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

[nikey22]

Device: Late 2015 - 17,1 - MK472LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, R9 M390 2GB, original spec)
CPU upgrade: 4.0GHz i7-6700K
Original Blade: Apple 32GB SSD AP0032H [AHCI] Model:656-0029D; Link Width: x4; Link Speed: 5.0GT/s
Upgraded Blade: Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris [NVMe] Model:655-1995C; Link Width: x4; Link Speed: 8.0GT/s
HDD upgrade: OEM 1TB Seagate ST1000DM003 HDD -> none
Speed test: Read: 3353.84 MB/s, Write: 2383.67 MB/s
BootROM, initial: 429.40.0 (MacOS Sierra); SMC Version: 2.33f10 (32GB SSD+1TB HDD)
BootROM, updated: 429.120.0.0.0 (MacOS Sierra - device update) (32GB SSD+1TB HDD)
BootROM, updated: 447.80.3.0.0 (MacOS Monterey 12.3.1) SMC Version: 2.33f12 (1TB NVMe)
Location: Canada
Adapter: n/a
SSD Heatsink: None, but Apple has a stock heatsink for these
Issues after fresh OS install: none

After reviewing everything in this thread and doing some research of my own, I went with the OEM Apple SSD. The speed is phenomenal:

Remember, the Polaris SSD is actually a Samsung device, modified by Apple to work in its machines:

Here is the 2TB version that Apple uses:

"This is insanely great",
- Steve Jobs

 

[marynchev]

Hi everyone! Please, can you help me with my updates for my iMac 27 Late 2012 one more time?

Device: Late 2012 27inch iMac13,2, 3.4Ghz i7, 16GB RAM
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680MX 2GB
HDD: APPLE HDD ST3000DM001 (3 TB)
BLADE: APPLE SSD SM128E (121.33 GB)
OS: Catalina 10.15.7

So, I decided to remove the broken HDD and update the blade SDD only using this video

Instead of a new internal HDD, I'd rather use an external SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD (Up to 2000MB/s) for my video files and projects.

So, I'd like to update my blade SSD for apps and system (the original blade of 121.33 GB is not enough, but it is still alive) with WD BLACK 1TB SN850. But will SN850 work with my Late 2012 27inch iMac13,2? Or what would you recommend instead of SN850 1tb for system and apps? And would it be enough just to remove the old HDD from my iMac for the good work in the future and change the blade SDD without any adapter? Or what is the best adapter for the blade SSD I need? Thanks! Thanks!

 

[mbosse]

Hi everyone! Please, can you help me with my updates for my iMac 27 Late 2012 one more time?

Device: Late 2012 27inch iMac13,2, 3.4Ghz i7, 16GB RAM
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680MX 2GB
HDD: APPLE HDD ST3000DM001 (3 TB)
BLADE: APPLE SSD SM128E (121.33 GB)
OS: Catalina 10.15.7

So, I decided to remove the broken HDD and update the blade SDD only using this video

Instead of a new internal HDD, I'd rather use an external SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD (Up to 2000MB/s) for my video files and projects.

So, I'd like to update my blade SSD for apps and system (the original blade of 121.33 GB is not enough, but it is still alive) with WD BLACK 1TB SN850. But will SN850 work with my Late 2012 27inch iMac13,2? Or what would you recommend instead of SN850 1tb for system and apps? And would it be enough just to remove the old HDD from my iMac for the good work in the future and change the blade SDD without any adapter? Or what is the best adapter for the blade SSD I need? Thanks! Thanks!

No, the WD SN 850 is a NVMe Blade SSD which would not fit in a late 2012 iMac - they're only compatible with late 2013 and younger. Your late 2012 is limited to SATA SSDs therefore I'd just replace the defective HDD with a standard SATA SSD of your choice - just stick to my suggestions already given here ( #943 )!

Also, an external boot SSD would not be faster, at least not until you use a NVMe/PCIe SSD in a Thunderbolt enclosure which is costly, but even then your speed is limited to about 700 MB/s (see comparison here: #2 ) - not a lot benefit given costs and the fact that you still will have to open the iMac and remove the internal HDD (to get rid of noises and prevent the iMac from speeding time making sense of a dying drive).

Hence, when you replace the HDD with an SSD you should be fine.

Best,
Magnus

 

[marynchev]

No, the WD SN 850 is a NVMe Blade SSD which would not fit in a late 2012 iMac - they're only compatible with late 2013 and younger. Your late 2012 is limited to SATA SSDs therefore I'd just replace the defective HDD with a standard SATA SSD of your choice - just stick to my suggestions already given here ( #943 )!

Also, an external boot SSD would not be faster, at least not until you use a NVMe/PCIe SSD in a Thunderbolt enclosure which is costly, but even then your speed is limited to about 700 MB/s (see comparison here: #2 ) - not a lot benefit given costs and the fact that you still will have to open the iMac and remove the internal HDD (to get rid of noises and prevent the iMac from speeding time making sense of a dying drive).

Hence, when you replace the HDD with an SSD you should be fine.

Best,
Magnus

Hi Mangus,

Thanks for the answers. A few more questions if you don't mind, please.

What do you think if I use this experience? (#759). And what speed will I have with this composition for blade update?

for blade update: Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SN570 NVMe Internal Solid State Drive SSD ($89.99)
adapter for blade update: M.2 NGFF SSD Adapter Card for 2012 iMAC A1418 EMC:2544 A1419 Converter Card (around $10)

for HDD update: What is the difference with the speeds if I use SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD SDSSDE81-4T00-G25 ($559.99) as external drive vs Western Digital 4TB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSD WDS400T2B0A ($419.99) + adopter (around $10). If I need 4TB for sure, and I have priority to have an external drive that I can use on other Macs with USB-c? Thanks

Best regards,
Dmytro

 

[mbosse]

Hi Mangus,

Thanks for the answers. A few more questions if you don't mind, please.

What do you think if I use this experience? (#759). And what speed will I have with this composition for blade update?

for blade update: Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SN570 NVMe Internal Solid State Drive SSD ($89.99)
adapter for blade update: M.2 NGFF SSD Adapter Card for 2012 iMAC A1418 EMC:2544 A1419 Converter Card (around $10)

for HDD update: What is the difference with the speeds if I use SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD SDSSDE81-4T00-G25 ($559.99) as external drive vs Western Digital 4TB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSD WDS400T2B0A ($419.99) + adopter (around $10). If I need 4TB for sure, and I have priority to have an external drive that I can use on other Macs with USB-c? Thanks

Best regards,
Dmytro

1. The blade used in the upgrade story you linked is a SATA blade - this indeed works as the blade port in your iMac is a (Apple-specific) SATA port - speed will be the same as a standard internal 2.5" SATA SSD (max 560 MB/s) at a higher cost & you would need to disassemble the entire iMac. Note also that the poster had fan speed issues (why I don't know, he upgraded many components).
2. An external SSD will bring you to about 450 MB/s compared to 560 MB/s (max) with an internal SSD - again at a higher cost than the internal.

Best,
Magnus

 

[MBehr2]

To all who installed the Western Digital Black SN750, e.g. @MBehr2 , @natheyshaw or @antnythr , how are your experiences over time?

Thanks for feedback!
Magnus

Working without any issues: sleep hiberanate etc.

