Guide: Replace the Hard Drive in your 27" iMac Slim

[tubeexperience]

I am sure many of you want a 1TB Solid State Drive in your 27" iMac (Slim Unibody), but don't want pay Apple another $900 for the privilege. Well, I have good news: you can do it yourself and save over $650! It's super-simple: I did six of these upgrades in one day.

Note: applies to all 27" iMacs 2012 & Later

Guide:

Late 2012: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2546+Hard+Drive+Replacement/15796

Late 2013: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2639+Hard+Drive+Replacement/19643

Late 2014 and Early 2015: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Display+Hard+Drive+Replacement/30522

Videos:

Hardware:

Hard Drive/SSD (eg. Samsung 850 EVO 2.5"): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820147374

Budget alternative SSD (Crucial MX300): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820156152

Budget alternative SSD (Toshiba OCZ TR150): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820228144

OWC 2.5" to 3.5" Driver Converter Bracket: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/ADPTADRV/

Installation kit and tools:

Note 1: In-line Digital Thermal Sensor Cable (included in OWC's Kit) is absolutely required. It relays information about the temperature of the hard drive back to the computer.

Note 2: Not everything is required. Only buy what you need.

OWC Drive Upgrade/Installation Kits (Complete Kit):
https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIYIMACHDD12/

(Optional)

OWC Drive Upgrade/Installation Kits (Mounting and Cable only Kit):
https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD12/

iFixit iMac Opening Wheel:
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/iMac-Opening-Wheel/IF145-219-4

iFixit Plastic Cards:
https://www.ifixit.com/Tools/Plastic-Cards/IF145-101

iFixit iMac Service Wedge:
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/iMac-Service-Wedge/IF145-224

iFixit Spudger:
https://www.ifixit.com/Tools/Spudger/IF145-002

iFixit TR9 Torx Security Screwdriver:
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/TR9-Torx-Security-Screwdriver/IF145-227-3

iFixit TR10 Torx Security Screwdriver:
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/TR10-Torx-Security-Screwdriver/IF145-080-3

iFixit Adhesive Strips (include iMac Opening Tool):
https://www.ifixit.com/Apple-Parts/iMac-Intel-27-Inch-EMC-2546-Adhesive-Strips/IF174-005-1

 

[varian55zx]

But this will void your warranty, doesn't it?

 

[tubeexperience]

But this will void your warranty, doesn't it?

Not unless you broke something in the process. (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act)

 

[tubeexperience]

#Fail

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

Curious if anyone knows why they stopped selling the 'service wedge', their part number 'IF145-224-1'.

It looks like an awesome helper for working with the new iMac configurations, but it's gone 404 on their website.

 

[DeltaMac]

iFixit site says they no longer sell the "foam" service wedge, but they also sell a cardboard wedge that you can use.

iMac Intel 27" Cardboard Service Wedge

This custom fit wedge supports your iMac display during repairs.

www.ifixit.com

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

iFixit site says they no longer sell the "foam" service wedge, but they also sell a cardboard wedge that you can use.

iMac Intel 27" Cardboard Service Wedge

This custom fit wedge supports your iMac display during repairs.

www.ifixit.com

I saw that in one of their kits, and wasn't sure what it was. I wonder if the original was too expensive, or too much like an Apple part...

Thanks for the clarification. I'll check it out.

 

[DeltaMac]

I used a "wedge" when I worked at an AASP, but never bought one for myself.
When I work on one of those iMacs, I just roll up a towel, or fold it into a pad, and stuff it into the area between the "foot" and the back panel. All you are needing is something that will limit the movement of the hinge. If it doesn't stay in place, I secure it with a velcro strap. It gets the job done for me.