iMac 27 2013 ssd upgrade

[oscarodas]

Hi, just wondering if it is possible to install a normal ssd on an iMac 27 2013 underneath the motherboard, I have seen a lot of upgrades but all are really thin ssd drives, sometimes referred as module ssd, thank you.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Hi, just wondering if it is possible to install a normal ssd on an iMac 27 2013 underneath the motherboard, I have seen a lot of upgrades but all are really thin ssd drives, sometimes referred as module ssd, thank you.

Depends how your iMac is configured as to the ease of this. If you have a normal hard drive currently then sure it's SATA 3 connected just buy an SSD and swap them over. If you have a fusion drive then yes there is a SATA 3 hard drive and a PCIe connected SSD in there already just replace the HDD with an SSD. If you have an SSD only model then you may need some cables etc to connect a normal SSD it's still possible though.

Use ifixit for guides on how to do this

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2639+SSD+Replacement/20256

 

[Fishrrman]

Far FAR FAR easier, cheaper, faster and less risky to buy an external USB3 SSD, plug it in, and set it up to be your "external booter".

Speeds will be within 90% of an internally-installed SSD, and there's no risk of breaking anything inside.

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Even better go with a Thunderbolt external SSD.

 

[Fishrrman]

Thunderbolt isn't necessary.
Indeed, a USB3 drive that supports UASP (USB attached SCSI protocol) may actually be FASTER THAN an external thunderbolt drive.

USB is all the OP needs.
Something like this would do fine:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00ZTRY532?tag=delt-20

Just velcro it to the back of the iMac stand, where it will be out-of-sight and out-of-the-way.