21.5 inch iMac 2011 SSD Replacement

[weap0nx]

Hi guys,

Wanna replace my 2011 iMac HDD with an SSD. I want to keep my optical drive as I listen to CDs often.

I was wondering if any of you guys have done it? Is there a way to use double sided tape to secure the SSD in place instead of having to buy a 2.5->3.5 inch adapter?

 

[asriznet]

Hi guys,

Wanna replace my 2011 iMac HDD with an SSD. I want to keep my optical drive as I listen to CDs often.

I was wondering if any of you guys have done it? Is there a way to use double sided tape to secure the SSD in place instead of having to buy a 2.5->3.5 inch adapter?

i think just use the existing hard drive bracket is sufficient, but you can only use 1 screw to secure the SSD though which I feel should be secure enough uh.

 

[weap0nx]

Good find! thanks a lot,

I'll try it out and see if the offsets are good

 

[asriznet]

Good find! thanks a lot,

I'll try it out and see if the offsets are good

Haha yeah if you feel a little paranoid, wrap a tape around the other side of the SSD to the bracket.

For more secure option, drill another hole in the existing bracket to fit the other screw hole of the SSD.

 

[weap0nx]

Haha yeah if you feel a little paranoid, wrap a tape around the other side of the SSD to the bracket.

For more secure option, drill another hole in the existing bracket to fit the other screw hole of the SSD.

Damn it some times I wish I had thought of these, used to mod stuff now I just look for stuff to buy that fits.

Yeah I think drilling an additional hole would be a great idea. I'm just wondering if the first screw hole even lines up. Have you done it before?

EDIT: Been comparing pics of the SSD mount holes and 3.5 inch hdd mount holes, quite different. in fact it looks like the bracket does not reach far enough back to even get the first hole of the SSD. Plus SSDs are so thin, in terms of height it may not even clear the bottom of the bracket.

 

[asriznet]

Damn it some times I wish I had thought of these, used to mod stuff now I just look for stuff to buy that fits.

Yeah I think drilling an additional hole would be a great idea. I'm just wondering if the first screw hole even lines up. Have you done it before?

EDIT: Been comparing pics of the SSD mount holes and 3.5 inch hdd mount holes, quite different. in fact it looks like the bracket does not reach far enough back to even get the first hole of the SSD. Plus SSDs are so thin, in terms of height it may not even clear the bottom of the bracket.

The SATA connector is not fixed(cable) so it should reach which ever hole you want to use for the SSD. yeah I just compared a 3.5" HDD and an SSD, the screw hole on the SSD looks a bit smaller, that only means you need a smaller screw on the bracket?i don't see that much of an issue, just need the correct size screw for the SSD on the bracket.

I recently just replaced a faulty 3.5" HDD from an iMac, didn't attempt to put in an SSD or any 2.5" drives though but as mentioned the SATA connector is a cable so it's flexibile enough for you to move it around a bit.


you can see more detailed photos on ifixit: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Hard+Drive+Replacement/5954

 

[weap0nx]

The SATA connector is not fixed(cable) so it should reach which ever hole you want to use for the SSD. yeah I just compared a 3.5" HDD and an SSD, the screw hole on the SSD looks a bit smaller, that only means you need a smaller screw on the bracket?i don't see that much of an issue, just need the correct size screw for the SSD on the bracket.

I recently just replaced a faulty 3.5" HDD from an iMac, didn't attempt to put in an SSD or any 2.5" drives though but as mentioned the SATA connector is a cable so it's flexibile enough for you to move it around a bit.


you can see more detailed photos on ifixit: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Hard+Drive+Replacement/5954

Jeeez, yeah I thought it was a SATA backplane and had to line up.
Thanks a lot man, great help!