How to: Install an Intel iMac Dual Hard Drive Kit 21.5" (Mid 2011)

If you're the owner of a 21.5" iMac, you understand that bigger is not always better. Your iMac can do nearly everything its 27" big-brother can, and you've got at least five extra Benjamins still in your wallet. If you want your iMac to really fly, the biggest bang for your buck is to boot using a blazing-fast SSD. Since a 1 TB SSD might cost more than your iMac, we've got a solution for those who lack unlimited budgets.
We've custom designed a kit with all the parts and tools you need to install a second hard drive inside your Mid 2011 21.5" iMac. It will work with all processor speeds, regardless of whether Apple offers the additional SSD option for your machine. And unlike other kits, our product does not require permanently removing your optical drive. You'll have two drives as well as a functioning optical drive. All you need is an extra 2.5" SATA drive (not included). We recommend installing an SSD and using it as your boot drive, but you could instead install a 1 TB hard drive for more storage space.
The kit includes:
• Custom SATA power cable
• SATA data cable
• Custom-cut 3M mounting tape
• Two Heavy-duty Suction Cups
• 26 Piece Bit Driver Kit
• Spudger
The recommended tools can be found here
iMac Dual Hard Drive Kit
www.ifixit.com...
ESD Wrist Strap
www.ifixit.com...
The Sorting Trays are no longer made by the manufacturer :'(
but you can use one of our handy Magnetic Mats instead
www.ifixit.com...

[@amammes]

I installed a Samsung 860 SSD using this kit yesterday. Make sure you take note of which screw goes where, because reassembly is more complicated than disassembly. You will also need a flashlight and it is easier if two people do it together if it is your first time. Great kit, iFixit!

[@ramonbs6075]

A M: is it necessary this kit? What about to put the ssd where the hdd was and connect the SATA from it? It seems very difficult all those steps just to place an SSD

[@angceramics]

Got my ssd in today now I just need a map for all those cables I disconnected!! Anyone have that? Cheers

[@aeonjoey3d]

something I misunderstood and assumed for several years now after watching this in 2012 - is that this video is specifically how to install a DUAL hard drive installation configuration, NOT simply how to replace the hard drive with an SSD, which if you are, just STOP at 4:00 and take the HDD out, easy, in and out, done. no this video shows this really lengthy and scary process because it's how to add two whole separate HD/SSDs. Just wanted to say that, hopefully if someone else is as silly as I am (was?) they will read this and watch a different video for the HD part only. good luck! iFixit is AMAZING and awesome btw, BUY THEIR TOOLS!

[@Etienne_H]

It obviously states "Dual Hard Drive" Some people want that to have more space, or to have a seperate drive for Windows, or to create their own Fusion Drive, or even RAID

[@teeo3044]

aeonjoey It's not advised to remove the primary hard drive in 2011+ iMac's because they have proprietary thermal configuration. If the primary hard drive is replaced with a generic one the fans will go haywire. There's a lot about this online - and yes it's another example of unnecessary proprietary apple lockdown.

[@cosminmilitaru9920]

Dude you are a life-saver, I was just wondering that. Thanks!

[@nikoniko1965]

@@teeo3044 Will the SATA speed be cut in half and shared between the two drives if I do this?

[@alopez1981]

I watched this video just because I haven't seen MJ's face in a while, and she's awesome.

[@nodepony8440]

It's a great video, but you should install some USB connectors and an Ethernet connector into their slots to help line up when putting the logic board back in.

[@quabledistocficklepo3597]

A trick the Army taught us for dissassembling and reassembling anything is to place the removed parts in the order in which they were removed. in other words, part 1 will be placed to the far left, part 2 will be placed to its immediate right, and so on right to the last part removed, which will be the furthest part on right side. There are no guarantees, but this method should reduce the head scratching to a minimum when it comes time to reassemble everything.

[@aeonjoey3d]

a tray like the one she uses is basically that, just more compact, imagine laying out in a straight line all these screws and parts and the screws rolling around on a desk for example; when i was a PC tech we actually used ice cube trays from the .99c store

[@felixwallsten5356]

The agreed link speed is usually the speed of the device connetcted. As you stated the superdrive only has a SATA II link. Switch connectors for the HDD and SSD, your HDD won't benefit from SATA III and will be fine on 3Gbit.

[@kamalakelly6208]

Actually this was super easy thank you! I don’t understand why some people make it so hard unscrewing the Mother board and take all of those cables off for just To install the ssd 😬

[@SlickTrademarc]

these magnets will not drive you insane while removing the screws, they will on the other hand drive you insane while putting the screws back in.

