Apple Authorized Service Provider vs Non Authorized

[Bbeelzebub]

Hey guys! Quick question, I just got off the phone with my local Authorized Service Provider and the gentleman was telling me that even though they technically could put the Hard Drive I would like in my computer, they are limited by Apple as to what they will allow. I'm worried Apple will limit me to another Fusion drive even though I'm paying or a so so ssd. They also said that the pricing they charge is also basically controlled by Apple.

I'm long out of warranty. Are there any particular reasons I really need to go to an Authorized Provider other than that I trust they should know how to do the repairs / upgrades correct? There is a non authorized guy around the corner from my house who has worked on tons of computers for me over the years and I could go see him as well. For a hard drive change, I was just going to have him add the temperature cable, new hdd and clone the old drive onto it. I assume that is all anybody would need to do.

From Apple, they said they could only replace my hard drive with another of the exact same. That seems odd. I'd rather not.

Also, for taking it into them, do I need to give them my login or can I just give them a guest account? I don't want the repair tech having access to my iCloud Drive, other computer files, etc.


Am I missing anything obvious? Thanks!

 

[Fishrrman]

I recommend that you buy a USB3 SSD, then plug that in and set it up to become the boot drive.
Unless you have $$$ to toss away, I don't think it's wise to put much money into a 6-year-old iMac.
A Sandisk Extreme drive or Samsung t5 ought to do the trick.
I reckon 512gb will do just fine.

It's child's play to set up an external boot drive on the Mac.

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Helps if you provide iMac details, however if it is a 2012+ model with USB3, go with the fisho.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Agree with USB boot drive ASSUMING you have USB 3, if you don't, no need to go with Authorized. I have worked for Authorized and non and my techs were just as qualified at both - but Authorized was seriously limited in what they could do by Apple.

 

[Bbeelzebub]

I went Non Auth. Ended up cheaper this way and because of their mistake, I am getting a new LCD display put on tomorrow. (Which I already kinda needed. so they just saved me 500 bucks because they messed it even more.)

 

[HDFan]

Are there any particular reasons I really need to go to an Authorized Provider

There have been reports that Apple will refuse repairs on units with unauthorized repairs. Probably not a concern to you.