20-Inch iMac (2007-2008) Hard Drive Installation Video (iMac7,1 iMac8,1)

Compatible Hard Drives:
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Tools Used in the video:
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OWC's step-by-step video of how to install a hard drive in the 20" Apple iMac (2007-2008). Model ID: iMac7,1 and iMac8,1

[@BrianKemian]

This video was incredibly accurate and helpful. Managed to perform this in less than an hour. You do have to watch which side is up when swapping out the mounting hardware and when you are finished, book up your computer and format the drive from the disk utility otherwise your mac won't recognize it and you won't be able to restore it. Nicely done.

[@Djfmdotcom]

And 9 years later this video helped me install a 1TB SSD in an iMac 7.1 i found in a ditch lol. AND IT WORKS!

[@poweredbyowc]

Man that's awesome!

[@Djfmdotcom]

@@poweredbyowc quick ???: what is the most powerful Intel chip I can put in that year’s iMac and not overpower the cooling system?

[@poweredbyowc]

💣🔥 That is awesome! Glad our video helped you out.

[@Djfmdotcom]

@@poweredbyowc I have a question though: what’s the most powerful Intel chip I can put in that year’s iMac and not overpower the cooling system?

[@poweredbyowc]

The answer would be great if you asked Apple. Unfortunately, OWC does not support any processor upgrades since they are soldered to the motherboard. We offer upgradability only to Macs that have the capability.

[@NomadicDmitry]

I like the simplicity of this guide. And calm narration. Those old Macs are so easy do upgrade. Will do SSD upgrade to one of my early 2008 iMac.

[@ww68mule]

I bought 1.0TB Toshiba HD, 4GB memory, installed step by step with video. A little nervous, but everything turned out great. Great video and customer service, highly recommend.

[@leonardocalo2249]

You are very good at teaching these technicalities. Keep it up

[@skiprohde8795]

Just swapped the old drive in my '08 iMac for a new SSD. Your instructions were spot on and the new drive works perfectly.

[@rupesn8729]

Hi could you give links to what drive you used? Did you need an adaptor?

[@isag9786]

Did you need a harness for the ssd?

[@patricecouillard7985]

Very good, well explained, good pace and accurate. I had to replace the 13 years old WD hard drive and I decided to go for a 1tb SSD. I watched different videos a this one was by far the best. Good job

[@poweredbyowc]

Patrice, we really appreciate your feedback and we are glad that our installation video was very helpful for you.

[@aflatuntamanna]

Thank you so much, really appreciate your help. I am now so confident that i can change HD of an old iMac by myself

[@mattbehnken]

high quality video, thank you for sharing. Also appreciate the music :)

[@fredlavenuta5857]

I followed this tutorial with my 2008 iMac SSD replacement and it worked great. One thing that should be added is to replace the PRAM battery while the computer is open. It's in plain view when the bezel is removed. It's a 2032 battery.

[@poweredbyowc]

That's a great suggestion!

[@johncrosby3174]

Excellent step-by-step instruction. Took me 25 minutes and worked without a hitch.

[@johncrosby3174]

+Owc Macsales I've posted something on my Facebook page about how good it is. facebook.com/johncrosbyPR

[@rigs2500]

What an extensive step by step instructive video. Thank you so very much for the help and detail that gave me the confidence to replace my hard drive successfully. Wonderful. And yes, the music is calming and reduces anxiety of making installation mistakes.

[@poweredbyowc]

Hey Chuck, we are happy that we could help. Thank you for your feedback.

[@sanjayacharya7889]

This is a great video. Using these step by step instructions I have been able to install a new SSD on my 2008 iMac. The instructions are perfect and to the point. Thanks so much guys.

[@ManuPeterCooking]

sanjay Hi :) did you need and adapter or was it plug and play ?

[@tonycaine5930]

Best tutorial for drive replacement...

[@heavenlylashes4204]

So helpful and easy to follow 🙌🏼

[@NotQuiteFirst]

Great instructions, clear and easy, did a great job! Would probably be worth putting an annotation on the screen to tell people to label the two pairs of cables which are connecting the display. Many thanks

[@dougbeney6399]

That was surprisingly easy. Thanks!

[@dggd]

Very thorough and clear. Thank you.

