Resolved Dual Drives (SSD + HDD Combo) in 21.5" iMac

[dlimes13]

Can't find much except for the 27 inch iMac, does anyone know if it's possible to do an SSD+HDD combo in the 21.5 inch iMac? I am currently selling off my desktop to either get a refreshed Mac Mini or a base iMac, and just wanted to know if that's possible. Even if I have to remove the SuperDrive I wouldn't mind that. Otherwise, will I have any problems changing the stock HDD to an SSD and just having a 2TB external for my data? Thanks.

 

[alust2013]

You can do that. There is an option to add the SSD in the higher end 21", but you can replace the optical and add it in the base model if you want.

 

[dlimes13]

Won't that fan at full speed issue be triggered then? These are my hopeful configurations:

(of course, I buy and install the parts myself for cheaper)

120GB SSD in Main SATA port, 2TB in SuperDrive bay (or vise-versa)
120GB SSD in Main SATA port, SuperDrive remains and 2TB external data drive

OR, if there's enough room/SATA ports:

120GB SSD in Main SATA port, 2TB in 2nd SATA port and SuperDrive remains.


Any of these possible? Rather not have the SSD in the SuperDrive bay.

 

[alust2013]

Won't that fan at full speed issue be triggered then? These are my hopeful configurations:

(of course, I buy and install the parts myself for cheaper)

120GB SSD in Main SATA port, 2TB in SuperDrive bay (or vise-versa)
120GB SSD in Main SATA port, SuperDrive remains and 2TB external data drive

OR, if there's enough room/SATA ports:

120GB SSD in Main SATA port, 2TB in 2nd SATA port and SuperDrive remains.


Any of these possible? Rather not have the SSD in the SuperDrive bay.

the first is not possible, you'd have to flip it. There may be an extra cable for it since that is an option, but the SSD would have to go there and the 2TB stays where it is. In any case, if you're cracking open your iMac, you're voiding the warranty, which is something you may want to consider.

 

[dlimes13]

the first is not possible, you'd have to flip it. There may be an extra cable for it since that is an option, but the SSD would have to go there and the 2TB stays where it is. In any case, if you're cracking open your iMac, you're voiding the warranty, which is something you may want to consider.

So the SuperDrive bay will only take 2.5" drives, right?

Don't really care too much about the warranty just as an FYI, I'm in IT and can fix something if it goes wrong (or get replacement parts, even Apple for next to nothing).

 

[alust2013]

So the SuperDrive bay will only take 2.5" drives, right?

Don't really care too much about the warranty just as an FYI, I'm in IT and can fix something if it goes wrong (or get replacement parts, even Apple for next to nothing).

Right, the optical bay will only take 2.5" 9.5mm height drives. I'm not sure if there is an extra cable or port in the models without the SSD, perhaps that's in another thread.

 

[dlimes13]

May just go this route then:

120GB SSD in Main Bay, leave the SuperDrive alone, USB 2TB External Drive (Migrate my User Folder to the 2TB)

As long as that's possible, I'll probably go the iMac route for the first time. Just don't want to pay Apple for the extra hardware, I'm downgrading spec wise from my PC as it is.

 

[pipples]

Check this thread: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1159154/