Drive Configuration Question

Discussion in 'iMac' started by Jpalessi, Dec 27, 2011.

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  1. Jpalessi, Dec 27, 2011

    Jpalessi macrumors member

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    Dec 3, 2011
    #1
    hello,
    sorry if this seems like a stupid question but is it possible to install a SSD in my imac just to run software then use a external drive for all my everyday files? my current drive is full so im looking at upgrading n im just weighing my options. thanks!
     
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  2. GGJstudios, Dec 27, 2011

    GGJstudios macrumors Westmere

    GGJstudios

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    May 16, 2008
    #2
    Yes, of course. You can store your user data wherever you like.
     
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  3. Jpalessi, Dec 27, 2011

    Jpalessi thread starter macrumors member

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    Dec 3, 2011
    #3
    ok cool. but how would i configure it so things will automatically save to the correct drive. like how do i make my "user data" movies,pic,docs, etc etc all save to the external?
     
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  4. GGJstudios, Dec 27, 2011

    GGJstudios macrumors Westmere

    GGJstudios

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    #4
    You can always do File > Save As and browse to any drive you like. In addition, some apps have default folders defined in their Preferences, which you can change to the external drive. For example, my iTunes library is too big to fit on my internal drive, so I split it between internal and external drives.

    How to split a single iTunes library over two media locations
     
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  5. Jpalessi, Dec 28, 2011

    Jpalessi thread starter macrumors member

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    Dec 3, 2011
    #5
    ok so i did some research offline and found out how to configure the user data to save on a external drive. =) now my only concern is how will the speed be with the external hooked up via 800FW ? how will it compare to a internal hdd.? my plan is to put a ssd internal, then use externals for ALL my storage. Also how would i setup a auto back up for the external? can i use another drive and use time machine?
     
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  6. GGJstudios, Dec 28, 2011

    GGJstudios macrumors Westmere

    GGJstudios

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    #6
    It's fine, even when streaming movies or music.
    Carbon Copy Cloner
     
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  7. Jpalessi, Dec 28, 2011

    Jpalessi thread starter macrumors member

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    #7
    thanks for all the help! going to order a ssd n a nice external. =)
     
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  8. Jpalessi, Dec 29, 2011

    Jpalessi thread starter macrumors member

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    Dec 3, 2011
    #8
    ok so i spoke to someone today at mac mall n they told me i cant put a SSD drive in my imac, that i would need some sort of adapter.. anyone have any info on this? i would appreciate it greatly!
     
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  9. Designer Dale, Dec 29, 2011

    Designer Dale macrumors 68040

    Designer Dale

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    #9
    What year and model iMac are we talking about? As far as I know, I can put an ssd in my 11 year old G4 PowerBook using an adapter from Macsales.com otherwise known as Other World Computing. Maybe you're asking at the wrong place.

    Dale
     
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  10. Jpalessi, Dec 29, 2011

    Jpalessi thread starter macrumors member

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    #10
    for real! thats what i thought too! me and my bro are both looking at a ssd upgrade. my imac is a early 08 and his is like a 09 or 2010.
     
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  11. Designer Dale, Dec 29, 2011
    Last edited: Dec 29, 2011

    Designer Dale macrumors 68040

    Designer Dale

    Joined:
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    #11
    I looked further into this an it seems that the iMac is the one system that makes it very hard to swap the HD for an SSD.

    Read this article

    They have a special cable for the HD that serves as a temperature sensor. If a non Apple HD or SSD is installed the fans run full speed. There are adapter kits that let you replace the optical drive with a second drive. I remember seeing a whole section on this on the macsales.com site, but it seems to be gone. It is a bummer that it's easier to put an SSD in a G3 or G4 than an iMac.

    Here's a 2009 post from a MR member who put an SSD in an '09 iMac.

    http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=808178

    Sorry to spoil the party...

    Dale
     
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