Just installed custom SSD as second disk in 2010 iMac 27"

[Shodai80]

So, after much soul-searching I decided to attempt a DIY installation of a Corsair Force 240GB SSD in my brand new 27" i7 iMac. I couldn't quite bring myself to pay extra for Apple's SSD option, a Toshiba drive which is not only considerably slower than the Corsair Force when new, but also suffers from significant performance degradation over time. Given that OS X doesn't support TRIM for the moment, a Sandforce drive like the Corsair Force is a far better option, an opinion shared by Anandtech.

The installation was a success, but I must stress that it's not for the faint of heart! Replacing the built-in Hard Disk would be considerably easier than installing an additional SSD, but if you know what you're doing and want to give it a go, perhaps these tips will help. You should also consult the iFixit teardown of last year's iMac for details of screw locations and instructions for removing the display cables, which must be done with great care.

- As described in this OWC blog post, you will need a left-angled SATA cable (8" is enough) and a SATA Power Y-cable (6" is plenty). You should be able to buy both of these cables on eBay for just a few dollars. (Ignore the molex power cables, you need a power splitter with one male SATA power connector on one end and two female SATA power connectors on the other end.)

- There's no need to improvise any kind of drive cage or attachment mechanism to keep the drive in place. It's such a snug fit that it can't possibly go anywhere.

- You'll inevitably be touching the innards of your iMac at some point, so make sure you ground yourself somehow to avoid the possibility of static discharge killing a sensitive component.

- You can remove the glass panel on the front of the iMac with your fingernails alone. No need for suction cups! This is easiest done while the iMac is standing upright. The glass panel won't fall out because of the way it interlocks with the case at the bottom edge, just ease the top edge forward and then lift it upwards to free it.

- Once the display and HD are out of the way, you'll need to remove eight screws to loosen the motherboard enough to lift it forward and connect the left-angled SATA cable to the spare slot on the back of the motherboard. You'll have to use your head to work out which screws to remove, it's not entirely obvious. There's no need to remove any screws covered with warranty stickers.

- As mentioned, the space for the SSD is very tight. You'll have to slide it into place behind the wires that are there so that it's resting against the very back of the machine, and connect the SATA data and power cables once it's in place.

- When you reconnect the HD, make sure you don't forget about the temperature jumper cable!

- You should invest in some canned air to blow away dust before replacing the glass panel at the end of the installation.

That's it. A bit fiddly but well worthwhile in the end. I haven't had much chance to test the drive yet, but on a default installation of OS X I went to Applications -> Select All -> Open ... and it took ~2 seconds to open everything — no exaggeration. It shocked me, and I was expecting it to be fast.

So basically, when I buy my iMac in the next couple weeks, If I want to replace the normal HD (No SSD option), I just unscrew it with the glass off, screw in the SSD, make sure the glass doesn't have dust on it when putting it back on, and go? That would make life very easy for me (I'm used to building PC's). Say it's so! No extra parts needed for that kinda job as well other than the usual philips/torx?

 

[bolen]

So basically, when I buy my iMac in the next couple weeks, If I want to replace the normal HD (No SSD option), I just unscrew it with the glass off, screw in the SSD, make sure the glass doesn't have dust on it when putting it back on, and go? That would make life very easy for me (I'm used to building PC's). Say it's so! No extra parts needed for that kinda job as well other than the usual philips/torx?

That's true, but you might need a 2.5"->3.5" adapter for the SSD. And don't forget to short circuit the HDD temp sensor or else the HDD fan will run at max speed all the time.

 

[lothar250]

I went to Applications -> Select All -> Open ... and it took ~2 seconds to open everything — no exaggeration. It shocked me, and I was expecting it to be fast.

That sounds so damn awesome

A few questions:
Do you have a lot of experience with messing around inside computers?
How did you short the temperature sensor?
Did you use the 2.5->3.5 Adapter? And don't you think that there will be problems with the SSD getting hot stuck behind those cables?

Also, could you please do all those steps again and take pictures?

 

[Nutter]

So basically, when I buy my iMac in the next couple weeks, If I want to replace the normal HD (No SSD option), I just unscrew it with the glass off, screw in the SSD, make sure the glass doesn't have dust on it when putting it back on, and go?

As bolen says, you'll need a 2.5->3.5 adapter, but these are included with many SSD drives. The Corsair Force came with one. I'd highly recommend the Corsair Force (or any high density Sandforce drive, but I think the Corsair is cheapest), performance is up with the very best and unlike most drives performance won't drop off much without TRIM. I wouldn't go for an Intel SSD right now, the current generation is long in the tooth.

And yes, you'll need to short the temperature cable to keep the HD fan at its minimum speed. This is easier than it sounds though, a paperclip and some tape should do it.

Do you have a lot of experience with messing around inside computers?

I have some experience, and I was helped by my brother, who is an electrical engineer. I'd say I would have been easily capable of replacing the HD by myself, but I might have struggled with unscrewing the motherboard and locating the free SATA connector on the back. That was the hard part of the installation.

How did you short the temperature sensor?

I didn't need to, because I didn't remove the original HD!

