Yup have 2011 iMac. Waiting on cable to do the installation. Should arrive next week
Are you going to install the SSD behind the optical drive?
Are you going to install a "120GB OCZ Agility 3" or an other type of SSD?
Thanks!
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Has anyone tried to ADD SSD to 2011 imac for HDD+SSD?
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Are you going to install the SSD behind the optical drive?
Are you going to install a "120GB OCZ Agility 3" or an other type of SSD?
Thanks!
Placing the SSD behind the optical drives requires slightly more wiring under the heat sink and there appears to be less airflow, although the ODD does have its own fan
Thanks for your remark Dresevski.
- Do you think the 2 extra wires under the heat sink will cause heating problems?
- Did you install your SSD yourself?
If the ansewer to the second question is "yes":
- Do you have any problems with the fans spinning like hell?
- Which cable did you use?
- Did you install the latest firmware on your SSD before installing?
Greetz!
Has anyone succeeded installing the sata cable to ssd-sata port on logic board, without removing the logic board on 2011 27" iMac?
I thought about buying 90 degree "left angle" SATA-cable, and have a try, if it's not impossible. Power from HDD with SATA-power splitter.
SSD-port on logic board
"Left angle" SATA-cable
I thought about buying 90 degree "left angle" SATA-cable, and have a try, if it's not impossible. Power from HDD with SATA-power splitter.
SSD-port on logic board
"Left angle" SATA-cable
I didn't take out the whole board but you need to take the screws out so you can lift the board.With some patience you can get the data cable in the right place.
I've gone through most of this thread and I didn't see a definitive answer for my specific needs so I'll just post and ask..
I want to try the ssd install on a 21.5 inch 2011 base iMac.
Will all I need is the following if i plan on just double side sticky taping the SSD to the case under the Optical drive?
http://www.amazon.com/Slimline-pin-S.../dp/B0056OB8GK
That just plugs straight into the motherboard right? Is there a guide to for the 21 inch install or are people just using the chargedpc guide for the 27 inch?
Thanks for your help.
I want to try the ssd install on a 21.5 inch 2011 base iMac.
Will all I need is the following if i plan on just double side sticky taping the SSD to the case under the Optical drive?
http://www.amazon.com/Slimline-pin-S.../dp/B0056OB8GK
That just plugs straight into the motherboard right? Is there a guide to for the 21 inch install or are people just using the chargedpc guide for the 27 inch?
Thanks for your help.
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On the 2011 iMac when an SSD comes from the factory the SSD is placed under the optical drive, plenty of room to place it there. You will also see a pressure wall that you have to route your cables around somehow to place the SSD under the optical drive. Instead of going under the heat sync I ever so slightly notched the pressure wall to allow room for the cables. That heat sync gets hot and I did not want to be anywhere near it, plus I figured there was a reason why Apple placed it under the optical drive and I wanted to best duplicate what was from the factory.
As far as what cable to use, the cable listed in #258 is exactly what you need, plug it into the empty SATA port on the back of the board and then there is no need to mess with the other stock cables in any way, no splicing, splitting or other messes to deal with.
You get the fan issues when you mess with the other cables, this method will create no fan issues and you will not need to install any kind of fan control software.
I installed a 120 gb vertex 3 and did not upgrade the firmware on the drive, I probably should have but to this point I have had no issues. The one issue I did have is I initially used the the trim enabler hack. Performance took a serious nose dive so I uninstalled that. My understanding is the Vertex 3 does a good job of trim functions on its own.
I have not done it, but I have read everything on this and other forums regarding ssd installation on imac mid 2011 21.5 . The cable you show is for 27 inch only, not good for 21.5.
You need:
* ssd data cable, which is a standard sata data cable
* ssd power cable which is non standard. Part number is 922-9862 and the only place I found that sells it is http://www.welovemacs.com/9229862.html and here http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/iMac-21-...ple_Desktops&hash=item2566344bb1#ht_582wt_922
.You can also try to make one yourself, see here https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1159154/ post #141
*Some velcro or adhesive tape to secure the ssd to the imac chassis.
The only place that has imac 2011 21.5 teardown instructions is ifixit http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac-Intel-21-5-Inch-EMC-2428-Teardown/5485/1
You surely have to lift the logicboard a little, as the sata data and power ports are on the back side of the logicboard as you can see here http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp280/dschlessman/6ce6eef9.png
I don't know if you have to remove the logicboard completely.