[@turgutalp3961]

Thanks. Best Video. Best Tutorial. God Bless U

[@tonycordoza6419]

Excellent instructional video.

[@dalbedi3582]

Do you have a video on how to replace the hard drive cable connector? Thanks!

[@slavistoyanov432]

Thanks, just what I needed!

[@poweredbyowc]

Happy to help!

[@arricammarques1955]

Genius Bar (?) Core heads suggested junking 24' I-mac! Replaced the hard drive, OSX Mavericks runs greater.

[@angel.c.es.3577]

Excelente video; ¿El iMac de 20" corresponde al modelo A1224?, ¿Este iMac permite un disco de 3tb segate barracuda de 3.5"?

[@smhzh6869]

Hi!Just would like to ask a question and comment on the video... Firstly, this was an amazing instructional video with fantastic recording that gives us viewers the confidence to open up our imacs. Now, what type of hard disks can i buy, and how can i improve the speed of my imac?

[@VincenzoAI]

Thank you very much for a clear and relevant instructional. I wish you had a shop in NZ so I could support you with cash! Subscribing now.

[@rodrigocosta5297]

Nice video. Thank you.

[@lisachan8215]

The step by step so easily explained even a 74 yrs old novice will try it Thanks for taking your time by helping others

[@j4eni]

Helped me really much !

[@Ale-rw6lo]

hard drive install worked great thanks to this video. putting it all back together, now my CD DVD drive wont insert or ejects discs. worked before and I never touched the CD drive while putting the hard drive in. any idea why the CD drive is now doing this? anyone?

[@andrewdupuis1151]

Thanks it works i just upgrade mine to 1 TB I wanted do it 2 weeks ago. when just this brought imac I couldn't do it i didn't have right tools I got right tool I needed today very cheap for $8

[@billylardner]

How can I install a new hard drive if I chucked the old one (with all the parts attached)

[@thomaslanik7215]

Excellent quality. Thank you.

[@deanmoncaster]

The music was terrible but every time I paused the video to do the procedure you mentioned I missed it so had to play again. This was a fantastic tutorial. Thank you!

[@GourTube]

Thx! Brillant tutorial!

[@momo-express]

わかりやすい解説ビデオです

[@michaelbell-youtube]

+桃井辰彦（仕事用） いいですね！

[@jebdamic]

Nice tutorial !!! but i have a question, do i need to remind which Cable came in/out from the inverter to the Display? (Grey / Blue) or can i just put it back how i want? kind regards

[@riparaggi]

In this situation I use a felt tip pen, draw a sign before separating connectors and you're safe

[@gewoon_mervyn]

bedankt, ging super.

[@pcdivision2012]

Perfect, Thanks

[@samdog1096]

Thank you this video , my 2007 iMac 20 inch Hdd died when it fell over, march 2020 cause of an 5.8 earthquake here in the shaky isle of NZ It now lives again with owc parts inside

[@computers7392]

hope you put a SSD in while you were at it

[@MeisKaden717171]

Since I am working on a wooden table? Should I put the glass on a towel or something soft so it wont scratch?

[@TheRailroad99]

great video! Maybe i will replace my hdd with an ssd

[@TorstenSeemann]

TheRailroad99 there's another video which shows that the sata connectors won't reach to the smaller ssd if you use a regular bracket.

[@VADER_C5]

Is this the same procedure for a 24" 2007 iMac?

[@gio048]

Very cool video😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@Theworkingtorontoman]

I have a windows pc with a 2tb hd and was wondering if I can format it to osx and install it in my imac 2008 20 inch. And if not what kind of hard drive should I buy that is 2tb?

[@houmoura]

good tutorial thanks

[@poweredbyowc]

You are welcome. Thank you for your feedback :)

[@MayLifeWithTheMJs]

Thank you so much

[@snkrhead]

Can you guys make a video on how to change your graphics card on a 20" iMac? Also excellent video!

[@SHOCKPROOFX]

+migo Go to this link: www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+20-Inch+EMC+2133+and+2210+Video+Card+Replacement/1014 GOOD LUCK!

[@ifoxino]

thank you very much

[@rprimeauableful]

If installing a SSD with a 3.5 to 2.5 adapter, what or where do I stick the thermal sensor, somewhere on the newly installed SSD?

