How to Speed up your iMac with a NVMe 960EVO M.2 SSD

Upgrading the boot drive on my $480 iMac 27"late2013 to NVMe 960EVO was the biggest speed increase I've experienced.
But, I think it's better to use a fast external SSD as a boot drive like Mac mini....
.
中古で買ったiMacを外付けSSDで起動して使っていたのですが、調べたらNVMeにゲタを履かせて使えるとの記事を発見。内蔵HDDと一緒に交換したらそれなりに速くなりました。
Music by airtone
Title: nightWark
Source:
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[@batkovan]

The 21.5″ iMacs and the 27″ from 2013/2014 only support PCIe 2.0 x2. PCIe 2.0 is 500MB/s x2 minus 20% encoding losses equals 800 MB/s(theoretical maximum) which is roughly what you got. So the bottleneck is the interface not the evo 960 ssd. The sata 3 interface is 600 MB/s so again the speed that you got here for the 860 ssd is realistic. iMacs from 2015 on with PCIe slot support PCIe 3.0 x4 - 1GB/s x4 with negligible encoding loses = 4GB/s theoretical max - there should be much more benefit upgrading those models.

[@danielvoulkos8274]

Thanks for this batkovan, been looking for this info.

[@zeruty]

Wouldn't the Mid-2015 iMac 3.3ghz that is the same system as the late 2014 but with a downgraded cpu have the same pcie version as the late 2014 iMacs? They're both iMac15,1

[@batkovan]

@@zeruty hard to say, i would check for the exact model on internet and see if there is info about the PCIe version. I think 2015 iMacs with fusiondrive should have at least PCIe 2.0 x4 lanes and in this case the 1,6 GB/s max speed would make me want to upgrade more than the former versions.

[@xtreamer100]

ty sir, you make my day

[@tassykonto]

Coolest looking upgrade video I've seen 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 - I would have the text screens stay on a little longer so viewer doesn't need to pause video

[@JoseJMNZR]

One question, the 960evo is pcie3x4? 2013 Imac’s pcie is only 2.0x2 maybe that’s the reason for the Lower speed

[@mami1330]

I see that your mini itx builds are very popular, I think people will really like it if you tried another one like k39 is pretty cool, I assume it will be hard since itx is expensive.

[@sksnormand]

Hello, that for sharing the video great informative video. I just upgraded my late 2013 iMac with a sintech adapter and a NVME M.2 SSD and it is not showing in the disk utility. Do you a tip to make it work, it's currently formated as exFat, should I buy an external enclosure to format it apfs or something else you might recommend. Let me know thanks.

[@danielgarciea4410]

Amazing video! Thank you! a small question for you please: I have a 27" late 2012 imac and thinking of booting via external drive with the thunderbolt 1 port there. Would love to know what is the best option? 1) an external USB 3.0 SSD like the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD External Hard Drive 2) an NVME drive with a case to the USB 3.0 port? 3) an NBME drive and case with the apple adapter from USB 3.0 to thunderbolt. (the late 2012 imac has a thunderbolt 1). Would love to know what is the faster option here considering the bottlenecks of the thunderbolt 1 and USB 3.0 ports..thanks so much!

[@frankyfdp2594]

external is too slow. 2x ssd usb in raid 0 has speed of 1 ssd internal.the late 2012 and late 2013 iMac's are slow. pcie is only 2.0x2 max speed is 800mb.my old kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5OykK1pn52eptE

[@thibautvancoillie7720]

Hello, very good video, but i have one question for you. if you install the SATA ssd, do you need a thermal sensor? I see alot of videos where they say it is necessary to have the thermal cable because if you don't have such cable, the fan speed will be 100%, is this true or do you not experience this problem with your imac? Can i also do this samsung pcie m.2 for the MACOS and the original 1tb hdd for storage? kind regards from belgium

[@tongarashi4171]

There's nothing wrong with replacing this model with an SSD without a sensor, maybe replacing it with an HDD requires a sensor?

[@Baluchishair]

Which external SSD would you suggest for iMac 14,2 27inch like yours. Which could also be available in this end of the world Pakistan.

[@dgodiex]

hi, great video! But is that backlight bleeding around the edges at 7:53? did you fix it?

[@Explore531]

I gotten that Converter adapter for my imac 21.5 late 2012 but it wont fit id bought all diffident adapters, do they have any converter adapters that would fit in the slot?

