How can I boost performance on my intel iMac?

The best way to improve performance on a Mac is to add more RAM.

How? Is the iMac customizable like that?

I have the low end Intel iMac and was going insane with how slow it was. I upped the RAM to two Gigs and this thing rocks now. I also added a second monitor. I am now in computing heaven.

For RAM try this link.. This is where I got mine.
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=iMac%201.83GHz%20Intel%20Core%20Duo%20%2817-inch%29

It is super easy to install. I did it in about 10 minutes.

RAM upgrades are possible on the iMacs. I used Crucil for RAM on my old G3, and their step-by-step installation guide was great.

Also, make sure you go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility then highlight your primary drive or partition and choose Repair Disk Permissions. Update all your software regularly (I use VersionTracker.com ).

If you are encountering sluggishness in a prticular App, let us know so we can guide you further.

Can we get the stats on your iMac?

I would repair your permissions for sure, as stated above. Also, using an app like Onyx (free) can help by purging many of your system caches, which can actually start to slow down your Mac after they've been building up.

Yes, definitely there is a speed bump with more physical RAM, esp. 2.0 GB or more...the system relies on the CPU/cache, RAM, and some of the Hard Drive as resources to compute functions in a UNIX-based operating system, so all of those in combination affect performance.

Also make sure that the hard drive is not more than 70% full; if you go above that the system will become increasingly sluggish; I heard that if the hard drive becomes more than 80% full major slow down; the OS uses part of the hard drive as a virtual memory buffer, in conjunction with the physical RAM in your machine for computations/temporary storage. If your HDD is filling, I suggest buying an external (FireWire is going to give you fastest performance).

I keep all my media off my internal (system) hard drive, leaving the system drive only for the OS, applications, and libraries that need to reside on the system drive (i.e. garageband jam packs, and libraries used by Final Cut Pro Studio for LiveType, etc.), and the system rocks!

If that all doesn't help, get a .Mac account, and use the included backup utility on .Mac (called Backup) to back up your drive to an external, then re-install the OS fresh, then your apps...that is a sure-fire way to boost performance.

If you have noticed a performance hit lately, you could run ONYX available free from www.macupdate.com or versiontracker.com . Select everything under automate and run the script. I do this about once every two weeks to keep things running smoothly.

another thing to keep in mind is that in macs, anything stored on your desktop takes a place in a cache on your RAM. i don't know how this works, but desktop items are more than shortcuts; the more you have on your desktop, the more your computer's performance can suffer. fix this be deleting what you don't need or by gathering items in folders to put on your desktop, limiting the total quantity of what you have there.

LesPierre- the desktop thing- is that true for all macs? for a G4?
Yes, with my G4 I found that with a full hard drive it runs much slower, did the same thing as Sndfreg offloaded to an external and it runs much faster now. Sndfreg- I think I'm able to store all my FCP libraries on my external but I could be wrong.

In response to Spargett:

Model Name: iMac
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: 512 MB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: IM41.0055.B08
SMC Version: 1.1f5

@ rovdog-thx for the info...I think you're right FCP does allow the lib's to live off the system drive...I think the issue lies with the iLife lib's, spec. GB; I know there is a way to get it to work with symbolic links, but it is a tedious undertaking...cheers

@xgunther "Memory: 512 MB"
Yeah, you really need to add RAM! I have 2 GB in mine... installed by Apple when I ordered it, but it had to be replaced (still under warranty, thankfully). No problems in the year since then.

Will I notice a huge difference from 512MB to 2GB of RAM right after I install it? I just ordered from crucial, and I'm excited about it.

Oh yeah! You'll notice!!

Just read-up on how modifying the RAM yourself might effect your Apple Warranty/AppleCare plan before doing anything yourself. Post back and let us know how it works out!

What do I do with the 512 MB DIMM RAM? Discard it?

Oh and whats with the top and bottom slots? Will I get two 1 GB cards and will they go in each slot? http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303084

You said you already ordered... was it two 1 GB RAM cards? I recommend going back to check your order, because one 2 GB card might not work properly, the different Intel iMacs have different RAM configurations (see the article you linked to), but as a general rule, it seems to be best to have matching size cards in each slot.

As for disposal of the old memory; I'm not sure what to do with it, as I still have mine sitting in the box that the new cards came in!!

"Description: 2GB kit (1GBx2), 200-pin SODIMM Upgrade for a Apple iMac 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo (20-inch) System"

Where will I see improvements? Opening and switching applications? Will Photoshop process faster?

And how about gaming?

1GBx2 -- sounds like you're in business. RAM is the memory used in running the software, so you will see that Apps open and close faster, you will have less slowing caused by having multiple Apps open, and gaming will be faster too.

Follow your directions exactly step-by-step, and post back to let us know how it went! Good luck!

I should have it by the end of this week, so I'll let ya know! Thanks guys.

Didn't bother to read all the responses above, so maybe someone said this already. One way to also help keep the machine running quick is to keep your desktop clean and clear of unnecessary files and other things. The mac seems to run slower when there are items sitting on the desktop, especially mounted virtual disks etc.

I just installed the 2 GB of RAM. Runs beautifully now. I'm very impressed.

I want to use BootCamp to install Windows on another partition. Should I stick with XP or does it appear that my computer specs now can handle vista?

Glad to hear of your success! I always order the maximum RAM when getting a new computer... it makes a huge difference. I am not qualified to answer your new question, as I have not even considered using Boot Camp. I suspect that your current system specs could handle either, but I suggest you thoroughly research all the option by scouring the numerous Mac forums available. I always start on the Apple Discussions pages first (Apple > Support > Discussions) then run a search with Vista and XP as your keywords. Enjoy your faster Mac, and good luck with the dual OS!