[@halangston]

thank you well done

[@SandyToesDetecting]

What type of HD drive do I need for a 2007 iMac a1224 ?

[@ChrisNova777]

which screwdriver is it that i need? is it a torx t5?

[@soloruido]

supports SATA III hard drive with my iMac 2007 ??

[@MichaelGiovannetti-mykgio]

Very high quality video thank you..I am thinking of replacing the HDD with a SSD. what are your thoughts?

[@dereksbooks]

Michael Giovannetti An SSD is the best computer upgrade that you can make to any system.

[@MichaelGiovannetti-mykgio]

Done! Actally three times now. iMac and two MacBooks.

[@padda3vs3]

Michael Giovannetti hey, what did you use for your iMac? did you use an icy case or something to fit the ssd into the old HD's place? Thx

[@MichaelGiovannetti-mykgio]

padda3vs3 On the iMac, I used an aluminum frame adapter. came with the kit. on the MacBooks, they fit right in. Just swapped the screws. Good luck ! still working great!

[@midodido1941]

thank you

[@vanchesco123456]

THANKS

[@chanyf3416]

thanks

[@snifferdogx]

Do you happen to have a vid for installing an SSD in an Early-2008 20" iMac?

[@snifferdogx]

***** Cool, thanks!

[@rprimeauableful]

Hello, I wish to do the same, to install an SSD with an Adaptadrive. What or where do I stick the thermal sensor, somewhere on the newly installed SSD?

[@SHOCKPROOFX]

Will this iMac model (07-08) capable of handling 4 TB or 6 TB Hard Drives? Thx!

[@SHOCKPROOFX]

Snow Leopard, but I plan to install El Captain Morgan on the new drive.

[@SHOCKPROOFX]

Awesome! Thanks for d info!

[@warrent8590]

Thank you,wonderful he lp

[@isaaclee2223]

Nice video. Will be switching over to Linux on a new hard drive

[@davee7656]

Nobody cares that you want us to think you are smart.

[@Shinyworldwide]

Thus will sound stupid but would it be possible to put a flash drive actually meant for a macbook pro in an imac from 2007 holding it in place using ducttape? To add even more stupidity, since the gpu is also broken could i put in a newer gpu or do i HAVE to get the same old gpu.

[@shadcubetv7124]

I didn’t label the inverter cables. Does it matter if they are swapped?

[@shadcubetv7124]

Never mind mine works. The new ssd i installed is running great

[@harrydevries6892]

it will not explain how the two upper and lower sockets are connected left of right???because the lower and the upper connectors blue and black (male) fits on both female connectors

[@hladik2142]

I used to have a iMac Power PC. Three screws & the back was off exposing everything. Why couldn't this one be the same???

[@edwardflores8115]

I bought a 1.0TB Desktop SSHD Solid State Hybrid Drive 3.5" SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache 7200RPM + Software Bundle from OWC. Can I use this hard drive to replace my 2007 iMac 7,1 20 inch 2Ghz Intel Core Duo hard drive?

[@MacFastLane]

Edward Flores Yes. I was able to swap my WD 1TB HDD for a Seagate 1TB SSHD drive.

[@PrincieSanchez]

I just replace my hard drive what is the next thing to do its shows blink folder with question mark only

[@poweredbyowc]

Hi Princie, you would now need to install an OS onto the drive. You can find the instructions on installing a fresh copy of the OS, and migrating your data to the new drive, here: eshop.macsales.com/articles/how-to-transfer-your-data-from-your-old-drive-to-a-new-drive

[@Nbarecords]

Can you replac the hdd to ssd? Because i want to put a ssd in my mac?

[@poweredbyowc]

Hey Joshua, Yes, we would be able to do the upgrade iMac for you. You would just have to give us a call and we would be able to set that order up for you. Phone [phone] or [phone] Customer Service/Sales & Technical Support - Monday-Friday (8am-8pm CT) - Saturday & Sunday (Closed) Live Chat Technical Support - Monday-Friday (8am-8pm CT) - Saturday (9am-5pm CT) - Sunday (Closed) Live Chat Customer Service/Sales - Monday-Friday (7am-10pm CT) - Saturday & Sunday (9am-5pm CT). Thanks for choosing OWC, and have a great day!

