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2011 Thunderbolt iMac SSD Discussion Thread (Parts Identified)
- Thread starter mrfoof82
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It would be good if you could just fix this part of this cable:
https://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=292883&stc=1&d=1310139951
to the 4 pin SSD power port on the 21.5 mobo:
https://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=292882&stc=1&d=1310139951
https://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=292883&stc=1&d=1310139951
to the 4 pin SSD power port on the 21.5 mobo:
https://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=292882&stc=1&d=1310139951
Attachments
I think i'll make you photos next week. My english not so good.
But i can say only, that this operation really simple.
1) Connect SSD drive with right angle sata data cable with logic board (there is free port)
2) Join sata power cables like i show before.
And that's all.
I would like more clarification too. It would be a shame if anyone accidentally cut their temp cable and killed the hdd with a 12v circuit in a 3-5v spot.
Macpartsonline quotes $45 for the cable. Now, that's just a crime for something that costs cents on the dollar to make.
I've made the jump to lion, and its plenty snappy without a SSD. So I can totally wait for alienatf or someone else to share the goods.
Macpartsonline quotes $45 for the cable. Now, that's just a crime for something that costs cents on the dollar to make.
I've made the jump to lion, and its plenty snappy without a SSD. So I can totally wait for alienatf or someone else to share the goods.
(These are just figured by me - not an expert at all - playing around with a voltmeter.)
The hdd SATA female connector seems to look standard therefore pins should be: 1-3=3.3v, 4-6=N, 7-9=5v, 10-12=N, 13-15=12v.
So, after testing resistance with my meter, as you look at no refills pic on p5 (from iFixit) of the 21.5 power ports:
on the HDD port you've got, from left to right; pin 1=?, 2,4,6=N, 3=5v, 5,7=12v.
(...and checking against the HDD port...)
on the the SSD port you have, from left to right pin 1,3 = N, 2 = ?, 4 = 5v.
I bodged (and I mean bodged) a SATA power cable fitting into the SSD port - and now have an intel 510 up and running with no probs...
It is an arse of a job though - I spent the most crazy and long time trying to get my glass/screen perfectly unmarked! Gave up in the end - wish I'd done so much earlier as can not notice the few bits of dust that are there.
The hdd SATA female connector seems to look standard therefore pins should be: 1-3=3.3v, 4-6=N, 7-9=5v, 10-12=N, 13-15=12v.
So, after testing resistance with my meter, as you look at no refills pic on p5 (from iFixit) of the 21.5 power ports:
on the HDD port you've got, from left to right; pin 1=?, 2,4,6=N, 3=5v, 5,7=12v.
(...and checking against the HDD port...)
on the the SSD port you have, from left to right pin 1,3 = N, 2 = ?, 4 = 5v.
I bodged (and I mean bodged) a SATA power cable fitting into the SSD port - and now have an intel 510 up and running with no probs...
It is an arse of a job though - I spent the most crazy and long time trying to get my glass/screen perfectly unmarked! Gave up in the end - wish I'd done so much earlier as can not notice the few bits of dust that are there.
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macpartsonline quoted me:
SSD Data - 922-9861 $45
SSD Power - 922-9862 $45
SSD Bracket - 076-1383 $45
Bracket Screws - 922-9927, $39
922-6800 $39
!!!
Also, the DataDoubler from macsales, advertised as having all you need to rig a hdd into the optical bay, and as suitable for the 2011 21.5, only includes a slimSATA cable - so doesn't actually have all you need...
EDIT...
And, it wouldn't surprise me at all if the power cable (922-9862) is pretty similar/the same as other mac parts (eg 922-6815? - google it). Someone who scraps old Macs may recognise the port if shown a pic - and a far cheaper old cable may be OK to use.
SSD Data - 922-9861 $45
SSD Power - 922-9862 $45
SSD Bracket - 076-1383 $45
Bracket Screws - 922-9927, $39
922-6800 $39
!!!
Also, the DataDoubler from macsales, advertised as having all you need to rig a hdd into the optical bay, and as suitable for the 2011 21.5, only includes a slimSATA cable - so doesn't actually have all you need...
