Upgrade iMac HDD to SSD

[willy792003]

Upgrade iMac (21.5", Mid 2011) HDD to SSD

Anyone know where I can get the above done (probably SLS) and how much (inc SSD)? TIA.

 

[asriznet]

Anyone know where I can get the above done (probably SLS) and how much (inc SSD)? TIA.

yeah SLS upper floors have a few mac repair shops, don't have any experience with any of them myself as I usually DIY myself.

If you're feeling adventurous, have a look @ https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Hard+Drive+Replacement/5954

Tools: under $20
SATA to USB adaptor: about $30
SSD: choose yourself, buy online or from SLS

I think mac repair shops will charge you more than $100 for the replacement not inclusive of the SSD(i think uh, don't quote me).

 

[Norman Chan]

Where do you buy the Heavy-Duty Suction Cups here ?

 

[asriznet]

Where do you buy the Heavy-Duty Suction Cups here ?

OWC & iFixit are online shops that sells parts & tools for apple repairs.

NewerTech TOOL225SCUP 2.25" Suction Cup in stock at OWC
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Heavy-Duty-Suction-Cups-Pair/IF145-023

I usually buy it from OWC, fast shipping and not too bad pricing.

 

[tormont]

Sorry to crash this thread.

Could someone please recommend me a reputable shop (probably at simlim or funan) for upgrading iMac 2011 HDD to SSD? I don't mind buying SSD directly from the shop or buying outside.

Thanks in advance.

 

[asriznet]

Sorry to crash this thread.

Could someone please recommend me a reputable shop (probably at simlim or funan) for upgrading iMac 2011 HDD to SSD? I don't mind buying SSD directly from the shop or buying outside.

Thanks in advance.

I bought a hard drive cable for a client's MacBook Pro from Infinique Services SLS #04-04 yesterday and the owner, Kennty seems friendly and not the one to con type.

I tried all other shops they die die want to replace the cable for me and charge more. 1 of the shop even charging $20 more to sell me the cable and said he must open up the MacBook Pro to know which cable. Give them part # also they say cannot check.

Kenny on the other hand have the different parts stored nicely in different sections and I give him part #, he took a box and gave me the part I needed. Even give 1 month warranty for the part.

I know they make money by charging service fee but I don't mind paying them a bit more for the parts, give them a bit of profit.

 

[willy792003]

any shop can do this instead?
21.5-Inch iMac (Mid 2011) SSD Installation Video - YouTube
at least can still use the old hdd then use the new ssd as os disk.

 

[asriznet]

any shop can do this instead?
21.5-Inch iMac (Mid 2011) SSD Installation Video - YouTube
at least can still use the old hdd then use the new ssd as os disk.

You can try the shop I mentioned above.

You'll need to spend more on SSD and the installation because it requires more work to be done. Not forgetting the additional SATA cable needed.

 

[Calvin83]

Where do you buy the Heavy-Duty Suction Cups here ?

You don't need any heavy duty suction cup. I used normal household ones and it did the job well.

 

[willy792003]

You can try the shop I mentioned above.

You'll need to spend more on SSD and the installation because it requires more work to be done. Not forgetting the additional SATA cable needed.

So if I have both SSD and HDD, I can run both as Fusion drive, right?

 

[asriznet]

So if I have both SSD and HDD, I can run both as Fusion drive, right?

Some users prefer to leave the 2 drives separated:
SSD: OS X + frequently used files
HDD: Other files

I tried the above but i find it a bit of a hassle moving files around but the performance was really great not forgetting super quick boot up time.

I'm currently running a Fusion Drive on my 15" MBP early 2011 750GB HDD + 60GB SSD.

Still a fast boot up time(less than 5 seconds) but not as fast overall performance compared to above setup. Plus my SSD is only 60GB so it's easier for me to just fusion it with my HDD.

You can get more info below on the different setup discussed above.

DIY Fusion Drive: How to make your own Fusion Drive | Macworld

Using OS X with an SSD plus HDD setup: Using OS X with an SSD plus HDD setup - Matt Gemmell

 

[jtjt00]

Make sure your iMac not running Yosemite OSX.

Mac OS X Yosemite disables third-party SSD driver support- The Inquirer

 

[asriznet]

Make sure your iMac not running Yosemite OSX.

Mac OS X Yosemite disables third-party SSD driver support- The Inquirer

Trim support was never a concern for me as I'm still getting a very good performance without it.

But yeah, read a lot about this and decide to install Trim Enabler to see.

Results below: note I'm still unable to see significant difference in performance but guess the numbers matter(Read speed are much faster with trim enabled).

TRIM not enabled

TRIM enabled

 

[willy792003]

Finally done mine (add SSD) and it's totally worth it! I can't start without saying really really great job by the technician at A-Star Computer (SLS #05-05). Very skilful and yet very patient at the same time! (asked him to move SATA connector a few times without complaint although it required him to mount/unmount mobo each time!). Now my iMac is running on Fusing drive (250GB SSD + 500GB HDD), with SSD running at optimal link speed of 6Gbps. Feels like I get a brand new iMac

 

[asriznet]

Finally done mine (add SSD) and it's totally worth it! I can't start without saying really really great job by the technician at A-Star Computer (SLS #05-05). Very skilful and yet very patient at the same time! (asked him to move SATA connector a few times without complaint although it required him to mount/unmount mobo each time!). Now my iMac is running on Fusing drive (250GB SSD + 500GB HDD), with SSD running at optimal link speed of 6Mbps. Feels like I get a brand new iMac

6gbps u mean? haha...

If your SSD supports TRIM, install TRIM enabler to have it perform better. refer to my previous post for the different benchmark before/after TRIM enabled.

 

[willy792003]

Haha.. yeah.. 6 Gbps. Too excited type wrongly *edited my earlier post*

Yeap, enable TRIM but in the cost of disabling kext signature check. Hopefully Apple allow TRIM on 3rd party SSD again in the future.

 

[asriznet]

Haha.. yeah.. 6 Gbps. Too excited type wrongly *edited my earlier post*

Yeap, enable TRIM but in the cost of disabling kext signature check. Hopefully Apple allow TRIM on 3rd party SSD again in the future.

I doubt that's going to happen, in fact I think they'll finder other ways to stop use of 3rd party SSD on macs.

 

[willy792003]

Well, I will enjoy it while it lasts. Worst case, stop upgrading OSX

 

[mackie8]

Finally done mine (add SSD) and it's totally worth it! I can't start without saying really really great job by the technician at A-Star Computer (SLS #05-05). Very skilful and yet very patient at the same time! (asked him to move SATA connector a few times without complaint although it required him to mount/unmount mobo each time!). Now my iMac is running on Fusing drive (250GB SSD + 500GB HDD), with SSD running at optimal link speed of 6Gbps. Feels like I get a brand new iMac

how much did u pay for it?

 

[chenaz]

Sounds like advertising. Can't believe someone actually remember the unit number and compliment until so fake . Reported

Finally done mine (add SSD) and it's totally worth it! I can't start without saying really really great job by the technician at A-Star Computer (SLS #05-05). Very skilful and yet very patient at the same time! (asked him to move SATA connector a few times without complaint although it required him to mount/unmount mobo each time!). Now my iMac is running on Fusing drive (250GB SSD + 500GB HDD), with SSD running at optimal link speed of 6Gbps. Feels like I get a brand new iMac