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Adding USB3.0 to late 2009 iMac (11,1)

icpmac said:
Hi,

You could use in theory the superdrive sata connection to power the usb3 mini pci-e card but I think it's not a regular sata connection, but I'm not sure (i don't remember to be honest). You'll have to open and check what type of connection it has.

From the working usb 3.0 port, you can run a powered (and unpowered) usb 3 hub to have more ports :)
Click to expand...

It's got the mini sata connections... can you point me to the right sort of pci-e card?

Also - using double mounting bracket - i was hoping to run a second SSD in the old HDD space - issue being - although i have the power splitter cable for the sata fitting - the supplied data cables do not have a splitter...is there some way around this? i have found some cable on amazon that appear to split to five data cables - but i think i would have a space issue... could i cut up and build my own short sata data splitter cable?

would this do it?
http://amzn.eu/d/0Y1OR8q

thanks in advance for your expertise and time ;)
 
also... could i fit something like this into the space of the optical drive and use the optical drive mini sata connections to power it etc:

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Sonnet Technologies/USB34PME/

? if not this then could someone please point me in the right direction... (sorry intermediate ? level techie here - but a quick study)

and can anyone recommend a worthwhile accredited course in Mac(/PC) tech know-how in London/UK that
(a) doesn't 'cost an arm and a leg' and
(b) doesn't take forever (so short-term, intensive, hands-on etc)?

thanks all
 
iMacGvyer said:
It's got the mini sata connections... can you point me to the right sort of pci-e card?

Also - using double mounting bracket - i was hoping to run a second SSD in the old HDD space - issue being - although i have the power splitter cable for the sata fitting - the supplied data cables do not have a splitter...is there some way around this? i have found some cable on amazon that appear to split to five data cables - but i think i would have a space issue... could i cut up and build my own short sata data splitter cable?

would this do it?
http://amzn.eu/d/0Y1OR8q

thanks in advance for your expertise and time ;)
Click to expand...

AFAIK you can't split a sata connection, you can split the power but not the data cable. The imac 2009 only had two internal sata ports, I think later models had three internal sata ports. So, you can't have more than 2 sata devices plugged to the internal ports in that model.
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iMacGvyer said:
also... could i fit something like this into the space of the optical drive and use the optical drive mini sata connections to power it etc:

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Sonnet Technologies/USB34PME/

? if not this then could someone please point me in the right direction... (sorry intermediate ? level techie here - but a quick study)

and can anyone recommend a worthwhile accredited course in Mac(/PC) tech know-how in London/UK that
(a) doesn't 'cost an arm and a leg' and
(b) doesn't take forever (so short-term, intensive, hands-on etc)?

thanks all
Click to expand...

I'm not really sure you can fit the sonnet in the optical drive, it's very little space in there. You could in theory add an extension from the wifi mini pci-e slot to the optical drive and place the sonnet card in there if it fits, and then power up the card, but it's way beyond my tech-level...

https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Express-Extension-Adapter-Riser/dp/B01FVPITN8
 
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Hey, I’m in the process of doing this to my 2009 21.5” iMac. I’ve successfully swapped out the Wifi card, connected the usb and SATA cables, and system information is recognizing usb 3.0... my issue is the drives are failing to mount. I’ve attempted various Kexts, drivers, and patches to no avail. Before I start cutting into the case I’d like to get everything squared away. But right now I’m at a dead end. Any ideas?

My system is running Dosdude1’s Mojave Patch, and has the following specs:

3.33 ghz Core2Duo
14gb ram
Mac OS 10.14.6
 
Oh, that's a nice mod for a pre 2012 iMac. Does someone know which cards are most compatible. Mostly with High Sierra and up.

The Amazon link is dead in the first post.
 
Hey guys!

I have a 27" iMac 2011, and really need the USB 3.0. So, I was wondering: is there a way to use the superdrive sata to have the USB 3.0 there?

I mean, think about the normal USB 3 to Sata III adaptors that they're supposed to use to connect a hard drive to the USB of the computer. This one, for example: Sabrent - Adaptador USB 3.0 to SATA III

So, basically, the idea is to take off the superdrive, use its sata connection and connect there this USB 3 to Sata III adaptor. OK, now we have to think about how can we get off the USB 3 cable from the inside.

I think there must be a flat cable so it can pass through the superdrive slot or something like that...

What do you think guys? Would it work? Any ideas?

Thank u!
 
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Okay so let me provide an update, and hopefully some more clarity on this upgrade.

As in my earlier post, I did attempt to add usb 3.0 to my 2009 imac. The issue, and ultimately what led me to scrap the project, was inconsistencies in speed and reliability. Yes, this can be done! And you will get usb 3.0 speeds, but only in short bursts. (at least thats what happened to me) I used a miniPCIe to USB3.0 board, removed the stock wifi card, attached the board, and ran two USB cables down the chasi to the right speaker. After doing so you will see that the system has issues mounting drives, even upon restart, they may mount for a second, and you can even run speed tests on them. But stressing the drive causes freezing, random ejects, and just a very unreliable experience.... Now, if you are willing to delve into the world of kexts, you can try a couple different USB injector kexts, and even remap your ports. But I was unable to make the setup work consistently. This could aslo be due to the Dosdude patch, but I cant confirm or deny. To those of you more skilled than I, I say go for it and try it! But be warned.

