Is my hard drive death? (2011 27" imac)

[cjmpato]

Hello, all. I am pretty sure the answer is yes but I thought I should ask in case I am missing something. Earlier today I turned on my trusty imac only to hear the dreaded "clicking" sound and then see a folder with a question mark.

I assumed the clicking noise pretty much indicated the end of my hdd but still, I restarted, pressed cmd+r and when going into disk utility I only saw what is on the attached screenshots. I don't even know why it says the hard drive is 1.something Gb, it was a 1Tb drive with a 100gb partition (that is not showing either). I also don't know what that first drive is, the 4.14gb one.

For good measure I decided to try the option of installing mac os x lion from the system recovery menu but no disk is showing for me so I guess that just confirms it and the hard drive is, indeed, dead. Anyway, thanks in advance and please let me know if I missed something.

 

[mdgm]

Do you have another Mac that you could use to create a USB installer?

Is it any different if you boot off a Mac OS X 10.13 High Sierra USB Bootable installer?

Probably a good opportunity to put a SSD in this machine to speed it up. 1TB SSDs are quite affordable now. If you don't want the fan to go full speed with a 3rd party SSD/HDD installed there are multiple options: one is a thermal sensor cable from OWC, another is using a software program as a workaround.

I'm soon going to try and boot one of my 21.5" 2011 iMacs from an external SSD over Thunderbolt. My experiences so far booting a 2011 Mac Mini off an external SSD have been great. The machine feels so much newer with a SSD.

 

[cjmpato]

Do you have another Mac that you could use to create a USB installer?

Is it any different if you boot off a Mac OS X 10.13 High Sierra USB Bootable installer?

Probably a good opportunity to put a SSD in this machine to speed it up. 1TB SSDs are quite affordable now. If you don't want the fan to go full speed with a 3rd party SSD/HDD installed there are multiple options: one is a thermal sensor cable from OWC, another is using a software program as a workaround.

I'm soon going to try and boot one of my 21.5" 2011 iMacs from an external SSD over Thunderbolt. My experiences so far booting a 2011 Mac Mini off an external SSD have been great. The machine feels so much newer with a SSD.

Good idea regarding the USB installer, I'll give that a try and see what happens (I'm not sure how to do it but I'm confident Google has the answer )

I was thinking of taking it to an official apple repair center, or whatever you call it, and see how much they would charge me, if it's not too bad I'll have them do it, otherwise I guess I'll be ordering myself a kit from ifixit as a Christmas present in order to replace it haha.

Do you know how safe/reliable the software for the fan speed is? I saw it mentioned on another thread, and I'd rather go with the software option, but I just want to make sure that it will work normally


Thanks for the reply!

 

[mdgm]

Something else worth trying could be to boot whilst holding down Alt+D to boot into the Apple Hardware Test. This could help confirm you have a faulty disk.

Apple itself might not be willing to repair the machine seeing its so old and even if they did may want to put a hard drive in it seeing that is what was in it when you bought it. A 3rd party authorised repair centre may be willing to put an SSD in it.

I haven't done the upgrade myself either way. I'm not very confident about opening up the machine (even though it's much easier than any later model). I run Bootcamp so personally I'd prefer to have the thermal sensor to not need to manage software control for two operating systems.

If you just use the software fix for using a SSD the Mac will fail the Apple Hardware Test.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Mac Fan Control is free and works in both Mac OS and Windows environment.
It's a must when you replace the HDD/SSD inside the iMac, even when you have hacked the HDD thermal sensor (swap it with ODD sensor, etc.), the HDD fan actually suck air into the iMac, so better set it to the maximum speed under annoyng noise level.

If you don't feel confident to open the iMac and do it yourself, better spend some money and have professionals do it. Depending on where you live, labour cost may be high.

Replacing the HDD with an SSD is an easy job.
Adding another SSD to it is much harder.
But if you are willing to sacrifice the ODD, it's possible to install 3 SSD in the iMac. How nice is it?

 

[cjmpato]

Mac Fan Control is free and works in both Mac OS and Windows environment.
It's a must when you replace the HDD/SSD inside the iMac, even when you have hacked the HDD thermal sensor (swap it with ODD sensor, etc.), the HDD fan actually suck air into the iMac, so better set it to the maximum speed under annoyng noise level.

If you don't feel confident to open the iMac and do it yourself, better spend some money and have professionals do it. Depending on where you live, labour cost may be high.

Replacing the HDD with an SSD is an easy job.
Adding another SSD to it is much harder.
But if you are willing to sacrifice the ODD, it's possible to install 3 SSD in the iMac. How nice is it?

Haha I think one ssd will suffice I'll check around yo see how much people around here are charging to replace the hdd, hopefully it is not an obscene amount thanks!

 

[mdgm]

It's the last model where the HDD is comparatively easy to replace.

