A list of successful iMac 27" (2012-2019) SSD upgrades

[turbomacs]

Curious about doing this on my 27” iMac versus paying an authorized retailer to put a ssd in my 2017 27” 1tb fusion drive iMac. How well does it work? It would cost me $540 all together to have an ssd put in. That’s a little ridiculous.

It works just fine and at good speeds over USB-C/Thunderbolt 3. It's definitely the cheaper option with no downsides other than having a drive sitting on your desk.

 

[Argus1]

Need to replace a 2TB Fusion Drive in 2015 iMac 17,1 with the Apple 128 SSD installed. Can I install a 4TB SSD to replace the failed Fusion Drive? I plan to only replace the hard drive. Will this cause any problems?

 

[turbomacs]

Need to replace a 2TB Fusion Drive in 2015 iMac 17,1 with the Apple 128 SSD installed. Can I install a 4TB SSD to replace the failed Fusion Drive? I plan to only replace the hard drive. Will this cause any problems?

I don't think you will be able to "fusion" them together so you'll have 1 x 128gb ssd and 1 x 4tb ssd. It will work though.

 

[Argus1]

I know do realize that I need to replace the entire Fusion Drive and that I will only have the one 4TB Drive. Thanks

 

[Jacoblee23]

It works just fine and at good speeds over USB-C/Thunderbolt 3. It's definitely the cheaper option with no downsides other than having a drive sitting on your desk.

I could always Velcro it to the back of my mac.. Would the speed be about the same as having the fusion replaced with an internal ssd? Also, is it easy to do for a novice like myself?

 

[natheyshaw]

Blade+HDD upgrade

Device: Early 2019 - 19.1 - MRR12LL/A (3.7GHz i5-9600)
Blade upgrade: 128GB Blade -> 2TB WD Black NVME
HDD upgrade: 2TB SATA HDD -> 2TB Crucial M500
Speed test: 2970 MB/s read, 2580 MB/s write
OS: Catalina
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013-C
Location: London, UK
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: none, everything works good

Did the update today, took about 3 hours in all - found the logic board much more fiddly than when I did my old 2014 model. The SSD didn’t sit straight in the adaptor, more like a 45 degree angle, but screwing it in place was fine.

Update 11th Feb: May have spoken too soon. I'm getting high fan speeds, intermittent for approx 1 min at a time. Seemed to be working normally all day yesterday, today there's definitely a fan activity. Didn't use an OWC temp sensor when doing the upgrade - reading the forums I'd assumed they were no longer necessary.
Any ideas??

 

[Corben Dallas]

Did you format the drive before you reinstalled?

First time no, but now i formated the drive and everything is working fine. Thanks.

 

[turbomacs]

Blade+HDD upgrade

Device: Early 2019 - 19.1 - MRR12LL/A (3.7GHz i5-9600)
Blade upgrade: 128GB Blade -> 2TB WD Black NVME
HDD upgrade: 2TB SATA HDD -> 2TB Crucial M500
Speed test: 2970 MB/s read, 2580 MB/s write
OS: Catalina
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013-C
Location: London, UK
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: none, everything works good

Did the update today, took about 3 hours in all - found the logic board much more fiddly than when I did my old 2014 model. The SSD didn’t sit straight in the adaptor, more like a 45 degree angle, but screwing it in place was fine.

Update 11th Feb: May have spoken too soon. I'm getting high fan speeds, intermittent for approx 1 min at a time. Seemed to be working normally all day yesterday, today there's definitely a fan activity. Didn't use an OWC temp sensor when doing the upgrade - reading the forums I'd assumed they were no longer necessary.
Any ideas??

Do a PRAM reset and see if that helps.

 

[natheyshaw]

Do a PRAM reset and see if that helps.

I didn't think that would work..... but an hour later and no fan's. Will see how it goes for the next 24 hours, but I think I may owe you a pint !

Update 12th Feb - Fan's still working normally - even with some video GPU re-encodes, compared to yesterday where fans would kick full opening Safari. Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou!

 

[dobrink]

Updated the main post, adding the latest successful upgrades.

 

[antnythr]

Device: Late 2015 - 17,1 - MK482LL/A (3.3GHz i5-6600)
Blade upgrade: 128GB Blade -> 1TB WD Black SN750 NVME
HDD upgrade: 2TB SATA HDD -> No Change
Speed test: 2800 MB/s read, 2650 MB/s write
OS: Catalina 10.15.3
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013 (Wasn’t listed as version “C”)
Location: Canada
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: Sleep crashes system so I just disabled sleep

Boot ROM Version: 175.0.0.0.0
SMC Version (system): 2.34f3

Drive shows up as normal internal disk when holding Alt at boot
Searching for NVMe in BootRom with UEFITool: Full size: 4B4Ah (19274)

Note: When trying to create a Windows installation, Boot Camp Assistant will display an an error message: “Boot Camp Assistant has encountered a problem - An internal error has occurred” and will not let me proceed. The problem doesn’t exist if I recreate a fusion drive. The mere presence of a second internal disk seems to be screwing up Boot Camp Assistant. No idea if this is a Catalina issue or just a problem with Boot Camp Assistant and having multiple internal drives.

