How easy is it to upgrade an iMac to SSD?

Buchanan0204

Buchanan0204

Buchanan0204

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Is it easy enough to install one yourself? Does it void the warranty? I'm really fancying an iMac when they're refreshed.

Those 5400RPM hard drives really are pretty slow, presuming that's what's used.
 
IFixit says "moderate" to replace the built in drive: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-iMac-Intel-27-Inch-EMC-2429-Hard-Drive/7555/1

They say "difficult" to replace it with the two drive Optibay: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-iMac-Intel-27-Inch-EMC-2429-Dual-Hard-Drive-Kit/7575/1

I'd probably say moderate is difficult and difficult is really bloody hard unless you are really good with a screwdriver. Also the 2011 has a special hard drive thermostat so you risk the fans ramping up if you get that bit wrong.
 
Best to watch this and judge for yourself:

Really good with a screwdriver = lol

Well ****, I've got this turning clockwise thing down, but counter-clockwise? That's advanced stuff.
 
Correct I've never opened one, I have previously looked at what was involved** hence me coming across that video, and think it's a good one to share to show exactly a) how to do it, and b) how fiddly it is.

I only find the comment funny by taking it out of context and focusing purely on the 'screwdriver skill level' part. :)


** I have plans to buy an imac myself this year but would rather get the base model if I can do the upgrades myself so went on a search.
 
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I haven't done it myself, though have considered it. Will probably do it when my machine comes out of warranty. If you take your time, don't be too tough on anything, I doubt it will be too difficult. Follow the iFixit instructions to the tee and you should be fine :)
 
topdog@OC said:
Really good with a screwdriver = lol
.
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topdog@OC said:
I only find the comment funny by taking it out of context and focusing purely on the 'screwdriver skill level' part.
Click to expand...

so you've never heard the expression "good with a screwdriver" as in referring to ones ability to do fairly intricate jobs such as, oh I don't know, taking an iMac to bits?

Plus I already linked to the iFixit guides showing how potentially complex the task may be.
 
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Buchanan0204 said:
Makes you wonder if everything else is overpriced.
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Not really. It costs about as much to build a similar specified PC with a 27" screen with equivalent resolution and panel type than it does to get the 27" iMac. Apple do price some things, including memory, at a ridiculously overinflated rate. But if people don't want to fit it buy hand then the option is there.

I wouldn't buy an iMac right now anyway as the Ivy Bridge refresh should be landing sometime (probably around WWDC) and I also wounds bother cracking one open to fit an SSD. I'd be booting off a fast Thunderbolt drive if I needed to raw drive speed. However I've never had a problem with the spinning disk in mine. Keeps up with video editing.
 
lamboman said:
I haven't done it myself, though have considered it. Will probably do it when my machine comes out of warranty. If you take your time, don't be too tough on anything, I doubt it will be too difficult. Follow the iFixit instructions to the tee and you should be fine :)
Click to expand...

.... which is what I did to fit mine. Take your time. Easy.
 
LordSplodge said:
Oh yes it sure does.
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pfft! I can always hope for an SSD to be included as standard. I suppose a 7200rom wouldn't be too bad. I presume it's a laptop style drive, they can be pretty slow.

£400 is a serious hit, no one know what kind of drive it is? If it was a Corsair Force GT... I suppose I wouldn't feel so bad about stumping up the cash.
 
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