Mid 2012 Imac Mini. What to do with it?

[Xa3phod]

I have as I mentioned a mid 2012 Imac Mini. It maxes out at Catalina. I can't download the latest version of iMovie and the version I have isn't working. Should I just keep it with MacOS or should I throw Linux or Windows on it? I heard there is a patch to update it to Big Sure, is it worth it?

 

Thanks.

[Needfuldoer]

You can try the OpenCore Legacy Patcher, which should get you up to the current OS with a few caveats. (It looks like graphics acceleration is in beta.)

 

https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/MODELS.html#mac-mini

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

To add on, you could also use a patcher to patch in the required Kexts to get your Mac at least running Catalina. 

http://dosdude1.com/software.html

 

 

[MittWaffen]

My recommendation is to do the following, 

• OpenCore Legacy Patcher - Install Big Sur and be done with it. 
• Install windows 7 and enjoy windows freedom without limitations.
   -- Install windows 10 via the sound patch complex method and enjoy windows 10. 
• Install Chrome OS from google on it.
• Install Linux. 
  
  Or
  Live with the outdated OS because you're not really missing ANYTHING worth while with the newer version tbh. 

[The Hope]

Void Linux is your best option for this hardware: 

https://g5center.net/2021/01/02/into-the-void-linux-ppc/

 

What he says about browsing being a challenge in Void Linux is not correct. You have Firefox, Epiphany and Chromium which are three excellent browsers. You can install Brave or other browsers using the Nix package manager. Void is perfect for browsing.

 

Many of the things he lists as negatives are outdated or incorrect, so I'd say there are no significant downsides to Void. Eg he says that XFCE looks ugly and dated but it is one of the desktops that is easiest to configure exactly how you want it. For example, this is my XFCE desktop: 

 

https://voidlinux-ppc.org/download/

[Roswell]

On 9/1/2022 at 4:28 AM, The Hope said:

Void Linux is your best option for this hardware: 

https://g5center.net/2021/01/02/into-the-void-linux-ppc/

 

What he says about browsing being a challenge in Void Linux is not correct. You have Firefox, Epiphany and Chromium which are three excellent browsers. You can install Brave or other browsers using the Nix package manager. Void is perfect for browsing.

 

Many of the things he lists as negatives are outdated or incorrect, so I'd say there are no significant downsides to Void. Eg he says that XFCE looks ugly and dated but it is one of the desktops that is easiest to configure exactly how you want it. For example, this is my XFCE desktop: 

 

https://voidlinux-ppc.org/download/

You’re linking a PowerPC Linux distro to someone that has x86 hardware… 

 

That will never work.

[Xa3phod]

On 9/21/2022 at 2:31 PM, Roswell said:

You’re linking a PowerPC Linux distro to someone that has x86 hardware… 

 

That will never work.

Yup, my Mac uses a I5-2400. I installed Manjaro. Works like a charm.

[Noah Wesselby]

Hi, 

I am on a late 2013 model iMac right now. You can use open core to install newer versions of MacOS. Mine maxes out at Catalina and I'm currently using Monterrey. Works very well. If it still has a hard drive, install an ssd- changes everything!