Newer models have a screen stuck on using super strong adhesive tape. If you don't use the right kind of tape or put it back on properly the screen can drop off and smash.

Whereas with the 2011 there are just screws and magnets. The hard bit with these is disconnecting and reattaching the connectors for the display etc. (if you choose to do that, there are suggestions on how to avoid that in comments on the ifixit guide).

 

[cjmpato]

Something else worth trying could be to boot whilst holding down Alt+D to boot into the Apple Hardware Test. This could help confirm you have a faulty disk.

Apple itself might not be willing to repair the machine seeing its so old and even if they did may want to put a hard drive in it seeing that is what was in it when you bought it. A 3rd party authorised repair centre may be willing to put an SSD in it.

I haven't done the upgrade myself either way. I'm not very confident about opening up the machine (even though it's much easier than any later model). I run Bootcamp so personally I'd prefer to have the thermal sensor to not need to manage software control for two operating systems.

If you just use the software fix for using a SSD the Mac will fail the Apple Hardware Test.

I did the Apple Hardware Test and got the following error 4MOT/4/40000003: hdd-1231 which I'm assuming has to do with the HDD's motor and that would explain the clicking sound :/

 

[mdgm]

MOT indicates a motor fault. Hopefully it's the hard drive motor, not the motor in the cooling fan or a cable fault.

I would think if it sounds like a drive clicking sound it's almost certainly the hard drive. Hard drives can and do fail and your hard drive has lasted well past a typical hard drive warranty period so it's hardly surprising that it has finally failed.

If you get the OWC thermal sensor if the SSD is put in and the thermal sensor is placed correctly and all is good then it should pass the Apple Hardware Test.

If you don't get the thermal sensor it will fail the hardware test, but if the system boots up fine and you can control things fine using Macs Fan Control you should be good to go.

 

[Fishrrman]

You could get an EXTERNAL USB3 SSD, plug it in, and set that up to be your new boot drive.

It will be faster than ANY platter-based internal drive.

As for the internal drive, if it's failing, you could leave it "failed, but in-place".

Hope you have a backup.

 

[Juicy Box]

You could get an EXTERNAL USB3 SSD, plug it in, and set that up to be your new boot drive.

It will be faster than ANY platter-based internal drive.

As for the internal drive, if it's failing, you could leave it "failed, but in-place".

Hope you have a backup.

The OP has the Mid 2011, so no USB3.

The OP could use a TB SSD.

 

[mdgm]

What I use with a 2011 Mac Mini is: Mac Mini -> TB (1/2) cable -> Apple TB2 to TB3 adapter -> TB3 dock to TB3 NVMe SSD. The same should work with a 2011 iMac. I plan to test this setup with a 2011 iMac soon.

 

[Juicy Box]

Opening the Mid-2011 isn't really that big of a deal.

The first time you do it, follow one of the multiple guides and take your time.

I have done it multiple times, and could probably swap the internal drive in one in less than 5 minutes, and without removing the display.

I would at least look into it.

But....

before you do, try booting externally to make sure your Mac is fine.

What I use with a 2011 Mac Mini is: Mac Mini -> TB (1/2) cable -> Apple TB2 to TB3 adapter -> TB3 dock to TB3 NVMe SSD.

I use the same setup with my Late 2012 iMac, and get read speeds of almost 900MBps.

If the OP didn't want to invest as much and/or didn't need the speed of the NVMe, just getting a much cheaper TB1 drive and putting a SATA SSD in it would work well.

I got a few LaCie Rugged TB (1/2) HDDs and put SATA SSDs in them. It can be done in less than a minute. I get speeds around 400MBps.

While not as fast as a NVMe, you can do a SATA TB1 solution for a fraction of the cost of the TB3 NVMe.

 

[cjmpato]

The OP has the Mid 2011, so no USB3.

The OP could use a TB SSD.

I honestly think this is what I'll do, I think the biggest challenge will be finding a TB 1/2 drive, ha. I'll look around, thanks everyone

 

[Juicy Box]

What OS are you using?

I honestly think this is what I'll do, I think the biggest challenge will be finding a TB 1/2 drive

They are rare compared to the USB options, but there are some TB 1/2 drives out there for you.

@ about 400MBps, you can get the LaCie Rugged TB Drive with the HDD that I already mentioned. You probably won't find it new, but they pop up on eBay often. I got one for $60. Swap the HDD for a SATA SSD, and this will give you all the benefits of TB (TRIM and speed), but with a lower price.

@ around 700MBps, you can get a TB2 AHCI drive, like this one:

Transcend 480GB JetDrive 825 Thunderbolt Ahci PCIe Portable SSD Solid State Drive TS480GJDM825, Black

Transcend's JetDrive 825 Thunderbolt PCIe portable SSD combines a Gen3x2 PCIe SSD with a sleek aluminum Thunderbolt enclosure to instantly revitalize your Thunderbolt-equipped MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, or Mac Pro! The drive is housed in sleek, aluminum alloy enclosure which was designed...

www.amazon.com

A MR member reported that the above drive works well with TB1 on their Late 2012 iMac. They were able to achieve read speeds over a little over 700MBps. That is near the promised speed if using TB2.

