2011 iMac 27" (i7-2600 / 6970M) - How far can I push/use this iMac?

Hello everyone,

I recently got a 2011 27" iMac from my cousin and I'm trying to see how current I can take it. I've managed to get Sequoia running via OCLP, but it's feeling pretty sluggish at times, not sure if it was due to waking the iMac from sleep/hibernation.

Specs:

  • CPU: 3.4 GHz Quad-Core i7
  • RAM: 24 GB
  • GPU: AMD Radeon HD 6970M
  • Storage: Stock HDD

I'm a bit worried about the GPU since I've had a 2011 MacBook Pro die on me before and I've read that Macs of a similar vintage do have faulty GPUs. Is the current lag because of the non-Metal graphics, or is the spinning HDD the main culprit? Would install a basic SSD see significant performance increases? If so, how hard is the replacement? I've seen a few videos and it does not seem too difficult, but I've never done surgery on an iMac before.

Two quick questions:

Is it easier to swap the main HDD for an SSD, or just use an adapter and replace the DVD drive bay?

Should I be worried about the 6970M failing under the stress of a newer OS?

Would love to hear from anyone still using these or any recommendations!

submitted by /u/theredcometofakagi
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