Bought iMac of Craigslist, HD doesn't work - Install OS on external?

[stevedawg85]

I assumed it was an easy fix any maybe the operator didn't know how to restore. It is a late 2013 model 27 inch, I scored for $850. Dead HD and all, I still think its a great deal, what do y'all think?

Anyways, system utility does not find the HD, so I plugged in an external, and I was actually surprised this was an option for me, so I installed it! It's a spare external that'll be temporary, my question(s).

Would an external USB 3.0 be just as good or very minimal difference in terms of operation?
What is an estimate for a 1 tb replacement? (my nearest store is pretty far and they cannot give quote over the phone)
My Craigslist has an "Apple Certified Tech," where I can supply my own HD - Do I need to worry about the fan speed issues (different model/brand HD replacement). Labor is $75
I'm also considering a DIY, but same question as above, do I need to worry about the fan speed problems?

 

[cbrand493]

I assumed it was an easy fix any maybe the operator didn't know how to restore. It is a late 2013 model 27 inch, I scored for $850. Dead HD and all, I still think its a great deal, what do y'all think?

Anyways, system utility does not find the HD, so I plugged in an external, and I was actually surprised this was an option for me, so I installed it! It's a spare external that'll be temporary, my question(s).

Would an external USB 3.0 be just as good or very minimal difference in terms of operation?
What is an estimate for a 1 tb replacement? (my nearest store is pretty far and they cannot give quote over the phone)
My Craigslist has an "Apple Certified Tech," where I can supply my own HD - Do I need to worry about the fan speed issues (different model/brand HD replacement). Labor is $75
I'm also considering a DIY, but same question as above, do I need to worry about the fan speed problems?

USB 3.0 (Or thunderbolt) external enclosure + SATA3 6GB/s SSD and you're set. No need to even bother opening the iMac

 

[stevedawg85]

Sounds so easy - I think i will go the usb external SSD route.

 

[cbrand493]

Sounds so easy - I think i will go the usb external SSD route.

Make sure you get an enclosure with an ASMedia ASM1153E or better controller. That way you will be guaranteed the fastest speed possible from the SSD (with that controller people are reporting near to internal SATA read/write speeds). Depending on the SSD, it is possible to enable trim support on the SSD too.

 

[MoreAwesomeDanU]

noobie question but, shouldn't TB2 port be faster?

Im looking into a external solution for my photo editing needs, would USB3+SSD be enough or should i try to find a TB enclosure?

 

[cbrand493]

noobie question but, shouldn't TB2 port be faster?

Im looking into a external solution for my photo editing needs, would USB3+SSD be enough or should i try to find a TB enclosure?

If you're using ONE SATA3 6GB/s SSD through USB3.0, you won't max out the USB bus, so using TB over USB will show no realisable gains (maybe only minor more down to the controller than the actual bus). As I said previously, just ensure you get a USB3.0 enclosure with a good quality controller.

 

[magbarn]

I've managed to crack a corner opening my 2012 iMac (Which is essentially built the same as the 2013) so if you can avoid opening the iMac, I would go in that direction.

 

[stevedawg85]

I've managed to crack a corner opening my 2012 iMac (Which is essentially built the same as the 2013) so if you can avoid opening the iMac, I would go in that direction.

Oh wow, sorry to hear! I would kick myself for all eternity if I broke my new iMac and haven't even played w/ it yet. I already ordered a 500 gb SSD and went w/ usb 3 enclosure. Both are in the mail! Thunderbolt enclosures are too rich for my blood, but from what I read, not likely i'll notice any difference, usb 3 should be just as good!

 

[InAustralia]

For what it's worth, I opened up my iMac and replaced my hard drive with an SSD. I just followed OWC's video tutorial.

I am not technical or anything, but still managed to do the upgrade myself in just over 1 hour. I did watch the video a few times before attempting the upgrade though.

So in a nutshell, opening up your iMac is not that hard if you were tempted to do it.

 

[magbarn]

For what it's worth, I opened up my iMac and replaced my hard drive with an SSD. I just followed OWC's video tutorial.

I am not technical or anything, but still managed to do the upgrade myself in just over 1 hour. I did watch the video a few times before attempting the upgrade though.

So in a nutshell, opening up your iMac is not that hard if you were tempted to do it.

Which iMac do you have? The new thin ones - as the LCD is now one piece with the outside glass - are MUCH harder to open than previous iMacs where the glass would easily come off separately from the LCD with a few suction cups.

 

[InAustralia]

Which iMac do you have? The new thin ones - as the LCD is now one piece with the outside glass - are MUCH harder to open than previous iMacs where the glass would easily come off separately from the LCD with a few suction cups.

I have a 2011 iMac which was the last one before they went to the ultra thin design (and also the last one with an optical drive).

 

[magbarn]

I have a 2011 iMac which was the last one before they went to the ultra thin design (and also the last one with an optical drive).

Yup you got one of the easy ones. Even my grandma could do it lol j/k!