Upgrade existing SSD

[mankymanning]

I have a mid 2011 i7 iMac with the 256GB SSD. There is a definite difference between it and the speed of my MBP which runs a Crucial M4.

If I wanted to upgrade the existing SSD inside my iMac is it a straight swap or would I need to muck around with fan control cables etc? Do the Apple supplied SSDs have some sort of extra sensor on them?

 

[miles01110]

If you're upgrading it because of the speed difference you should re-think your strategy. The difference might be because you are comparing two different machines.

 

[mankymanning]

Okay so I now wish to attempt this due to space issues as the original 256GB drive is too small. Do I just follow the normal SSD upgrade videos but when I get to the installation part just replace the existing SSD rather than fitting a bracket etc?

 

[macthefork]

You could do that... Or, you could get a kit and add a second SSD to the second SATA connector on your Logic Board, leaving the original Apple SSD in place. The second SSD would fit behind your Optical Drive.

I don't know if the Apple SSD have the same sensor as HDDs.

 

[toddzrx]

If you do replace the stock SSD, here's a threat about shorting the temp sensor to keep the fan in check:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/808178/

I suppose if there's a temp sensor on the extra SATA plug, you could do the same, but I don't think there is.

 

[macthefork]

...I suppose if there's a temp sensor on the extra SATA plug, you could do the same, but I don't think there is.

Nope, there isn't a heat sensor requirement on the second SATA connector. I can verify that, since I've added a SSD to this connector with no fan problem whatsoever.