Be careful, the suction cup I used here left slight residue. Use a suction cup to remove the front glass of the iMac. See below for more information on adding memory.Īlso, by completing this step first, the motherboard will be more maneuverable, and you may not need to disconnect all the connectors listed in STEP 5. I will list this step as optional because it is not required, but may be helpful. Although I did not do this, it is probably a good suggestion, as I did have trouble sliding the motherboard back into its orginal position. This helps when repositioning the motherboard. Some people that have followed this guide recommend removing the memory (RAM) modules first. However, if you are looking for ultimate performance, I'd go with the new Samsung 830 Series. The m4 has great performance and is more affordable. When chosing an SSD, be sure its SATA-III to take full advantage of data throughput. NOTE: The SSD shown in this guide is the older Crucial model (C300), which only acheives half the speed of the newer Crucial m4s. I purchased mine from Adorama for much less, also consider Amazon. Apple will charge you $1699 for this model + tax. I purchased the iMac 27" base model (MC813LL/A), which comes with a 2.7Ghz processor, 4GB of memory, and a 1TB hard drive. Performing the actions herin may void Apple's warranty. This procedure is intended for educational purposes. Although it may be different for a 21.5" iMac, I know it is possible, as I read that many people have had success across the web.
This procedure was performed on a 27" iMac which has slightly more room to install an SSD. Once the SATA cable is installed, it is easy to install and securely mount an SSD drive under the DVD drive. The iMac has two SATA-III connectors, one is already in use by the orginal 1TB hard drive. The procedure requires some dis assembly to connect a SATA cable to the spare SATA-III connector located underneath the motherboard. This is not a replacement for the original hard drive, but instead an addition.
This procedure explains how to install an SSD. The total time to complete is 3 hours approximately. Some prior computer experience is recommended along with patience. And after installation, you'll feel more comfortable with your iMac hardware.
This open port allows a user who bought a standard model to add a second hard drive later.To install an SSD on a 2011 Apple iMac is not easy, but not hard either. The one big change found this year inside both models of iMac is an open port inside.
These desktop machines work with the option to upgrade to an SSD or Fusion Drive if you wish, or you can stick with a standard spinning hard drive as a base. We'll also be giving this generation's machine a full review down the line, just you wait! For now, you'll have to just live with seeing the innards of these beasts, both the 21.5-inch and 27-inch versions in tune. You'll be able to find full details on what these machines are working with and what they're capable of in our first 2013 iMac reboot run-down. These models work with new Intel 4th generation Core processors – that's Haswell – along with several display sizes and the ability o work with a Fusion Drive.
What you'll find is a build quite similar to last year's collection of iMac devices, with a few exceptions – beyond that of the obvious upgrades. The teardown team at iFixit has taken the time to give a full run-down to the iMac reboot series appearing this week from Apple.