iMac 2011 - SSD install whilst retaining AppleCare

Phate · 27 Jul 2012 at 13:57

Universal said:
Thanks Phate. Much appreciated.

Do you need to use fan adjustments after installing a new SDD?

Nope, I retained the original HDD. If you remove/replace the original HDD you get the fan issue (something to do with them building a temp sensor in the drive) and you hack it by either installing some software, which isn't recommended, or you short something out on the motherboard to stop it checking for it :eek:

No thanks!

Universal · 27 Jul 2012 at 14:39

Should have researched this before orderding new Mac. Oh well! Still couldn't justify the price though...

Did you keep the original in as well or completely replace it? What's the work around with the fan issue then?

EDIT –*Has anyone got any experience with those OWC SSD DIY kits? They seem quite good. Is it worth keep the original in so it avoids any fan problems?

JediFragger · 27 Jul 2012 at 18:16

I'm also going to install an SSD in my 2011 soon (along with the 2TB already in), that link would be cool Jake

Phate · 27 Jul 2012 at 18:20

Universal said:
Should have researched this before orderding new Mac. Oh well! Still couldn't justify the price though...

Did you keep the original in as well or completely replace it? What's the work around with the fan issue then?

EDIT –*Has anyone got any experience with those OWC SSD DIY kits? They seem quite good. Is it worth keep the original in so it avoids any fan problems?

Keep the original

And I don't know about the kits, but I didn't use one. And if you keep the original you won't have any fan issues

And sure Simon, I'll be indoors in an hour or so.

Phate · 27 Jul 2012 at 18:22

Ah wait, quick google found it - http://www.btobey.com/learn/imac-ssd-install.php

JediFragger · 27 Jul 2012 at 18:34

Cheers bud, ordered a Torx kit in preparation

Now it's just choosing between my existing 128GB M4 or a lovely Sammy 256GB 830 :cool:

randal · 27 Jul 2012 at 18:42

Just noticed apple were doing a 1tb replacement program up till the 23rd on certain 2011 iMacs. Damn, could have got them to slip an ssd in whilst they were at it lol.

Universal · 30 Jul 2012 at 23:11

Thank you. That's a much better guide than the one's I found.

Universal · 17 Sep 2012 at 19:42

Finally getting around to doing this – a couple more questions if anyone can help?

OCZ Vertex Agility 3 – Are these the best SSDs to go for?
Do I need brackets (076-1383) to mount it or an apple pressure wall (922-9485)?

Many Thanks

Roughneck · 17 Sep 2012 at 19:54

Universal said:
Finally getting around to doing this – a couple more questions if anyone can help?

OCZ Vertex Agility 3 – Are these the best SSDs to go for?
Do I need brackets (076-1383) to mount it or an apple pressure wall (922-9485)?

Many Thanks

Get the Samsung 830 , Ive got 2 1 in my mac and one in my pc. The mac one actually runs faster then the pc one. no problems with it either.

Captain Chaos · 18 Sep 2012 at 07:41

Just done this in my mid 2011 iMac.

I went for the Samsung 830 after reading many reviews and how they fair within an iMac.

Simple process really, took me just under an hour in and out.

I did not have to remove the logic board. If you just unscrew it as per the guide you can actually take hold of the two heat sinks and lift it about an inch without the need to remove it completely. I then just plugged the cable in and pushed the logic board back down after. I did however remove the ram at the start of the strip down to allow this.

You will need a slimline data/power lead to do this correctly and the only place i could find one was from the states.

Speed difference is very noticeable and imo an absolute must upgrade.

GSXRMovistar · 18 Sep 2012 at 09:30

colthillary said:
Just done this in my mid 2011 iMac.

I really need to get this done on mine, did you follow the same guide as posted above by Phate?

Also whilst I know my iMac is from 2011 is there anything I need to check in terms of confirming it's the right model etc?

Cheers.

Phate · 18 Sep 2012 at 09:45

GSXRMovistar, na there isn't...yours will be the same as mine, they haven't made any variations to it.

Universal · 18 Sep 2012 at 12:13

Thanks. Samsung it is then. Ordered a slimline cable from the states already.

Which brackets do I need?

Phate · 18 Sep 2012 at 12:25

I didn't use a bracket.

I used the ever technical double sided heat resistant sticky pads and stuck it to the casing underneath the CD drive

Universal · 18 Sep 2012 at 14:49

Phate said:
I didn't use a bracket.

I used the ever technical double sided heat resistant sticky pads and stuck it to the casing underneath the CD drive

Was going to try and avoid doing that! I don't even know if mine will have the mounting points. Could you see any when you did yours?

Phate · 18 Sep 2012 at 14:53

99% sure it did.

Although I'm not dismantling it AGAIN for the sake of finding out

Universal · 18 Sep 2012 at 15:02

Nice one. As far as I can tell, the first bracket is if you have mount points and the second larger black one is if you don't have any. Might have to gamble and go for the cheaper silver one and hope it does!

GSXRMovistar · 18 Sep 2012 at 15:41

Right that’s it I'm doing this. Final questions and checklist:-

1) What's the restore approach for migrating from the 1TB to an SDD drive? Full restore from Time Machine? (Never used time machine before so all new to me)
2) Anyone recommend a UK supplier for the required cable (only to reduce shipping times)?
3) I’m assuming just the O/S, Apps, and App data (i.e. Lightroom catalogues) will sit on the SSD once migrated (everything else on the existing 1tb drive, therefore what size SSD should I be opting for 128/256GB (or larger)?

Phate · 18 Sep 2012 at 15:47

Right that’s it I'm doing this. Final questions and checklist:-

1) What's the restore approach for migrating from the 1TB to an SDD drive? Full restore from Time Machine? (Never used time machine before so all new to me) - I did a clean install personally. Saw it as a good excuse.
2) Anyone recommend a UK supplier for the required cable (only to reduce shipping times)? - I've looked and looked, US is the quickest way. Takes 2 - 3 weeks.
3) I’m assuming just the O/S, Apps, and App data (i.e. Lightroom catalogues) will sit on the SSD once migrated (everything else on the existing 1tb drive, therefore what size SSD should I be opting for 128/256GB (or larger)? - I've got a 240gb drive, I have my lightroom data on the 1tb. The apps themselves are installed but any app data is easy enough to store on the 1tb drive and then create a SL to the original source, the OS doesn't know the difference, s'all good - Good example of this is Steam, everytime I install a game that's another 8-10gb.