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DIY - Lets take this 2013 iMac apart and upgrade to SSD!

lightchi8 said:
Based on what I see from ifixit. The connector for the 2012 and the 2013 looks exactly the same.

http://ifixit.org/5354/a-tale-of-two-new-imacs/
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Replacing+iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2546+SSD/15758/7

https://www.maxupgrades.com/istore/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=401
Click to expand...

The pin layouts are not the same. The signals are also totally different because 2013 iMac is PCIe based, whereas in 2012 iMac the SSD slot was routed to the SATA controller. What this means is that you'll need an adapter with a separate SATA controller if you want to connect a SATA drive to it. You can't connect SATA drive straight to PCIe, it won't work.

2012 iMac
jyobgxgXHFgCNPv4.huge


2013 iMac
hy35fREFQkJXMXBJ.huge
 
Just upgraded my HDD to SSD...

Had a late 2012 iMac 27" with 1TB Fusion, then swapped the 1TB HDD portion for a Samsung 1TB SSD. No issues. The iFixit guide and adhesive kit are right-on--the iFixit adhesive looked and fitted exactly like the stock Apple stuff. Swapped the HDD back in when I prepared the 2012 for sale to a friend, and upgraded to a late 2013 iMac 27" which I received a few days ago. Ordered the late-2013 with HDD fully intending to put my SSD into it.

Some notes:

The process to open the late 2013" iMac, applying the adhesives and the placement/steps for the drive swap were the same. Runs like a champ. I know Apple advertises the PCIe as faster, but I'm happy with the SATA SSD speeds, and I have the same model SSD in a MacBook as well (also upgraded by me, future parts swap options for me, as I often do). I doubt the SATA vs PCIe speed difference would be any big deal for me, and I already had the Samsung SSD.

- I've opened and re-sealed 3x total, no issues. With the iFixit tools, I think it really is no harder than opening any other computer and working on the inside. Caveat, the small cost of the tools, and ~$20 each time for a new adhesive kit. The DIY process worked for me, but not sure I can recommend that to most people. Considering the $700 DIY vs the $1000 BTO costs for 1TB, and technically the BTO's PCIe is faster, going with your own SSD is not necessarily a bargain nor an earth-shaking upgrade. It was nice to have this choice for my setup and situation.

- After running for a few days HDD-only (no Fusion), then getting the SSD in there, I can say HDD-only sucks. Had the Fusion on the previous iMac and that's pretty good in general, nearly an SSD experience for normal use. Personally, I prefer all SSD over Fusion based on how I use the computer and what I notice, but I don't think most people would really see the extra $ for all-SSD as worth it honestly, if they could spend time and compare. Let your goals and situation guide you...

- On my latest swap I did not cut/remove/replace the "bottom edge" adhesive, just swiveled the screen up enough to get at the drive, like a hinge. I did have to disconnect/reconnect the 2 screen cables. I did not remove the speaker to access the drive bracket, just loosened the screws and moved the speaker over. You can minimize what you take apart if you are careful

- Regarding a 3.5-to-2.5 drive adapter, make sure you have a full-length one, i.e. the full form factor of a 3.5 drive. The iMac drive bracket connects to the furthest "standard screw positions". Also I had to modify my bracket slightly to make room for how the iMac SATA cable is routed (tight cable 180-degree path, and my adapter had spacers, etc). Once you have your Mac open, check out how your parts will fit together before you commit to any permanent changes. I would assume that if you are in there, you're capable of fixing up the parts as needed

- In neither case did I take the machine further apart than accessing the 3.5 HDD location. I did not bother to look for the mSATA or the PCIe hook-ups, I doubt I removed enough parts to see or access them. I look forward to someone else's guide/pictures to see what I missed out on. :) Based on a few RAID 0 scenarios in the past with Windows machines, I know I'm not interested in RAID on this Mac--backups are important though

- In short, SSD is a good choice, Fusion is nearly as good. Definitely consider SSD or Fusion when you purchase your iMac, HDD-only for any extended period of time seems insufficient for this model. I have my doubts about whether PCIe or RAID would really be noticeable/worthwhile for most people, my 2 cents... Cheers!
 
