Using an SSD

[cali shot doc]

I'm thinking of getting an iMac since it looks like the next generation is going to be announced soon. I want to have a SSD for start up and my core programs. It seems pretty expensive to have apple install it so I was wondering if it could be used externally? My goal is to have 2-3tb HD with a 40-80gb SSD (only looking to put OS on it along with my office for mac programs, aperture & iTunes)

 

[mabaty]

You can install both an SSD + mechanical drive in new iMac's, why not do that? it is not very hard to open it up if you have some good suction cups. But i suspect the refresh will support USB3, so either that or Thunderbolt external could work OK.

 

[ixodes]

You can install both an SSD + mechanical drive in new iMac's, why not do that? it is not very hard to open it up if you have some good suction cups. But i suspect the refresh will support USB3, so either that or Thunderbolt external could work OK.

This is a great suggestion.

I opened up a friends to install a larger drive for him. It was very fast & easy.

 

[cali shot doc]

You can install both an SSD + mechanical drive in new iMac's, why not do that? it is not very hard to open it up if you have some good suction cups. But i suspect the refresh will support USB3, so either that or Thunderbolt external could work OK.

my only thing is that i have read that it will void your warranty and that its easy for dust to get under the screen when you put it back on.

 

[Nova Sensei]

So an external ssd is a viable option?

 

[jav6454]

So an external ssd is a viable option?

For an iMac that was originally made with an HDD? Yes. Placing an SSD in an iMac is beyond tedious and you can break something.