1 TB SSD Hybrid 3.5" Hard Drive

My Problem

I got an email from Apple re: Seagate hard drive recall due to failure issues back in 2011 for their mid-2010 27" iMac models. I decided to ignore it because I was too busy and did not want to lug around the 27" iMac into an Apple Store. Well, flash forward to 2016, the hard drive finally crashed on me and I had to resort to booting from an external USB hard drive.

After about 2 months into booting from the external drive, I decided its time to replace the broken drive and allow the iMac to boot on its own. Enter iFixit.

My Fix

I chose iFixit because I've had great experience in the past. I've replaced a shattered iPhone 6 screen using an iFixit replacement kit. The SSD hybrid hard drive replacement went smoothly - I didn't even need to use any suction cups or Torx screwdrivers, just a micro Flathead screwdriver and a little bit of patience and time. The replacement took about 20~25 minutes, start to finish and my iMac boots up at the fraction of the time due to the nature of the hybrid SSD drive and also really quiet compared to the OEM Seagate.

My Advice

Take your time to plug in all connectors correctly before wrapping up. I forgot to plug in the LED backlight digitizer cable and had to reopen the iMac.

Also, you do not need to purchase any suction cup to remove the screen cover. It's magnetically secured onto the base (you'll see the 8+ magnets along the perimeter of the case). You can carefully lift it up with your nails with little effort. If you don't have nails, a strong adhesive, such as packing/duct tape, will easily lift it from the iMac. Trust me. 'course if you have suction cups lying around, they'll work - just don't go out of the way to buy some for this repair!

My Problem

When Apple recalled my late 2009 iMac because of hard drive issues, I was busy / procrastinating / lazy / traveling / etc. The computer still worked, and while everything I had was backed-up and in the cloud, I couldn't upgrade to Yosemite because it recognized the serial number of a recalled HD and refused to play along. This prompted me to examine my options before paying someone to replace the HD. I came across IFIXIT online and was very impressed with the information provided, how remarkably easy it was to use the website, the prices, and the philosophy of "at least try to fix it".

My Fix

The repair was a definite success. The directions and online help were invaluable. The only technical issue I had involved the iMac HD cooling fan, which was warned about in the instructions. After installing the new drive and closing the computer back up, I had to open it again to undo the instruction for 'reversing the HD temp sensor connector'. Using some forum recommended software, I discovered that the particular new HD I installed (a Seagate 1TB SSD Hybrid) would work with the original connector in its original orientation, with no changes needed. I suspect that with manufacturing and design changing so rapidly, work-arounds in repair procedures that are needed one day are unnecessary at some point in the future. In any event, it provided another learning experience!

My Advice

Well done with your website. You have finally given me justification for refusing to recycle all those older Apple computers (I think my wife will thank you).

1) When putting everything back together I dropped the last screw into the computer innards because one of the magnets that hold the faceplate on whipped it off the screwdriver. I had to take everything apart again, but I refused to leave it loose in there. Even using needle-nose pliers to hold the screws was difficult for me because of the strength of the magnets. If there are real-world hints for solving this it would be good to know.

2) Having parts and suggested tools available and combined with the repair instructions is very much appreciated. It is truly one-stop shopping for both knowledge and function.

My Problem

My 24'' iMac hard drive went crazy and began a phase of advanced autodestruction.

My Fix

The guide is really precise and easy to follow. Some steps are a bit more technical, but the comments help with tips&tricks.

My Advice

Don't hesitate to lever the front panel of the iMac (without pulling too hard on the camera wire), because the bottom of the panel (close to the RAM slot) has a "C" shape that holds the things together.

My Problem

Original hard drive died after a lengthily 7+ year stint in our house. I figured it would be cheaper to buy a new(and better hard drive) than buy a new computer so I went for it!

My Fix

Repair process was much easier than I expected. If you have a shred of fixit ability then this will be a piece of cake for you. Just make sure you get all the tools required and a good clean work space.

My Advice

I did not disconnect the LCD connector from the computer itself. I instead disconnected it from the screen seeing as though I could get to the plug much easier there. Thanks for the help iFixit!

My Problem

My 27" iMac is five years old and the original 1 TB hard drive began to fail and needed to be replaced.

My Fix

The replacement took less than two hours. I was very surpised at how well it went. The IFixit free instructions and tools that I purchased from them were the best and I could not have done it without them. The new 1 TB SSD Hybrid is quiet and faster than the old one. I did have some problems with the recovery from Time Machine, but got er done.

My Advice

Don't be afraid to do the work on you iMac. Follow the IFixit instructions carefully.

My Problem

Someone here was throwing away an iMac because the screen was broken. I picked it and found I could replace the screen for $89. I let the original owner know, but he said it was too old for him. So I ordered some additional memory and an Hybrid SSD 1 TB drive as well. Yeah! I am now windowless at home!

My Fix

At first I was worried I bought the wrong hard drive, but then I remembered how specific the web site was; pretty sure I got the right thing. (I did)

My Advice

Check this web site before you throw something away!!

My Problem

Original Hard drive failed in my iMac EMC2134. Symptom: On boot up the machine chimed but then the drive made a clicking sound and Startup software couldn't be found, nor any of the startup services with option keys pressed! I was left with a grey screen and a flashing folder with a question mark inside!

My Fix

The hard drive repair was unbelievably straight forward. Anyone that can follow instructions and turn a screwdriver could do It. The only real issue I had was working with the two T-6 screws on the LCD connection. These were short and fiddly to handle. A magnetic tipped driver would come in handy here as the screws fell between and under other components when being replaced and I had to fish them out. Working in a dust free environment is essential for seamless LCD cleaning and screen cover replacement. I used the disk utility on an existing CD ROM of iOSX Snow Leopard to format and partition the drive and then install the operating system, security updates and then upgrade to Yosemite. Perfect, and couldn't be happier!!

My Advice

Don't underestimate your ability to fix your iMac! With great technical directions from ifixit, you can't go wrong!! Happy as a clam and now looking for other items to ifixit!

Only advice is use of a magnetic tipped T-6 driver on the LCD connection as noted above.

My Problem

I suffered slow performance for 2 years and thought the machine was just getting long in the tooth. I created a Yosemite boot disk on a USB drive. The machine was incredibly fast when running even over USB 2.0, so I had a feeling it was the hard drive. I ran SpinRite for a day and it started to show errors as well as being generally very slow. Without good diagnostics I was not 100% certain it was the hard drive, but I was almost so.

My Fix

The repair was straightforward thanks to MJ's video. The only challenge I had was the hard drive thermistor, which had lost its stickiness. I used a piece of electrical tape and I hope that will work. I think that piece of plastic might be a good offering to go along with this repair, or perhaps iFixit has a tried a trusted method of sticking the thermistor? I got a bit careless when I hit this issue and forgot to plug in the thermistor, resulting in the fan blowing at full power ... so I kind of got to do the repair twice.

My Advice

Take it slow. Have the cloth and cleaner on hand. As soon as the glass comes off the LCD will start to get dusty. Be careful screwing in the LCD connector's #6 torx screws. Don't over tighten. Deep breaths.