 zł | 3 months |
The drive replacement price includes: the new drive, a 1:1 system clone, dust cleaning, original Apple seals and a 12-month warranty. Current rates are in the Mac service price list.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my data during the drive replacement?
No. Before the replacement we create a 1:1 system clone — all data, apps and settings are transferred to the new drive. After the upgrade everything works just as before, only much faster.
Does macOS via OCLP run stably?
Yes. Open Core Legacy Patcher is a mature project used by millions of people. The system runs stably and receives Apple security updates. We provide a 3-month warranty on the OCLP installation.
Is the upgrade worth it?
A new iMac 24" M3 costs from ~7000 zł. Upgrading an old iMac for 750–990 zł gives you a device that is great for office work, the internet and multimedia. It is especially worthwhile for the 27" Retina 5K models, which Apple no longer produces.
SSD 2.5" or NVMe — which one will I get?
It depends on your iMac's configuration. During the free diagnostics we check which option your model supports and select the fastest available solution within the same capacity price.
Speed up your iMac
Free diagnostics, a 1:1 data clone, a 12-month warranty. Courier service across Poland.