You have to put the ssd behind the optical drive. There is enough space there.
As I said before, I have not done it but I am pretty sure this is all the information that is available for mid 2011 21.5 ssd installation, all in one place.
If you do decide to do it, don't forget to document everything with fotos and video and post here your experience.
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Gah... that looks a bit daunting... maybe I'll stick with my 27 inch and just add an SSD to that instead... I was trying to save a few bucks by downgrading down to the 21.5 inch... but that seems like it's a little bit more trouble.
The most I've ever done was Optibay my 2008 uMBP... so this project is WAY more scary.
Why doesn't the Slimline cable listed above work on the 21 inch?? That's what I ordered and was not aware this will not work with my iMac?
What's the difference between it working on the 21 and 27? Don't they both have an extra SSD Sata port?
According to the ifixit teardown and some other guy I read on macrumors who opened up his own mid 2011 21.5 iMac, the ssd Sata port on the motherboard is like the one shown here http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp280/dschlessman/6ce6eef9.png , that is it is actually two separate connectors, one for the ssd power and one for the ssd data.
Now, the data connector is a standard Satan cable connector, but the power one needs the special cable I refer to above.
That is what I have read, I haven't opened my 21.5 mid 2011 iMac to check it but I have no reason to doubt it. Please do it and let us know. As I said above there are no other differences, just a different cable.
Although I'm dissapointed that the cable I ordered (Slimline 13 - 22), won't work in my 21" iMac... I sure am happy to have read your post because I would have cursed a little after opening up the iMac only to realize I didn't have the correct cable..
So thanks for that info, I ordered to correct one you listed that is more expensive.
If anyone wants the Slimline (at no charge, you pay shipping), I'll gladly send it to you when I receive it. Just PM me. No longer have a use for it...
does anybody know anywhere in the uk that can fit a ssd in 27 imac?
thanks guys i dont really want to try do this myself
thanks guys i dont really want to try do this myself
Yeah I'll do my best and take a couple photos. Could you specify exactly what you'd want to see?
Ok, I'll see what I can do when I get all the proper parts in... now I probably have to wait another week or two.
I won't document anything that's generic such as removing the LCD...etc.
The 24" systems are much easier than the 27" however, with all the recent posts of folks who've broken cables resulting in no boot, no back light, no camera, etc., I'd stick with having an Apple authorized repair center do the upgrade. It's usually, $65-$85 and you supply the disk.
Cheers,
Unfortunately, the instructions don't tell you the risk you take doing it. As I discovered, the tiny MB plugs are pretty easy to damage. It is possible to do right but you're better off removing the optical with the SSD. Spend $20 on an external DVD burner and leave the MB where it is.
Not dissing anyone who got it working. I know it can work but it can go wrong quite easily. Make sure you remove the ram before moving the MB if you're dead set on keeping the optical drive.
Switching to the Optical Drive with SSD means that you lose out on the 6Gbps speeds and have to live with 3Gbps. If most of us wanted that we could have just bought the iMac with an SSD.
As for taking it apart... This is normal when working inside any computer. Not really sure it differs in the iMac, sure it's a tighter package and all, but the rule of thumb when tearing apart something like this is to take your time, and be extremely careful. I'm still waiting on my SSD power cable for the 21" iMac to do the install. And I know the risks. But I plan on being really slow and not rush through it. If you can follow directions (iFixit), I don't forsee there being any issues.
Hi all,
Long time reader but this is my first post!
Can any one confirm that this cable(http://www.welovemacs.com/9229862.html) in the 21.5" mid 11 is working? Any fans issues?! I want to add the ssd and keep the ODD!
Thanks!
Long time reader but this is my first post!
Can any one confirm that this cable(http://www.welovemacs.com/9229862.html) in the 21.5" mid 11 is working? Any fans issues?! I want to add the ssd and keep the ODD!
Thanks!
This is the one. See here https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1159154/ post #82 and on. Someone used this cable to succesfully install extra SSD in 21.5 base model, no problems with the fans or anything else.
If you order the cable and decide to go on don't forget to take photos and post your progress.
NEW!! NEW!!
Here http://www.sharetuto.com/sharetuto/tutorial/ca is a guide I found for installing SSD in imac 21.5 2011. Unfortunately it is in french language. The good news is it has some new photos of the motherboard and the ports and it confirms the cabling...
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