Last edited:
R.dub said:
Had a late 2012 iMac 27" with 1TB Fusion, then swapped the 1TB HDD portion for a Samsung 1TB SSD. No issues. The iFixit guide and adhesive kit are right-on--the iFixit adhesive looked and fitted exactly like the stock Apple stuff. Swapped the HDD back in when I prepared the 2012 for sale to a friend, and upgraded to a late 2013 iMac 27" which I received a few days ago. Ordered the late-2013 with HDD fully intending to put my SSD into it.

Some notes:

The process to open the late 2013" iMac, applying the adhesives and the placement/steps for the drive swap were the same. Runs like a champ. I know Apple advertises the PCIe as faster, but I'm happy with the SATA SSD speeds, and I have the same model SSD in a MacBook as well (also upgraded by me, future parts swap options for me, as I often do). I doubt the SATA vs PCIe speed difference would be any big deal for me, and I already had the Samsung SSD.

- I've opened and re-sealed 3x total, no issues. With the iFixit tools, I think it really is no harder than opening any other computer and working on the inside. Caveat, the small cost of the tools, and ~$20 each time for a new adhesive kit. The DIY process worked for me, but not sure I can recommend that to most people. Considering the $700 DIY vs the $1000 BTO costs for 1TB, and technically the BTO is faster, this is not a bargain or an earth-shaking upgrade. It was nice to have this choice for my setup and situation.

- After running for a few days HDD-only (no Fusion), then getting the SSD in there, I can say HDD-only sucks. Had the Fusion on the previous iMac and that's pretty good in general, nearly an SSD experience for normal use. Personally, I prefer all SSD over Fusion based on how I use the computer and what I notice, but I don't think most people would really see the extra $ for all-SSD as worth it honestly, if they could spend time and compare. Let your goals and situation guide you...

- On my latest swap I did not cut/remove/replace the "bottom edge" adhesive, just swiveled the screen up enough to get at the drive, like a hinge. I did have to disconnect/reconnect the 2 screen cables. I did not remove the speaker to access the drive bracket, just loosened the screws and moved the speaker over. You can minimize what you take apart if you are careful

- Regarding a 3.5-to-2.5 drive adapter, make sure you have a full-length one, i.e. the full form factor of a 3.5 drive. The iMac drive bracket connects to the furthest "standard screw positions". Also I had to modify my bracket slightly to make room for how the iMac SATA cable is routed (tight cable 180-degree path, and my adapter had spacers, etc). Once you have your Mac open, check out how your parts will fit together before you commit to any permanent changes. I would assume that if you are in there, you're capable of fixing up the parts as needed

- In neither case did I take either iMac further apart than accessing the 3.5 HDD location. I did not bother to look for the mSATA or the PCIe hook-ups, I doubt I removed enough parts to see or access them. I look forward to someone else's guide/pictures to see what I missed out on. :) Based on a few RAID 0 scenarios in the past with Windows machines, I know I'm not interested in RAID on this Mac--backups are important though

- In short, SSD is a good choice, Fusion is nearly as good. Definitely consider SSD or Fusion when you purchase your iMac, HDD-only for any extended period of time seems insufficient for this model. I have my doubts about whether PCIe or RAID would really be noticeable/worthwhile for most people, my 2 cents... Cheers!
Click to expand...

Which Samsung SSD are you using? What did you use to prop open the screen since you didn't cut the bottom adhesive? Also which 2.5" to 3.5" adapter did you use?
 
Samsung 840 Evo, my spouse helped hold things in place, and the adapter came from a previous Intel SSD purchase--it's a generic full-size aluminum adapter.