Original post detailing the firmware changes.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/a-list-of-successful-imac-27-2012-2019-ssd-upgrades.2162435/post-30901170

 

[mbosse]

Working without any issues: sleep hiberanate etc.

Original post detailing the firmware changes.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/a-list-of-successful-imac-27-2012-2019-ssd-upgrades.2162435/post-30901170

Thanks a lot. In the meantime I have a 2019 iMac with the SN750 and it works like a charm!

 

[Oaty23]

Device: Late 2015 - 17,1 - MK472LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, R9 M390 2GB, original spec)
CPU upgrade: 4.0GHz i7-6700K
Original Blade: Apple 32GB SSD AP0032H [AHCI] Model:656-0029D; Link Width: x4; Link Speed: 5.0GT/s
Upgraded Blade: Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris [NVMe] Model:655-1995C; Link Width: x4; Link Speed: 8.0GT/s
HDD upgrade: OEM 1TB Seagate ST1000DM003 HDD -> none
Speed test: Read: 3353.84 MB/s, Write: 2383.67 MB/s
BootROM, initial: 429.40.0 (MacOS Sierra); SMC Version: 2.33f10 (32GB SSD+1TB HDD)
BootROM, updated: 429.120.0.0.0 (MacOS Sierra - device update) (32GB SSD+1TB HDD)
BootROM, updated: 447.80.3.0.0 (MacOS Monterey 12.3.1) SMC Version: 2.33f12 (1TB NVMe)
Location: Canada
Adapter: n/a
SSD Heatsink: None, but Apple has a stock heatsink for these
Issues after fresh OS install: none

After reviewing everything in this thread and doing some research of my own, I went with the OEM Apple SSD. The speed is phenomenal:
View attachment 2005730
Remember, the Polaris SSD is actually a Samsung device, modified by Apple to work in its machines:
View attachment 2005732

Here is the 2TB version that Apple uses:
View attachment 2005733


"This is insanely great",
- Steve Jobs

Hi Nikey22,
Thanks for your post about upgrading your Late 2015 iMac blade to an Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris.
I am hoping to do the same with my Late 2015 iMac.

A few questions,
Did you have any issues with sleep mode?
Did you upgrade your fusion HHD as well?
Is this the Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris you used?
https://beetstech.com/product/1tb-solid-state-drive-sspolaris-661-03563
Did your Late 2015 iMac need an adapter for the Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris you installed?
Could you link me to the parts you used?

Very interested to duplicate your success,

Thanks -A

 

[Oaty23]

Device: Late 2015 - 17,1 - MK472LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, R9 M390 2GB, original spec)
CPU upgrade: 4.0GHz i7-6700K
Original Blade: Apple 32GB SSD AP0032H [AHCI] Model:656-0029D; Link Width: x4; Link Speed: 5.0GT/s
Upgraded Blade: Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris [NVMe] Model:655-1995C; Link Width: x4; Link Speed: 8.0GT/s
HDD upgrade: OEM 1TB Seagate ST1000DM003 HDD -> none
Speed test: Read: 3353.84 MB/s, Write: 2383.67 MB/s
BootROM, initial: 429.40.0 (MacOS Sierra); SMC Version: 2.33f10 (32GB SSD+1TB HDD)
BootROM, updated: 429.120.0.0.0 (MacOS Sierra - device update) (32GB SSD+1TB HDD)
BootROM, updated: 447.80.3.0.0 (MacOS Monterey 12.3.1) SMC Version: 2.33f12 (1TB NVMe)
Location: Canada
Adapter: n/a
SSD Heatsink: None, but Apple has a stock heatsink for these
Issues after fresh OS install: none

After reviewing everything in this thread and doing some research of my own, I went with the OEM Apple SSD. The speed is phenomenal:
View attachment 2005730
Remember, the Polaris SSD is actually a Samsung device, modified by Apple to work in its machines:
View attachment 2005732

Here is the 2TB version that Apple uses:
View attachment 2005733


"This is insanely great",
- Steve Jobs

Hi Nikey,

Trying to repeat your success here.
What SSD did you install in your iMac 27" late 2015?

Beetstech.com says this is the right SSD for the iMac 27" late 2015.

(655-1860) 1TB SSD - Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2015

OEM Apple 1TB solid state drive for MacBook Pro Retina 13″ A1502 (Early 2015), MacBook Pro 15″ A1398 (Mid 2015). 655-1860A, 655-1860F, 655-1860H, 655-1860K or MZ-KPV1T00/0A4 on part.

beetstech.com

But it looks like this is the one you got.

(661-03563) 1TB SSPOLARIS SSD - Apple iMac & MacBook Pro Retina

1TB PCIe 3.0 x4 SSPOLARIS blade SSD with NVMe support for Apple iMac & MacBook Pro Retina. APN is 661-03563. Model number is SM1024L & PN 655-1995A or MZ-KKW1T00/0A2 printed on part. These SSD’s use a proprietary Apple PCIe 3.0 x4 interface. Apple’s first removable NVMe SSD.

beetstech.com

According to Beetstech.com, not the right one for your iMac 27" late 2015.

Did you replace your HHD as well?
Did you need any other adaptors or cables?

Thanks -Oaty

 

[MBehr2]

Thanks a lot. In the meantime I have a 2019 iMac with the SN750 and it works like a charm!

I have a SN850 in my iMac 2019 without any problems as well (after upgrading the CPU to the i9)

 

[nikey22]

@Oaty23, regarding the Apple 1TB SSD Polaris drive options:

-no issues with sleep mode
-no HDD (no fusion drive - limitation: 650MB/s SATA interface)
-no adapter necessary (Apple's proprietary 12+16 0.8" is used on the SSPolaris Drive)

You are correct, there are 2 1TB drive variations. Back in 2015, there wasn't a firmware module that was capable of using NVMe based drives correctly. They therefore offered a SSUBX 1TB drive that worked alongside the AHCI protocol framework. Then, after a few years, Apple finally developed a working NVMe Driver (.DXE) and incorporated that into their newest MacOS updates. We were then finally able to use gen5 devices.

The two drive you referenced above:

Both drives will work ofcourse. I chose the NVMe capable drive. If I can take advantage of the PCI 3.0 x4 interface with firmware support, then why not? You will never saturate this interface:

I hope that helps! Cheers.

 

[Oaty23]

Blade upgrade

Device: Late 2015 - 17,1 - BTO/CTO (4 Ghz i7-6700, Fusion P.O.S.) AMD MD R9 M395X 4 GB,
HDD upgrade: 2 TB SATA HDD -> none
Original Blade: Apple 128 GB SSD
Upgraded Blade: Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris [NVMe] Model:655-1995C
CPU upgrade: none
Stock Speed test: Read: 1879.89 MB/s, Write: 343.35 MB/s
Speed test: Read: 3327.39 MB/s, Write: 1839.31 MB/s
OS: Monterey 12.3.1
Location: USA
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: No Wake issues yet.

(Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris) PPN: 655-1995A
https://beetstech.com/product/1tb-solid-state-drive-sspolaris-661-03563

I work with large .psd files something the Fusion drive seems to be particularly bad at.
I am very excited to have found this thread because in all my hours talking to Apple tech support it never occurred to them to mention their P.O.S. fusion drive might be the problem.

