iMac (circa 2009) Hard Drive to SSD Upgrade

In this video, I go over the process of upgrading a hard drive in an iMac. This is a model EMC2308 but the process is probably similar for other models.
ifixit.com article: bit.ly/14aFgwc
Samsung EVO SATA III SSD (Amazon Affiliate)
US: amzn.to/2T0sSKX
UK: amzn.to/2Z0GGJb
CA: amzn.to/2Ax2J01
ES: amzn.to/3626RAt
FR: amzn.to/2WW79Vt
IT: amzn.to/3bEdUAV
DE: amzn.to/2WAPST7
IN: amzn.to/3gxLlsp
AU: amzn.to/2D3Lnc9
NL: amzn.to/3tpQ3xn
Suction cups (Amazon Affiliate) These are the correct suction cups, not the one in the video.
US: amzn.to/2Hcin1e
UK: amzn.to/2u3sK3t
CA: amzn.to/2tVM174
T10 Torx (most screws) (Amazon Affiliate)
US: amzn.to/15MBA4x
UK: amzn.to/35VTLTQ
CA: amzn.to/35VTMqS
T8 Torx (Amazon Affiliate)
US: amzn.to/1Ctac7A
UK: amzn.to/2FSQvhi
CA: amzn.to/35RepED
Sabrent 2.5" to 3.5" drive adapter BK-HDDF (Amazon Affiliate) This is the correct one, not the one in the video.
US: amzn.to/15Ed9Fy
UK: amzn.to/3a90XPU
CA: amzn.to/30m55rg
ES: amzn.to/36glVuG
FR: amzn.to/2zYJyvs
IT: amzn.to/3e7gzoi
DE: amzn.to/3bRziTl
IN: amzn.to/2TNRI0K
AU: amzn.to/3gEC0y2
NL: amzn.to/3gZq9OJ
SSD Fan Control: bit.ly/1wykOeU
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#mac #ssd

[@mikehill2221]

Excellent video, thank you. The close-ups of the cable removal and replacement were particularly helpful and I had no idea about the fan control issue. Thanks again.

[@davids.nevill4074]

Excellent - Well organized, logical & sequential work flow, helpful hints, tips and suggestions. The SSD fan control app was an unexpected plus. Great job - Extremely well done! Kudos, DSN

[@jamin1299]

Hi Rick thanks for the tutorial, just replaced with Corsair SSD and the copied your bracket designed and worked a treat. Thanks for sharing, Cheers.

[@prinecash]

Great job. Not being technical, you had me on the edge of my seat wondering if it would all go back together!

[@mattyharkin5787]

Loved the clip mate - great info and well presented! I bought a 2009 iMac today qith 8gb RAM and will upgrade to SSD = cheers!

[@caspertucker]

thanks for mentioning that bit about the temperature cable - that's why i came here, cheers

[@patrickphippspa584]

Super nice video man! Thanks for your time and effort! You're so patient and unfluttered. Pleasure to watch your contribution!

[@Rickmakes]

Thank you!

[@sikerr1]

This was extremely helpful!! i really liked the work around on the suction cups. i was about to go by them and i realized i have that SAME soap dish! go figure. Also appreciate the careful editing and viewing angles on dealing with the all important cables. Really nicely done!

[@Rickmakes]

Thanks!

[@poiiihy]

You can use pretty much any suction cup

[@SlickTrademarc]

I just managed to grab the edge ob the screen with my nails.

[@CutterPhillips]

you are a savior! My sata drive died and i was able to put in a ssd. thank you for the step by step and saving me a trip to the apple store and money!

[@Rickmakes]

Good to hear!

[@berniesutton7277]

Great Video, thanks mate. Now onto complete my drive replacement along with a RAM upgrade

[@liamcosgrave5410]

Nice work there . I like the mounting solution . I Usually use sticky pads but will consider this in the future !

[@mtgrave5590]

great video! I'm planning a ssd implant myself soon, this video will help with that.

[@kiramccoy3098]

has me excited to try this, excellent narration of the repair. Great vid, friend.

[@Rickmakes]

Thank you!

[@DavidSmith-ne1zp]

Thanks for this. Made my drive swap way easier. Cheers.

[@AirZeee]

Thanks Rick, I'm looking at doing the same upgrade, having read lots of how-to's and now your video, I'm much more confident that I'll be just fine doing it :-)

[@BellaBardswell]

Best video of the bunch in my view! Thank for making this.

[@Rickmakes]

You're welcome!

