SSD for 2008 iMac

[0007776]

So my iMac is very slow, which is to be expected for a 7 year old computer, and after looking at various threads about how to speed it up I'm thinking my best option is to replace the original HD with a SSD. So I would like recommendations on a SSD to put in there. I'm in college so I don't have a lot of spare money, so I'm thinking a smaller SSD for the OS and apps, and then using an external drive for any large storage needs.

 

[rdlink]

What's your budget?

Amazon sells this crucial 500GB for $184,

http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-BX100...e=UTF8&qid=1424379748&sr=8-3&keywords=2.5+ssd


And you can get a 256GB for around $100. You will see such a huge difference in performance. You may think you bought a whole new computer.

 

[0007776]

What's your budget?

I was thinking around $100 or so, I can put up with my current one for a bit if someone convinces me I should go with a more expensive one and I need to save up a bit.

 

[rdlink]

I was thinking around $100 or so, I can put up with my current one for a bit if someone convinces me I should go with a more expensive one and I need to save up a bit.

Well, if 256GB is enough space I would say that's your answer. Since it's a desktop, and you won't need portability the idea of using a separate drive for large data is not a bad one. You could even re-task your old drive for it if you buy an enclosure ($12-$15) at the same time that you buy your new SSD.

 

[0007776]

Well, if 256GB is enough space I would say that's your answer. Since it's a desktop, and you won't need portability the idea of using a separate drive for large data is not a bad one. You could even re-task your old drive for it if you buy an enclosure ($12-$15) at the same time that you buy your new SSD.

I think the 256GB is plenty of space, and I was already thinking of getting an enclosure as well just to make it easier to transfer data off of the old drive.

Since I see the SSD you linked to is a 2.5" one, does it require any sort of adapter to work in the iMac, or did those iMacs already use 2.5" drives?

 

[dyt1983]

edit: To remove personally identifying info not relevant to the conversation.

 

[rdlink]

I think the 256GB is plenty of space, and I was already thinking of getting an enclosure as well just to make it easier to transfer data off of the old drive.

Since I see the SSD you linked to is a 2.5" one, does it require any sort of adapter to work in the iMac, or did those iMacs already use 2.5" drives?

I would double check to see if there is a teardown on ifixit.com. But I would imagine the original drive was 3.5. Here's a link to an adapter on Amazon for $8:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EHNG36...lid=2QFQY9UE28V3G&coliid=I1WYAXKFJ2JMOD&psc=1