[@MeisKaden717171]

Can I only use one suction cup or do I need two?

[@XxRaceRCxX]

Or duct tape.

[@MeisKaden717171]

+Owc Macsales Can I use one suction cup in the center of the screen as I do not want to buy another one.

[@MeisKaden717171]

+Owc Macsales alright I'll order an other one from your website

[@ChristopherMacor]

Is the installation for a 27 inch screen the same?

[@ChristopherMacor]

A1225 Thanks for your help!

[@ChristopherMacor]

Thanks so much!

[@baxtronx5972]

I love this Beatles song.

[@nancynorbeck7212]

This video was very helpful, but I'd like to know why the memory access door has to be removed. It doesn't have any bearing on any of the rest of the steps, and it's a real pain. I don't see anything in the tear-down guide saying it needs to be done, either. So why do it?

[@nancynorbeck7212]

Oh, the bezel won't come off otherwise--is that it? Ugh. That stupid door is, IMHO, the worst part of the whole thing. Not a great design, Apple.

[@damienkowalczyk7752]

+Nancy Norbeck why is it such a pain its only one screw?

[@georgegonzalez2476]

The cover grabs behind any RAM card plugged in. You don't have to remove it I think if you don't have any extra RAM sticks.

[@lariorlando3726]

Do not label the video cable connections, it is possible that I have switched, and now you are not calling, is it possible that it is? In case I have changed the connections, there may be no connection. Because this is happening in my Imac 2009

[@narakusdemon.88]

I'd like to install an SSD into a mid 2007 iMac. Do I need to purchase something to hold the 2.5" SSD into place or is it alright if it's smaller? If you have any other better ways please let me know! Thank you very much.

[@ManuPeterCooking]

is it also a sata drive? you sure this will work on this 2008 machine ?

[@ManuPeterCooking]

so did it work ? i plan to do the same :) any advice ?

[@tarancedecarlosthomas6164]

Hi I'm new to the Apple family I recently purchased a IMac A1224 supposed to been upgraded already. Then purchased a IPhone6 well I halfway setup the iPhone then I went to setup the IMac but the application was totally different I didn't know if I was doing it right or wrong so I gave it a rest until the next day I went to open it and it now asking for a name and password I don't know what going on but it my name and password is not working. I tried the appropriate commands still the same and Apple says it not connecting to there servers what can I do.

[@mycal316]

my dvd drive is buzzing and making grinding sound thought it was hard drive imac 1224

[@georgegonzalez2476]

My iMac 8,1 has a different display cable setup-- just one cable on the left side.

[@poweredbyowc]

Your Mac could of been custom built which only has one cable. No sure without physically looking at it.

[@myworld4478]

Sayra is not supporting to the some wabesite ,,what should I do

[@andreagoglio2633]

My hard drive thermal sensor adesive doesn't stick

[@dorseygreene7809]

OWC does a professional video of Step by Step Procedures. They have edited the Video and installed the Audio very well. only thing I find that needs improvement is the Background Music it is too loud. With that fixed watching their instruction should be a rewarding experience. As previously mentioned by "The True Fizz" Label the two pairs of cables connecting the display.

[@nachosNipples]

i cant believe it was actually that easy to start opening, i thought the back would pop off 😅

[@terrentech]

Nice, but never shows the whole inside, for orientation. It really helps.

[@jayden3756]

ok

[@sirthicenskoorb3684]

I have an Imac 2 years older and have had it apart. Your video teardown is different than mine. WTF. Apple changes the way disassembly is done from year to year? First it's easy, then do it from the back, then do it from the front. Make up your mind. PC towers are pretty much the same from year to year sense forever.

[@Dedicated2WendyWilliams]

guess i'll keep a shitty hard drive........

[@AdamGeorge-pb3fm]

Can the aluminium iMacs be upgraded with two drives? I mean a low capacity SSD and a high capacity HDD. Preferabily also retaining the Superdrive.

[@poweredbyowc]

You can certainly upgrade that iMac. Please contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you with finding all the possible upgrades for your iMac. eshop.macsales.com/Service/