iMac, Replace Superdrive with SSD

Forums › Apple iOS and devices › iMac, Replace Superdrive with SSD

Boeingflyer

643 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#138557 8-Jan-2014 18:18

Hey team, can anyone help me out here.

Have done a bit research but just having trouble finding a place to buy the superdrive caddy and what SSD drives are compatible.

There are heaps of instructions on how to do it on the net, but just need the parts.

alexx

867 posts

Ultimate Geek

#963431 8-Jan-2014 18:42

I probably can't help you much, as I've got a MacBook Pro and installed the SSD in place of the harddrive. You'd need to specify which model iMac as it might not be the same for all.

I'm guessing a search of macrumors and the apple discussion forums might find something.

http://forums.macrumors.com/forumdisplay.php?f=91
https://discussions.apple.com/community/desktop_computers/imac_intel?categoryID=189

Regarding which SSD, most people have had good luck with the Crucial M500 and the Samsung 840 (or 840 EVO, 840 Pro) in the MacBook Pro and I suspect it's the same for the iMac.

In case of the Crucial M500, make sure it has the MU03 firmware, which should be the case with any new drive sold in the last few months, but perhaps not the case if someone sells you some old stock.

#include <standard.disclaimer>

Boeingflyer

643 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#963445 8-Jan-2014 18:50

Thanks for a quick reply, it's the 21.5 mid 2010 I think, will check later.
Found heaps of info on those websites, just need a place in NZ or free delivery from overseas for the caddy. I've seen people just pull the SuperDrive out and stick the ssd drive against the case with some tape but I personally don't think that is very tidy.

Buzz Bumble

332 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#963448 8-Jan-2014 18:52

Not really an iOS question and I can't help with any answers, but the really difficult part will be opening the iMac up (depending on what model it is) and closing it up again. The newer ones are basically sealed units and require specilist skills and tools.

It would be easier to just use an external case for the SSD and plug it in via USB / Firewire / Thunderbolt.

SaltyNZ

8219 posts

Uber Geek

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2degrees

Lifetime subscriber

#963452 8-Jan-2014 18:56

Fabian: I've seen people just pull the SuperDrive out and stick the ssd drive against the case with some tape but I personally don't think that is very tidy.

True; you should always at least use chewing gum and no. 8 fencing wire.

iPad Pro 11" + iPhone 15 Pro Max + 2degrees 4tw!

These comments are my own and do not represent the opinions of 2degrees.

RunningMan

8953 posts

Uber Geek

#963471 8-Jan-2014 19:28

Try these guys, they do a number of similar upgrades - nothing specified for the iMac, bit one of the other optical drive replacement kits may fit if it uses a similar drive...

http://www.macsales.com/

alexx

867 posts

Ultimate Geek

#963474 8-Jan-2014 19:30

Buzz Bumble: Not really an iOS question and I can't help with any answers, but the really difficult part will be opening the iMac up (depending on what model it is) and closing it up again. The newer ones are basically sealed units and require specilist skills and tools.

It would be easier to just use an external case for the SSD and plug it in via USB / Firewire / Thunderbolt.

iMac from 2010, so USB 2.0 (slow) and Firewire 800 (almost as slow) and no Thunderbolt.
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP588

Hopefully a moderator can move this thread into the Mac OS forum.

Here is a video for the 2010 27 inch and yes, they do install the drive using sticky tape. :)
http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/imac_mid_2010/

#include <standard.disclaimer>

TeWharau

35 posts

Geek

#963673 9-Jan-2014 08:40

Try aliexpress.com

Equinox IT

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Buzz Bumble

332 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#963690 9-Jan-2014 09:14

SaltyNZ:
Fabian: I've seen people just pull the SuperDrive out and stick the ssd drive against the case with some tape but I personally don't think that is very tidy.

True; you should always at least use chewing gum and no. 8 fencing wire.

I do have a hard drive in my PowerMac which is just sitting loose in a drive bay. It was originally meant to be just a temporary additional drive, but it's now become a permanent one and I simply haven't gotten around to getting the bits to fix it in properly. :)

Boeingflyer

643 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#963696 9-Jan-2014 09:31

I think this will do.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2nd-HDD-SSD-hard-drive-caddy-for-Apple-iMac-A1311-A1312-/281226491010

Boeingflyer

643 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#963778 9-Jan-2014 11:42

this is even better, thanks for all those that pitched in. it was a late 2009 model i had.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/DDMMSSD240/