[@starkgeek]

Where do I buy the adapter, from minute 4.47?

[@mehedik3262]

Great video, I’m a bit disappointed with the nvme ssd results but what can you do. Question, did you install a thermal sensor?

[@llewellynwilliams1956]

don't need it on a ssd drive

[@johngratien2433]

hi pls help me with this! i did the exact same thing my nvme did not show up in any readings! tried reading it using terminal and disk utilities! it just doesn't show anywhere to format it and load the os in it! pls help

[@NadeemZurbaArts]

Hi, would you please post a link to buy: M.2 adapter as i could not find the exact model that you are using M.2 adapter NGFE SSD (AHCI), thank you in advance.

[@craigvale7972]

I believe that its a M.2 NGFF SSD Adapter

[@massimilianopacini1968]

Question what type of adapter did you use for Samsung SSd, the one you see at minute 8.18 thanks

[@moviescenes9916]

did you upgrade to i7 aswell or not. and please put the list where did you buy all the stuff

[@macdaniel7]

Can you create a fusion unit with these discs?

[@anju2606]

I’m sorry to ask the noob question: I see you replaced the hd with the Samsung sata then added another nvme drive. Does this mean you have 2 drives? Or does the nvme assist the sata drive? I currently have a fusion drive in a 2017 iMac and I am going to get the Samsung 870 evo until I saw the nvme but wondered why it was a different size and realized now I have to get both? Thank you for the help! Great video. Gave you a L&S!

[@tongarashi4171]

I think if you replace a fusion drive iMac with a ssd, it will no longer be a fusion drive and will be split into SSD and M.2SSD. My iMac is not a fusion drive iMac so I added an m.2SSD. I think this site may be helpful. www.techdc.com/upgrade-imac-to-fusion-ssd-for-speed.

[@anju2606]

@@tongarashi4171 thank you!

[@MannyXO]

I suppose you loose your apple care if you have one by opening it up?

[@Merlinscave2008]

what was the little connector you used to add the nvme ssd so it fitted the mac ??????

[@nicolamilazzo1254]

I can put into imac 2013 ssd 980 pro Samsung pcle? And imac run fast?

[@CyclingAroundToronto]

another alternative is to use an external NVMe drive - but the speeds might be limited by your connectors (USB 3.0/3.1... USB-C)

[@Joseph27032]

how fast would it be on a 2015 imac for example?

[@elkiranhasan]

hi can i remove the hdd and just put 960evo m.2 ssd for my imac late 2013 27 inch ? or do you think its worth it ? for mainly browsing and watching 4k videos ? and sometimes playing Gta 5 with bootcamp without any lags like 2,3 seconds ?

[@artincorona]

If you're going to go through the trouble of opening up your system you might as well replace your HD with SSD as well.

[@thedaveko]

how about the thermal sensor for the ssd? I didn't see you connect it.

[@davestorm6718]

Dude! You gotta share exactly what that adapter make and model is you used to make that Samsung drive work! I've spent 3 weeks with multiple adapters (taken the iMac apart - same model you have - 8 times now - it's held together with tape) and not once has my iMac recognized my Samsung EVO drive! There seems to be NO iMac adapters on the Internet, anywhere! (every adapter on Amazon is for MacBooks, Mac Airs and everything EXCEPT iMacs of any model!!!!) Driving me nuts

[@tongarashi4171]

I'll post a link so you can check it out there. Maybe you need to update your Samsung EVO. forums.macrumors.com/threads/upgrading-2013-2014-macbook-pro-ssd-to-m-2-nvme.2034976/page-36#post-25795976 m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3i2fYGjh9mti8k

[@LeeWalklin]

Hi, any chance of explaining how you got osx on the pci-e ssd please... I've done this with my imac, and the system won't recognise my pci-e ssd. Many thanks

[@tongarashi4171]

Can you boot from an external HDD or SSD? You can easily install the OS by booting from the HDD of the removed iMac and if the SSD you installed is recognized. I installed the OS on the SSD from the beginning and then replaced it.