Swapping out original P.O.S. 3TB Fusion (128 GB SSD and 2TB HD) for either SSD (Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris). I've read this works without sleep issues. no issues so far

These two drives work with out sleep issues.
(Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris) PPN: 655-1995A
https://beetstech.com/product/1tb-solid-state-drive-sspolaris-661-03563
(Apple OEM 1TB SSUBX) PPN: 655-1860
https://beetstech.com/product/ssd-replacement-kit-imac-27-inch-a1419-late-2015

Device: Late 2015 - 17,1 - MK472LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, R9 M390 2GB, original spec)
CPU upgrade: 4.0GHz i7-6700K
Original Blade: Apple 32GB SSD AP0032H [AHCI] Model:656-0029D; Link Width: x4; Link Speed: 5.0GT/s
Upgraded Blade: Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris [NVMe] Model:655-1995C; Link Width: x4; Link Speed: 8.0GT/s
HDD upgrade: OEM 1TB Seagate ST1000DM003 HDD -> none
Speed test: Read: 3353.84 MB/s, Write: 2383.67 MB/s
BootROM, initial: 429.40.0 (MacOS Sierra); SMC Version: 2.33f10 (32GB SSD+1TB HDD)
BootROM, updated: 429.120.0.0.0 (MacOS Sierra - device update) (32GB SSD+1TB HDD)
BootROM, updated: 447.80.3.0.0 (MacOS Monterey 12.3.1) SMC Version: 2.33f12 (1TB NVMe)
Location: Canada
Adapter: n/a
SSD Heatsink: None, but Apple has a stock heatsink for these
Issues after fresh OS install: none

After reviewing everything in this thread and doing some research of my own, I went with the OEM Apple SSD. The speed is phenomenal:
View attachment 2005730
Remember, the Polaris SSD is actually a Samsung device, modified by Apple to work in its machines:
View attachment 2005732

Here is the 2TB version that Apple uses:
View attachment 2005733


"This is insanely great",
- Steve Jobs

Also found rxs0's post extremely detailed and helpful.

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...d-nvme-ssd-upgrade-pitfalls-and-tips.2177812/

 

[Earl Urley]

Blade Upgrade

Device: Late 2013 - 14,2 - 3.5 GHz i7
Original Blade: None
Upgraded Blade: Inland Professsional 1 TB Phison E12 controller with firmware 12.3, Sintech short adapter
HDD upgrade: None, removed dying 1 TB Apple OEM
Speed test: Read: MB/s, Write: MB/s
BootROM, updated: 433.120.6.0.0 (MacOS Catalina Security Update 2022-004)

The blade was moved from a previously upgraded rMBP that I decided to get a 2 TB blade for.

Will update the read/write speed when I finish setting it up for Monterey.

 

[Oaty23]

@Oaty23, regarding the Apple 1TB SSD Polaris drive options:

-no issues with sleep mode
-no HDD (no fusion drive - limitation: 650MB/s SATA interface)
-no adapter necessary (Apple's proprietary 12+16 0.8" is used on the SSPolaris Drive)

You are correct, there are 2 1TB drive variations. Back in 2015, there wasn't a firmware module that was capable of using NVMe based drives correctly. They therefore offered a SSUBX 1TB drive that worked alongside the AHCI protocol framework. Then, after a few years, Apple finally developed a working NVMe Driver (.DXE) and incorporated that into their newest MacOS updates. We were then finally able to use gen5 devices.

The two drive you referenced above:

View attachment 2007439

Both drives will work ofcourse. I chose the NVMe capable drive. If I can take advantage of the PCI 3.0 x4 interface with firmware support, then why not? You will never saturate this interface:

View attachment 2007433

I hope that helps! Cheers.

Hi Nikey,

Thanks for the clarification,

I bought both the SSUBX Gen 4 & SSPolaris Gen 5 and will return the slower one.
But If the SSPolaris works with the iMac 27" retina Late 2015 and is faster, I'll skip the SSUBX .
Though I should do a head-to-head since I have both.

Currently, I'm running Monterey 12.3.1. Do you think I should upgrade to the latest OS before the teardown?
Any suggestions/advice about migrating the OS to the SSPolaris?
Do you think swapping the SATA HDD for a Samsung 860 QVO SATA SSD would offer much of a speed boost?
Can the SATA HDD be replaced with a SSPolaris, SSUBX, or a SAMSUNG 970 EVO?

Thanks for the feedback
-Oatz

HDD + Blade upgrade

Device: iMac Late 2015 - 17,1 - BTO/CTO (4 Ghz i7-6700, Fusion P.O.S.) AMD MD R9 M395X 4 GB,
Original Blade: Apple 128 GB SSD
Upgraded Blade: Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris [NVMe] Model:655-1995C

(Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris) PPN: 655-1995A
https://beetstech.com/product/1tb-solid-state-drive-sspolaris-661-03563
(Apple OEM 1TB SSUBX) PPN: 655-1860
https://beetstech.com/product/ssd-replacement-kit-imac-27-inch-a1419-late-2015

 

[theorist9]

The top of the WD SN850 NVMe SSD I'm planning to install isn't flat, so there's a gap between it and parts of the heatsin (e.g., note gaps at left, and near elastic at right). Is that typical?:

 

[SpecFoto]

Have a 2019 27” iMac (A2115) with stock 512GB blade, no HDD (or Sata cable and HDD bracket it seems), 40GB ram and 8GB graphics, overall a great Mac. Couple of questions about upgrading:

Want to replace the 512GB internal blade with a 2TB NVME and of these 3 which would people who have done the upgrade recommend to best work with the Sintech long adapter?
1. Samsung 970 EVO Plus (seems the slow Write speed issue has been fixed?)
2. WD Black SN 750 (or 770)
3. Crucial P5

All are around $200 or so and will work with the PCIe-3 speeds of the Mac. My current 512GB blade gets 1900W/2580R, and hopefully these will be a bit faster in the Write speed. I have a 2TB Samsung 980 Pro in a TB3 Acasis external enclosure and it get 2,700 W and 2,900 R speeds. While I could put it in the iMac and would rather have it for external use.

2nd question is I would like to add a 4TB 2.5” SSD drive internally. Have located a source for OEM cable and have past L brackets and 3.5” drive brackets I should be able to make work in the existing mounting holes. But has anyone put a 4TB SSD in a late model iMac? I looked through most of the 39 pages of this thread but did not see a 4TB Sata III SSD install, only up to 2TB. But I did see 8, 10 and even 16 TB HDD's being installed. Is there an issue with using a 4TB Sata III SSD that I am not aware of?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[mbosse]

Hi Nikey,

Thanks for the clarification,

I bought both the SSUBX Gen 4 & SSPolaris Gen 5 and will return the slower one.
But If the SSPolaris works with the iMac 27" retina Late 2015 and is faster, I'll skip the SSUBX .
Though I should do a head-to-head since I have both.

Currently, I'm running Monterey 12.3.1. Do you think I should upgrade to the latest OS before the teardown?
Any suggestions/advice about migrating the OS to the SSPolaris?
Do you think swapping the SATA HDD for a Samsung 860 QVO SATA SSD would offer much of a speed boost?
Can the SATA HDD be replaced with a SSPolaris, SSUBX, or a SAMSUNG 970 EVO?