[@nykravitz]

Your video was very helpful. Especially the fan control tip! Thank you

[@Rickmakes]

You're welcome!

[@shaktijim]

Thanks for the video! I was inspired to upgrade my 2009 iMac. I just finished it and my stats are: hdd write 88.5 read 96.4, sdd write 254.1 read 269.0. Hdd boot time 1:18, ssd boot time 30.49 seconds. Sweet!

[@Rickmakes]

+shaktijim Great to hear! It is a nice way to breath new life into an older machine.

[@jimr6846]

A++!!! Thank you so much, this made my install a breeze thanks very much.. I appreciate it.

[@tomgoffnett5624]

Nicely done! Thank you for making this instructional.

[@amandadebler5839]

The parts where you hit snags like the mounting bracket not initially working, then showing how you worked through it were especially good.

[@Rickmakes]

Thank you!

[@kermittfrog480]

Thanks, I didn't know the glass came off that easily. I found one I want to buy for $100 with a bad hdd. I'm for sure buying it now!

[@moviestudioland]

Very helpful video. Let's us know HOW to do it and WHY. And appreciate the speed test at the end.

[@nazeebehsan]

Thank you ! The video was really helpful !

[@robshin8078]

Thanks for this video. Super helpful.

[@SillyGrampa51]

i am a pc technician & am curious to related videos ... FYI very well done, clear speech, no music & concise to the point. You are a good thinker. VERY WELL DONE. Cheers

[@Rickmakes]

Thank you!

[@cerulyse]

nice video I have the same iMac, I'm going to swap the optical drive for a SSD I think in mine. I did it in my MacBook 2011 and made a fusion drive which is working like charm ( touch wood !).

[@davidAll5]

excellent job ! well done & explained

[@dr.lucazini186]

Very nice and well explained video. Thank you!

[@Rickmakes]

You are welcome!

[@murphyorama]

Great video. I have a 2009 iMac. It's been great. I think I'll buy a new one.

[@speybay45]

John Wright very interesting, will have a go at installing SSD in my IMac.

[@CimandeTube]

Clear and concise , nice work

[@Rickmakes]

Thank you!

[@t470kk]

Cheers for video Rick - successfully installed new 500GB Samsung SSD SSD Fan works a treat as well... KZbinrs - don't make schoolboy error I made - forgot to create a bootable USB version of OS Sierra...(DOH!)

[@BarrieMacLeod]

Great video ! Thanks !

[@raymondharris7226]

Thanks so much, I truly appreciate it.

[@cerouno7022]

thank you so much!! It works perfectly!!

[@iShming]

This is the mother of all old iMac SSD replacement videos. You've got the explanation about not needing the temperature sensor (because software!) AND the fact that the original cables plug right in to the new drive without going through an adapter! These were the things I wanted to see working! Awesome. Thanks Rick! Now what about installing the OS BEFORE you install the drive. The machine only goes to Sierra right?

[@jackpalmer6527]

I moved my OS before swapping drives. You just need to boot up from the restore partition (hold down Option key on startup and choose Recovery drive). Once it starts up, use disk utility to restore your current drive ONTO your new drive. Your new drive will be erased and then the source drive will be copied to it.

[@ramiroecarine8106]

Thank you! You solved my problem. Greetings from Brazil

[@Rickmakes]

I love hearing that! Thanks for the comment.

[@WhittyPics]

Nice video. Messing with those cables seems a bit tricky. An SSD does make a tremendous difference. I put one in my 2009 Macbook pro and it turned an old slow machine into a fast one. I since bought a used 2012 Macbook pro so I could get 16GB of Ram and I took the SSD out of the old computer and put it into the new one. I read that the newer imacs have the glass glued on instead of using magnets.

[@Rickmakes]

I haven't messed with any newer model iMacs. I just installed SSDs and RAM in my parent's 5yr old Mac Mini and Macbook Pro. It really gives the older hardware new life. It is seems like magic.

[@irynashlychek9287]

great video thanks

[@karronlaneNOLA]

thanks for the 'use leaf blower from a distance' tip. nice.

[@Rickmakes]

Thanks!

[@00bwana00]

great video I also have a 2009 imac with a 5400 rpm Hd (egads!) I'm thinking about doing the same thing

[@allenshegog]

I just sprayed mind down with a water hose it did a great job!

[@jrgeorge7]

Woah thanks a lot for the HD TMP controled by software tip

[@Rickmakes]

No problem!

