I was thinking about updated my mid 2011 iMac hard drive to SSHD. I was looking at the Seagate 1TB Gaming SSHD SATA 32GB NAND SATA 6Gb/s 2.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive (ST1000LX001). I liked this, because it features a 32GB SSD vs the 8GB in the desktop version. I know I'll need to buy a mounting kit with it since it is a laptop hard drive, but will I need to worry about the thermal control issue? Thanks.
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Upgrading Mid 2011 iMac with SSHD
- Thread starter jonmannon
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What are you using the computer for?
I was faced with replacing the hard drive on my 2006 MacBook Pro back in 2010, and a friend recommended looking into an SSHD. I did so and even ordered one, but then cancelled the order in favor of a pure SSD. That one upgrade to my machine was the single best thing I did, and extended it's life for another 2 years when I replaced it with a 2010 iMac (in late 2012). And I removed the SSD from the old MBP and put it in the MacBook. Given how inexpensive SSD's have gotten, I would recommend going the pure SSD route for your internal drive, and if you need additional storage, add an external HD. That's how I run my setup now: SSD contains the OS, all apps, and all non-media data. The external HD contains all my music and photos. It works like a champ.
I was faced with replacing the hard drive on my 2006 MacBook Pro back in 2010, and a friend recommended looking into an SSHD. I did so and even ordered one, but then cancelled the order in favor of a pure SSD. That one upgrade to my machine was the single best thing I did, and extended it's life for another 2 years when I replaced it with a 2010 iMac (in late 2012). And I removed the SSD from the old MBP and put it in the MacBook. Given how inexpensive SSD's have gotten, I would recommend going the pure SSD route for your internal drive, and if you need additional storage, add an external HD. That's how I run my setup now: SSD contains the OS, all apps, and all non-media data. The external HD contains all my music and photos. It works like a champ.
I would suggest going with a SSD instead.
You will also need this digital thermal sensor from OWC: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD11/
You will also need this digital thermal sensor from OWC: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD11/
I basically just use it as a media server most of the time or some light Photoshop and InDesign. It is definitely showing it's age and I'd like to hold on to it as long as possible. I have a new Macbook Pro that I use for more intensive stuff, but the iMac is the "always on" device.
SSHDs are disgraced by superior SSDs.
I wouldn't recommend an enemy an SSHD because not only are they just bad, SSDs are cheap now anyway and even for larger sizes, they are affordable.
I wouldn't recommend an enemy an SSHD because not only are they just bad, SSDs are cheap now anyway and even for larger sizes, they are affordable.
Why are you focusing on a hard drive (hybrid) instead of a full out SSD? I echo other's sentiments - an SSD would be vastly superior.
...or he can do that.
The Dual Hard Drive kit is here: https://www.ifixit.com/Apple-Parts/iMac-Intel-27-Inch-Mid-2011-Dual-Hard-Drive-Kit/IF174-002-1
If you're going through the bother of opening the 2011 iMac, definitely install an SSD and don't consider hybrid SSDs. Yeah, the hybrid would work but only for standard light duty work since it has only 32 GB of SSD on the hybrid.
You say "I'd like to hold on to it as long as possible". Well, we are all human and circumstances change. Maybe your needs in six months or a year change or you decide to start a new project that requires the screen size of an iMac. As you immerse yourself in the project, the hybrid limits might become apparent and you'll wish the SSD was installed.
If an SSD is installed now, you're future-proofed somewhat and the preceding scenario is unlikely to emerge. As others have noted, SSDs are priced reasonably, so IMO this is a easy choice. Maybe consider installing the SSD capacity that you would like to have if your computing needs change/increase. This way you only open the iMac once instead of several times.
You say "I'd like to hold on to it as long as possible". Well, we are all human and circumstances change. Maybe your needs in six months or a year change or you decide to start a new project that requires the screen size of an iMac. As you immerse yourself in the project, the hybrid limits might become apparent and you'll wish the SSD was installed.
If an SSD is installed now, you're future-proofed somewhat and the preceding scenario is unlikely to emerge. As others have noted, SSDs are priced reasonably, so IMO this is a easy choice. Maybe consider installing the SSD capacity that you would like to have if your computing needs change/increase. This way you only open the iMac once instead of several times.
I didn't go the DIY route (had OWC install it) but I had the HDD in my mid-2011 27" iMac replaced by a dual system with an SSD and larger, newer HDD. It's like a whole new machine for a fraction of the cost.
That's the key right there. For computers built in the last 5 or 6 years, whether a PC or Mac, SSD's are easily the best bang-for-the-buck upgrade you can do if the machine is primarily running on a hard drive. I had considered replacing my 2006 MBP in 2010 because OS X upgrades had started to slow it down; beach balls were a common event. When I put the SSD in it, all thoughts of buying a new computer vanished because the performance improvement was so dramatically better. I got another 2 years out of it before getting the used iMac I have now, and I see no need to replace it for another year or two. I'm waiting for USB-C to really come on line before I make my next purchase.