Thanks for the feedback
-Oatz

HDD + Blade upgrade

Device: iMac Late 2015 - 17,1 - BTO/CTO (4 Ghz i7-6700, Fusion P.O.S.) AMD MD R9 M395X 4 GB,
Original Blade: Apple 128 GB SSD
Upgraded Blade: Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris [NVMe] Model:655-1995C

(Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris) PPN: 655-1995A
https://beetstech.com/product/1tb-solid-state-drive-sspolaris-661-03563
(Apple OEM 1TB SSUBX) PPN: 655-1860
https://beetstech.com/product/ssd-replacement-kit-imac-27-inch-a1419-late-2015

No, you can only use SATA drives in the HDD slot.

The top of the WD SN850 NVMe SSD I'm planning to install isn't flat, so there's a gap between it and parts of the heatsin (e.g., note gaps at left, and near elastic at right). Is that typical?:

View attachment 2008281

I would not be too concerned as the electronic components are not evenly arranged on the PCB. But I'd probably move the keeper on the right further right such that the PCB does not bend that much - that should reduce the gap to the left.

Have a 2019 27” iMac (A2115) with stock 512GB blade, no HDD (or Sata cable and HDD bracket it seems), 40GB ram and 8GB graphics, overall a great Mac. Couple of questions about upgrading:

Want to replace the 512GB internal blade with a 2TB NVME and of these 3 which would people who have done the upgrade recommend to best work with the Sintech long adapter?
1. Samsung 970 EVO Plus (seems the slow Write speed issue has been fixed?)
2. WD Black SN 750 (or 770)
3. Crucial P5

All are around $200 or so and will work with the PCIe-3 speeds of the Mac. My current 512GB blade gets 1900W/2580R, and hopefully these will be a bit faster in the Write speed. I have a 2TB Samsung 980 Pro in a TB3 Acasis external enclosure and it get 2,700 W and 2,900 R speeds. While I could put it in the iMac and would rather have it for external use.

2nd question is I would like to add a 4TB 2.5” SSD drive internally. Have located a source for OEM cable and have past L brackets and 3.5” drive brackets I should be able to make work in the existing mounting holes. But has anyone put a 4TB SSD in a late model iMac? I looked through most of the 39 pages of this thread but did not see a 4TB Sata III SSD install, only up to 2TB. But I did see 8, 10 and even 16 TB HDD's being installed. Is there an issue with using a 4TB Sata III SSD that I am not aware of?

Thanks,
Jim

I have also a 2019 iMac and replaced the FD with a WD Black SN 750 - works marvellously ( #911 ). Make sure you get the SN 750 and not the SN 750 SE. Also the Crucial P5 should work well.

At this point I'd stay away from a (newer) Samsung NVMe SSD as you'll face slow boot times over time (see https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/samsung-nvme-and-super-slow-boot-on-monterey.2310537/).

A 4 TB SATA SSD should work just fine.

Best,
Magnus

 

[theorist9]

.

 

[Oaty23]

@N[B]ikey22[/B]

You were right!
The SSPolaris works great!

Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris [NVMe] Model:655-1995C; Link Width: x4; Link Speed: 8.0GT/s

Was an easy install and everything is up and running with the time machine reinstall.
No sleep issues and fast. New computer for $257.75

Do you think I would get much of a boost if I replaced the old HHD spinner with a new SSD?
Samsung Electronics 870 EVO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-77E2T0B/AM)

Thanks!

 

[Oaty23]

Here you can find and discuss all the collected knowledge regarding upgrading the HDD, blade SSD and CPU of a 27" iMac 2012-2019, as well as a list of performed upgrades.

Here is a list of all 27" iMac models subjected in this thread:

Late 2012 - 13.2 - MD095LL/A (2.9Ghz i5-3470S, HDD only / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Late 2012 - 13.2 - MD096LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-3470, HDD only / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Late 2012 - 13.2 - none (3.4Ghz i7-3770, HDD only / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Late 2013 - 14.2 - ME088LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-4570, HDD only / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Late 2013 - 14.2 - ME089LL/A (3.4Ghz i5-4670, HDD only / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Late 2013 - 14.2 - MF125LL/A (3.5Ghz i7-4771, HDD only / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Late 2014 - 15.1 - MF886LL/A (3.5Ghz i5-4690, Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Late 2014 - 15.1 - none (4.0Ghz i7-4790K, Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Mid 2015 - 15.1 - MF885LL/A (3.3Ghz i5-4590, HDD only / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK462LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, HDD only / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK472LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, Fusion HDD+24GB blade / HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK482LL/A (3.3Ghz i5-6600, Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Late 2015 - 17.1 - none (4.0Ghz i7-6700K, Fusion HDD+24GB blade / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Mid 2017 - 18.3 - MNE92LL/A (3.4Ghz i5-7500, Fusion HDD+32GB blade / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Mid 2017 - 18.3 - MNEA2LL/A (3.5Ghz i5-7600, Fusion HDD+32GB blade / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Mid 2017 - 18.3 - MNED2LL/A (3.8Ghz i5-7600K, Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Mid 2017 - 18.3 - none (4.2Ghz i5-7700K, Fusion HDD+32GB blade / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Early 2019 - 19.1 - MRR12LL/A (3.0Ghz i5-8500, Fusion HDD+32GB blade / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Early 2019 - 19.1 - MRR02LL/A (3.1Ghz i5-8600, Fusion HDD+32GB blade / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Early 2019 - 19.1 - MRQY2LL/A (3.7Ghz i5-9600K, Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)
Early 2019 - 19.1 - none (3.6Ghz i9-9900K, Fusion HDD+32GB blade / Fusion HDD+128GB blade / blade only)



The iMacs before 2017 have issues with the drive's power states after upgrading the blade SSD with a non-Apple NVMe. The iMacs above marked in BLUE will crash when waking from hibernation, self restart with two start-up chimes. The iMac models marked in ORANGE will either "restart because of a problem", or show a folder with question mark icon (depending on the system event produced).

Until Apple patches the bootrom with the full NVMe driver that 2017 and 2019 iMac models have, the only way to prevent your iMac from crashing is type the following command in Terminal:

For Late 2015 iMacs (disabling normal sleep) -> sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 25 standby 0
For Late 2012 until Mid 2015 iMacs (disabling hibernation) -> sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 0 standby 0 autopoweroff 0
(for the models in blue, alternatively, instead of standby 0, you can leave the standby at 1, and use for example standbydelayhigh 2592000 which equals to one month in seconds)



Regarding the HDD upgrade, almost all (if not all) of the reports for upgrades on 27" iMacs Late 2012 and newer, the OWC's temperature sensor is NOT needed! On older models there would be the fan-spinning-on-max-rpm issue. Perhaps, the newest OS X firmware has eliminated the issue so the temperature control no longer triggers the fan to spin at max rpm in the slim iMac models.


The tools you are going to need are color coded as follows: all, HDD, Blade, CPU.

-T8, T10 Torx screwdrivers
-wheel opening tool (€1)
-plastic card opening tool (€1) (optional)
-1-2x suction cups (€2)
-spudger tools (€1)
-tweezers (€1) (optional)
-adhesive strips (€2)

-mounting bracket (€2)
-2.5" SATA SSD (example Samsung 860 Evo)
-OWC thermal sensor (€40) (most likely NOT required!)