 

[marceFIN]

OK folks, As I am going to update my Late 2013 iMac 27" 3,2 Ghz i5, 24GB DDR, 1TB Fusion Drive, I have planned to install new blade and also upgrade the HDD -> SSD.

Do the blade + SSD combination work as a "fusion drive" or will they anyways show as 2 different drives? I would bet that they will be separated.

 

[mbosse]

OK folks, As I am going to update my Late 2013 iMac 27" 3,2 Ghz i5, 24GB DDR, 1TB Fusion Drive, I have planned to install new blade and also upgrade the HDD -> SSD.

Do the blade + SSD combination work as a "fusion drive" or will they anyways show as 2 different drives? I would bet that they will be separated.

That depends on how you set them up. Both is possible.

 

[marceFIN]

That depends on how you set them up. Both is possible.

Ok, which would be the wisest option? To fuse the drives together or to keep them separated? For my use, it would be better for me to see only one drive in the finder. Is there any limitations with the hardware (late 2013 model) etc. that would make any difference?

 

[mbosse]

Would it be possible to get an updated list of compatible NVME SSDs? Thanks!

 

[Roxanita]

** Successful Upgrades iMac 5K 2019 ! **

RAM + Blade + HDD upgrade

Device : Early 2019 - iMac 27" - 19,1 - 3.6 GHz Core i9 (I9-9900K) - A2115 (EMC 3194)
Blade upgrade : 128GB Blade --> 1TB Samsung 970 EVO PLUS SSD - M.2 NVMe
HDD upgrade : 2TB SATA HDD --> 2TB Adata SU800 SSD
Memory RAM upgrade : 2 x 4 Go (8Go) --> 4 x 16 Go (64Go) Timetec
Blade Speed test : up to 3600 MB/s read, 2963 MB/s write
SATA SSD Speed test : up to 560 MB/s read, 494 MB/s write
OS: Catalina 10.15.3
Location : Qc, Canada
Adapter for the blade : Sintech ST-NGFF2013 (the long one) - Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD Adapter Card for Upgrade 2013-2015 Year Macs + some Kapton tape
Heatsink for the blade * : GLOTRENDS Aluminum Heatsinks (just used the silicone rings and thermal pads on both side of the blade + heatsink on top, i didn't used the metal buckles included to prevent potential short-circuit.
Temperature sensor for SATA SSD : OCW sensor from this kit : OWC in-Line Digital Thermal Sensor HDD Upgrade Cable and Install Tools for iMac 2012, (OWCDIYIMACHDD12) + Newer Tech Adaptadrive 2.5 to 3.5
Issues after fresh OS install : none, everything works good!

* Notes :
• First i used this heatsink for the blade but it was too thick to put back the motherboard in place, so i put the GLOTRENDS instead.
• Also i had to update the NVMe driver on the Samsung 970 EVO PLUS before installing it to make it compatible with the Sintech adapter using a TB3 NVME enclosure. (Samsung website to download NVMe driver + installation guide.)
• Mac Os Catalina is on the blade with all the apps + my Adobe CC files + i changed the location of my user repertory to have all the files (images, desk, documents, videos, etc.) on the SATA SSD.

Couldn't be happier with the new performances of my iMac and i don't regret losing my warranty on those upgrades.

Wish you luck!

 

[morningstar2020]

Blade+RAM upgrade

Device: Late 2013 iMac, 14,2 (3.2GHz i5-9600)
Blade upgrade: none -> Intel 660p Series M.2 2280 1TB PCIe NVMe
HDD downgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> none
RAM upgrade: 8G -> 16G
Speed test: 2970 MB/s read, 2580 MB/s write
OS: Catalina
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013-C
Location: NYC, US
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: so far so good

 

[smbu2000]

Blade/HDD/Wifi card upgrade

Device: Late 2012 27"- 13,2 - MD096J/A CTO (same as MD096LL/A) (3.4GHz i7-3770/32GB/2GB 680MX/1TB Fusion)
Blade upgrade: 128GB Blade -> 768GB Blade SSD (original Apple SSD)
HDD upgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> 500GB Crucial MX500 2.5" SATA SSD
Speed test: 768GB Blade (430/450), Crucial (400/500)
OS: Mojave 10.14.6
Adapter: None (original Apple SSD)
Wifi: BCM94431CD -> BCM94360CD
Location: Japan
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: No problems after a fresh install of Mojave. After I restored from a Time Machine backup and haven't had any problems yet after a few days.

I picked up the 768GB original Apple SSD at a good price, which was the max SSD upgrade on this model. The 500GB SSD wasn't being used, so I swapped out the 1TB HDD with it. I didn't use the temperature sensor and I haven't had any issues with fans going crazy. (That's what happens on my 2010 Mac Mini.)

