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What to do with an old Mac

An old MacBook Pro or iMac is usually far from useless. Start with what it can still run, then pick the option that fits how you will use it.

Checked against OCLP 2.5.1 and 3.0.0Updated 2 min read
On this page 5 sections
  1. Where every Intel Mac stands
  2. The options
  3. Cheap upgrades that matter most
  4. Selling or giving it away
  5. Common questions

Short answer

If it is a 2012 or newer Mac, the best upgrade is usually macOS Sequoia or Tahoe with OpenCore Legacy Patcher plus an SSD. If you only need a browser, ChromeOS Flex or Linux is simpler and gets long-term updates. Otherwise, repurpose it (media server, kids' computer, a second machine for one task) or sell or recycle it after erasing it.

    Where every Intel Mac stands

    Before choosing, find your Mac's row. The counts come from OCLP's model data, so they add up to every Intel Mac model identifier it knows.

    112 Intel Mac model identifiers, by what you can do with them
    OutcomeModelsFamilies (models)What to do
    Runs Tahoe from Apple6MacBook Pro (3), iMac (2), Mac Pro (1)Nothing to patch. macOS 27 will not support it.
    Runs Sequoia from Apple; Tahoe with OCLP2iMac (2)Stay native, or use OCLP 3.0 for Tahoe.
    Metal graphics: OCLP takes it to Tahoe47MacBook (3), MacBook Air (6), MacBook Pro (16), Mac mini (3), iMac (14), Mac Pro (4), Xserve (1)The sweet spot for OCLP. Our pick is usually Sequoia.
    Non-Metal graphics: OCLP works, with limits37MacBook (5), MacBook Air (5), MacBook Pro (12), Mac mini (5), iMac (9), Xserve (1)Monterey is our pick; newer versions lose Metal apps.
    T2 Mac, not supported by OCLP10MacBook Air (3), MacBook Pro (5), Mac mini (1), iMac Pro (1)Stay on the last macOS Apple gives it.
    Not supported by OCLP (2006–2007 models)10MacBook (2), Mac mini (2), iMac (5), Xserve (1)Too old for OCLP; see older macOS options.

    The options

    Keep macOS current with OCLPFor 2008–2017 Macs. Current apps and security updates. Best on 2012+ with an SSD. Switch to Linux or ChromeOS FlexLightweight and supported for years. Good for browsing, writing and school work. Run an older macOSFor 32-bit apps or very old Macs; keep it offline. 2018–2020 Mac?Most still run Sequoia or Tahoe from Apple. Nothing to patch yet.

    Cheap upgrades that matter most

    • SSD: the biggest speed-up for any Mac with a hard drive.
    • Memory: 8 GB is comfortable for modern macOS; 2 GB Macs cannot run Sonoma or newer.
    • Battery: a worn battery makes macOS throttle the CPU on laptops (Dortania FAQ).
    • Thermal paste and fan cleaning on older MacBook Pros.

    Selling or giving it away

    Back up, sign out of iCloud and Messages, then erase the disk and reinstall macOS. If it ran OCLP, reinstall the last macOS Apple supports, so the next owner gets a standard Mac (see Remove everything).

    Common questions

    Is a 2012 MacBook Pro still worth using?

    Yes, for everyday tasks, especially with an SSD and 8 GB or more memory. With OCLP it runs Sequoia or Tahoe.

    What is the best Linux for an old Mac?

    Mainstream distributions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint and Fedora support most Intel Macs; Broadcom Wi-Fi may need an extra driver package.

    Keep going

    Update an old MacEvery way to get a newer macOS on an older MacAlternativesOCLP vs staying put, Linux, ChromeOS Flex and othersMac compatibilityEvery Intel Mac and the macOS it can run, with and without OCLP

    Something wrong or out of date on this page? Email hello@oclp.dev and we will fix it (see our corrections policy).