-adapter for the blade drive (8-13€)
-a small screw to hold the new blade drive on place (it is missing on HDD-only models)
-T5, T25 Torx screwdrivers
-thermal paste for the CPU and GPU (€7)
-a compatiable intel CPU from the same generation as the original

For the blade SSD upgrade it does not matter which of the three adapters you use (first, second, third), or if it is sold on ebay, amazon, or wherever else, or if it is branded as Sintech or Kalea or whatever else, they are all the same. Using an AHCI blade will never give you hibernation issues, though those are very limited and no longer manufactured. It does not mater which NVMe drive you use, except the 01.2019 released Samsung 970 Evo Plus which is not compatible with any of the adapters, so do NOT use it unless a new adapter is released.

IFixit guide for SATA HDD replacement
IFixit guide for Blade SSD replacement
IFixit guide for CPU replacement
IFixit guide for Adhesive strips application


Examples of how to report your upgrade. These two upgrades below I personally did in 02.2019:

1) HDD + CPU upgrade

Device: Late 2013 - 14.2 - ME088LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-4570, HDD only)
HDD upgrade: 1 TB SATA HDD -> 1TB Samsung 860 Evo SATA SSD
CPU upgrade: i5-4570 -> i5-4670K
Speed test: around 500 MB/s read, 500 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.3
Location: Finland, Europe
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: everything is ok with the fan, OWC temperature sensor NOT required!
More details and problems >here<


2) Blade + CPU upgrade

Device: Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK462LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, HDD only)
Blade upgrade: none -> 1TB ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro
CPU upgrade: i5-6500 -> i7-6700K
Speed test: 3000 MB/s read, 2300 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.3
Location: Finland, Europe
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013
Issues after fresh OS install: the iMac cannot wake from normal sleep, have to use hibernate 25 instead and disable standby.
More details and problems >here<


The following is a list of upgrades performed by other people, I will update the list as new entries become available:

Blade drive upgrade by Jeden87

Device: Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK472LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, Fusion HDD+24GB blade)
Blade upgrade: 24GB Blade -> 512GB Samsung 970 Pro NVMe SSD
Speed test: 2900 MB/s read, 2200 MB/s write
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013
Issues after fresh OS install: the blade drive does not wake up from sleep, have to restart, or disable sleep entirely


Blade drive upgrade by MKhan

Device: Late 2013
Blade upgrade: ?? blade -> 512GB Samsung 970 Pro NVMe SSD
Speed test: 756 MB/s read, 756 MB/s write
Adapter: KALEA-INFORMATIQUE
Issues after fresh OS install: the blade drive does not wake up from sleep, have to restart, or disable sleep entirely


Blade upgrade by ssdaytona

Device: Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK472LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, Fusion HDD+24GB blade)
Blade upgrade: 24GB Blade -> 512GB Samsung 970 Pro NVMe SSD
CPU upgrade: i5-6500 -> i7-6700K
Speed test: 2930 MB/s read, 2170 MB/s write
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013 and ST-NGFF2013-C
Issues after fresh OS install: sleep issues with both adapters, have to disable sleep


Blade + HDD upgrade by jdee2wheels

Device: Mid 2017 - 18.3 - MNE92LL/A (3.4Ghz i5-7500, Fusion HDD+32GB blade)
Blade upgrade: 32GB Blade -> 1TB Samsung 970 Evo NVMe SSD
HDD upgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> SanDisk 2TB 3D SATA III
Speed test: blade 2500 MB/s write, 2900 MB/s read, SATA SSD 450-ish
OS: Mojave 10.14.2
Adapter: Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD Adapter Card, OWC temperature sensor for SATA SSD
Issues after fresh OS install: NONE


HDD upgrade by uller6

Device: Late 2014 - 15.1 - none (4.0Ghz i7-4790K, Fusion HDD+128GB blade)
HDD upgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> Crucial M500 2TB SSD
Speed test: 500 MB/s read, 480 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.2
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: NONE - everything works perfectly


Blade + CPU upgrade by mbosse

Device: Late 2013 - 14.2 - MF125LL/A (3.5Ghz i7-4771, Fusion HDD+128GB blade)
Blade upgrade: 128GB blade -> 2TB Samsung 970 Evo NVMe SSD
Speed test: 780 MB/s read, 730 MB/s write
OS: High Sierra 10.13.6
Location: Austria, Europe
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013
Issues after fresh OS install: the blade drive does not wake up from sleep


Blade + HDD + CPU upgrade by macguru8

Device: Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK462LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, HDD only)
Blade upgrade: none -> 500GB Samsung 970 EVO 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD
HDD upgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> Seagate Barracuda Pro ST4000DM006 4TB 7200 RPM 128MB Cache
CPU upgrade: i5-6500 -> i7-6700K 4.00 GHz Unlocked Quad Core Skylake
Speed test: 3070 MB/s read, 2374 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.3
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013-C
Temperature sensor: required for the HDD
Issues after fresh OS install: the iMac cannot wake from normal sleep unless I press the power button, had to use hibernate 25 instead and disable standby


Blade +HDD upgrade by MBehr2

Device: Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK472LL/A (4.0 Ghz i7-6700K, blade only 512GB)
Blade upgrade: 512GB blade PCIe SATA -> 1TB WDS100T3X0C-00SJG0 (102000WD) PCIe NVMe (WD BLACK SN750 NVMe SSD) + a heat sink.
HDD upgrade: none -> 1TB WDC WDS100T2B0A-00SM50 (X61190WD)
Speed test: 2723 MB/s read, 2913 MB/s write
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013
Location: Canada, North America
Temperature sensor: works fine without, thus not required
Issues after fresh OS install: sleep issues, have to disable sleep


Blade +HDD upgrade by rxs0

Device: Mid 2017 - 18.3 - MNE92LL/A (3.6Ghz i7-7700, Fusion HDD+32GB blade)
Blade upgrade: 32GB Blade -> 2TB Samsung 970 EVO NVMe SSD
HDD upgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> 1TB Samsung 960 EVO SATA SSD
Speed test: blade 2500 MB/s write, 3000 MB/s read, SATA SSD 450-ish
OS: Mojave 10.14.4
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013-C with additional Kapton tape
Temperature sensor: not used
Issues after fresh OS install and restore: NONE, no sleep or hibernate issues


Blade upgrade by MacManSuite

Device: Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK462LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500)
Blade upgrade: 32GB Blade -> 2TB Sabrent Rocket NVMe PCIe M.2 2280
Speed test: 2700 MB/s read, 2700 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.4
Location: UK, Europe
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013 (I did have to cut this slightly so the NVMe sat flat rather then slightly bent)
Issues after fresh OS install: sleep disabled & hibernation enabled


Blade + HDD upgrade by MacManSuite

Device: Late 2013 -14.2 (3.5Ghz i7-4771)
Blade upgrade: 128GB SDNEP 655-18378 -> Intel 660P 2TB (SSDPEKNW020T8X1)
HDD upgrade: 3TB SATA ST3000DM001 HDD -> 4TB SATA ST4000DMZ04 HDD (Cold storage)
Speed test: 750 MB/s read, 750 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.4/10.14.5
Location: UK, Europe
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013
Issues after fresh OS install: working with NO tweaks to sleep mode, no crashes when resuming. Tested under both 10.14.4 and 10.14.5 with no issue


Blade+HDD upgrade by mdelrossi

Device: Late 2014 - 15.1 (4.0Ghz i7-4790K)
Blade upgrade: 128GB Blade -> Intel 660P 1TB
HDD upgrade: HDD -> 2TB SSD Sandisk SDSSDH3-2T00-G25
OS: Mojave 10.14.5
Location: US, North America
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013-C
Issues after fresh OS install: Flawless. Goes to sleep, wakes up no terminal command. Clean install, then migrated from existing T5 that I was using as main boot drive.


