Hi Best buy has the previous gen 27" iMac on sale with 1TBHD for 1299, 1TB Fusion HD for $1499 and 2TB Fusion HD $1799. I really like the 27" screen but want to modify the HD. I would like to add an SSD and upgrade the storage HD To 3tb+. I wanted to know is this possible with these or am I out of options? If it is possible, which model would be the best to make these additions to. Thanks.
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Adding SSD to iMac
- Thread starter rimmi2002
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Pretty advanced sort of a job cracking the iMac open as it comes pre-glued.
Suggest the cheapest one, install a 512GB PCI-e Flash Drive and use the 3TB as an external. Go check ifixit.com for tear downs.
Suggest the cheapest one, install a 512GB PCI-e Flash Drive and use the 3TB as an external. Go check ifixit.com for tear downs.
You can only replace the HDD with a SATA SSD but don't keep both of them and also need a new special temperature sensor for it.
The Socket for the Fusion Drive's much faster PCIe SSD is empty (HDD only), has only a 24GB one (1TB Fusion) or 120GB (2/3TB Fusion) in the Late 2015 and I think it's a propriety Apple socket where non of the common 3rd party PCIe SSDs fit in. There are some that fit but you won't really save money with those and they might be slower.
If you buy one with PCIe Flash Storage only (256GB or more) there might not even be a SATA connector to put in a second drive. But I am not sure with that.
It's also very risky to damage something just by removing the display and of course your warranty is lost by the time you open the iMac. Even certified Apple Resellers don't offer an HDD to SSD upgrade for iMacs from 2012 and later.
Just have a look at the already mentioned iFixit website if it's really worth the time and effort:
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iMac_Intel_27"_Retina_5k_Display
The Socket for the Fusion Drive's much faster PCIe SSD is empty (HDD only), has only a 24GB one (1TB Fusion) or 120GB (2/3TB Fusion) in the Late 2015 and I think it's a propriety Apple socket where non of the common 3rd party PCIe SSDs fit in. There are some that fit but you won't really save money with those and they might be slower.
If you buy one with PCIe Flash Storage only (256GB or more) there might not even be a SATA connector to put in a second drive. But I am not sure with that.
It's also very risky to damage something just by removing the display and of course your warranty is lost by the time you open the iMac. Even certified Apple Resellers don't offer an HDD to SSD upgrade for iMacs from 2012 and later.
Just have a look at the already mentioned iFixit website if it's really worth the time and effort:
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iMac_Intel_27"_Retina_5k_Display
It may be risky to remove the display, but you can just pay an authorized repair center to do the work. I just had my fusion drive in my 2012 iMac replaced with an Aura Pro 6g blade ssd. It was done by an authorized repair center, and they didn't even bat an eye.