HDD -> bigger HDD - brand important?

Question

iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 & EMC 2742 Late 2013

Model A1418 / Late 2013 / 2.7 & 2.9 GHz Core i5 or 3.1 GHz Core i7 Processor

254 Questions View all

Question Closed

Mac @mac79320

Rep: 1

1

Posted: Dec 12, 2015

Options

HDD -> bigger HDD - brand important?

Hi, is it important to use a HDD as replacement/upgrade from the same manufacturer like it is on older iMacs with 3,5" HDD? I'm thinking of the thermal sensor (which isn't there in this case) and the hispeed fans issue. Any hints appreciated :)

Currently I am looking for an external 2TB 2,5" backup drive where I would swap the drives.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No

Score 0

Add a comment

1 Answer

Chosen Solution

Dan @danj

Rep: 479.1k

Self employed contract worker

35

329

971

Posted: Dec 12, 2015

Options

First off this is not an easy system to open. If you don't use the right tools and techniques you can damage the display assembly. Make sure you review this IFIXIT guide before you do this: iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Hard Drive Replacement. Note the first 23 Steps (of 29) is just on getting the display off! It doesn't take much to mess up the display.

OK, moving on... No, you're not limited to a brand of disk but you do need one that is compatible with the system as the newer 2.5" drive do have a thermal sensor internally which Apple is leveraging. As you didn't tell us what drive I can't tell you if it will work.

Frankly, I would just make the investment of a Thunderbolt external drive (RAID'ed)

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No

Score 1

8 Comments:

We have an Apple branded Seagate HDD inside our iMac. Appreciate your recommendation :)

Dec 12, 2015 by Mac

I would go with a SSHD my self. You have a few to choose from Seagate or Western Digital. Again I would just get an external drive Vs opening the system here if you haven't opened a 'Thin Series' iMac before.

Dec 13, 2015 by Dan

We need as much of internal disk space as possible, so 2 TB is the choice. I don't know a SSHD of that quantity. I've changed HDDs of iMac, MacBook, minis etc before, read the guide and ordered suitable adhesive tape stripes and the ifixit opener tool. Having not two left hands I look forward to this new adventure ;) apart from that which external HDD would you recommend? Seagate Backup Plus Slim, 2TB?

Dec 13, 2015 by Mac

Not many 2 TB internal 2.5" HD drives out there, how about going with a 2 TB SSD instead (Samsung). Why do you think you need so much room internally?

Dec 13, 2015 by Dan

Thanks for the idea, but too pricey. If there was a 4TB 2,5" on the market I would buy this one. We just need much internal storage for vid/photo/music. Cables and external housings are weird ;)

Do you know if the Seagate mentioned above will meet the requirements (internal thermal sensor etc) to suit the iMac?

Dec 13, 2015 by Mac

Show 3 more comments

Add a comment

We have an Apple branded Seagate HDD inside our iMac. Appreciate your recommendation :) — Mac
I would go with a SSHD my self. You have a few to choose from Seagate or Western Digital. Again I would just get an external drive Vs opening the system here if you haven't opened a 'Thin Series' iMac before. — Dan
We need as much of internal disk space as possible, so 2 TB is the choice. I don't know a SSHD of that quantity. I've changed HDDs of iMac, MacBook, minis etc before, read the guide and ordered suitable adhesive tape stripes and the ifixit opener tool. Having not two left hands I look forward to this new adventure ;) apart from that which external HDD would you recommend? Seagate Backup Plus Slim, 2TB? — Mac
Not many 2 TB internal 2.5" HD drives out there, how about going with a 2 TB SSD instead (Samsung). Why do you think you need so much room internally? — Dan
Thanks for the idea, but too pricey. If there was a 4TB 2,5" on the market I would buy this one. We just need much internal storage for vid/photo/music. Cables and external housings are weird ;)

Do you know if the Seagate mentioned above will meet the requirements (internal thermal sensor etc) to suit the iMac? — Mac