[@diazmike427]

dexterity is on point! 👍🏻

[@halofreak2121]

It adds a second HDD/SSD to the iMac. Once the kit is installed the iMac has a dual HDD/SSD configuration. The kit removes the optical drive, replacing it with a storage device.

[@daniels.segura8993]

This is amazing, I highly recommend this upgrade. Worked as expected. Thank you so very much!

[@kenzachow395]

hold my beer, I can do this!

[@half101080]

Although i'm not a mac user i loved watching this video. Anyway this video is the proof of why PCs are better. Suction cups, proprietary screwdrivers, lots of cables, minimum space to work. Hell you can even mod a pc, use water cooling, change ram, gpu, cpu easily! And please don't give me the all in one pc crap! Cheers!

[@GnomeCinema]

What a sexy computer. The black circuitry just sells it.

[@tharlowXY]

iMacs are gorgeous, but even a naked one isn't as eye-catching as MJ. I just love iFixIt... empowering humans to extend the life of their digitalia, and making the intimidating seem doable. Great video!

[@mikeyu3159]

It's easier to unscrew the wifi card and remove it so you don't need to screw with the antennas afterwards

[@JonPrevost]

Thanks for the video. My 2 recommendations, and only 1 if you skip to my 2nd sentence. You're 1st step is to use the ESD wrist strap, maybe you should explain how to hook it up to an earth ground for it to work. Also, if you're careful, no need for the ESD. Simply discharge yourself by touching an earth ground through a computer power supply case or any other metal framed device with a 3 prong socket that isn't made in China.

[@ryanreid2690]

For all of you arguing about the battery I would say, Yes! change it while you can get to it easily. Why would you not? I had a battery die on a 3 year old Intel motherboard a few days ago and upon unplugging it to move to another location I was rudely greeted with a CMOS error. I keep button batteries on hand at all times.

[@Neojhun]

iMac & MacMini are basically Laptop standard components but in Desktop Body. Even the CPU & GPU are not full Desktop Grade chips but Mobile Versions.

[@justjaimus]

wow I would hate to try and fix a iMac. i could of put a hardrive in my pc in about 1 min and only have to undo 2 thumb screws

[@kastus76]

The girl didn't say that the hhd fan will go mad after replacement. The solution that worked for me on both Mac and Boot camp was the app called "Macs Fan Control" by CrystalIDEA

[@rasengen505]

I just did this on my 27 inch. The logic board looked much harder to remove for your 21.5 inch that it did for the 27 inch!

[@contrastej]

I remember when I installed a couple of hard drives in an G4...that chassis was designed to have an easy access for any upgrade. I own a 27 inch I mac and I can see that it is not user frendly to do any upgrade...I even remember that in the I mac store they told me that you could´t add a second hard drive.

[@tigerbody1]

When you purchased your iMac you had the option to purchase a Mac that you COULD upgrade. You choose the iMac.

[@contrastej]

patrick donegan as an imported computer, I had no options, you simply accepted the computer as it arrived. Today we do have the options for any upgrade de wish.

[@tigerbody1]

Too bad. Are you saying they Appel does not sell Mac Pro's in your country?

[@FedDavidics]

Gosh man....It's like you're taking everything apart. This is for a second hdd disk. I'm sure it's more simple on the default hdd.

[@SadBoiM]

It is, I replaced my hdd to an SSD and it took me less than 5 minuets and I didn't even have to take the screen off or disconnect the cables it was my first time ever working on a imac

[@SadBoiM]

Oof just seen this was from 5 years ago

[@ChaosIntended8900]

Maybe you should make a video on removing dust from beneath cellphone screens. now THAT would be a great project. I have the Droid Inc.2 and i have this one spot of dust shooting in from the bottom and it IRRITATING. A video like this would be great and I'd gladly purchase a kit if available.

[@johnsoncp13]

Excellent tutorial, as always

[@2facelessdopes]

You made one good video very educational for me I learned a lot I have the exact same computer and recently just installed a hard drive thank you

[@crwsgb88]

A fantastic tutorial. Many thanks.

[@AZTEC_ARTS2023]

Nice ... but why not show how it boots (etc) ?

[@johnfunchion]

BEST VIDEO PRESENTATION... my problem is how to fix a blank or no lights screen... my computer is on... website up even website radio is on (sound on) but no picture... hope you can solve it... THANKS AGAIN... JOHN.

[@PaulKemp007]

The sounds sound so brutal! Ikes!