Blade upgrade by ProteoMX

Device: iMac Late 2013 - 14.2 - ME089LL/A (3.4Ghz i5-4670)
Blade upgrade: none -> Samsung 970 PRO 512GB (MZ-V7P512BW)
Speed test: 780 MB/s read, 738 MB/s write.
OS: Mojave 10.14.5
Location: Venezuela, South America
Adapter: Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD (came in black color, branded as RoHS)
Issues after fresh OS install: sleeps seems to be working just fine, I can hit the "Sleep" menu entry, leave the machine alone for a while and when I press the keyboard it just comes back to life and keeps working as usual


Blade+HDD upgrade by macmanss

Device: Early 2019 - 19.1 - MRR12LL/A (3.0GHz i5-8500)
Blade upgrade: 32GB Blade -> 2TB Samsung 970 EVO NVMe SSD
HDD upgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> 1TB Samsung 840 EVO SATA SSD (old model)
Speed test: 2900 MB/s read, 2520 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.5
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013-C
Location: Sydney, Australia
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: none, sleep/wake works fine, no loud fans


Blade upgrade by iaanda

Device: Mid 2017 - 18.3
HDD upgrade: 32GB Blade -> Intel 760P 512GB
Speed test: around 900 MB/s read, 2900 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.3
Location: New Zealand
Issues after fresh OS install: None


Blade + HDD upgrade by natheyshaw

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


Blade upgrade by eh1160

Device: Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK462LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, HDD only)
HDD upgrade: 1 TB SATA HDD -> None (removed it)
Blade upgrade: none -> Samsung 970 EVO SSD 500GB - M.2 NVMe (MZ-V7E500BW) (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...3596277f5770ffedd227a17f4bab62&language=en_US)
Speed test: ~2390 MB/s read, ~2340 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.15.2 (Catalina)
Location: United States (US - Philadelphia area)
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...498dc3dccc197bf18a11587c1a8515&language=en_US)
Temperature sensor: None - Did not use the SATA interface
Adhesive strips: LeFix Replacement LCD Panel Adhesive Tape (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...34b8e536b0eb5acf5b6713460b9880&language=en_US)
Issues after fresh OS install: The iMac displayed the "blinking question mark folder" as soon as it when to sleep. It would reboot fine. Successfully resolved by running `sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 25 standby 0`


Blade upgrade by Jinsang Lee

Device: Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK472LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, Fusion HDD+24GB blade)
Blade upgrade: 24GB Blade -> Western Digital pc SN520 NVME SSD 512GB M.2 2280
OS: Catalina 10.15.2 (19C57)
Location: Vietnam, Asia
Adapter: Generic SSD Controller (aliexpress)
Issues after fresh OS install: iMac restart because of a problem (IONVMeFamily .. )


Blade + HDD upgrade by iqmac

Device: Late 2013 -14.2 (3.5Ghz i7-4771), 32GB Ram, 3TB Fusion Drive
Blade upgrade: 128GB -> Intel 660P 2TB (SSDPEKNW020T8X1)
HDD upgrade: 3TB SATA ST3000DM001 HDD -> 2TB SATA Crucial MX500 SSD
OS: Mojave 10.14.6
Location: NB Canada
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013
Issues after fresh OS install: Did not do a fresh OS install, cloned from old drive. No problems. Fan Normal, Sleeps as it should.


Blade upgrade by mbosse

Device: Mid 2017 - 18.3 - MNEA2LL/A (3.5Ghz i5-7600, Fusion HDD+32GB blade)
Blade upgrade: 32GB Blade -> 2TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe SSD
HDD upgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> -/-
Speed test: ~2850 MB/s read, ~2750 MB/s write
OS: Catalina 10.15.2
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013-C
Heatsink: EK Water Blocks EK-M.2 NVMe Heatsink
Temperature sensor: not used
Issues after fresh OS install and restore: NONE, no sleep or hibernate issues


Blade upgrade by priva28

Device: Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK462LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-6500, HDD only)
Blade upgrade: None -> 500GB WD Black SN750 (no heatsink)
Speed test: 2750 MB/s read, 2400 MB/s write
OS: Catalina 10.15.2
Location: Victoria, Australia
Adapter: No-brand ST-NGFF2013 from eBay + Kapton tape
Boot ROM Version: 174.0.0.0.0
Issues after fresh OS install: the iMac cannot wake from normal sleep, have to use hibernate 25 instead and disable standby.


Blade + HDD upgrade by gpbonneau

Device: iMac 27" Late 2015 Retina 5K - i7 4GHz - 32GB
Blade upgrade: 128GB blade Apple -> Sabrent Rocket NVMe 2TB (for Mojave)
HDD upgrade: 2TB HD SATA Apple -> 1 TB Samsung 860 EVO SSD SATA (for BootCamp/W10)
Speed test: 3080 MB/s read, 2840 MB/s write for the blade; 520 MB/s read, 480 MB/s write for the HDD
Adapter: Sintech NGFF (ST-NGFF2013-C)
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after upgrade: "sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 25 standby 0" has been done before the upgrade


Blade upgrade by ozanyuceol

Device: iMac Late 2015, 5K Retina 27", 17.1 - (3.2 GHz i5-6500, Flash Drive 32GB blade PCIe SATA)
Blade upgrade: 32GB Blade PCIe SATA -> 500GB M.2 NVMe (WD BLACK SN750 NVMe SSD without heat sink)
Speed test: 2733 MB/s read, 2423 MB/s write
Adapter: Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD Adapter
Issues after fresh OS install: Sleep issues with adapter, solved with "sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 25 standby 0"

Blade + HDD upgrade by indranrehan

Device: 2019 iMac (3.7 i5, 580X, 2tb fusion)
Blade upgrade: 128GB Apple -> 970 Pro 1TB Samsung
HDD upgrade: 2TB SATA HDD -> Micron 5210 8TB enterprise SSD
Blade Speed test: 3500/s read, 2400/s write (amorphous) 3050 read, 2600 write (Black magic)
SSD speed test: 530 read, 100 write (amorphous) 380 read, 350 write (black magic)
OS: Catalina 15.1
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: NONE - everything works perfectly


Blade + HDD upgrade by madoleo

Device: Late 2014 27inch - (3.5Ghz i5, 1TB Fusion, 32GB RAM)
HDD upgrade: 1 TB SATA HDD -> 1TB Asseno SSD
Blade upgrade: 128GB Sandisk -> 1TB Samsung Evo 970
Speed test: around 780 MB/s read, 730 MB/s write - PCie; around 508 MB/s read, 477 MB/s write - SATA.
OS: Internet Recovery install of Catalina (from previous Mojave install).
Location: UK, Europe
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: Nothing at the moment.


