Got bad blocks showing on my internal HDD, sadly. Not the boot drive, but the optional 1TB extra internal that was part of the original BTO. I'm skilled enough to be able to change screens and batteries on iPhones - is it the same kind of level of difficulty anyone? Thanks!
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How hard is replacing an internal HD? (iMac mid 2011)
- Thread starter meady100
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I'm no expert, but I was able to change the hard disk on a pre-2012 iMac with no real issues, I just watched a couple of youtube videos, made sure I had plenty of space and took it slow. Slightly easier than the modern designs as the screen is not taped to the chassis
I replaced the internal 2tb HDD from my late 2015 iMac, which has the screen glued to the chassis. Since you have a model without glue (good), all you need is the fitting screwdriver, a SATAII (or even v.III) SDD and like 30min Of your time. You should be able to do this by yourself. Enjoy!
If you can do that on iPhones, then yes, you can do the imac. Just be sure to have a good guide on the side, as there are little less than 20 connectors that needs to be moved around, and as many small screws.
Tip 1: Remove the glass using your finger nails, as it is easier than using sucktion cups.
Tip 2: After unscrewing the screen, be careful with the first connector, as the wire isn't very long, so only tilt the screen ~20°.
Tip 3: Getting the motherboard back into place takes a bit of wiggling, and the right angle. Be sure to remove memory before you start.
Tip 1: Remove the glass using your finger nails, as it is easier than using sucktion cups.
Tip 2: After unscrewing the screen, be careful with the first connector, as the wire isn't very long, so only tilt the screen ~20°.
Tip 3: Getting the motherboard back into place takes a bit of wiggling, and the right angle. Be sure to remove memory before you start.
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If it's a 27 inch 2011 iMac there's only two places for a drive. The HDD sits in the upper middle area above the logic board and the SSD sits behind the optical disk drive.
I replaced the hard drive in my pop's 2011, and it was pretty easy overall. I would say the suction cups make things a lot easier personally, and I'd advise you to have a clean place to put the glass down so you don't end up with trapped dust. Another person helping you with handing you tools and stuff makes a difference as well.
In the end I ended up losing one of the screws in the bottom, but couldn't be arsed to disassemble it again to get at it. If you don't have a magnetic screwdriver, the business will be a lot harder.
In the end I ended up losing one of the screws in the bottom, but couldn't be arsed to disassemble it again to get at it. If you don't have a magnetic screwdriver, the business will be a lot harder.
Thank you for these excellent pointers!
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Wow impressive! and thank you!
The only suggestion I would add is make sure you have the appropriate tools. Watch the videos, and you'll know if you're set there.
Anytime you self repair you have to accept there's the possibility you'll fail. I don't think it's likely based on your iphone experience. However, you have to at least accept and be prepared for the possibility it can happen.
Anytime you self repair you have to accept there's the possibility you'll fail. I don't think it's likely based on your iphone experience. However, you have to at least accept and be prepared for the possibility it can happen.
iFixit has an european store and sell a complete 2011 iMac harddrive kit.
Don;t think I havent considered it! But in the end, it's just to much of a risk on it going bad again, i think
Swap it with ODD sensor if you want official control.
Use Mac Fan Control other wise.
You can also make one. Just a transistor plug in the jack, and stick it to the SSD.