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Model A1312 / Mid 2011 / 2.7 & 3.1 GHz Core i5 or 3.4 GHz Core i7 Processor, ID iMac12,2

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Upgrading my hard drive with SSD

In 2015/2016 it was recommended on here to add an SSD to an existing HDD using this IFIXIT guide: Installing iMac Intel 27" EMC 2429 Dual Hard Drive Kit. At the risk of being redundant, do you still recommend this method?

I am looking to upgrade my mid 2011 iMac 27". If so, I was going to get a 256 or 512 g SSD (I'm assuming that I have about 50gb for OS and applications) and keep my Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB Hard Drive. However, given its age, should I just swap it out with a new SATA drive as well? And will I need the OWC adapter cable?

I'm not looking to spend a fortune, but given the drop in prices, if you think that a different configuration would be better, I'd appreciate the suggestions.

Thanks

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I still think the dual drive config is ideal. Lets look at this from use and space.

If you have the dual SSD/HDD config you don't need as large a SSD as you'll use the SSD as your Boot drive (OS) and hosting your apps. In addition by default the SSD will be used for virtual RAM and memory paging. Here the HD will only have your data. You only need a set of cables and some double sided tape to hold the SSD in.

All in all this will be the cheapest solution and gain you the speed of the SSD and yet the deep storage of your HD with little effort with file access.

If you swap out your current HDD for a SSD you'll need more space to hold everything. In addition you'll need additional parts a 3.5" to 2.5" adapter frame and you'll need to add in the now missing thermal sensor the HDD had for the systems cooling system (SMC) to work correctly. In order to salvage your HDD's data you'll need this adapter: Universal Drive Adapter

All in all this will be a more expensive project while you'll gain the speed of the SSD it will be a more expensive unit and you still have three parts to get, and lastly you have more effort to recover your files.

Universal Drive Adapter Image

Product

Universal Drive Adapter

$24.99

iMac Intel 27" (Mid 2011) Dual Hard Drive Kit Image

Product

iMac Intel 27" (Mid 2011) Dual Hard Drive Kit

$27.99

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1 Comment:

Thanks so much. I'm going to take your advice; are there any issues I need to address if I swap out the old HDD for a new one and add on the SSD at the same time, or better yet, is there any good way to determine the life remaining on my existing drive?

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