Blade + HDD upgrade by Limonskyzz

Device: Late 2013 -14.2 (3.5Ghz i7-4771)
Blade upgrade: 128GB SDNEP 655-18378 -> Intel 660P 2TB (SSDPEKNW020T8X1)
HDD upgrade: 3TB SATA ST3000DM001 HDD -> 1TB SATA Evo 960 Samsung SATA
OS: CAtalina 10.15.0/10.15.1
Location: PT, Europe
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013
Issues after fresh OS install: No problems. Fan Normal, Sleeps as it should.


Blade + HDD upgrade by MadCrux

Device: 27" iMac 14,2 Late 2013 (3.5 GHz Core i7, 1Tb HDD only, 16GB)
HDD upgrade: 1TB original HDD -> 1 TB SSD Samsung Evo 860
Blade: none -> 500 GB Samsung Evo 970
Adapter: Syntech NGFF m2 nVME Adapter Card


Blade + HDD + CPU upgrade by dront_tula

Device: 27" iMac Late 2013 (3.2 GHz Core i5, 1Tb HDD only, 8GB)
CPU update: i5-4570 -> i7-4770 (thermal grease GLACIALTECH IceTherm II, thermal pads over video memory banks)
HDD upgrade: 1TB Seagate ST1000DM003 -> 4TB Seagate ST4000DM001 (same height), NO temp sensor
Blade upgrade: None -> 1TB Intel 660p series (SSDPEKNW010T8)
Adapter: aliexpress -> search "nvme a1465", then add some insulation tape over contacts
OS: Mojave 10.14.6
Speed test: blade 760MB/s read, 720MB/write
Sleep issues: none


Blade upgrade by testeri

Device: 27" Retina 5K Late 2014 4 GHz i7 3Tb fusion 32GB
Blade upgrade: 128GB -> Intel 660p 1TB SSD (original HD left in)
Adapter: Sintech long black adapter
OS: Catalina
Issues after fresh OS install: After letting the computer on for the night it woke up without problem in the morning. No problems so far.


HDD upgrade by emulous

Device: Mid 2015 - 15.1 - none (3.3Ghz i5-4590, Radeon R9 M290, 1TB HDD SATA)
HDD upgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> Samsung 860Evo 500GB SSD)
Speed test: 516MB/s read, 360MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.6
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: NONE - everything works perfectly


Blade + HDD + CPU upgrade by sebastienc

Device: 2017 27" - MNEA2LL/A (3.5Ghz Radeon Pro575 1TB Fusion)
CPU upgrade: Kaby Lake i5-7600 to i7-7700
Blade upgrade: Apple 32GB -> Samsung 970 EVO 1TB + Sintech ST-NGFF2013-C + Heatsink + Kapton
HDD upgrade: Samsung 860 1TB
Speed test: NVME 2600MB/s read, 2400MB/s write. SSD 510MB/s read, 480MB/s Write.
OS: Catalina 10.15
Location: Florida
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: NVME temps were very very high. Back to normal after 2 days.
Sleep issues: none.


Blade + HDD upgrade by zkmusa

Device: Late 2013 27" - ME088LL/A (3.2Ghz Blade SSD only)
Blade upgrade: Apple 256GB -> Samsung 970 EVO 1TB
HDD upgrade: none -> Crucial MX500 1TB. Purchased drive rails and SATA cable on eBay.
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013
Speed test: 650-750 MB/s read, 650-750 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.6
Location: Texas
Issues after fresh OS install: none.


Blade + HDD upgrade by hmarold

Device: Late 2015 - 17.1 - MK462LL/A 3.2GHz i5-6500)
Blade upgrade: 1 TB Blade -> WD Black SN750 NVMe M.2
HDD upgrade: 4TB Seagate 3.5
OS: Mojave 10.14.6
Adapter: generic.
Location: Australia
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: the iMac cannot wake from normal sleep unless I press the power button, had to use hibernate 25 instead and disable standby


Blade + HDD + CPU upgrade by JRBuchanan

Device: Late 2013 - 14.2 - ME088LL/A (3.2Ghz i5-4570, HDD only)
Blade upgrade: none -> 1TB Crucial P1 3D NAND NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD - CT1000P1SSD8
CPU upgrade: i5-4570 -> i7-4771
OS: Mojave 10.14.6
Location: USA
Adapter: Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD Adapter


Blade upgrade by Jerma

Device: Late 2015 27" Retina 5K - EMC2834 (3,2Ghz HDD only)
BladeSSD upgrade: none -> Adata XPG SX8200 Pro 512Gt - M.2 SSD
Adapter: ST-NGFF2013-C
Speed test: 2010 MB/s read, 2850 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.6
Location: Finland, Europe.
Issues after fresh OS install: Waking from sleep causes crash and have to reboot. Hibernate works ok.


Blade upgrade by tjdokken

Device: Late 2014 27" iMac, i7, 32GB, R9 M295X 4GB
SSD upgrade: 128GB SATA Express Blade -> Samsung EVO 970 2TB
HDD: Retained factory 3TB SATA from Fusion Drive
Adapter: ST-NGFF2013-C
Speed test: 775 MB/s read, 725 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.6
Location: Woodbury, MN US
Issues after fresh OS install: None


Blade + HDD upgrade by senseiwang

Device: Late 2013 27' base model
Blade upgrade: none -> 32GB Apple blade
HDD upgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> 1TB SATA HDD
Speed test: 762 MB/s read, 721MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.6
Adapter: none
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: Hibernation issue


Blade + HDD + CPU upgrade by senseiwang

Device: 2017 27' base model
CPU upgrade: i5-7500 -> i7-7700k
Blade upgrade: 32GB -> 512GB 970 Pro
HDD upgrade: 1TB SATA HDD -> 1TB 860 Evo
Speed test: 3028 MB/s read, 2163 MB/s write
OS: Mojave 10.14.6
Adapter: unbranded from ebay.au
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Temperature sensor: none
Issues after fresh OS install: No issue so far


Blade + CPU upgrade by gilles_polysoft

Device: base 27" iMac 5K 2019 (MRQY2LL/A)
CPU upgrade: i7-9700
Blade upgrade: 2TB PNY CS3030
Speed test: 2800 MB/s read, 2700 MB/s write
Location: France
Issues after fresh OS install: no issues


Blade upgrade by antnythr

Device: Late 2015 - 17,1 - MK482LL/A (3.3GHz i5-6600)
Blade upgrade: 128GB Blade -> 1TB WD Black SN750 NVME
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
Issues after fresh OS install: Sleep crashes system so I just disabled sleep

Hi Dobrink,
Thanks for starting this thread, it was a great resource.
I could not figure out how to add my stats to your Wiki.
Could you either add, or point me to where I can?

Also on page 39 Nikey22 mentioned the Apple OEM SSPolaris NVMe works great with no sleep issues.
I installed the same drive and have not had any problems, It's fast and has no sleep issues.

Link to where I bought it.
https://beetstech.com/product/ssd-replacement-kit-imac-27-inch-a1419-late-2015

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Blade upgrade

User: Oaty23
Device: Late 2015 - 17,1 - BTO/CTO (4 Ghz i7-6700, Fusion P.O.S.) AMD MD R9 M395X 4 GB,
CPU upgrade: None
HDD upgrade: None
Original Blade: Apple 128 GB SSD
Upgraded Blade: Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris [NVMe] Model:655-1995C
Before Speed test: Read: 1879.89 MB/s, Write: 343.35 MB/s
After Speed test: Read: 3327.39 MB/s, Write: 1839.31 MB/s
OS: Monterey 12.3.1 > Upgraded to Monterey 12.4
Location: USA
Temperature sensor: None
Issues after fresh OS install: None

Very easy installation, No Wake issues
After installing the new drive, I erased and formatted it the SSPolaris then the computer connected to the net.
It downloaded and installed the new OS. Starts up, Sleeps and wakes fine, no issues.