I had the BCM94360CD (802.11AC compatible) wifi card that I had previously installed (with an adapter) in a 2012 Mac Pro. I don't have that MP anymore, but I kept the wifi card. The original Wifi card in the iMac is 802.11N capable, so I figured I would put it in since it was just lying around and not being used. Need to see if it actually connects at AC speeds to my AC Apple Airport Time Capsule since I'm still just connected via ethernet cable.

Also re-did the thermal paste on the CPU/GPU after disassembling the whole system and cleaned out the main system/heatsink/fan. The system was originally configured from Apple with the i7 upgrade and 32GB of RAM (max for the system), so I didn't change any of those.


Also accidentally ripped out the wires from the power switch while putting the left speaker back in. Oops! Had to remove the power button (adhesive is hard to remove) with a heat gun. Opened it up the power button mechanism and re-soldered the wires back to the switch. Glued the power button back in place and it worked fine again, heh.
Put the speaker in before plugging in the power button!

 

[st33n]

So for a late 2013 27-inch iMac the maximum speed is around 700-800mb/s? I wonder if there you would notice the difference with a regular ssd.

 

[darkniki]

HDD/RAM upgrade
Device: Late 2012 27"- 13,2 - MD096LL/A (3.2GHz i5-3470/8GB/1GB 675MX/1TB HDD)
Blade upgrade: none -> none
HDD upgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> 512GB C400-MTFDDAC512MAM 2.5" SATA SSD
RAM upgrade: 8GB -> 32GB OWC RAM Kit
Speed test: 240/500
OS: Catalina 10.15.3
Adapter: None
Temperature sensor: none
Boot ROM Version: 289.0.0.0.0
Issues after fresh OS install: sleep crashes system, hibernate doesn't work. Can anyone help? (its feels like it have both problem with sleep and hibernation) tried both solutions for 2012 and 2015 iMacs

ps: tried to install Mojave, sleep crashes, but hibernation work
pss: I fixed my problem!

I replaced one of my four RAM memory modules in my iMac and the problem went away.

 

[antnythr]

10.15.4 didn't change the sleep/hibernation issue on late 2015 iMac w/ 1TB WD Black SN750 NVME. Still doesn't work.

 

[Jadacrook]

Hi guys im thinking of upgrading my 17,1 5k 4ghz i.7 imac's 500gb blade ssd drive for a 2tb m13 fledging blade ssd. Wondering if anyone has had any success? Or issues. My boot rom is 170.0.0.0.0.0 is this compatible? Lastly i wanted to know if i could just clone my HD directly to the M13 and install after, or would i need to clean install first, for this to work. Sorry if these are noob questions just a bit new to this. Thanks in advance.

 

[Jadacrook]

Hi guys im thinking of upgrading my 17,1 5k 4ghz i.7 imac's 500gb blade ssd drive for a 2tb m13 fledging blade ssd. Wondering if anyone has had any success? Or issues. My boot rom is 170.0.0.0.0.0 is this compatible? Lastly i wanted to know if i could just clone my HD directly to the M13 and install after, or would i need to clean install first, for this to work. Sorry if these are noob questions just a bit new to this. Thanks in advance.

Anyone? Or subsequently can anyone suggest a blade replacement which doesnt have any issue after install like say the sleep issue? Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[KingCornWallis]

Anyone? Or subsequently can anyone suggest a blade replacement which doesnt have any issue after install like say the sleep issue? Any help would be much appreciated.

The sleep issue is mostly related to the Sintech adapter being used on older Mac models. There are also drives that are not really Mac Compatible with most, like the 970 Evo Plus.

But popular Mac Upgrade blades include Sabrent Rocket, Adata SX8200 Pro, and regular Samsung 970 Evo.

I have opted for the expensive but problem eliminating solution from OWC, Aura X2, after problems with the Sintech adapter (that apparently only I am experiencing on my 2019 model).

 

[KingCornWallis]

UN-Successful Upgrade iMac 4K 2019

RAM + *Blade + HDD + CPU Upgrade

Device : iMac 4K (21.5 inch, Early 2019); 19,2
*Blade Upgrade : 32GB Blade --> 1TB Adata SX8200 Pro NVMe
HDD Upgrade : 1TB SATA HDD --> 500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
RAM Upgrade : 8GB (2x4GB) --> 32GB (2x16GB) Micron PC4-2666V-SE1-11
CPU Upgrade: i5-8500 3.0 GHz --> i7-8700 3.2GHz
*Blade Adapter: Sintech (Short)
OS: Catalina 10.15.3

*Issues after fresh OS install : Artifacts onscreen, SleepWake Failures (logged in Console), Frequent Computer Crashes (referencing CPU 2 Caller Panics)

I have isolated the Sintech Adapter (or possibly the SX8200 Pro; unlikely) as the source of the problem and have removed it. Did I just get a bad adapter? Maybe. Will I try another? No. This computer is for my family and I do not live with them anymore. I am shelling out for the 1TB OWC Aura X2 as I can not afford any problems with this computer.