[@paulinedevesa]

Thank you a lot for your video, thanks to you I found the right products on Amazon and now I got a better idea how to proceed . I don’t have any time machine back up … my bad. But I guess I can re-install the OS with the starting recovery system ?

[@CarlosACardona-SmartBiz]

Thanks for this video, unfortunately my problem is that the SATA cable is faulty and I haven't found any information on how to replace it

[@arvi8843]

Nice, I'm planning to upgrade mine as well! :) Just to confirm, is this your computer specs: Model: A1311 (EMC 2308), ID: iMac10,1? Also, how is your computer doing now? :)

[@navymiguelito]

A leaf blower?!! The almighty Tim-the-toolman-Taylor method. Yessss!

[@Rickmakes]

Only partially Tim Taylor. He would have used a modified gas blower. Mine is electric. I can't believe that show started 27 years ago.

[@mattyharkin5787]

LOL I thought exactly the same!

[@dianneperrydesign4691]

Thanks for the useful video Rick! I downloaded the ssd fan control and i'm not getting a temp reading and I also don't have the smart option (im assuming because of that) I've set the RPM to 1100 on manual.

[@Rickmakes]

Hmm... It is probably fine to set a static value so long as the noise doesn't bother you.

[@procekim]

Leaf blower :D thats fun.

[@Markinpuff]

But how do you prepare the ssd for the imac? Do you have to format it first or can everything be done after it’s installed?

[@Rickmakes]

You should be able to install the system on it after you install the drive in the computer. If you hold down command-r while booting, it will take you into the recovery console. This can take a while as it has to load the recovery system from over the internet. From there you can using Disk Utility to format the drive and then install macOS. Alternatively, you can install the system on the drive while it is in an external USB enclosure. That way it is ready to do.

[@saurom0lamderth]

Gracias

[@CB-kt7qd]

i have replaced the hard drive of my iMac 27 inch with an SSD and I had no issue with the fans.I did not even use a software nor nothing

[@maryovasconcellos]

The operating system is not registered on the hard drive?

[@KIIJJY6969]

I was about to order the suction cups, the only had them in the US so it wouldve taken weeks to get to australia, so i used the phone window mount out of my car and used that haha

[@Rickmakes]

Great idea! Seems like that would work well.

[@KIIJJY6969]

worked perfectly with the instructions in your video, alot easier than i expected, thank you

[@elveciojunior]

Thanks for the video. A question: Do you know if I can put the SSD drive like a primary drive and leave the HDD drive like secondary drive? Only for storage.Thanks again.

[@Rickmakes]

+JR TECH COMPUTER Innovation & Quality I am not sure. You might be able to put one of the hard drives in place of the optical drive. I think there are companies that make mounting adapters to do that but I don't have any experience with it.

[@Renghi]

Thanks for the detailed video! One question: was it actually worth it? i.e. was there a noticeable performance improvement?

[@Rickmakes]

There is a noticable speed boost. It would be a bigger boost if this computer had SATAIII. This is my wife's computer. She doesn't use it daily. She mostly used for managing her photos. If I hadn't upgraded, I'm guessing we would have needed to get a new computer.

[@mattyharkin5787]

I would assume based on the benchmark tests and the visible video boot times that it did. I have bought a few 10 year old laptops and put in SSD and there is a better performance issue. Trust me!

[@janparra9551]

RickMakes is a SATA 2?

[@dragotulej9465]

Just replaced and do not know what is the next step to come up

[@leepc777]

great videos, thanks ! how do you boot into recovery mode ? After upgrading the old HDD to SSD, my imac 27 (year 2009 model) can't enter the recovery mode by pressing Command + R.

[@bigrichreptiles0272]

how do u get the external dvd drive to work when u have a ssd in the opticalk drive slot is there a code to put in to terminal

[@Rickmakes]

Are you talking about just using an external DVD or booting from an external DVD? A USB DVD should work if you just plug it in.

[@yachtbreeze]

Very useful video. Thank you. One quick question: The third cable on the original hard drive (I assume a temperature sensor) has nowhere to go on a new SSD. When you simply left it unconnected did that cause any problems such as the fans working overtime? Grateful for any advice re that ‘spare’ cable.

[@Rickmakes]

If you forward to around 12:50, I talk about some software you can use to regulate the fan speed. I put a link to it in the description. It seems to work very well. You may hear the fan ramp up when you reboot but once the system is loaded, the fan speed drops.