[@LeeWalklin]

@@tongarashi4171 hi, thanks for that. I had to install high sierra on the 2.5" ssd, as this os, was when apple introduced support for nvme! The machine then recognised the pci-e ssd, then just a simple matter of installing catalina to it... Oh, and I had to change my apple id and password, don't understand why I had to do that, but apple wouldn't let me proceed any further, unless I did so... Don't know whether to put win7 pro on the 2.5" ssd, or keep it for a backup/data??? Cheers

[@hdhjejhd]

I have a problem with an iMac 2017, I already did everything and I can't find the solution, at first it detected the ssd with the adapter, I have a crucial 1 TB P3, I connect it to the motherboard and when I put the bootable usb with MacOs Ventura does not recognize it internally, if that same ssd I put it externally if the iMac recognizes it, I do the format externally and at the moment of putting it internally it it does not recognize it. I already installed the macOS Ventura by external means and I put it internally and it doesn't recognize it either, I don't know what to do I've been testing for a month and I have to be assembling and disassembling the iMac, I hope someone can help me, The disk utility does not recognize it, I already made the list disk and nothing does not appear the ssd m.2 nvme, I am totally blocked, do I need to do it with high sierra and then update to Ventura?

[@RussianPinoy]

This is great, less talking more doing. 👍

[@gordon19l]

what is the adaptor?

[@lasasdfasdf]

Is it possible to only use the 960 Evo in Imac 2017? I mean I want to take out the HDD and NOT replace it with anything - I want to only replace Apple 32 ssd. Will this work? Thank you

[@savedfaves]

This has confused me, too.

[@techfantc8289]

Yes it is

[@voyagestours]

Excelente vídeo 👍me suscribo

[@GolD3enAg3e]

Hello, I'm planning to buy same nvme to upgrade on my computer. Just answer 1 question of mine, do you need to install thermall sensor or not

[@tongarashi4171]

In the case of this Mac, a thermal sensor is not required for M.2 or SSD upgrades, but is required when installing a non-Apple HDD.

[@GolD3enAg3e]

@@tongarashi4171 thank you. I am wondering if I should make HDD to an SSD as well, but I don't need it as I only use my computer for browsing once a week

[@colinshum5216]

are cpu fans really loud with SATA ssd? hard drive temperature sensor reading correct?

[@tongarashi4171]

The temperature sensor was removed when replacing the HDD in the iMac with an SSD, and I believe that the problem of the iMac's cooling fan running out of control when replacing the HDD does not occur when replacing the SSD. This Samsung SSD was stable at about 50°C even in summer.

[@romuloramos5435]

Can I make this upgrade in my Imac 2012 27"?

[@tongarashi4171]

The 2012 and later imac27 should be able to install m.2.You can use an external SSD as a boot drive and it will be faster.

[@tyravex]

Could you give the reference/link for the adapter please?

[@tongarashi4171]

www.amazon.com/Sintech-Adapter-Upgrade-2013-2016-2013-2015/dp/B07FYY3H5F

[@ShyloDj]

Hi mate .. what’s the adapter you have used for the ssd installation.. thanks

[@tongarashi4171]

www.amazon.com/Convert-Adapter-MacBook-Retina-Upgraded/dp/B07VVNKRYR/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=M.2%2BNGFF%2BSSD%2B I used the same type of adapter as this one. You can refer to the reviews on Amazon for compatibility issues.

[@fynnneo4536]

i have one question: Im using IMAC late 2015 now, and im going to upgrade with Samsung 970 Evo SSD with adaptor. But i also see you changing the original HDD to another SSD Harddrive? Why is it need to change both? Cant just only change the SSD flash drive 500G?

[@tongarashi4171]

Since this iMac had a free m.2ssd slot, I decided to use it as a boot-only disk, so I added an EVO970. The original HDD was slow, so I replaced it with an SSD. Both slots are SATA connections, not fast but enough for my needs.

[@savedfaves]

@@tongarashi4171 Why not just a bigger NVMe and leave the SSD location empty?

[@tongarashi5767]

@@savedfaves I was thinking of using NVMe for the OS and SSD for files only.

[@reinholdkemper3411]

hi! how about the fan speed...? Other uploads show an additional temperature sensor adapter to regulate the fan speed.... what do you say?

[@tongarashi4171]

For this model, the fans worked fine without the temperature sensor when replacing the HDD to SSD.

[@reinholdkemper3411]

I think you do NOT need that Adapter with an 27“ iMac from 2013… or 14.2 iMac… furthermore there is a heatsink tray available… I’ll gotta find out my self coz I’m right about upgrading my iMac .

[@youngfelix96]

Cool music

[@GT-hg2un]

You recommended fast external SSD as a boot like Mac mini; what external ssd would you recommend? usb? thunderbolt2? samsung 960evo in a case externally? And how much faster? Has anyone tried? Thanks.

