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user418

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
I've searched the forums and googled for results but I can't seem to find the answer. All that I've read states that an adaptor/bracket is required for the iMac 2010 27" model. OWC lists available kits but they all seem to be for the 21.5" 2011 model or the 27" 2010/2011 models. All I want to do is replace the existing HDD with an SSD in my 2010 21.5" model. Can anyone clarify this for me.
 
You can't just replace the 3.5" HDD in a 2010 iMac with an SSD. Even if you get a bracket or enclosure, like Icybox, these iMacs have a proprietary temperature sensor and cable that connects to the logic board and controls the fan, without the cable, the fans go full on all the time; the solution (fan control software) is potentially harmful. The 2010 27-inch has space for an SSD behind the ODD and requires only a bracket kit, as few screws (or double sided tape) and a SATA power/data cable, the 21.5-inch doesn't have the space (it was added for the mid/late 2011s).
 
You can't just replace the 3.5" HDD in a 2010 iMac with an SSD. Even if you get a bracket or enclosure, like Icybox, these iMacs have a proprietary temperature sensor and cable that connects to the logic board and controls the fan, without the cable, the fans go full on all the time; the solution (fan control software) is potentially harmful. The 2010 27-inch has space for an SSD behind the ODD and requires only a bracket kit, as few screws (or double sided tape) and a SATA power/data cable, the 21.5-inch doesn't have the space (it was added for the mid/late 2011s).

It can be done. I'm just not clear on the bracket issue.

Take a look at this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYZLqLDx2f8
 
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