2019 27" iMac SSD Upgrade Options

[shaunsheppard]

I have a 2019 27" iMac i5 3.0Ghz with a 512GB SSD. Sadly, it's running out of space simply due to the applications I have installed (I'm a software developer). I use external drives to store some stuff, but I really need to upgrade system disk.

I've tried to research this, but I can't find any concrete information other than it looks like iMacs use their own SSD connector, and that installing a standard 2.5" SSD drive will be slowing than pcie.

I'm happy to do the physical upgrade myself, as I imagine sending the iMac back to Apple for the upgrade is going to cost an arm and a leg and I can't find any UK prices to indicate how much they might charge either.

Does anyone know what options I have?

 

[Fishrrman]

" I imagine sending the iMac back to Apple for the upgrade is going to cost an arm and a leg and I can't find any UK prices to indicate how much they might charge either."

Apple would not do this under ANY circumstances.

"I'm happy to do the physical upgrade myself,"

First, you're going to have to find a drive that fits.
Then, you could easily break something inside when prying it open.

Might be easier to sell what you have, and buy one with a larger drive from the factory...

 

[R1PPER]

Yep as above has stated. The easiest solution is to sell what you've got and rebuy the config you want. Absolutely crazy and the reason I now hate Apple with a passion but unfortunately I need an iMac for work.

 

[shaunsheppard]

In the end, I ordered the Aura Pro X2 1TB PCIE kit from OWC. Fits into the iMac without an adapter and the whole process of taking the iMac apart and putting it back together again took 45 minutes to an hour. I've always used time machine, so backed up my system from that. Total cost was around £250.

I may even be able to sell the SSD that came out for £100, and if so, that brings the cost down to around £150.

If I sold my existing system and bought one with more storage, it would have cost me around £900.