EDIT...
And, it wouldn't surprise me at all if the power cable (922-9862) is pretty similar/the same as other mac parts (eg 922-6815? - google it). Someone who scraps old Macs may recognise the port if shown a pic - and a far cheaper old cable may be OK to use.
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Hello all,
I'm new on the forum (but reading for a long time) and I want to do the exact same thing. Add a SDD in a 2011 27" iMac.
If you have any place were to buy the missing parts to place a ssd in a iMac, please let it know on the forum, I'll be watching !
I'm new on the forum (but reading for a long time) and I want to do the exact same thing. Add a SDD in a 2011 27" iMac.
If you have any place were to buy the missing parts to place a ssd in a iMac, please let it know on the forum, I'll be watching !
I just tried to have a local shop quote me on the project (to get a feel) and they called back saying they couldn't do it. At first it was the old $139 install fee plus other stuff. They called back saying they wouldn't do it, that it took a kit they couldn't get and that I should call up Apple for some help (yea ok!).
I have the necessary goodies (as seen above throughout) and hope to get the install done soon. Just annoying that a tech isn't even willing to do it!
I have the necessary goodies (as seen above throughout) and hope to get the install done soon. Just annoying that a tech isn't even willing to do it!
Seconded. I can't find any of the following online:
922-9628 (Cable, Jumper, HDD Temp Sensor)
922-9861 (SATA DATA)
922-9862 (SATA POWER)
922-9875 (SSD Data & Power Cable Combined)
I shorted the power cable, wrong pinout though I guess. Too much confusion regarding 21" v. 27" and the cabling, at least on my end. iMac is bricked, waiting to get the replacement cabling in (I have to pull everything apart - blah).
I'm just going to swap the drive and use fan control to deal with it.
I'm just going to swap the drive and use fan control to deal with it.
What, you used the pin layout I gave for the 21.5 on a 21.5 and something popped? If you did then please state so - so no one else copies the pin layout I gave.
***No one should copy it first without checking and being comfortable with it (and their own wiring) themselves though.*** That said, my iMac passed the AHT(?) and my 510 has been running no probs for a few days now.
***No one should copy it first without checking and being comfortable with it (and their own wiring) themselves though.*** That said, my iMac passed the AHT(?) and my 510 has been running no probs for a few days now.
No, nothing popped 
The machine just won't turn on. It's a 27" w/HDD going for an SSD swap.
I've been culling information from various forums and blogs (macrumors, hardmac, appleinsider, owc, etc.) and believed there was corroboration though when I shorted 2 and 7, nada. From the pinout above, it looks like I shorted 6 and 1 instead of 2 and 7. If only I paid attention to this last page first
The machine just won't turn on. It's a 27" w/HDD going for an SSD swap.
I've been culling information from various forums and blogs (macrumors, hardmac, appleinsider, owc, etc.) and believed there was corroboration though when I shorted 2 and 7, nada. From the pinout above, it looks like I shorted 6 and 1 instead of 2 and 7. If only I paid attention to this last page first
For the 27 do this: http://blog.chargedpc.com/2011/05/cable-for-2011-imac-ssd-install.html
Or get something like this: http://www.microsatacables.com/all-products/slimline-13-pin-sata-female-to-22-pin-sata-female-cable/
(Check the length of cable required on the 27 though maybe.)
Or get something like this: http://www.microsatacables.com/all-products/slimline-13-pin-sata-female-to-22-pin-sata-female-cable/
(Check the length of cable required on the 27 though maybe.)
You would probably be fine with even a 6" cable. Not much length is needed and anything over 12" is going to be difficult to tuck away. Also depends on where you want to stick the drive. Behind the optical drive would take more length...
I've added both SSD cables to my 2011 iMac 21,5" today. The data cable is a normal sata cable with one angulated plug, the power cable is handmade. I used a plug from an old iMac G5 display inverterboard. I'm sure, Apple uses only a few different plugs vom the same manufacturer. The four pin connector on the logic board for the SSD givs at Pin1 +5V and at Pin2+3 GND.
