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Model A1311 / Mid 2011 / 2.5 & 2.7 GHz Core i5 or 2.8 GHz Core i7 Processor

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Main hard drive replacement with ssd drive.

I am considering replacing only, my main hard drive in my mid 2011 iMac, model 12.1.

I'm wanting to use the following product from OWC.

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/KITI...

My problem, is it does not show how to use the drive adapter for the smaller SSD drive, how to properly hook up the thermal cables. I have looked for an answer on line or guide, and I cannot tell, when placing the adapter drive holder in, when and where to hook up their thermal cable to it on the ssd, or the drive adapter itself.

They are only showing how to do it if you are replacing it with another HDD drive.

I cannot find a guide, a video or instructions on how to do that anywhere on the Internet.

Would anybody have a link to a video showing the proper way to do that or even instructions or a simple guide?

Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated .

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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The adapter adjusts the size difference between the 2.5" SSD drive and your current 3.5" HDD. Basically, it's a filler. Once you open your mac up following this IFIXIT guide: iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Hard Drive Replacement. Jump down to Steps 10 thru 13 which gets into the removal of the HD. This is where you'll place the filler with the SSD mounted emulating the HD's position.

The in-line thermal sensor plugs into the SATA cable of the system and then it then plugs into the frame's SATA connection. The sensor tail is then adhered to the SSD at its hottest location on the metal case near the SATA connector.

Now that you have a better idea on how the SSD is mounted replacing your original HDD. How about altering your plan and instead add the SSD as a second drive. While it's a bit more work it does offer more benefit! Review this IFIXIT guide: Installing iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Dual Drive Kit Here we're able to leverage the spare SATA connection this system has. All you'll need are these parts iMac Intel 21.5" (Mid 2011) Dual Hard Drive Kit

iMac Intel 21.5" (Mid 2011) Dual Hard Drive Kit Image

Product

iMac Intel 21.5" (Mid 2011) Dual Hard Drive Kit

$27.99

iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Hard Drive Image

Guide

iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Hard Drive Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

—

45 minutes - 1 hour
iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Dual Drive Kit Image

Guide

Installing iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Dual Drive Kit

Difficulty:

Difficult

—

1 - 4 hours

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That's the answer I was looking for, I thought as much but could find nothing to prove my theory. Thanks for your assistance

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Most people seem to just replace the optical drive with a 2nd SSD Drive.

Installing iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Dual Drive Kit

You can change the primary drive from standard 3.5" to SSD using a 3.5" caddy.

Comments at the bottom of the hard drive replacement page mention installing SSD

iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Hard Drive Replacement

iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Hard Drive Image

Guide

iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Hard Drive Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

—

45 minutes - 1 hour
iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Dual Drive Kit Image

Guide

Installing iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Dual Drive Kit

Difficulty:

Difficult

—

1 - 4 hours

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Yes, that's what I understood, I just don't feel like moving the logic board. A 1 TB internal hard drive, is more than sufficient, as I store everything, well everything as in large media files, pictures, software on external drives.

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Pete will be eternally grateful.
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