Requesting Input on Possible iMac SSD replacement

[ViennaMac]

Hi and thanks in advance.

Problem: Have a late-2012 iMac running very slow. Red Write speeds around ~ 60. Ran several diagnostic tools.

Questions: Talking to a VERY good local shop. Was thinking having a 2 TB SSD installed - but now after watching several videos am very confident I can do it. I am reasonably good mechanically with things.

1. Should I go through the trouble of installing an internal SSD? Should I just do an external?
2. If I go internal, what's a decent 2 TB SSD to go with ( I need reliability not the "best", alhtough now that I write this that would be the 'best' for me). This is for simple family use - nothing else.
3. Should I increase the RAM when I have it all open? Currently I have 8 GB, but could do 8 more. Again, we don't do anything crazy with this thing.
4. If I do, what's good reliable cheap RAM?
5. Anything else I should be thinking of that I am not? Have all tools.
6. have disk backed-up via timemachine.

Not buying new now due to $$; looking at kitchen remod and looking to conserve cash.
Thank you again.

VM

 

[stevecc]

external ssd with 16 gib memory

 

[ignatius345]

It's not that hard. I opened up my 2014 iMac 5K a couple years ago using a kit and instructions from iFixit. Took maybe 2 hours total, a lot of which was removing the old adhesive from the display before putting the new adhesive strips on. All worked out great.

 

[Fishrrman]

I agree with steve in reply 2 above.

If you plug in a USB3 SSD, you'll have about 85% of the speed you would get if you opened the iMac and installed the same drive internally.

Going with an external drive eliminates any risk of BREAKING SOMETHING during the procedure.

If it's a 27" iMac (you didn't say), you can add RAM easily via the "door on the back".
If it's a 21" iMac, I don't think you have this option.

If you choose to go with an external drive, something like the Samsung t7 (or equivalent from another manufacturer) would be a good choice.
They're small, USB3.1 gen2 drives that will also work with USB3.
You could velcro it to the back of the iMac's stand -- up and out of the way.

For RAM, I like:

Apple Memory Upgrades for Mac Mini, MacBook & Mac Pro | Data Memory Systems

DMS specializes in 100% Compatible Apple Memory Upgrades. RAM for MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, Mac Mini, iMac & earlier models, all offered with a lifetime warranty.

www.datamemorysystems.com

ONE OTHER ADVANTAGE of going with an external SSD:
You will still have the factory-installed HDD inside, which can now become a backup for the SSD.
You always, always, ALWAYS want to have A SECOND BOOTABLE BACKUP drive within easy reach.

Good luck.