Leaving the bottom adhesive is not critical at all--while you're there it is easy to just replace that one too, if preferred/needed. If you do open all the adhesive, be careful with how precisely you line everything back up (left/right)--it is possible to misalign the screen to the body, and adhere it that way... I contemplated using toothpicks to hold the screen (up) off the body (laying flat) until I had it lined up perfectly, then to pull the toothpicks out to let the screen settle onto the body... didn't need to do that, but I think it would work.
 
Last edited:
R.dub said:
Samsung 840 Evo, my spouse helped hold things in place, and the adapter came from a previous Intel SSD purchase--it's a generic full-size aluminum adapter.

Leaving the bottom adhesive is not critical at all--while you're there it is easy to just replace that one too, if preferred/needed. If you do open all the adhesive, be careful with how precisely you line everything back up (left/right)--it is possible to misalign the screen to the body, and adhere it that way... I contemplated using toothpicks to hold the screen (up) off the body (laying flat) until I had it lined up perfectly, then to pull the toothpicks out to let the screen settle onto the body... didn't need to do that, but I think it would work.
Click to expand...

I would leave the bottom attached just for that reason alone. Can you describe in more detail the hdd modification required do to the SATA cable? Are you using a TRIM app to collect/dispose garbage on the 840 running internally? Just to clarify to do this I will need:

Apple pizza cutter tool w/spare discs

Adhesive strips

SSD (obviously)

2.5" to 3" hard drive adapter

Someone to hold screen open or prop

Am I missing anything else?
 
I recommend you follow and obtain the tools/supplies from the iFixit folks. The credit card-like tool was helpful, once you use the pizza cutter, step 2 is to slide the card in about 1/4" and twist (a gentle prying motion)--do that along the top and sides every inch or two until you've gently separated all the adhesive--again, use patient gentle pressure along the whole path, don't try to pry it open at each inch, just go around the whole edge a few times until it finally works.

If you do open it all the way and replace the bottom edge adhesive, it's easy to realign left/right before you pull the last adhesive backing off. Just feel both sides and nudge back and forth until you feel they are the same, both sides lined up--for reference, feel the sides before you open it to see how it should be, i.e. you can feel the seam between the screen and the bottom silver part. The problem would be to forget to do that alignment before letting the adhesive strip touch (can't really pop it up and re-stick it...)

You'll need a Torx driver as well. I don't have access at the moment to verify the size, but I think it was the T9 (check the guide). The speaker has two of the Torx fasteners. Phillips head screwdriver for the drive bracket. Used the same Torx to remove the HDD mount fasteners, 4 of them, screw-like on the outside of the drive, move those over to your adapter--they are what the drive bracket holds onto.

I ended up with a few extra tools, namely the credit-card things and pizza cutters. Turns out a pizza cutter was included with each adhesive kit.

UPDATE: I turned on TRIM and did the SSD tweaks on both my iMac and MacBook. Both of which have Samsung 840 EVO 1TB drives, installed by yours truly.

I can tell in use where the Fusion found it's limits--or seams--and it would have to go to the HDD, etc--not really a big deal, but I prefer all-SSD. Also, it's a 1 TB drive with 600 GB free, I haven't noticed a need to "clean up" yet.

I did not need to modify any cables, just plugged the drive in. The mod was to cut a 1"x1/2" notch out of my 2.5"/3.5" adapter to make room for the cable. Finer points on the adapter mod was that I filed the edges down to they weren't sharp, and I padded those edges with a few layers of electric tape near the area where the cable goes by in order to prevent any possible vibration/chafing of the SATA cable--I don't think it touches, but just in case, since it's hard to tell how the cable might shift inside once everything is re-assembled, turned upright, etc.
 
Last edited:
KOTULCN said:
I just received a reply email from the iFixit tech that did the 2013 27" iMac tear down.
Click to expand...
So it seems clear that there is a second port (pcle) if one buys the standard config. However if one purchases BTO with a ssd, does that automatically mean that there will still be a spare port (ATA) or is it possible that Apple can remove it ?
 