Did you use the 2.5->3.5 Adapter? And don't you think that there will be problems with the SSD getting hot stuck behind those cables?

The 2.5->3.5 adapter is for installing the SSD in a 3.5" drive bay. You only need it if you're replacing the HD. And SSDs hardly generate any heat at all, I'm not worried about overheating.

Also, could you please do all those steps again and take pictures?

Now you're pushing it.

 

[wirelessness]

I keep reading in this thread and others that the Toshiba 256 G SSD is so bad.
But has anyone tested this in the new iMac i7?
The link below does not give such a bad impression about that ssd.
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1230/1/
Anyhow my iMac i7 with ssd will arrive some time next week. Than I can compare it (the ssd) with the intel 25 160 G presently in my MBP.
If it is as bad as most people say it is then I will swap it with the intel 25, as soon as the warranty time has expired. (apple care)
At least I don't have to perform the tricky install operation as described above.

peterwillem

That review worries me a little because they did not retest the random access operations after the drive had been 'conditioned' to simulate a used/full drive scenario.

The Toshiba is already lagging pretty far behind the latest Sandforce drives in random access operations so I would be very curious to see how it performs after being written over many times.

In general it's probably a pretty decent drive and would be better if OSX supported the Trim command. It's just frustrating to have to fork over top dollar for the Toshiba when there are such better performing options out there. Is it worth taking your iMac apart to swap out an already purchased Apple/Toshiba SSD? Probably not, but if you are opening it up to ADD an SSD I doubt very many people would opt for the Toshiba over OCZ or OWC or Intel.

 

[bolen]

...

Nutter, any comment on my drawing of the screws above?

Hmm okay, the ones I bought was 50cm (the store didn't have shorter). Hopefully I can manage otherwise I'll have to shell out for a shorter one.

Anyway, I've been looking at the teardown images and so far it looks like it's these screws. Could you confirm if I'm correct or not?

 

[PatriotInvasion]

You've obviously never seen or used one of these new SandForce SSD's. Forget about the Apple built-in ones. They are atrocious.

An SSD is probably the single most important upgrade you can make to a computer. Forget i5 or i7. An SSD will change how you use your computer completely and will probably make you never want to go back to a mechanical drive again.

Even for web surfing, streaming video and email which is what 80% of users do?

 

[jmpage2]

That review worries me a little because they did not retest the random access operations after the drive had been 'conditioned' to simulate a used/full drive scenario.

The Toshiba is already lagging pretty far behind the latest Sandforce drives in random access operations so I would be very curious to see how it performs after being written over many times.

In general it's probably a pretty decent drive and would be better if OSX supported the Trim command. It's just frustrating to have to fork over top dollar for the Toshiba when there are such better performing options out there. Is it worth taking your iMac apart to swap out an already purchased Apple/Toshiba SSD? Probably not, but if you are opening it up to ADD an SSD I doubt very many people would opt for the Toshiba over OCZ or OWC or Intel.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the next major update to the iMac make the drives more easily accessible and possibly even make a low capacity SSD drive the default option as a boot drive.

Of course that probably won't be until Winter of 2011 but still, I think it is coming.

 

[Baunkjaer]

Even for web surfing, streaming video and email which is what 80% of users do?

Well, that depends wether you´r willing to pay the premium price. Personally, I just love the feeling of the SSD.

Only had my brand new MBP for 12 hours before I replaced the original 250GB harddrive with the 80GB Intel X25-m from my previous MBP.

I felt like a got a brand new machine - again

When I´ll sell my iMac, and by the new i7, the X25-m will not be a part of the deal.

 

[Nutter]

Nutter, any comment on my drawing of the screws above?

I think you're spot on. Memorable screws were the two in the lower-right corner (as seen in that photo) which as far as I remember were a little shorter than the others, and the one on the right side of the CPU which is indicated with a triangular arrow.

 

[Nutter]

Hmm okay, the ones I bought was 50cm (the store didn't have shorter).

It'll probably be fine, just slightly messy.

 

[bolen]

I think you're spot on. Memorable screws were the two in the lower-right corner (as seen in that photo) which as far as I remember were a little shorter than the others, and the one on the right side of the CPU which is indicated with a triangular arrow.

Thanks for the confirmation! Now back to waiting for the delivery...

 

[lothar250]

Cool thanks a lot for all the information, Nutter. I've just ordered my 27" (without SSD of course ), and I'll report back here with my (hopefully successful) install of a Corsair Force 120 in about 2 weeks.

 

[killmoms]

Everyone goes on about how the drives Apple uses are “atrocious,” but I bought the 27” iMac with the SSD built-in and I have to say I am not dissatisfied at all. Maybe it’s not the absolute fastest thing around, but it’s worlds faster than a spinning platter HDD.

Sure it’ll get better (and stay better) when TRIM support comes to OS X, but until then it’s still a lot better than an HDD—and I didn’t have to invalidate my AppleCare to get it.

 

[lothar250]

and I didn’t have to invalidate my AppleCare to get it.

How would they know you opened it, if no warranty stickers were harmed in the procedure?

The only annoying thing about it is, that if you get service, you'll probably have to remove the SSD and put it back in when you get your computer back, I guess.

