External or internal SSD to run iOS on iMac late 2009

[mikaelsundkvist]

Hi
I need expertise here.

I want to boost my old 21,5 iMac late 2009, 1 TB 5400 rpm with a SSD drive to run iOS from.

a. Would you recommend replacing the internal drive or buying an external SSD with thunderbolt?

b. What do I need to run iOS if I go for an external solution, 128, 256 or 512 GB? (videoediting is my most advanced task. no gaming)

c. any recommended brands? Best place to buy from?

Thanks a lot. Real experience feedback is much appreciated.

/Mikael

 

[Panch0]

I think you mean running OS X rather than iOS.

late 2009 (iMac 10,1 probably) doesn't have a thunderbolt port. it's just mini display port even though they look the same. I think you have a FW800 port (not sure about the 21.5" version, my late 2009 is 27")- FW800 isn't really fast enough to keep up with an SSD, so that's not a good option.

replacing the internal drive on an iMac requires removing the screen. many people have done it and there are plenty of how-to videos out there. make sure you look at some before you decide to go forward. personally, I will buy a new system before I try to upgrade my late 2009 27" - it's just not worth the hassle.

If you want to go for it, see OWC for both compatible drives and the tools that you'll need to remove the screen...
http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=525&type=InternalDrives

Also note that this model iMac has a non-standard temperature sensor in the drive. OWC has a solution for that as well - it's near the top of the link above.

Pretty much any 3 Gb/s SATA SSD will work as long as you get the temp sensor and appropriate mounting bracket - I think your iMac has a built-in 3.5 inch drive, but it might be 2.5", in which case the SSD should fit without needing a bracket.

OS X takes very little space, so even a 64GB SSD can be used for System drive. You're lucky in that you have no need for the fastest available drive ( the 3 Gb/s SATA speed will be your bottle neck), so you can probably get a larger capacity for a good price.

 

[mikaelsundkvist]

I think you mean running OS X rather than iOS.

late 2009 (iMac 10,1 probably) doesn't have a thunderbolt port. it's just mini display port even though they look the same. I think you have a FW800 port (not sure about the 21.5" version, my late 2009 is 27")- FW800 isn't really fast enough to keep up with an SSD, so that's not a good option.

replacing the internal drive on an iMac requires removing the screen. many people have done it and there are plenty of how-to videos out there. make sure you look at some before you decide to go forward. personally, I will buy a new system before I try to upgrade my late 2009 27" - it's just not worth the hassle.

If you want to go for it, see OWC for both compatible drives and the tools that you'll need to remove the screen...
http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=525&type=InternalDrives

Also note that this model iMac has a non-standard temperature sensor in the drive. OWC has a solution for that as well - it's near the top of the link above.

Pretty much any 3 Gb/s SATA SSD will work as long as you get the temp sensor and appropriate mounting bracket - I think your iMac has a built-in 3.5 inch drive, but it might be 2.5", in which case the SSD should fit without needing a bracket.

OS X takes very little space, so even a 64GB SSD can be used for System drive. You're lucky in that you have no need for the fastest available drive ( the 3 Gb/s SATA speed will be your bottle neck), so you can probably get a larger capacity for a good price.

Thanks a lot for the help. Much appreciated.
[doublepost=1453845555][/doublepost]

I think you mean running OS X rather than iOS.

late 2009 (iMac 10,1 probably) doesn't have a thunderbolt port. it's just mini display port even though they look the same. I think you have a FW800 port (not sure about the 21.5" version, my late 2009 is 27")- FW800 isn't really fast enough to keep up with an SSD, so that's not a good option.

replacing the internal drive on an iMac requires removing the screen. many people have done it and there are plenty of how-to videos out there. make sure you look at some before you decide to go forward. personally, I will buy a new system before I try to upgrade my late 2009 27" - it's just not worth the hassle.

If you want to go for it, see OWC for both compatible drives and the tools that you'll need to remove the screen...
http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=525&type=InternalDrives

Also note that this model iMac has a non-standard temperature sensor in the drive. OWC has a solution for that as well - it's near the top of the link above.

Pretty much any 3 Gb/s SATA SSD will work as long as you get the temp sensor and appropriate mounting bracket - I think your iMac has a built-in 3.5 inch drive, but it might be 2.5", in which case the SSD should fit without needing a bracket.

OS X takes very little space, so even a 64GB SSD can be used for System drive. You're lucky in that you have no need for the fastest available drive ( the 3 Gb/s SATA speed will be your bottle neck), so you can probably get a larger capacity for a good price.

Thanks a lot. Much appreciated