Install SSD myself or void warranty?

Discussion in 'iMac' started by macstatic, Aug 19, 2012.

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  1. macstatic, Aug 19, 2012

    macstatic macrumors 65816

    macstatic

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    #1
    I'm awaiting the iMac updates and understand that buying it with a pre-installed SSD drive is very expensive compared to buying from other sources (like memory).

    The big question is if I can install an SSD drive myself or will this void the warranty?
     
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  2. miles01110, Aug 19, 2012

    miles01110 macrumors Core

    miles01110

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    #2
    On the iMacs hard drives are not user-replaceable, so it is grounds for refusing service under Applecare.
     
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  3. GoCubsGo, Aug 19, 2012

    GoCubsGo macrumors Nehalem

    GoCubsGo

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    #3
    But many people do replace their drives and just swap them back if anything happens and they need service. If you damage the machine whilst doing it though you're completely SOL.
     
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  4. turtlez, Aug 19, 2012

    turtlez macrumors 6502a

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    #4
    the only time I would get an ssd that wasn't installed by apple would be from otherworld computing because they match the warranty.
     
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  5. macstatic, Aug 23, 2012

    macstatic thread starter macrumors 65816

    macstatic

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    #5
    I'd go for Otherworld computing if I lived in the States, which I don't.

    How difficult (and risky) is it to open up the iMac and install an SSD myself?
     
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  6. zhenya, Aug 23, 2012

    zhenya macrumors 603

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    #6
    It's not that hard if you have some experience putting together computer parts or other electrical/mechanical experience. I just put a SSD in my 24" imac, and with the ifixit guide, it wasn't bad and took about 40 minutes start to finish (I had already cloned the drive).

    I skipped the last step and did not disconnect the LCD cable because it was taking more effort than I was comfortable with to remove it, and I could still replace the drive. If you aren't comfortable knowing when to say when, so to speak, I'd skip this project. Otherwise it's fully DIY.
     
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  7. macstatic, Aug 23, 2012

    macstatic thread starter macrumors 65816

    macstatic

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    #7
    I suppose this is the iFixit guide you're referring to.
    I have lots of experience opening/putting together electronic devices, but trying to replace a worn out CCFL backlight in my Powerbook G4's screen was a rather unpleasant experience as I wrecked a perfectly good LCD display. Then again this involved actually opening up the LCD component itself! How stupid not to make those backlight easily replaceable, but then again they'd miss selling a replacement LCD (that's green thinking for you!).
    I assume inserting a 2nd drive in the iMac is nothing as risky as that though.

    Is it a challenge to perform the "surgery" in a way that won't leave any traces of "tampering" in case of warranty issues?
     
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  8. Reaktor5, Aug 23, 2012

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    Reaktor5

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    #8
    If you bring it to an Authorized Apple Specialist to have it installed, does that void your AppleCare?
     
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  9. zhenya, Aug 23, 2012

    zhenya macrumors 603

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    #9
    Similar to that one, but mine was 24" and I was replacing the main drive, not adding a second one.

    I would say it would be tough, but not impossible to conceal the fact that the device was opened. In mine there were no warranty void seals that I had to break, so they'd be hard press to really deny you. There were some cables that were taped in such a way that it'd be hard to replicate, and the drive temperature sensor would not stick sufficiently to the new drive without some extra tape.

    It sounds like you have the experience to do this. It's really just unscrewing a few parts and disconnecting a few wires.
     
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  10. macstatic, Aug 23, 2012
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2012

    macstatic thread starter macrumors 65816

    macstatic

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    #10
    Hmmm.... (undecided on what to do)
    It sounds risky to possibly ruin the warranty of a brand new machine (should probably test the iMac thoroughly for a few weeks before installing the drive).

    In search of more information I came across an interesting Macworld article on the 2011 (current?) 21.5" iMac with an SSD installed. I found the reader comments at the bottom especially enlightening (interesting bits in bold by by me):

    and
    ... so provided a Thunderbolt interfaced up-to-date (technology wise) external SSD drive can be found for a suitable price, that may be the way to go with the iMac I'll be getting (with a Thunderbolt interface).
     
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