[@prasoonkumar1236]

which two cables installed ????... And what about ssd being main OS drive

[@nitsuagmartin]

2019?

[@iminkleyt9655]

I am fixing an old iMac I just bought so yes. It looks fairly simple.

[@arjunyg4655]

I've had an iMac G3 for 13 years and I haven't ever replaced the PRAM battery. I also have a PC that is 13 years old and I have never replaced the motherboard battery. Pretty sure no one needs to change their batteries, even after a long time.

[@TheHornet79]

Your videos give me ASMR.....

[@PakCikMimin]

Hi, if i’m using this setup, should i just use my imac just as it is? Or should i install os on the ssd and make it my default drive for start up? I use my imac for video editting mainly. Thank you.

[@p2dnoy]

good job MJ

[@willylandin9450]

Thanks a lot for this great tutorial!

[@aidandude3]

I mean she is using a Crucial m4.

[@BeaverboyzCasey]

I'd like to see her put it back together.

[@jwexcel]

Excellent video! Among the best I've seen. Sub'd!

[@DJ.1001]

Replacing HDD in iMac = hours oftime and frustration and voided warranty. Replacing HDD in a PC = 15min of plug and play goodness.

[@mikechu01]

It's for the date and time, so you don't loose the settings.

[@reelMn]

I've read that the optical data connector is slower than the central HDD one. I swapped my optical drive in my recording studio 27" iMac for an SSD, but it's not much faster than the previous HDD, plugged into the optical drive cable. With the iMac I'm now working on, I'm wanting to keep my working optical drive, but put a 2.5" SSD and 2.5" spinning drive together with a double adaptor into the space where the original big HDD sits. I'll install the OS on the SSD and the big data files on the spinning drive. I bought a twin 2.5" drive holder with some cables, but it seems they haven't given me a double adaptor for the power plug on the 2nd drive.

[@DrDuu]

It is possbile to exchange the superdrive against the SSD. But do you know if at this SATA port is the SATA III speed available? My iMac 2011 shows under system description for the superdrive only 3Gbit Link speed and agreed link speed 1,5Gbit/s. For HDD is the link speed 6Gbit/s and agreed link speed 3Gbit/s....

[@Wokipokei]

this is the last video with mj in this playlist

[@Croaker369]

What a nightmare! Imagine what it's like on the latest iMac that's thinner :-(

[@mos6581com]

Agreed, horrible design - give me an ATX PC any day!

[@Superbobguy]

You don’t need 2 heavy duty suction cups I used one of my sisters toys to take it off

[@arthurle288]

where is the other small black end cable plug into??? I saw the big black end cable plug into to ssd drive but can not see the small black end. Please show it clearly please.

[@daniels.segura8993]

The video is really really great but... It is an special SATA data cable and SATA power splitter? I mean, I don't need all of the tools, just the cables to put the additional SSD and iFixit sells the whole package. Do you know what is the exact reference for both cables? or are these exclusive and the unique options to put the additional SSD. I have the same iMac. Thank you!

[@Artkidtek]

I plan on bringing my mid 2011 iMac 27in to a computer repair shop. I want to replace my HDD, which failed recently, with an 850 pro 512gb SSD. I also want to add a 2nd SSD in my iMac as well. The 2nd SSD won't interfere with SD card slot or optical drive will it? Do I need to provide an inline digital thermal sensor for the SSD replacing the HDD? Will both SSD be plugged into a SATA port capable of 6G/s?

[@msandersen]

Artkidtek 2nd SSD won't interfere with the SD card slot, it fits under the CD drive on the 27". As for the temperature sensor, guess it depends on the repair shop. It is possible for them to attach their own sensor to the cable and attach that to the drive. If they don't know any better or don't care and just leave the HD temp cable unattached, the fans will rev up to the max unless you buy software that controls the fan. It won't be able to detect the HD temp, but can be manually set.

[@creativesight7800]

i find it funny how they display those wrenches when i doubt there is a gadget that requires any of them xD

[@peturisfeld]

I used this video only as I could not find this guide at the time www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/iMac-Intel-21-5-Inch-Mid-2011-Dual-Hard-Drive-Kit/IF173-002 so I skipped the RAM removal but I did remove the IR receiver in order to get the motherboard out and put it back in. Once I had fully reassembled the iMac there was a loud fan noise, I assumed it was the hard drive fan and Googled fixes for that installed and removed both fan fix Apps (www.hddfancontrol.com & exirion.net/ssdfanctrl) neither had any effect and both showed the hdd fans to be operating normally. I then installed bjango.com/mac/istatmenus which immedialtely showed me it was the CPU fan which was spinning wildly. Google results told me it could be loose connector on CPU fan or even screen connector not properly attached. I removed the screen and checked all connectors taking special care with the CPU fan and screen connectors and it now works perfectly. I did a clean install on the new Samsung 840 EVO 250GB SSD using the cmd and r command, installing from the internet over fixed wire lan. I did not need any fan management software in the end. Enjoyed the experience and good luck to those of you brave enough to try.

