2008 iMac upgrade question...

[greenmonk]

So I just got my parent's 2008 iMac. The only problem is the hard drive doesn't work. No biggie! My plan is to put in an SSD anyways. After seeing the difference it made in my 2008 MB, this wasn't even a question for the iMac. The issue is that I want to also have storage space, so I would like to add a 2TB hard drive. I've also been reading about people making their own fusion drives, so I'm considering that too.

My question is if I can install both into the iMac in the configuration I'm considering. I know it's possible to install if I get a laptop size 2TB drive, but I want to keep it at 7200rpm, so that's not really possible for a reasonable price. I was wondering if I could put the 3.5" 2TB drive in the spot where the original HD is located and put the SSD where the optical drive is. What I want to do though is connect the 2TB drive to the optical drive connector (since it will be the slower of the two connectors) and the SSD to the original HD connector. I hope that make sense.

First, is that possible? Second, what connectors/adapters would I need? Any help or suggestions would be great!

Normally, I'll open stuff up myself and figure it out, but I don't want to leave it open if I have to wait for some small parts from Amazon. I was hoping someone on here has already done what I'm wanting to do and can help.

 

[iamvexed]

There are kits for doing this. Here is one example. You might be able to do something with OWC's data doubler, or find a cheaper bracket on ebay. I don't know of anyone who's done this to an iMac, and I don't mean to be recommending that you take any particular route. I'm just offering a couple directions you might look.

Good luck, and if you get things to work, it'd be great to let us know what you did!

 

[Brian33]

I've been reading up in preparation for my own 2008 iMac upgrade, and I haven't come across anyone who has done what you propose. It seems like it might be possible, if you could extend the wires and find a PATA->SATA converter that would fit (somewhere).

I've got a 24" "Early 2008" 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo (see this page at everymac.com). If yours is like mine, it has a SATA II connector where the original HD is, and a PATA connector where the optical drive is. I'm planning on using this iFixit adapter to put a 2.5" 7200 1TB drive where the optical was, and the SSD will go where the original HD was. Then I'll use the Terminal commands to create my own Fusion drive.

It sure would be nice to put a 3.5" HDD in there, but I'm afraid I'm not adventurous enough to expect to be able to swap the interfaces between the HDD and optical bays! I'd love to hear what you think once you get the iMac open.