[@yachtbreeze]

@@Rickmakes Thanks so much for such a swift reply. So, just to make sure I’ve understood; ignore the ‘spare’ cable and leave it unconnected, but install the software?

[@Rickmakes]

Trevor and Jo Taylor Correct.

[@sebastianbrooks4074]

hey what if i do not clone my hard drive im replacing and just put in the new ssd? will i be able to install the os or will i need a installation dist or thumb drive? thanks

[@Rickmakes]

In that case, you can probably hold down command-R when rebooting and install a fresh operating system using the recovery console.

[@stormstereo]

Thanks for this useful video and links! I'm doing this to my late 2009 iMac soon. Can you add any insight on TRIM support and El Capitan on such a machine with a Samsung EVO? Probably the EVO 850 500GB due to it having a better price then the 840, at least where I live. I see the fan control was fixed to work with 830/840 "and possibly other" so I might be in for a surprise there.

[@Rickmakes]

+Tommy Stormstereo I'm running a Samsung 840 EVO and I have upgraded to El Capitan. The fan control software is still working. I'm guessing it will work with the 850 but I can't say I have tried it. I have a video on enabling TRIM (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGq1faSMnM-ZjqM) on the Mac and this is the technique I used on my iMac. A commenter on that video pointed out that there could be a problem with enabling TRIM on the Samsung drives (www.macnn.com/articles/15/07/02/latest.os.x.version.offers.preliminary.support.for.third.party.drives.129345/). I do have TRIM enabled but I also have multiple backups and I absolutely recommend having multiple backups before messing with this stuff. I do have an 850 EVO in my Macbook Pro running El Capitan and TRIM turned on. I just can't say 100% that the fan control will work.

[@stormstereo]

+RickMakes Thank you so much for your informative answer. Much appreciated! I feel confident to try this soon. I'll try and get back to this thread with an update afterwards.

[@TechnologyRescue]

Excellent video, but seriously.... Who eats fat free cottage cheese? LOL. Truly amazing video and helpful. I have a 2009 and for your guide. Thank you!

[@Rickmakes]

Thanks for the compliments! Only AE (Anderson Erickson) Old Fashioned Cottage Cheese. I used to eat a ton of it. I would eat fat free, 2% or 4%. I have since cut dairy out of my diet for a number of different reasons and have lost a lot of weight.

[@DavidReza]

HI Rick, I don't get that good what is the Fan Software for. Could you explain?

[@Rickmakes]

The original hard drive has a temperature sensor built in. If you remove it, the computer's fan runs at full speed (very loud) all the time as sort of a failure mode. Using the software slows the fan back down like when the sensor is installed.

[@cruxwire]

You got it?

[@gio048]

Hi,Great video😎I’m getting a 2007 IMac with Intel 2.4ghz and 4gb ram.Have you ever heard about this model having a over heating problem? I’m getting the iMac next week,and I was wondering if I should get something to fix it,if it needs it.Thanks for your time😎😎

[@Rickmakes]

I haven't heard of any problems with my 2009. I'm not sure about the 2007. If you are skilled and want to take the risk, it might not be a bad idea to blow the dust out of it.

[@user-fm1zh5ej3d]

dear creator Ive got a black screen, is it somthing disconected??? I can check the power of screen and sound. I`m guessing that the problem is the most wide cable. isnt it? by the way the video is the best help Ive ever seen before thx

[@Rickmakes]

I would check all of the connections. You can also shine a flashlight on the screen when you turn it on. If you see a dim image on the screen, then the backlight isn't working.

[@Skrapeg0at]

9:13 - That's what she said!

[@jerrybomcool]

how is the glass held in?

[@jerrybomcool]

guessing magnets...

[@karimsuleymanov9141]

what is the name of the fan control software? I did this and everything works find but that fan is so loud. I need the name of that software.

[@Rickmakes]

SSD fan control. Link is in the description.

[@karimsuleymanov9141]

Ok thanks

[@geovannyzuniga6037]

Hello, when i booted the mac I get a file with a ? Mark in the middle of the screen. Can anyone tell what I can do.

[@Rickmakes]

If you hold down command+R while booting, it should get you into the recovery console. From there you can format the disk and reinstall macOS.

[@big00fish00]

I cannot switch on the iMac after the installation, what should I do ?

[@Rickmakes]

I would go back through the installation and double check every connection.

[@emmanueltapia1392]

Hello, great video! Does anyone know if the flash storage of the late 2015 iMac model is upgradeable?

