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Failed Hard Drive Late 2012 iMac 27inch

jkrarup -

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 Adhesive Strips Replacement

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 Adhesive Strips Replacement

30 minutes - 2 hours

Moderate

My Problem

The problem started with the bootcamp partition having damaged system files. I initially resolved by reinstalling Windows. This lasted for a bit but then it started having problems again. This time the OS X side stated having problems. It would startup since the OS was on the SSD of the fusion drive but data drive (started clicking) was an issue.

My Fix

By slowing using the iMac screen removal tool and the suction cups I was able to separate and pivot the glass screen up in order to remove the failed drive. Following iFixit's guides made the repair a breeze. I have fixed a few broken iPhone/iPod screens so I am not a complete novice and this was even easier then working on the tiny screws, etc. in the mobile devices. I took my time and was careful not to damage the large glass so it took about 1 1/2 hours to complete, including starting the iMac before completely closing up the screen.

I bought the replacement Hard Drive on Amazon and for about $30 more ended up adding an additional 1 terabyte.

My Advice

Take your time in separating the glass from the case. I used old used gift/gas cards to help in the separation. Instead of completely separating the screen I just pivot it up on the bottom edge and used a flat cardboard box to prop it up. This saved me time in the reassembly. Also make sure the power wire to the speaker is completely separated from the track in the speaker before removing the speaker.

Does anyone know how I can recover some of the data from the failed clicking hard drive or is this any impossible task since it was part of the fusion drive?

Heavy-Duty Suction Cups (Pair) Image
Heavy-Duty Suction Cups (Pair)

$14.95

iMac Intel 27" (2012-2019) Adhesive Strips Image
iMac Intel 27" (2012-2019) Adhesive Strips

$19.99

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