@ around 750MBps, you can get a TB2 NVMe drive, like this one:

Transcend TS240GJDM855 240GB JetDrive 855 Thunderbolt NVMe PCIe Solid State Drive with Enclosure

Transcend JetDrive 855 Thunderbolt PCIe portable SSD combines a JetDrive 850 PCIe SSD with a sleek aluminum Thunderbolt enclosure to instantly revitalize your Thunderbolt-equipped MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, or Mac Pro!

www.amazon.com

A MR member reported that the above drive works well with TB1 on their Late 2012 iMac, and got read speeds over 750MBps under TB1, although capable of much higher speeds with TB2.

@ around 900MBps, you can get a TB3 NVMe drive, but this is a more expensive option as you will most likely have to get a the actual NVMe drive, but also a TB3 dock to power the drive, and the Apple TB2/TB3 bidirectional adapter, which only apple makes and is $50 retail. It is fast though. It is my current set up on my Late 2012 iMac with TB1, and I get almost 900MBps.

 

[mdgm]

Also note that for using NVMe drives such as the JetDrive 855 you need to be running Mac OS 10.13 High Sierra or later. High Sierra is the last officially supported Mac OS for the 2011 iMac.

Also if you go down the TB3 NVMe route there may be system requirements for the TB3 dock (the dock is needed if the external drive is bus powered i.e. the drive enclosure doesn't have its own power supply) and the TB3 drive enclosure to consider as well.

 

[cjmpato]

What OS are you using?


They are rare compared to the USB options, but there are some TB 1/2 drives out there for you.

@ about 400MBps, you can get the LaCie Rugged TB Drive with the HDD that I already mentioned. You probably won't find it new, but they pop up on eBay often. I got one for $60. Swap the HDD for a SATA SSD, and this will give you all the benefits of TB (TRIM and speed), but with a lower price.

@ around 700MBps, you can get a TB2 AHCI drive, like this one:

Transcend 480GB JetDrive 825 Thunderbolt Ahci PCIe Portable SSD Solid State Drive TS480GJDM825, Black

Transcend's JetDrive 825 Thunderbolt PCIe portable SSD combines a Gen3x2 PCIe SSD with a sleek aluminum Thunderbolt enclosure to instantly revitalize your Thunderbolt-equipped MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, or Mac Pro! The drive is housed in sleek, aluminum alloy enclosure which was designed...

www.amazon.com

A MR member reported that the above drive works well with TB1 on their Late 2012 iMac. They were able to achieve read speeds over a little over 700MBps. That is near the promised speed if using TB2.

@ around 750MBps, you can get a TB2 NVMe drive, like this one:

Transcend TS240GJDM855 240GB JetDrive 855 Thunderbolt NVMe PCIe Solid State Drive with Enclosure

Transcend JetDrive 855 Thunderbolt PCIe portable SSD combines a JetDrive 850 PCIe SSD with a sleek aluminum Thunderbolt enclosure to instantly revitalize your Thunderbolt-equipped MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, or Mac Pro!

www.amazon.com

A MR member reported that the above drive works well with TB1 on their Late 2012 iMac, and got read speeds over 750MBps under TB1, although capable of much higher speeds with TB2.

@ around 900MBps, you can get a TB3 NVMe drive, but this is a more expensive option as you will most likely have to get a the actual NVMe drive, but also a TB3 dock to power the drive, and the Apple TB2/TB3 bidirectional adapter, which only apple makes and is $50 retail. It is fast though. It is my current set up on my Late 2012 iMac with TB1, and I get almost 900MBps.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to reply, I greatly appreciate it.


In case the os question was for me I am high Sierra.

Thanks for everything!

 

[mdgm]

With High Sierra any of the external TB options should work. Just need to make sure not to get a device that requires a newer version of Mac OS.

 

[Nor10]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to reply, I greatly appreciate it.


In case the os question was for me I am high Sierra.

Thanks for everything!

Hello; I have recently received a similar error when running diagnostics. "Hardware Test error: 4MOT/4/40000003:HDD-1231" I am trying to find the response you received for resolution. I am using a 2011 27in iMac running High Sierra as well. Thank you kindly...

 

[cjmpato]

Hello; I have recently received a similar error when running diagnostics. "Hardware Test error: 4MOT/4/40000003:HDD-1231" I am trying to find the response you received for resolution. I am using a 2011 27in iMac running High Sierra as well. Thank you kindly...

Hello! I ended up removing the HDD and installing a new SDD haha I was not able to get the old one to work

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Hello! I ended up removing the HDD and installing a new SDD haha I was not able to get the old one to work

If you were, we would call you a Genie.