Might be best to move extra working file and extra storage off the fusion before you back it up.
so Time machine doesn't transfer extra junk to the new drive.
Put them on another drive or move them back on to the old spinner for deep storage.
That way Time machine only installs the new OS and working programs on the new drive.
This will keep the new HD fast and focused on processing active work.

Rxs0's posted a very detailed break down of the entire process here.
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...d-nvme-ssd-upgrade-pitfalls-and-tips.2177812/

Here is a link to the drive I used.
Even though it doesn't say so, works with iMac 27" Late 2015 just fine.
(Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris) Gen 5 PPN: 655-1995A
https://beetstech.com/product/1tb-solid-state-drive-sspolaris-661-03563

This one also works without sleep issues but it's a gen 4 and maybe not as fast as the SSPolaris.
(Apple OEM 1TB SSUBX) Gen 4 PPN: 655-1860
https://beetstech.com/product/ssd-replacement-kit-imac-27-inch-a1419-late-2015

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

 

[Oaty23]

Recently I replaced the old fusion HD, in my iMac 27" Late 2015,
with an Apple OEM 1TB SSPolaris [NVMe] Model:655-1995C;
That provided a huge jump in read write speed.

Before upgrade: Read: 1879.89 MB/s, Write: 343.35 MB/s
After upgrade: Read: 3327.39 MB/s, Write: 1839.31 MB/s

Would replacing the old HHD spinner part of the fusion drive with a new SSD provide much of a boost?

Samsung Electronics 870 EVO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-77E2T0B/AM)

Can a NVMe drive be adapted to fit in the old Spinners SATA port?
If so, would it make a noticeable difrence in speed?

 

[Oaty23]

@Oaty23, regarding the Apple 1TB SSD Polaris drive options:

-no issues with sleep mode
-no HDD (no fusion drive - limitation: 650MB/s SATA interface)
-no adapter necessary (Apple's proprietary 12+16 0.8" is used on the SSPolaris Drive)

You are correct, there are 2 1TB drive variations. Back in 2015, there wasn't a firmware module that was capable of using NVMe based drives correctly. They therefore offered a SSUBX 1TB drive that worked alongside the AHCI protocol framework. Then, after a few years, Apple finally developed a working NVMe Driver (.DXE) and incorporated that into their newest MacOS updates. We were then finally able to use gen5 devices.

The two drive you referenced above:

View attachment 2007439

Both drives will work ofcourse. I chose the NVMe capable drive. If I can take advantage of the PCI 3.0 x4 interface with firmware support, then why not? You will never saturate this interface:

View attachment 2007433

I hope that helps! Cheers.

There was a great speed boost after I Installed the SSPolaris.

I assume the fusion is disabled since I wiped the the old spinner and installed the OS and applications on the SSPolaris.

1. Would replacing the spinner part of the ol HD with a new SSD (Samsung 870 EVO) speed things up appreciably?

2. Can another SSUBX or SSPolaris be adapted the fit the old spinners SATA port?

 

[mbosse]

There was a great speed boost after I Installed the SSPolaris.

I assume the fusion is disabled since I wiped the the old spinner and installed the OS and applications on the SSPolaris.

1. Would replacing the spinner part of the ol HD with a new SSD (Samsung 870 EVO) speed things up appreciably?

2. Can another SSUBX or SSPolaris be adapted the fit the old spinners SATA port?

I answered your Q2 already here ( #967 ). Q1 really has an obvious answer...

 

[theorist9]

Blade upgrade: WD Black SN850 2 TB

User: theorist9
Device: 27" iMac, Early 2019 (3.6 GHz Core i9, 512 GB SSD, 32 GB RAM, Radeon Pro 580X)
CPU update: None
HDD upgrade: None (none present)
Original blade: Apple 512 GB
Upgraded blade: Western Digital Black SN850 2 TB
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KFRFL8F/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Speed test: See below
OS: Monterey 12.4
Adapter: Sintech ST-NGFF2013 "long"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CWWAENG/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
SSD Heatsink: Glotrends M.2 Heatsink, 3 mm
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076YZMQR5/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Location: California, USA
Issues: None. Update after 6 weeks: Still no issues.
Additional notes: Both because this device is still under AppleCare+, and because I didn't want to attempt the installation, I had it done by my local campus bookstore, which is an Apple Authorized Service Center. This keeps the device under warranty. Labor was a very reasonable $80.

Amorphous DiskMark Test
In the screenshot below, the left and middle panels show results with the stock Apple 512 GB SSD and the new 2TB WD SN850, respectively, both with Monterey 12.4 and without FireVault (the test of the SN850 has it about half-full, but these numbers are about the same as when it was empty).

The right panel shows what happens after FireVault is turned on. The sequential speeds are about the same (in fact, the sequential 1M with a queue depth of 1 is somewhat faster). [I did multiple runs with both FireVault off and on and, while there is variation, the average for SEQ1M_QD1 was higher with FV off.] However, the random speeds are markedly lower. Encryption/decryption on machines that don't have a T2 chip (like this one; the T2 didn't appear on the iMac until 2020) are done in software, which could slow things down; with the T2, it's done in hardware.

[NB: The "Monterey, v. 11.4" in the above screenshot is a typo; it should read "Monterey, v. 12.4".

Consequently, when posting Amorphous DiskMark results, it would be helpful to specify whether FireVault was ON or OFF.

BlackMagic Test
Since BlackMagic tests sequential reads and writes, FireVault has little effect, consistent with what's seen above with Amorphous:

 

[SpecFoto]

....
I have also a 2019 iMac and replaced the FD with a WD Black SN 750 - works marvellously ( #911 ). Make sure you get the SN 750 and not the SN 750 SE. Also the Crucial P5 should work well.

Received my new WD Black SN 750 (not SE) from Amazon and put it in my Acasis TB3 external enclosure to copy the existing system over via SuperDuper and make it bootable. When done I updated to the latest Big Sur 11.6.6. All went well and it works fine, but the Write speeds are really slow in the Acasis enclosure hooked up direct to a TB3 port on the iMac, see Blackmagic DST result below. My Samsung 980 Pro 2TB blade normally in this enclosure has Write speeds over 2,700MB/s.

Could the slow Write speeds be the result of using Big Sur? I remember reading there were some issues with the WD 750 that were cleared up via FW or OS upgrades? According to Acasis the WD SN 750 should be getting much higher Write speeds, see 2nd chart below.

UPDATE- Since I had wiped out the internal 512GB blade, thought I would install the latest version of Monterey, 12.4, and see if that improved the Write speeds. Unfortunately it did not, the Acasis enclosure with the WD Black 750 still has the same slow Write speeds Hooked the Acasis enclosure with the same TB3 cable to my 14" MBP M1 Pro and the Write speed improved a bit to 1,200MB/s, still about 1/2 of what it is supposed to be.

Any suggestions? Would like this resolved before opening up the iMac and putting the WD 750 in only to find the slow Write speed remains.

Thanks,

Jim