Rep: 13
2
2
I have purchased a 128GB SSD
Question
1) If I was to keep the original drive installed and install the ssd alongside what cable(s) would I need?
2) If I was to go with what I was thinking of doing and replacing the original drive for my SSD can I use the already existing cable(s)?
Is this a good question?
Rep: 479.9k
35
329
971
Here's the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: Installing iMac Intel 27" EMC 2429 Dual Drive Kit (HDD or SSD) and here is the parts you'll need: iMac Intel 27" (Mid 2011) Dual Hard Drive Kit
If you are thinking of swapping out your HDD for the SSD you'll have tow issues first the HDD is 3.5" Vs your SSD which is 2.5" so you'll need an adapter frame to hold the SSD. In addition your system uses a built-in thermal sensor within the HDD which the SSD does not have. Without replacing the sensor your systems cooling system will go wild! You'll need this external in-line sensor from OWC: In-line Digital Thermal Sensor for iMac 2011 Hard Drive Upgrade
Frankly, while a bit more work the dual drive config offer more benefits! Here you can alter the boot from the HDD to the SSD so you get quicker boot ups and yet you have the deeper storage of the HDD.
Was this answer helpful?
If I go the dual drive way do i still need the extra digital thermal sensor?
No! The HDD has it internally so as long as you don't alter the 3.5" drive your good here.
SSD's don't get as hot as HDD's but the systems heat management system still needs to HDD's thermal input which is why if you swap out the HDD for the SSD you need the in-line sensor.
Thank you for you answer
Just another quick question on my ssd drive will be the following
OS High Sierra version 10.13.3
Application Folder
System Folder
Library Folder
The original drive is nearly full so what I was thinking was transfer the home folder to my external 2 TB USB 3.0 and then I can erase the original drive and have it as spare storage if I ever needed it.
My Question is
1) Would this work from an external USB 3.0 Hard Drive
2) I have 2 Hard Drives I can use one is USB 3.0 and powered by USB the other Hard Drive is USB 3.0 powered by wired plug does it make a difference what one I use or would the powered by plug be better than just powered by USB?
First you'll need to use Migration Assistant to move your stuff around otherwise the permissions get messed up.
You want to migrate your user folder over but make sure you don't move your data over that way the OS places the temp files on the SSD.
As to which USB drive it really doesn't matter if its port powered or directly powered this gets into the generation of the drive and its size a 3.5" will be powered and the 2.5" will be bus powered.
Past 24 Hours: 0
Past 7 Days: 0
Past 30 Days: 2
All Time: 2,892
