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I've become aware of a processing issue with regards to multithreading, that is present in 10.10 and 10.11, but not in 10.9. It's basically a problem with hi end video encoding (4K @60, or 30 4444). Multithreading in Mavericks is/was great, but is much less efficient in Yosemite and El Cap. Whether this would be an issue with DP, is the question. Does DP rely on multithreading? Does DP, running a lot of plugins and VI's rely on multithreading?

OK..how about this: Anyone working on an i7 iMac in DP9, with a good assortment of plugins and VI's, on Yosemite? Trying to decide what OS to go with....10.10, or El Cap, 10.11 thanks

Unless you need OS 10.11, I'd wait on it. If you are also using Logic, MainStage or Finale, definitely wait.

I find no difference between 10.9.5 and 10.10.5 as far as DP is concerned except that 10.10.5 feels a little faster. That was also around the time that I switched to an SSD but I was running Mavericks for a few weeks.

Has multithreading been a real issue since SATA I was introduced on the G5? Not that I have heard.

Hi Mike....I just shipped my iMac to OWC for an SSD and SATA port. I think I'll go with 10.10. I was actually able to boot off an external firewire drive with 10.10, and loaded with some pretty hefty VI's. Occasionally I'd get a hiccup when there was a big demand from the VI's in DP, so I expect it should be great when I get my SSD running everything.

I mentioned the multithreading because I have some inside info, with regards to video, of an issue that was not there in 10.9. I would expect the processing power needed for DP will not come close to trying to encode 4K video.

mikehalloran wrote:Unless you need OS 10.11, I'd wait on it. If you are also using Logic, MainStage or Finale, definitely wait.

I find no difference between 10.9.5 and 10.10.5 as far as DP is concerned except that 10.10.5 feels a little faster. That was also around the time that I switched to an SSD but I was running Mavericks for a few weeks.

Has multithreading been a real issue since SATA I was introduced on the G5? Not that I have heard.

One other question for you Mike....I went to crucial and got enough ram to max out the iMac at 16GB, but now I see that it might take 32.....you show 20 on yours....crucial says they only support 16....guess I will go with the 16 for now, but if it will take 32, I'd be interested to know for sure.

Topo wrote:One other question for you Mike....I went to crucial and got enough ram to max out the iMac at 16GB, but now I see that it might take 32.....you show 20 on yours....crucial says they only support 16....guess I will go with the 16 for now, but if it will take 32, I'd be interested to know for sure.

You have a 2010 like I. It will take 8G modules in pairs. I have 2x8 from OWC + 2x4. OWC will charge you to install their modules – even though they have to remove the RAM to install the eSATA port.

Since you have shipped yours off to OWC, ask how much extra to change the NV RAM battery. Unlike replacing the SSD which is easy, the battery is on the back side of the motherboard on the 2009-2010 iMacs. It's a royal pain requiring a tear-down but they are already doing that to install the eSATA port.

What happens when the NV Ram battery dies? How long does the original last?

mikehalloran wrote:
Since you have shipped yours off to OWC, ask how much extra to change the NV RAM battery. Unlike replacing the SSD which is easy, the battery is on the back side of the motherboard on the 2009-2010 iMacs. It's a royal pain requiring a tear-down but they are already doing that to install the eSATA port.

One more thing Mike; is it the PRAM battery you're talking about, or is there a separate NV Ram battery?

Topo wrote:One more thing Mike; is it the PRAM battery you're talking about, or is there a separate NV Ram battery?

Technically, PPCs have a PRAM battery; Intel Macs have an NV RAM battery. Yes, it's the same. There are people who get pissy about the correct term but I am not one of them.

The 2010 and earlier can use a BR2032 or CR2032. Because of heat issues, 2011 and later should use a BR2032 only.

How long does it last in an iMac? I don't know. 5 years is a good replacement interval. All sorts of problems occur when these go south.

Except for the 2009-2010 27", these are easy to replace in the 2008-2012 iMacs. That's why I recommend having it done now. You are already paying most of the labor.

thanks....I'm waiting for a call back from their rep..tried the online chat, but they couldn't tell me what it would cost to do the battery. Now that you've said my model can take 8gb ram sticks, I'll see about what they will charge for that. I wonder why Apple and Crucial say only 16GB max. Maybe 16 is enough...I assume more ram means more VI's will store their data in RAM? I used to run with 12, and it seemed ok....I thought with 16, even better. Maybe I'll wait on this...already spending a chunk on the upgrade as is.

There are many models where Apple says one thing and OWC tests a higher RAM capacity and it works. This has been true since the MacII in the late 1980s.

If OWC says their RAM will work, then it will and they guarantee it.

OWC got back to me on the battery cost. It's $80. They have never had anyone ask to replace it, so the tech had to look in the repair manual to see where it was. Said they have to take the logic board out to get to it. The rep said those batteries are supposed to last the life of the computer, but that's somewhat nebulous. It's a chunk of change for a 3 dollar battery. Dunno what to do about that now......

mikehalloran wrote:
The 2010 and earlier can use a BR2032 or CR2032. Because of heat issues, 2011 and later should use a BR2032 only.

How long does it last in an iMac? I don't know. 5 years is a good replacement interval. All sorts of problems occur when these go south.

Except for the 2009-2010 27", these are easy to replace in the 2008-2012 iMacs. That's why I recommend having it done now. You are already paying most of the labor.

They already have your Mac apart. I don't understand why $80 more but it is on the back side of the motherboard. It is a major teardown to get to it.

Except for the 2009-2010, all other iMacs have it on the front side where it's easy to replace. Remove enough screws, tilt the screen up and replace the battery.

Topo wrote:thanks....I'm waiting for a call back from their rep..tried the online chat, but they couldn't tell me what it would cost to do the battery. Now that you've said my model can take 8gb ram sticks, I'll see about what they will charge for that. I wonder why Apple and Crucial say only 16GB max. Maybe 16 is enough...I assume more ram means more VI's will store their data in RAM? I used to run with 12, and it seemed ok....I thought with 16, even better. Maybe I'll wait on this...already spending a chunk on the upgrade as is.

Go for 32 gig ram. The nice thing is it's end user replaceable without taking the computer apart. OWC won't steer you wrong. 32 gig of ram (4x8 gig) will set you back $232 US.

Been wracking my brain deciding whether to have them replace the battery. It probably makes sense. It's 5 1/2 years old now....it might make another year. Maybe a better question is how hard is it to replace later? From what you've said, and the tear down ifixit steps, it's quite involved.

mikehalloran wrote:They already have your Mac apart. I don't understand why $80 more but it is on the back side of the motherboard. It is a major teardown to get to it.
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