SSD upgrade help please

[danuk3]

Hello! I hope you can help please.

I have recently purchased a 2017 4k Retina iMac. It runs slow, notably slowr than my 2012 MacBook Air which is due to the slow 5400rpm hard drive.

I have been researching SSD alternatives and have just ordered this drive:
Crucial CT500MX500SSD1(Z) MX500 500 GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 inch Internal SSD https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0784SLQM6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uA73AbT5XDW5Q

I have some queries:

1. Do I need a thermal controller? I’ve read both yes and no for the newer models?

2. What is the best way to save losing data as I am fully replacing the hard drive?

3. Can you please recommend the correct kit and mounting caddy required that’s compatible with my model?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Sarpanch]

A better option would be to order the Samsung T5 SSD, and Velcro it to the back of the iMac.
Advantages:

1) You keep the iMac warranty
2) No risk of accidentally damaging the iMac in the complicated process
3) You can use the internal Hard Drive for Data Backup

There is no performance gain of using a SATA SSD internally vs using Samsung T5 SSD via USB externally.

Hope this helps in your decision

 

[danuk3]

A better option would be to order the Samsung T5 SSD, and Velcro it to the back of the iMac.
Advantages:

1) You keep the iMac warranty
2) No risk of accidentally damaging the iMac in the complicated process
3) You can use the internal Hard Drive for Data Backup

There is no performance gain of using a SATA SSD internally vs using Samsung T5 SSD via USB externally.

Hope this helps in your decision

Ah that is definitely an option. I guess it’d also help with data transfer.

Once this is hooked up, I assume to the USBC port, is it possible to just use Migration assistant then wipe the old hard drive and use it as storage only?

Thanks for your help,
Dan

 

[Sarpanch]

Yea. Data and OS Migration should be straight-forward. I've personally used Carbon Copy Cloner and it worked great!

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Do you really, really want to pry open a new 2017 iMac?
If it's still under warranty, you realize that you will BREAK the warranty by doing so, right?

I suggest you follow Sarpanch's advice in reply 2 above.

Get a fast EXTERNAL USB3 SSD like the Samsung t5.
Plug it in.
Use Disk Utility to erase it Mac OS extended with journaling enabled.

Then, put the OS onto it, along with apps and your "basic" accounts.
By "basic", I mean that you should leave the large libraries of movies, music and pictures on the internal HDD.

A USB3 external SSD will give you speeds that are about 85% (or even better) of the speeds you would see if you installed the drive inside.
BUT ... for that very small "penalty", you save A LOT of trouble that you might encounter opening the iMac.

And you'll probably never notice the speed difference.

Since you've already ordered the drive, I suggest something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-2-5-...478&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=sabremt+usb3+to+ssd

Just connect it to the drive and a USB port.
You can velcro it up and out-of-the-way on the back of the iMac's stand.
You won't even know it's there.

Now you'll have a FAST SSD from which to boot.
AND you'll still have the 1tb HDD for "bulk storage" inside.