iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428

Released May 3, 2011, the iMac 21.5" EMC 2428 features a quad-core processor as well as the addition of a single Thunderbolt port.

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Installing iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Dual Hard Drive Kit

This guide has been found to be exceptionally cool by the iFixit staff.

Install another hard drive in your iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428.

Use this guide to install a second 2.5" SATA hard drive in your 21.5" iMac. The kit will only work for Mid 2011 EMC 2428 models.

Lay your iMac face-down on a soft, clean surface as shown.
Be sure there isn't any dirt or debris on your work surface, as it may scratch the glass panel on the front of your iMac. We recommend placing a towel between the iMac and the work surface.
Loosen the three Phillips screws securing the access door to the bottom edge of your iMac.
All three screws will remain captive in the access door.
Remove the access door.

Gently slide the black plastic RAM pull tab out from the RAM slot.
Pull the black plastic tab away from the bottom edge of the iMac to eject the module(s) on that side of the RAM bay.
This may require a bit of force.

Slide the old RAM module(s) out of their slots in the RAM bay and set them aside.

Repeat the process in the previous steps to remove the RAM module(s) from the other side of the RAM bay.

When installing new RAM modules, it is important to orient them correctly.
Be sure the small notch cut into each RAM module (shown in the first picture) mates with the protrusion in each RAM slot (shown in the second picture).
Your iMac has four RAM slots. Be sure to slide each RAM module into its slot horizontally. This will prevent getting the modules stuck between two of the adjacent slots.
Once you have oriented the new RAM modules correctly, gently slide them completely into the iMac and use your thumbs to firmly seat them in their sockets.

Before beginning, unplug your iMac and lay it on a soft surface as shown.
Stick a suction cup near each of the two top corners of the glass panel.
To attach the suction cups we sell, first position the suction cup with the movable handle parallel to the face of the glass panel. While lightly holding the suction cup against the glass, raise the movable handle until it is parallel with the other handle.
If your suction cups refuse to stick, try cleaning both the glass panel and the suction cup with a mild solvent.

Gently lift the glass panel perpendicular to the face of the LCD enough to clear the steel mounting pins attached along the underside of the top edge of the glass panel.
Pull the glass panel away from the lower edge of the iMac and carefully set it aside.
During reinstallation, be sure to meticulously clean the inside of the glass panel and the face of the LCD as any dust or fingerprints trapped inside will be annoyingly visible when the machine is turned on.