[@OlegMarch]

The title says DUAL HD kit but there was only 1 HD installed. Promised links for the kit never shown.

[@OpCzar]

2:19 It's like Mission Impossible!

[@JohnSAitken]

It's the button battery that I'm referring to, the one that keeps the internal clock and the BIOS settings. One understands that this battery will last for 5 to 6 years (how long was it on the shelf), but all the same, whilst in there why not change it. If the computer is a year old or less there will be no point changing it, will there?.

[@soldiertype]

@ifixit I didn't see where you connected the red cable to to power on the ssd. Also does that mean once you install the ssd then there's no use for the cd rom?

[@JohnSAitken]

Friend, do you think a battery lasts for a life time? Over my computing career which is some 15 years, I’ve changed the BIOS battery on 4 computers. Also I’ve changed the same battery on my MIDI hardware, the SR16 drum machine and the Korg O5rW. Also had a internal battery on a Max Data laptop go off-line. Last word: Do a KZbin search on changing the batter on a iMac G3, and changing the battery on a standard PC motherboard

[@irfanchaudhri]

I have that exact Mac you have right there. 21.5 inch, HDD, late 2011 model. xD

[@ROSADOJEFFREY]

Good job

[@rodrigoaraujosilva]

O problema é encontrar esse cabo no Brasil. Impossível! iFixit vocês deveriam vender o cabo de energia separado! The problem is to find this cable in Brazil. Impossible! iFixit you should sell the separate power cable!

[@PaulKemp007]

What about the fan / temp reader issue other users are reporting? Is that only when you are changing the original hdd, not when adding a new one like you are here?

[@Arsen3936]

thanks very helpful information

[@WhiskeyDoe1]

With that face,brain and body,she can upgrade my desktop anytime.

[@nodepony8440]

ShellyDoe45213 sexist imbecile.

[@ibegyoushuuup]

don't worry, I've got your back!!

[@MarioPapworth]

Great video but.. do you have an ifixit for last mac mini 2014 to replace the conventional drive to ssd?

[@kaubut0145]

I'm doing the same thing can you tell me what cable do I need And length ? Your link is no longer available. Thanks

[@MichaelS010]

And I wonder if the optical drive can be install installed again? Or does the SSD is just a replacement for the optical drive?

[@oscaraban2774]

Can you show how to install a dual hard drive on a iMac from 2006 of the 17 inch. thanks.

[@NewChapterA]

And then how to get it back after opened a cable? Confused

[@karlostjuroukei1802]

Can the same process be performed on a late 2013 iMac? Also is the interior roughly the same between the 21.5" and 27" models?

[@betinabunsenburner8627]

Thanks, lady.

[@Neojhun]

Wow, that sucks. But I guess that is why you a Apple device. They take care of everything for you while optimizing performance. That's why I have two Laptops a MBPro as my main computer, then my Lenovo X200 as my experimentation system. Love how Lenovo hard drive bay works. It's just a plastic door on the side, inside is a convenient caddy with rubber protection. All bolted together with standard Philips head. Time to swap HDD/SSD, 2 minutes. My 2012 MBPro, don't bother.

[@jereomen]

I have watched a few of your videos and I am totally frustrated. My wife cannot even hook up the garden hose to the spigot. They should clone women like you. Thanks for the great videos.

[@Dannyboii26]

the 2 dislikes are people that broke their imac tryin this

[@onlythebrave87]

wow looks so easy

[@appleguyforeternity]

Do you have any advice for doing this? I'm intimidated by opening up the computer (same one shown in this video, baseline model) but I also want to get rid of SATA speeds and install a dual SSD. I saw the 2009 model tutorial, it didn't look too hard, but it looks like in the newer (mine) model, there's a whole bunch of stuff to sift through. Please help!

[@WillWorkForRic3]

So this kit allows you to add a 2nd hard drive while retaining the optical drive? Will the hard drive show up as a 2nd hard drive on the desktop?

[@JohnSAitken]

Would it not be advisable to change the battery whilst in there?

