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So I have a 250 gig SSD and I want to get some more storage but I don't want to buy an expensive SSD. I was wondering 2 things. 1) Can I go from an SSD to an HDD. 2) I read about adding an SSD so does that mean I can have both SSD and HDD installed?
Is this a good question?
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Your system uses a custom SSD which is similar to the new M.2 SSD's.
Sadly, there is no 3rd party options in swapping out your SSD with a bigger unit at the present time and it is a very big job to even get to the SSD slot so that is not an option for you. Here's the details in an IFIXIT guide: iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 SSD Replacement.
With that said, you still have a standard SATA connection on your logic board to mount a standard 3.5" HD unit. Here is the IFIXIT guide for getting to it: iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 Hard Drive Replacement. As you can see this is likewise a big job and requires some special tools. In addition you will need the mounting brackets, screws and special cable harness; and lastly, the correct HD as Apple HD's use a special internal temp sensor to control the systems fans. I don't recommend putting an SSD Vs a HD. But I do recommend a newer SSHD unit which will give you some improved performance over a standard HD.
OK, so what to do?
First given the amount of work and collecting all of the needed pieces will be a bit of a job (so far I don't know of anyone who offers a hardware kit) I think you will want to let an authorized Apple service center do the work as the have better access to the parts and have the needed tools. I must warn you this maybe expensive! Do you really need to have the drive internally?
Better option:
I would look at an external drive option using a Thunderbolt port connection. Frankly, a dual HD setup thats RAID'ed would be faster than most any internal HD you would put inside.
If you really wanted the internal HD I would think about selling your system and getting one that is better configured for your needs.
Guide
Difficulty:
Moderate
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30 minutes - 2 hours
Guide
Difficulty:
Difficult
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1 - 3 hours
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I had a similar issue with my 27" EMC 2639. Mine was purchased with the 250 GB SSD and I wanted to replace with a larger drive. I was not aware that the Apple SSD was a blade unit. I was hoping that it was a "normal" SSD drive and all I needed to do was to swap it out with a 1 TB SSD.
Not so. When I opened the case I saw an open area for a standard drive but no brackets or a cable to connect a drive. You may be able to come up with an option to support a light 2.5" SSD easy enough but 3.5" would need a complete bracket. Then there is the missing cable problem. Even the folks at OWC stated that would probably need to be sourced from Apple. Then there is the issue of installing the cable. The connection is on the back side of the board so you need to go thru all the ugly steps of iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 Blade SSD Replacement to get to it
If its working, just add an external drive. Its not worth the expense of the upgrade or the chance of damaging something during the upgrade.
Dean S.
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