iMac 21.5" i3 + Momentus XT?

[Johnf1285]

Hello everyone. I wanted to get a few opinions on an idea I am considering.

I recently picked up a brand new iMac i3 21.5" with Applecare. I am considering giving it a nice performance boost with a 500gb Momentus XT drive.

I have been considering SSD again, but the cost vs storage is a bit much for me. Not to mention I've been turned off from them greatly after having a 240gb Vertex II turn into a brick after 2 months... The Momentus XT seems like a nice value for what it offers, and with the latest firmware (SD24 I believe?), it seems to have quelled the spinning up / spinning down issues.

From what I found in other iMacs I have installed this drive into, the factory Seagate sensor does not play nicely with the Momentus XT. A thermistor, like the one used on the iMac LCD sensor, will probably be used to control the fan speed.

I have been inside of a few iMac's before, but this time around I am torn as this thing is a few days old....


1. Do I pop it open carefully in an attempt to preserve its warranty and plop this hard drive in?

2. Do I keep it sealed and untouched?


Looking for opinions. Like I said, I've been inside of a few different glass and aluminum iMac's, even this same model ('09), but not one so new, AND with Applecare.

 

[Hellhammer]

Warranty is not voided unless you break something. It's advised to put back the original parts if you're sending it to Apple

 

[CopyCatz]

Hello everyone. I wanted to get a few opinions on an idea I am considering.

I recently picked up a brand new iMac i3 21.5" with Applecare. I am considering giving it a nice performance boost with a 500gb Momentus XT drive.

I had one of those xt's lying around so I mounted it in my 13 inch MBP. The vibration was horrible, couldnt rest my palms on the device anymore. I'm going to get an iMac soon but I'm afraid it will generate an annoying hum at the least

 

[Johnf1285]

Yeah I agree with Hellhammer... I've been inside a few before and have been extremely careful...

I am receiving that RMA'd OCZ Vertex 2 240gb sometime during the week and I am considering selling it and picking up a OWC 240gb instead.... My storage needs are modest... I can't recall ever having over 100gb's on a disk at any given moment... but I appreciate the extra room..

I wan't something quiet and reliable.

So I guess option 3, OWC 240gb as my only disk?

 

[Johnf1285]

Answered my own question. Bought a mounting bracket and OWC 240gb... Should see it mid to late this week! Will post pictures!

 

[yoak]

I had one of those xt's lying around so I mounted it in my 13 inch MBP. The vibration was horrible, couldnt rest my palms on the device anymore. I'm going to get an iMac soon but I'm afraid it will generate an annoying hum at the least

Just put one in my 15" MBP, I have hardly any vibration at all. No more than my previous WD 640GB Blue.
I´m sure it will be great in an iMac, then again the SSD would be the ultimate

 

[Johnf1285]

Putting my plans on hold.

One of two things will occur

A - I sell the iMac within 2 years or so and upgrade
B - I upgrade to SSD when prices drop, once the warranty expires.

At this time after a week long mental debate, I decided I don't feel like taking the computer apart. Plus its really annoying to keep dust out. On a three year old machine I wouldn't care as much if I was to open it. Thanks all!