[@Leoferrerguitar]

Hello . I'm Brazilian please help me somehow, I have an imac 2011 21.5. I'm having problems on the usb ports, one only works fine, the other three oscillates, it teaches me to do some kind of test so I can reosvler or find the problem ....

[@edwinvillafane2171]

I have one question what happens if you buy a iMac without a hard drive and how do you get the software back into it after you replace a hard drive

[@arjunyg4655]

iMacs have batteries...? its not a laptop and I don't think the logic board batteries need changing...

[@DwainVFX]

can you do a reassemble

[@georgesenda1952]

I've been wondering how to do this. Can you do it on a 2010 Imac ? I'm mildly boggled by this video. I've been using computers long before there were personal computers and this is the FIRST time I've ever seen a woman tear down a computer. Invariably it seems, all the repair people are men. -- One other question please. Can you put a bigger regular drive in as well or perhaps make it 2 of those drives you just added ? thanks for posting it.

[@jbleutooth]

She was excellent.

[@ictgetheard]

have u guys done anything on the new imac's is it possible to change the the hard drive of the new model?

[@dondoggywest]

I'll never have the guts to do all this myself :p but good video!

[@tadbubs]

What an incredibly succinct and informative presentation and walk-thru. Why have I NOT found this before? I've just bought a MacBook pro 2017 but, want to keep my current iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011); Processor 2.5 GHz intel Core i5; Memory 4GB 1333 MHz DDR3; Graphics AMD Radeon HD 6750M 512 MB. Questions: (1) I'm a USA citizen currently stationed in Singapore, can I get the kit anyplace over here? (2) Is there a place I can order online? Thanks again for an awesome video tutorial.

[@cosminmilitaru9920]

My dude, buy some cheap-ass 20-30$ two pieces of 4 GB DDR3 for laptops, SODIMM I think they are called, and you have to unscrew 3 phillips-screws from below the iMac, pull out the ribbons and existing RAM, then put the new RAM pieces + old ones in, hide the ribbons between them, screw back the 3 screws, voila 12 GB DDR3! I bought for 9 euro two pieces of samsung 2gb ddr3 because I was unsure of compatibility and I already had 2x samsung 2gb ddr3 in, now I have 8gb. :) 9 euro and 20min. all it took. Also you can stop this video at Minute 4 and replace the Mac's HDD with a SSD and it will work like a new one.

[@cosminmilitaru9920]

By the way I have the exact same identical iMac model that you have.

[@Imnotimportant555]

Boy do I miss when apple mad it so easy to upgrade or change the components inside their computers. Look at the now if you want to upgrade something you have to choose that when you purchase it no more up buy stock configuration and upgrade it your self. Come on apple go back to this design.

[@aeonjoey3d]

agree

[@JM-ic9yx]

it's super frustrating that anything i would be interested in buying by apple is six years old.... hackintosh is looking like the way to go these days

[@nathanhamman418]

Dudefoxlive how else are they going to charge you 2x the msrp for 5 year old hardware?

[@stefanoalderighi8993]

You are very very clever, but does the Optical drive temperature fan controller work on the SSD? I suppose, if you boot El Capitan from the SSD, the HDD fan will spin from 5000 rpm to 7000 rpm, killing your hear while you are playing guitar in garageband. Is it realy usefull for a musician?

[@teeo3044]

Stefano Alderighi if you leave the original HD and just add the SSD as instructed it works well with no fan overdrive issues.

[@porktop5782]

PLEASE ANSWER MY DUMB QUESTION!!! Ok, now i know whats inside of my iMac (Late 2013 21.5") but when i look at its specifications it says the hardware is configurable. Does this mean its possible to upgrade in the future, such as the processor?

[@christoffertornquist3373]

How about running 2 ssds in a sata bay with an extension cord from the Diskplayer cable to run the second ssd?

[@DCSHEEP158]

i followed one of your repairs exactly and now my ps3 controllers don't even turn on anymore. all I was doing was trying to replace a joystick because my stock one was wearing off.

[@rovipq]

you sound like parker in leverage TV

[@nikoniko1965]

Will the SATA speed be cut in half and shared between the two drives if I do this?

[@MrKazuma2020]

i have a Question ! ..can i put any brand of HDD in my imac ??? i don't even opened it yet but is a question i want to know ...

[@cruiseedwards4657]

Why do I need to remove the ram before I start repair????

[@Liporace]

Do you have any video about dual hard drive for iMac 21.5" (Mid 2010)?

[@hujiannong]

Hi, is the CPU soldered onto the logic board? Can it be replaced?

[@jailbreakvito]

mj. is there away to keep the optical drive and the SSD..???