[@tongarashi4171]

I'm using an M1 Macmin with an ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro in an enclosure connected to Thunderbolt, but since enclosures with speeds above 10Gbpc are expensive, I'm also using a Crucial X8 1TB Portable SSD for backup. I think the Samsung T5 is better for USB 3.1 use.

[@GT-hg2un]

@@tongarashi4171 thanks for the reply. What external thunderbolt enclosure are you using? Do you know if the thunderbolt 3 connected to thunderbolt2 adapter will work to boot iMac 2013 externally? I have the same exact iMac as you (with 1tb old hhd). I’m trying to find one that is fast stable with good chip conversion. Seems like only thunderbolt 3 or usb enclosures available, no thunderbolt2. USB 3.1 is max speed around 540 mb/s, seems like the pci to pcie conversion on mother board from your computer is registering around 700. In your opinion if I go with thunderbolt you think it’s possible to reach above 700? Thanks. I’m trying to decide which option to go with the upgrade to boot os system. I am hoping for the fastest and stable. What do you think?) Options: 1. Add pcie m.2 nvme ssd to motherboard. (Is it stable will it sleep forever?) 2. Boot from swapping Internal sata ssd. 3. External usb 3.1 Sata ssd. 4. External pcie with thunderbolt enclosure. thunderbolt3 with thunderbolt2 with adapter. ( right now I don’t know which enclosure. Suggestions? )

[@tongarashi4171]

@@GT-hg2un I didn't feel much merit in replacing the iMac's internal M.2 or HDD, since the imac 2013 only has the same speed as a SATA connection even when connected to an M.2 SSD. Of course it makes booting faster, but it's almost the same as connecting an external SSD to Thunderbolt and using it as a boot disk, so I think it's better not to bother disassembling it. Well, the work was worth doing because it was fun. Now that I've given that iMac away, I'd like to get an imac 2017 and upgrade it when I have time. The enclosure uses a Trebleet Thunderbolt3 NVMe M.2 SSD, I haven't hooked it up to the imac 2013 but I don't think it will work because of the wattage :(

[@franki3flash808]

If I install only the ssd NVMe 960EVO. And i already have HDD as my boot. Can i change the boot to the SSD and keep the HDD as backup??

[@YourHobbyDad]

Yes. You can select the new ssd as start up boot device.

[@franki3flash808]

@@YourHobbyDad how do u know?

[@YourHobbyDad]

Of course i did what you were asking.

[@jaspermuyco7241]

did you format the nvme ssd before installing it? i installed mine using 970 evo plus on my late 2015 but is not being recognized...

[@tongarashi4171]

I think it will work if you install the OS on the SSD and then install the OS on the M.2 as well.

[@tongarashi4171]

Also, the evo970 may need to be updated if it is not a 250gb model.

[@jaspermuyco7241]

I have the 250 gb model and it would not recognize it. Are you suggesting that i format the drive first outside of the computer and install a new version of mac os?

[@tongarashi4171]

I think I installed the Mojave OS this way. His blog is in Japanese but it might help if you translate and read it. Sorry I can't be of much help. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIWxmGygqL2Bea8&feature=emb_title

[@tommy.SRM.]

I have a short question regarding the Evo 970 Plus. Every time I put my Mac in sleep mode, something is happening and a folder with a "?" appears on the screen. After restarting the Mac everything runs perfectly again... Does anyone knows what's the problem and how to solve this? Mac: A1419 (Late 2015) macOS: Catalina 10.15.7 Modell: Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 2TB Version: 2B2QEXM7 Thanks a lot for your help

[@micikho1]

Whats brand of adapter nvme u use? Maybe because of that

[@maccidentshappen7983]

Type in the following code in the Terminal: sudo pmset hibernatemode 0 standby 0

[@dgodiex]

From my research for this upgrade in a late 2015 imac, I'm sorry too tell you that that's a common problem with the Evo 970 plus. :/

[@davestorm6718]

@@micikho1 - Indeed. I've scoured the Internet for weeks now, there are no Adapters anywhere in the world that will support the EVO 970 Plus, for sure.

