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Model A1311 / Mid 2010 / 3.06 & 3.2 GHz Core i3 or 3.6 GHz Core i5 Processor

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Is it worth Upgrading? Need Help.

Hey Everyone,

My hard drive is failing in my 21.5" iMac Mid 2010 , I’m thinking of replacing the failing drive with a brand new SSD.

I have done research on what I need to buy and do. I just feel like if my ability is adequate enough. I am 15 and I have done software related repairs and I would say I know my way around a computer. However I have never attempted anything hardware related.

Would it be a good idea to attempt this install I linked? Any feedback would honestly be greatly, greatly appreciated.

OWC Tutorial: How to Upgrade the 3.5-inch Main Drive in a 21.5-inch iMac Mid 2010 (Updated)

I guess it also just boils down to if this entire thing is worth doing, like would I be able to further use the machine for 3+ years? If the performance boost is minimal then I might not do it as I do rely on the machine.


Answer this question I have this problem too

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Upgrading to a SSD is not overly hard, you do need to be careful on the which drive you go with. Remember this system only has a SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) interface so you do need to make sure you only put in a Fixed SATA II drive or one that is able to adjust its I/O speed to match it. Review the drives spec sheet before you buy it. Does it list SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) or is it a SATA III (6.0 Gb/s) drive which doesn’t list SATA II support?

I do recommend upgrading the RAM to at least 8 GB, 16 is better!

Do keep in mind the highest this system can support for macOS is High Sierra, frankly, I would stick with Sierra as it runs better with HFS+ than APFS file system High Sierra forces onto you.

As far as is it worth it - I think for school work its a great system! It’s not a heavy duty gamers system if that was what you were looking for. It will give you what you need to write your term papers and other school projects.

Save your pennies as you’ll likely want a iPad or MacBook air when you are ready for collage!

Did you say you are going to be an electrical engineer? Or was that a medical doctor! ;-}

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