You will also need to invest in USB wifi and bluetooth dongles
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naylom11 said:
Okay so let me provide an update, and hopefully some more clarity on this upgrade.

As in my earlier post, I did attempt to add usb 3.0 to my 2009 imac. The issue, and ultimately what led me to scrap the project, was inconsistencies in speed and reliability. Yes, this can be done! And you will get usb 3.0 speeds, but only in short bursts. (at least thats what happened to me) I used a miniPCIe to USB3.0 board, removed the stock wifi card, attached the board, and ran two USB cables down the chasi to the right speaker. After doing so you will see that the system has issues mounting drives, even upon restart, they may mount for a second, and you can even run speed tests on them. But stressing the drive causes freezing, random ejects, and just a very unreliable experience.... Now, if you are willing to delve into the world of kexts, you can try a couple different USB injector kexts, and even remap your ports. But I was unable to make the setup work consistently. This could aslo be due to the Dosdude patch, but I cant confirm or deny. To those of you more skilled than I, I say go for it and try it! But be warned.

You will also need to invest in USB wifi and bluetooth adapters
Click to expand...
 
Jake F. said:
Hey guys!

I have a 27" iMac 2011, and really need the USB 3.0. So, I was wondering: is there a way to use the superdrive sata to have the USB 3.0 there?

I mean, think about the normal USB 3 to Sata III adaptors that they're supposed to use to connect a hard drive to the USB of the computer. This one, for example: Sabrent - Adaptador USB 3.0 to SATA III

So, basically, the idea is to take off the superdrive, use its sata connection and connect there this USB 3 to Sata III adaptor. OK, now we have to think about how can we get off the USB 3 cable from the inside.

Thank u!
Click to expand...

If you have a 2011 iMac it has a Thunderbolt port. The simplest and easiest solution is to connect a thunderbolt dock to it. This will give you USB 3 ports at full speed. I bought a Thunderbolt 2 dock off Ebay for just under $100 for this very reason. Make sure the dock you get is backwards compatible with your computer.
 
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This is an old thread, but apparently still getting attention.

Here are a few tips from someone who has done the equivalent on a 2011 iMac:
1. Choose cards which have the chip FL1100 from Fresco Logic. No driver or modification will be needed at all.
2. Those extension cables (the USB 3 pigtail ones) are sometimes of lousy quality. This could well be the source for the frequent problems the initial poster had.
3. Your power routing is also important. If you tap your power from the internal SSD SATA port (which is fed by a single wire for the 5V line), then you may overload that 5V line once you plug-in some hefty USB items such as external HDD. A better way is to tap the 5V from a SATA port you are NOT using (e.g. from the DVD drive after it is removed).

For 2009 + 2010 models, you can use a similar card as in post 1, but better with FL1100 chip. In fact, if I look at the pics and the modified pigtail adapter which uses individual wires for the USB 3 signals, I think the chances that this runs reliably are quite slim. USB3 signals should remain shielded. I recommend you use the extender card, same as what I did with the 2011 model. See link below.

For 2011 models, you can't use such card, as there is no space at all for this. You need a mini PCIE extender card.
See the post here USB 3.0 for iMac mid 2011 on how this can be solved.

Thunderbolt was introduced in 2011, so iMacs prior to 2011 can't use Thunderbolt-to-USB3 converter.
For 2011 iMacs, you can either use an expensive external box (see my thread below), an external Thunderbolt SSD (even more expensive), or the cheap DIY solution in this post:
USB 3.0 for iMac mid 2011
 
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Fabsye said:
What about this amzing USB 3 connection?

RS PRO Straight, Panel Mount, Socket- Dual Port Type A 3.0 USB Connector | RS

uk.rs-online.com uk.rs-online.com
How can connect it to my logic boeard?
Click to expand...
This is only the socket, there is no electronics on it. You would need a cable from the mini-PCIE USB3 card to this socket. The cable must be suitable for USB3 and needs to be shielded.

Fabsye said:
i like this link

Photo Gallery - iMac Mini-PCIe SATA Card Install/Mod for eSATA use

Many photos from an iMac owner on installing an eSATA mini-PCIe card in the airport card slot and routing cables outside the iMac for eSATA use.
www.xlr8yourmac.com
But who want to remove bluetooth for USB3?
I use Bluetooth all the time.... any other idea?
Click to expand...
This is eSATA for a different iMac model. You don't need to remove bluetooth for 2009-2011 models.

To get eSATA, there could also be a much easier way, since you could use the ODD SATA connection and simply feed it to outside witha suitable SATA-to-eSATA cable.

Since you have 2009 model, you can simply follow this thread. You could also apply another option described here for the 2011 model. It would work in the 2009-2010, too. Maybe some ideas you can get from that.
 
With the M1 MacMini out, upgrading the iMac 2009-2011 feels like beating a dead horse. :(
But it is still an interesting and adventurous journey.

The 2009 iMac is very close to my iMac 2010 internally.
So, perhaps readers here may check my thread on how to upgrade to USB 3 + Wifi ac + BT 4.2 for 27" iMac 2010, without the need of external dongles, by sacrificing the DVD drive to gain the room for component placement.
 
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