[@janedgarmonsen8273]

I mounted the ssd externaly and got speed of ca 950

[@T23_Tatsumi]

Late2015で同じような事をしてるのですが NVMeSSDから起動させて スリープさせると疑問符がでませんか？

[@tongarashi4171]

起動ディスクが他のディスクになっていると”？“が出たりしますけど、設定でM.2を起動ディスクに固定しても疑問符が出てくるのでしょうか？

[@T23_Tatsumi]

出てきますね。OS再インストールしたら疑問符は出なくなりましたが スリープさせるとカーネルパニックを起こして勝手に再起動したり。 やはりNVMe SSDから起動＆スリープのトラブルは定番のようですね。

[@tongarashi4171]

@@T23_Tatsumi 中国Sintech製のアダプタだとトラブルが少ないとAAPL Chに書いてありましたが。APFSフォーマットじゃなくてHFS+を使用するのも有りかと＾＾

[@T23_Tatsumi]

APFSじゃなくてHFS＋ですか それはまた初耳ですね ちょっと試してみます ちなみに、その後スリープによるトラブルなどは 起きてなさそうですか？

[@tongarashi4171]

この方々のブログが参考になるかと。ご存じかも知れませんが＾＾ tohitsu.co.jp/lab/mac-nvme-kernel-panic/?amp=1 applech2.com/archives/20180603-mac-nvme-adapter-sintech-st-ngff2013-c-review.html?amp=1

[@DimitriSermonti]

Did you try to do a raid 0 between two?

[@tongarashi4171]

I tried fusion drive conversion (Raid 0) several times, but not with this combination. I think it is better to use one for backup or use them separately, as they do not speed up the process in the first place.

[@kevinnguyen9597]

I saw that you replaced your Hard-drive with another SSD, is it necessary to install both the 960EVO and the other SSD that you replaced the hard-drive with?

[@tongarashi4171]

This Mac is not a fusion drive model, but it has an M.2 slot so I added a Samsung Evo. There is no problem even if you replace only the HDD. I think it is better to just replace it with a large capacity SSD without using the M.2 slot.

[@artincorona]

How did you assign the PCI drive as the boot drive?

[@franki3flash808]

I think when you change the both storage . Mac has a installer. I would like to know if u can change the boot to ssd if u have the HDD and only add the ssd

[@siddharthtrivedi3322]

are you running with NVMe SSD and normal HDD within your iMac? does it working properly?? please reply back to me, I want to update my iMac too

[@tongarashi4171]

I installed an NVME and SATA SSD and removed the stock hard drive; replacing it with an NVME doesn't change the speed much, so I think it's better to run the Samsung SSD as an external boot disk without bothering to remove the panel and replace the internal HHD : )

[@siddharthtrivedi3322]

@@tongarashi4171 Thank you for your quick reply but I have already ordered NVMe SSD for my iMac Late 2013 model then after I realize the PCIe x2 port. Do you this convertor will work for me? From PCIe x4 to PCIe X2 www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07SCPSX7L/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

[@tongarashi4171]

If it works for macbook air 2013, I think it can be installed.The adapter I used is also for the iMac and Air.

[@gigas1695]

@@tongarashi4171 I am just about to do the same here using the PCIEX4 to X2 , I am just wonder whether it will lower down the speed?

[@artincorona]

@@siddharthtrivedi3322 how did this work out on your 2013 Imac?

[@kerembuyukkaya2945]

hello can you share m2 speed test result?

[@tongarashi4171]

Samsung 960evo m.2 write 720mb/s, Read 769mb/s

[@kerembuyukkaya2945]

@@tongarashi4171 woow this to low... thank you

[@user-cm2dw7np7w]

如果是用来做视频剪辑的话 是不是有些能力不足呢

[@sivakumars1652]

2.56 Ohh No Do not touch that component. That is the PSU and can die from touching it. Even if it's not plugged in it carries an excess charge

[@Technocrat.]

Why no one invent magnetic tape to apply to shell and screen, so future removal easy like old 2011 model.

[@tongarashi4171]

From now on, gpu and ram will be integrated like M1Mac, so I think it will be increasingly impossible to upgrade by myself, let alone remove the panel.

[@Technocrat.]

@@tongarashi4171 Well, for older Ima's, people will still buy them and upgrade.

[@paenet]

Fusion drive подключить надо скорость будет больше

[@TheFoxTurk]

upgrade ssd firmware get more faster :)

[@bayby]

how to upgrade

[@davestorm6718]

@@bayby - I know, right? If anyone finds some magic trick and is willing to share, there will be thousands of grateful people