[@Rickmakes]

Check out ifixit.com and/or Other World Computing (parts vendor). The have some upgrade kits for some of the newer Mac models.

[@emmanueltapia1392]

+RickMakes okay thank!

[@Rickmakes]

Carolien, so far, I haven't had any problems with the fan control software.

[@nn260]

+RickMakes great idea to control the fan, do you have to set it to 'smart' every time you restart your computer? or it is one time setting and it will be permanent?

[@Rickmakes]

+Neethan kanesha The setting is persistent. If you boot into recovery mode, the fan will run at high speed because the fan control hasn't loaded. When booting normally, the fan control keeps the speed under control and the computer is nearly silent.

[@nn260]

+RickMakes thank you

[@pokeutopia]

+RickMakes Hi Rick, is the fan control software for Mac or Windows? What happens to those who dual boot window?

[@Rickmakes]

+pokeutopia It is Mac only. When you boot into Windows, I'm guessing the fan will run at full speed. There are other (hardware based) techniques to slow down the fan. I would do some searching online.

[@SCHOCOtv]

Very good and useful video. How did you setup the OS to the new SSD before recovering data from time machine?

[@Rickmakes]

Mike Scholl I can't remember what I did. :( I may have used another Mac to create a USB installer. There are instructions online for doing that. You may also be able to boot into recovery mode (Command-R at boot) and install the system from there.

[@simonestornelli2785]

I installed an ssd by Sandisk but my iMac 27 late 2009 doesn’t recognise the new ssd. I have to reset the PRAM?

[@Rickmakes]

You could try resetting the PRAM. Also double check that your cables are properly connect. You might also try replacing the battery on the motherboard.

[@Escorpio40]

Go to Disk Ultilities and format your SSD to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and it will reconize

[@techtravelmusic]

mine stopped turning on after the replacement, I mean it works intermittently idk what the problem is

[@Rickmakes]

That is odd. Almost sounds like a power supply issue.

[@matnelen4235]

Great video, thank you! My only problem is the ssd seems to be worth more than my 2009 iMac. I'm not sure it's worth it.

[@Rickmakes]

If you are doing light computing (email, web browsing, etc...) you might be able to get by with a small, cheap SSD. That would give you a little bit of a speed increase to get a little more life out of the computer. If the computer dies or you get rid of it, you can remove the SSD and put it in a USB enclosure and use it as a portable drive.

[@coffeehigh420]

yes, I was thinking the same thing

[@legomojo]

Hello! So, here we are several years later... how did the drive fare with a digital fan control? Thanks!

[@Rickmakes]

My wife was using the computer up until a few months ago. The SSD and fan control software were both still working great. We switched computers because I had a newer computer available (2012 Mac Mini).

[@legomojo]

RickMakes thank you so much!

[@janicknorman9396]

This looks intimidating.

[@Rickmakes]

+Yanick Norman I don't disagree. It is a little intimidating. I am big on backing up before taking a project like this on. This computer was 6 years old so I figured it was worth the risk to try and update it. If I were to break it, I would have had to get a new computer to replace it and I was okay with that.

[@madman432000]

That was easier than I thought it would be. Could you have cloned the drive to the SSD prior to installing it?

[@Rickmakes]

Yes. You can clone before or after.

[@Boat_hub]

what is needed to be done to the ssd so that the iMac recognizes it? my ssd was new and empty and the iMac does not recognize it. I could not clone it because the previous one got damaged. I formated the ssd to journaled mac os and it still is not recognized. what Am I missing??

[@Rickmakes]

You will need to install the system (macOS) on it. You can boot into the recovery console by pressing command-R while the machine is booting. This will have the option to install macOS. Otherwise, you can plug the SSD into a USB enclosure and install macOS on it using another Mac. You just need to run the macOS installer (downloaded from the App Store) and make sure to choose your external USB drive instead of the internal drive. Once you have it installed on the SSD, you can put it in your iMac and it should boot.

[@Boat_hub]

RickMakes comand R does not pull my recovery mode. instead it shows a grey folder with a question mark meaning it does not see the hard drive. I have no idea how to approach this issue. please help!!!

[@hongli5884]

I got exactly the same problem. Does anyone know what to do? Thanks

[@hongli5884]

actually i find out the problem. It has nothing todo with your hard drive. Its because the keyboard was not recognized. Try to open the capitalize function and see if the green light on the keyboard is on. If not, your keyboard is not connected to the computer thats why it won't start up properly. I recommend to use a wire keyboard and press windows sign+R when you start up.