EDIT: Then again... If you open your iMac without damaging any warranty stickers, and perform modifications on it, is AppleCare still voided?

 

[killmoms]

The only annoying thing about it is, that if you get service, you'll probably have to remove the SSD and put it back in when you get your computer back, I guess.

That was the main point. I already wasn’t enthusiastic about fishing around inside the iMac (what with that huge pane of glass and LCD panel, potential for dust in between, etc.). If I’d had to do it every single time I needed warranty service? I’m too old for that kind of headache. Honestly, it was easier to throw $600 at the issue. I’m still completely satisfied with the machine, and I feel it was worth it.

 

[bolen]

That was the main point. I already wasn’t enthusiastic about fishing around inside the iMac (what with that huge pane of glass and LCD panel, potential for dust in between, etc.). If I’d had to do it every single time I needed warranty service? I’m too old for that kind of headache. Honestly, it was easier to throw $600 at the issue. I’m still completely satisfied with the machine, and I feel it was worth it.

Of course that's easier. And of course the SSD that Apple ships is much, much better than a standard HDD.

The problem is that it isn't as good as other drivers and not everyone want to spend an additional $750 if you already own a SSD that is faster. You really don't need 256GB of space for OS+Applications.

I have no problem with people buying the Apple SSD, it's actually priced OK for a 256GB drive (except that they make you pay even more if you want to keep the HDD $600 vs $750) and it's fast and it doesn't generate any anxiety. But I personally won't pay the $750 for something that I already have.

I can handle removing the drive if I ever have to bring it in for service - I don't expect to have to. It should work for several years without any issues.

 

[BulletToothTony]

That's it. A bit fiddly but well worthwhile in the end. I haven't had much chance to test the drive yet, but on a default installation of OS X I went to Applications -> Select All -> Open ... and it took ~2 seconds to open everything — no exaggeration. It shocked me, and I was expecting it to be fast.

so i know you're being attacked from all directions with questions and i know it's annoying but would you mind taking a small video of how fast your apps open.. i've changed hdd in imacs before, i know it's not that bad but at this point i don't know if the ssd are worth it, i get A LOT of mixed responses on the differences it makes, don't know what to believe

thanx for helping so many people here thou

 

[lothar250]

so i know you're being attacked from all directions with questions and i know it's annoying but would you mind taking a small video of how fast your apps open.. i've changed hdd in imacs before, i know it's not that bad but at this point i don't know if the ssd are worth it, i get A LOT of mixed responses on the differences it makes, don't know what to believe

thanx for helping so many people here thou

EDIT: Best I could find; Comparison of two MBPs, one with a HDD and one with an SSD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odSSI_9KAkI

 

[TheBritishBloke]

Congratulations, you saved yourself a chunk of cash. Got any pictures at all?

 

[Nutter]

so i know you're being attacked from all directions with questions and i know it's annoying but would you mind taking a small video of how fast your apps open.

I'm away this week, but when I'm back I'll take a little video before I start getting my claws into my beautiful new machine!

 

[Arkku]

I, too, just installed an SSD (Intel X25-M G2 160GB) as a second disk (or third, if you count the SuperDrive) in my i7 iMac. It was very daunting, although not necessarily very difficult—the hardest part was getting the drive + new cables to fit (made more difficult by the excessively large power Y-cable I used). When putting the machine back together I also had an idea that there's probably plenty of room under the SuperDrive, although routing the cables there would require cutting a hole into the plastic compartment surrounding the HD area.

 

[Jaffaman27]

I, too, just installed an SSD (Intel X25-M G2 160GB) as a second disk (or third, if you count the SuperDrive) in my i7 iMac. It was very daunting, although not necessarily very difficult—the hardest part was getting the drive + new cables to fit (made more difficult by the excessively large power Y-cable I used). When putting the machine back together I also had an idea that there's probably plenty of room under the SuperDrive, although routing the cables there would require cutting a hole into the plastic compartment surrounding the HD area.

Nice!!

Could you provide me some insights in our native language..
Can't seem to find a way to contact you (PM nor email)...
So if you could send me an private message with your e-mail or something, I would appreciate that and your help.

Cheers...

 

[gianly1985]

[Stating the obvious but maybe some lurker failed to realize that]

If you're "rich", just buy the 2tb+256gb iMac and SWAP the 256gb toshiba for a 240gb Sandforce ssd, Then you can put the 256gb toshiba in your kids' white macbook, sell it or use it as a super-shock_proof external firewire/USB drive (a bit of a waste, unless you're going to use it as an emergency firewire boot drive, but you're "rich" after all). Just don't sell it if you want to be able to use apple warranty for the imac.

In this way you don't have to unscrew the logic board, add cables, etc, just remove the display and swap the SSDs.

Easier to mod, easier to revert. Just a lot pricier .

 

[Arkku]

Can't seem to find a way to contact you (PM nor email)...
So if you could send me an private message with your e-mail or something, I would appreciate that and your help.

Apparently the forum doesn't let me send a PM since I've only just joined. An easy way to contact me directly would be to send a message to this nick on IRCnet.