R.dub said:
I recommend you follow and obtain the tools/supplies from the iFixit folks. The credit card-like tool was helpful, once you use the pizza cutter, step 2 is to slide the card in about 1/4" and twist (a gentle prying motion)--do that along the top and sides every inch or two until you've gently separated all the adhesive--again, use patient gentle pressure along the whole path, don't try to pry it open at each inch, just go around the whole edge a few times until it finally works.

If you do open it all the way and replace the bottom edge adhesive, it's easy to realign left/right before you pull the last adhesive backing off. Just feel both sides and nudge back and forth until you feel they are the same, both sides lined up--for reference, feel the sides before you open it to see how it should be, i.e. you can feel the seam between the screen and the bottom silver part. The problem would be to forget to do that alignment before letting the adhesive strip touch (can't really pop it up and re-stick it...)

You'll need a Torx driver as well. I don't have access at the moment to verify the size, but I think it was the T9 (check the guide). The speaker has two of the Torx fasteners. Phillips head screwdriver for the drive bracket. Used the same Torx to remove the HDD mount fasteners, 4 of them, screw-like on the outside of the drive, move those over to your adapter--they are what the drive bracket holds onto.

I ended up with a few extra tools, namely the credit-card things and pizza cutters. Turns out a pizza cutter was included with each adhesive kit.

UPDATE: I turned on TRIM and did the SSD tweaks on both my iMac and MacBook. Both of which have Samsung 840 EVO 1TB drives, installed by yours truly.

I can tell in use where the Fusion found it's limits--or seams--and it would have to go to the HDD, etc--not really a big deal, but I prefer all-SSD. Also, it's a 1 TB drive with 600 GB free, I haven't noticed a need to "clean up" yet.

I did not need to modify any cables, just plugged the drive in. The mod was to cut a 1"x1/2" notch out of my 2.5"/3.5" adapter to make room for the cable. Finer points on the adapter mod was that I filed the edges down to they weren't sharp, and I padded those edges with a few layers of electric tape near the area where the cable goes by in order to prevent any possible vibration/chafing of the SATA cable--I don't think it touches, but just in case, since it's hard to tell how the cable might shift inside once everything is re-assembled, turned upright, etc.
Click to expand...

On your late 2013 iMac you have a 128GB PCIe SSD and a 1TB SATA SSD? Are you running Fusion between the two or as separate drives?
 
No, Fusion was on my previous 2012 with a 1TB HDD. When I had the 1TB SSD in there, I left the fusion 128GB portion in the machine and ignored it. Made it very easy to set it up for sale, simply reinstalled the HDD.

My current 2013 only has the 1TB SSD.

I'll keep the original 1TB HDD around as a spare drive. I would like to attach an external TB or USB 3 case for it, and hope to use one that does not have another AC power cord associated with it. Not sure that exists for a 3.5 drive, but I'll look into it.
 
Last edited:
activate said:
So it seems clear that there is a second port (pcle) if one buys the standard config. However if one purchases BTO with a ssd, does that automatically mean that there will still be a spare port (ATA) or is it possible that Apple can remove it ?
Click to expand...

would love to see confirmation of this. iFixit has shipped my new adhesive, and I have the SSD and 3.5" adapter laying around. The idea is to install a second SSD because I already had it (effectively free) and because I only got a 256GB with the iMac.
 
kansei said:
would love to see confirmation of this. iFixit has shipped my new adhesive, and I have the SSD and 3.5" adapter laying around. The idea is to install a second SSD because I already had it (effectively free) and because I only got a 256GB with the iMac.
Click to expand...

Well mate you're the one! to confirm it.
 
activate said:
Well mate you're the one! to confirm it.
Click to expand...

I am so honored ;) ! If I get in there and there are parts missing I'm gonna be so mad :p

I should probably source a SATA cable, from the ifixit teardown it looks like one will be needed. Anyone with a hard drive who has opened care to comment on that? Is it just a straight SATA data and SATA power cable, or should I seek additional special parts before tearing this thing open?
 
kansei said:
I am so honored ;) ! If I get in there and there are parts missing I'm gonna be so mad :p

I should probably source a SATA cable, from the ifixit teardown it looks like one will be needed. Anyone with a hard drive who has opened care to comment on that? Is it just a straight SATA data and SATA power cable, or should I seek additional special parts before tearing this thing open?
Click to expand...

