The time it takes to repair your iMac depends on the type of issue you're facing. For a comprehensive hardware diagnosis, expect it to take around 24-48 hours after you bring your iMac in for service. Software-related repairs, such as reinstalling macOS or removing malware and viruses, are typically completed within the same day or the next.

Performing data backup or migration might take 2-3 days, depending on the amount of data being transferred.

Data recovery might also take 2-3 days, depending on the nature of the failure with the hard drive and the complexity of the recovery process.

Hardware repairs can take anywhere from 5-7 business days, depending on the complexity of the issue and the availability of required spare parts.

At One Laptop Tech, we understand the importance of your time, and we strive to complete repairs as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimize your wait.

There are a few common reasons why your iMac might be running slow. Here’s a breakdown of the most likely causes and how they can be fixed:

Malware, Adware, or Viruses: If your system is infected with malicious software, it can seriously slow things down. The best fix is to clean up the operating system by removing any malware or viruses. In some cases, it might be necessary to wipe the drive and reinstall macOS to make sure everything is working like new.

Full Internal Drive: When your iMac's hard drive is too full, it doesn't have the space it needs to operate efficiently. The solution here is either to delete unnecessary files or upgrade to a larger hard drive. If you decide to upgrade, you’ll need to reinstall macOS and possibly transfer your data to the new drive.

Failing Storage Drive: If your internal drive is starting to fail, that can definitely slow down your iMac. Replacing it with a new one is the best move. This could also be a good time to upgrade from a traditional hard drive to a solid-state drive (SSD), which can make your system feel like it’s brand new.

Overheating: Your iMac might be slowing down because it's overheating. This can happen if there’s a buildup of dust inside or if the cooling fan isn’t working properly. A good cleaning or a fan replacement can help prevent overheating and get your system back to normal.

These are just a few of the most common reasons your iMac might be running slow. If you’re not sure what's causing it, we offer a full hardware diagnostic service to figure it out. We can then recommend the best fix to get your iMac running at full speed again.

Let us know if you need help!

In most recent iMac models (from 2012 onwards), the graphics card is permanently soldered to the motherboard, meaning it cannot be removed, replaced, or upgraded. This design choice has become common in modern all-in-one computers to save space and improve efficiency.

For older iMac models (pre-2012), the graphics card was often upgradeable, but with newer models, you're generally stuck with what you have. If you're unsure about your specific iMac, we're happy to help with further details.

Whether it’s worth upgrading your old iMac or just buying a new one really depends on the model and how old it is. If your iMac is around 10 years old or younger, upgrading can often make more sense. For a fraction of the cost of a new iMac, you can replace the old HDD with a much faster SSD, add more RAM, or increase your storage. These upgrades can breathe new life into your machine without breaking the bank.

If you have a 27" iMac, it's also worth considering that Apple no longer makes them. So, if you're not ready to switch to a smaller screen, upgrading your old 27" iMac is a great way to keep enjoying that large display without losing out on performance.

That said, older iMacs do come with some limitations. They may not support the latest versions of macOS, which can affect security and app compatibility. Some newer third-party apps might require the latest macOS to run properly, so if you need those, that’s something to keep in mind.

If you're still happy with how your iMac runs and don’t mind a few software limitations, upgrading could keep you going for a few more years. But if you want the latest features, faster performance, and full compatibility with new apps, a new iMac might be worth the investment.

We’d be happy to help you figure out which option makes the most sense for your specific situation!

Yes, we can definitely help you recover your files as long as the internal storage drive is still in good working condition or hasn’t suffered a catastrophic failure. To evaluate the possibility of data recovery, we'll need to perform a diagnostic check on your iMac. In most cases, this will involve disassembling the iMac to access the internal storage drive and assess its health.

Once we’ve assessed the drive, we can either recover the data directly to another Mac or transfer it to an external drive for you.

Let us know if you’d like to bring it in for a diagnostic check, and we’ll take it from there!

One Laptop Tech doesn't provide onsite service. For any diagnostics, repairs, or data recovery, you'll need to bring your iMac to our location. We’re conveniently located in Lynnwood, near the Alderwood Mall. If you need directions or have any other questions, feel free to reach out!