The test with a normal 2,5" harddisk was successful.
The required plug
The harddisk runs
Now I can buy a SSD
The test with a normal 2,5" harddisk was successful.
The required plug
The harddisk runs
Now I can buy a SSD
Do you intend to put the SSD underneath the optical drive? I slide mine in the gap next to the HDD below the heat sink apparatus on that side. It doesn't matter, I'm just curious what other people have done/plan to do.
So it is possible to install an SSD on the new iMac 21.5?
After those many techy posts, finally what does somebody need in order to install an SSD? Which one of the many cables posted?
After those many techy posts, finally what does somebody need in order to install an SSD? Which one of the many cables posted?
So it is possible to install an SSD on the new iMac 21.5? Yes
After those many techy posts, finally what does somebody need in order to install an SSD? Which one of the many cables posted? If the posts are too techy to read, how are you going to accomplish this most delicate of internal iMac surgeries?
There aren't too many posts in this thread, but the confusion comes because there is a different procedure for 21.5 vs 27" iMacs and some users didn't actually read through the thread before jumping in.....
The main thrust of the iMac 21.5 SSD addition is on Page 4.
I bought my 21.5" (not for 27.5:") iMac SSD cables from Apple Components (though they may not be available there right now):
The data cable appears to be standard, the power cable is proprietary, but could easily be made up if you have the skills. I think the pin-out match up is posted in this thread somewhere, although I could likely provide the key at some point.
The main difficulty is the "delicate" removal of the CPU to get to the Superdrive, under which are mounting posts for special plates (which you need to make yourself) to mount the SSD where Apple intended. Secure velcro could mount the SSD elsewhere if you trust it not to fail eventually.
I'm providing this info WITHOUT having done the procedure myself yet. I just received my cables and haven't had a chance. And it may be a couple weeks before I get to it. When I do, I'll try to document by photograph or video.
You mean the logicboard?
I will be waiting to test the cables and document the procedure. I have a base model 2011 21.5 imac and am thinking of adding an ssd in the future (when the prices get down)!!
Yes the logicboard (or motherboard), not just the CPU.
Are the prices going down??? CAD$1200 seemed pretty good to me for a base iMac.
After waiting for the new mac mini, i think iMac 21.5 base model is a better buy (for $200 more) than a newly introduced Mac Mini. But can't imagine running anything without an SSD.
For iMac 21.5 2011 Model,
1. SSD Data ( 922-9861 $45) - This part is standard sata cable and can be had for as little as $2, right?
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-Righ...8UI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311242081&sr=8-1
2. SSD Power (922-9862 $45) - it is better to spend $45 if you are not sure of pins
Alternatively, the part number 922-6815 may work, which is as cheap as $9 ( This is not confirmed yet to see it will work).
http://www.powerbookmedic.com/iMac-G5-20-Hard-Drive-Power-Cable-p-17846.html
3. & 4. Bracket, screws etc can be custom made
To summarize, the main issue is SSD power. So, if we get 922-9862 $45 ( or $9 for 922-6815 if anyone can confirm if it will work), we will be able to add extra SSD in addition to the standard HDD. If this assumption is correct, I am going to get an iMac 21.5 base. There are some machines under refurbished section as well, for even more savings.
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I've added both SSD cables to my 2011 iMac 21,5" today. The data cable is a normal sata cable with one angulated plug, the power cable is handmade. I used a plug from an old iMac G5 display inverterboard. I'm sure, Apple uses only a few different plugs vom the same manufacturer. The four pin connector on the logic board for the SSD givs at Pin1 +5V and at Pin2+3 GND.
The test with a normal 2,5" harddisk was successful.
Now I can buy a SSD
When you tried the normal 2.5 HDD did you notice any problem with the fans? Did you leave the drive for some time connected? Did you try the hardware test?
I found the original power cable here for $39.95 (extremely expensive).
I used the 2,5" HDD only for a cable test and I tested it without the internal screen, so the fans was already running at full speed
I didn't try the hardware test.