Why do you say a cable will be needed. The youtube videos that I saw dismantling the iMacs plugged the drives straight in. If the sata port is there then it must be the same as the standard config.
 
activate said:
Why do you say a cable will be needed. The youtube videos that I saw dismantling the iMacs plugged the drives straight in. If the sata port is there then it must be the same as the standard config.
Click to expand...

See step 4 of the ifixit teardown: http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2639+Teardown/17828/

The third photo in Step 2 shows the layout inside, and what looks like a cable with data and power integrated into one plug. Are we to assume Apple leaves that in when people order iMacs with just an SSD? Same goes for the mount that apparently holds the drive in the chassis.
 
Can't help you on the SATA cable for SSD-only options... My guess is that Apple would probably not leave an unused cable flopping around loose inside the machine.
 
solsearchin said:
Wouldn't it be easier to run a ssd through thunderbolt?
Click to expand...

Easier, yes, but I think you're missing the point. Some people prefer their boot drives to always be internal.

Aesthetics and security (having a thunderbolt cable pulled out during use) are some reasons why people prefer this over an external solution.
 
PCIe SSD for iMac Late 2013

Hi,

I have already received my new Late 2013 iMac 27" from Apple.
My iMac only has the 1TB HDD. I would like to retain the 1TB storage capacity but increase the performance of the machine by installing a PCIe SSD.

Problem is, I have no idea where to buy one. Apple (or at least the Apple reseller) don't offer these SSD's neither will they take the iMac back and upgrade to a Fusion drive option.

What are my options?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
 
Well, at this point it might be an upgrade the internal drive to a regular SATA SSD. Happy with the results of mine. Since I swapped the hardware, I also went ahead and did the tweaks too, e.g. TRIM, settings. It was a small project, but the results I think were worth it for me.
 
Just Ordered 27" iMac w/ 256GB SSD

I just ordered a fully upgraded 27" iMac with 256GB PCIe SSD

I want to Rip It Open and install a 1TB HDD and Using Disk Utility merge the two to create my own Fusion Drive. (The standard Fusion Drive has a 128GB SSD with a 1TB HDD)

I want to tear it open and install a standard HDD, but I doubt it will have the SATA cable and drive enclosure inside.
Any sources on where I can purchase the cable and enclosure?
I am also concerned about what HDD I can put in. OWC says there are thermal issues with using non Apple HDD.
Can I purchase an Apple HDD online? Someone's used drive would work.

Took me a long time to hit the order button.
I have been waiting for the New Mac Pro, but it's overkill for my needs. Plus I would still need to purchase a Thunderbolt Display, which hasn't been updated in ages (I'm guessing they are working on a 4K display). I think the iMac is the right choice for me, especially if I can get this HDD installed in it.

Here is the configuration I ordered:
27-inch iMac
With the following:
• 3.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz
• 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2X4GB
• 256GB Flash Storage
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 4GB GDDR5
• Apple Magic Mouse
• Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (English) & User's Guide
• Accessory Kit
 
Snay said:
I just ordered a fully upgraded 27" iMac with 256GB PCIe SSD

I want to Rip It Open and install a 1TB HDD and Using Disk Utility merge the two to create my own Fusion Drive. (The standard Fusion Drive has a 128GB SSD with a 1TB HDD)
Click to expand...

yep, so there's a few of us in this thread in the same boat. I don't think anyone has figured out part numbers yet, even though they should be the same as the 2012 model.

It's a crappy situation. Buy with a hard drive, and you're out of luck since no one sells the PCIe SSDs last I checked. Buy with just an SSD, and the brackets/cables to install a hard drive are missing. Buy with Fusion drive, and you'll end up throwing away one of the drives when you upgrade.
 
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