[@Boat_hub]

Dave Trussell I was able to fix mine by installing the OS into the drive usinh a MACBOOK PRO. after the OS is installed, the drive gets recognized. Another thing that I realized is that when you install the OS into the drive, some other files needed for recognition get is taller as well. Another option would be to clone the SSD from any other OS system you have at home. that way you will get this files that you need and can upgrade to a new OS if you need. hope this works for you!!!!

[@nicolasporta2007]

From where do you installed the OS again? CD?

[@Rickmakes]

You can hold down command-r while rebooting to access the recovery console. From there you can install the system.

[@nicolasporta2007]

RickMakes i need internet connection right?

[@granthudson-artist-painter]

A very hard video to watch, as the lighting is all shadows and with such a precise intricate job, such as this , why didn't you get a close strong light to enable watching which cables went where ?

[@Rickmakes]

If I do another video like this, I'll try to be more aware of the lighting. My brother is a videographer so I'll try to enlist his help next time. Thanks for the feedback.

[@albertbrooklyn]

I this essentially the same process for the late 2010 27" iMac?

[@Rickmakes]

I don't see a late 2010 iMac. I did find instructions for a mid 2010 27" iMac. You could probably watch my video to get a feel for what to expect but then follow the instructions on ifixit to do the actual procedure. I'm guess the procedure is slightly different from my video but things like connectors will probably be similar. Here is the ifixit procedure: www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2390+Hard+Drive+Replacement/8919

[@albertbrooklyn]

@@Rickmakes thanks; my error it was mid 2010. I will watch the video......

[@razaaali]

So how can I clone my new ssd before I do this process ? Or can I just change ssd and install new OS ?

[@Rickmakes]

You can clone is before or install new. If you get the drive up and running using an external USB enclosure, it should just work when you install it in the computer.

[@razaaali]

@@Rickmakes I would like to put ssd as primary hard drive, and use regular as data . Domt want to use enclosure because I believe USB speed is 2.0. Now I am confuse if I should remove optical and put ssd. Bit what should I do about the sensor ? And how can I make ssd as primary so system can boot for ssd?

[@Rickmakes]

If you don't have any data you need on the current hard drive, you can just replace it with the SSD and reinstall the system on it from scratch. You can use the SSD Fan Control software in place of the sensor. I put a link to it in the description.

[@thomasjcox]

That computer was filthy.

[@Rickmakes]

This was the first time it had ever been opened and it was six years old at the time. I was expecting it to be dirtier.

[@DarkOracleOfDeath]

That's what happens with all-in-one computers that you never open.

[@dasboot360]

What kind of camera did you use? iPods good

[@dasboot360]

*looks

[@Rickmakes]

+dasboot360 It is a GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition. It might seem weird to use a GoPro but they have a decent sized image sensor and pretty decent quality.

[@thienkimhoang554]

He's really got a good hands, it look easily for him, but with me , I feel afrayed that I will make some mistakes with this kind of technic jobs.

[@Rickmakes]

+Thien Kim Hoang Thank you for the compliment. I do get nervous working on computers but I always make sure to have multiple backups so if I break the machine, I can always just replace it. The data is much more important to me than the hardware.

[@oxqa]

Lol he opened it before he started recording the video lol

[@YoshiIsCool1]

What's The SSD?

[@Rickmakes]

It's a Samsung 840 EVO 500GB. This machine only supports SATA II and the SSD is SATA III so the drive is quite a bit more capable than the machine can handle.

[@jihadsharief3432]

hi can I use 3.5" hard drive?

[@Rickmakes]

Yes. You can use a 3.5" drive. You will likely still need to use the fan control software unless you can find a hard drive with the temp sensor that is built-in and compatible with the iMac.

[@jihadsharief3432]

ok. thank you :)

[@cerulyse]

If you use another drive of the same make ie. seagate etc then I believe the sensor cable will still fit.

What about the part about transferring the operating system?

[@Rickmakes]

I have a video on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHWYqYaQn9l5m6s

[@vasilnazar]

Rick, thank you very much for posting this video. I watched your video probably 5-7 times, took notes on everything, bought everything you suggested in the notes section and did exactly what you did. The only difference was that I chose the Samsung 850 EVO ssd. Hardware installation was fine. Gray screen showed up and after that the dreadful blinking question mark folder. I tried many different key combinations, including (cmd+r, cmd+rp, cmd+opt+r, shift key, etc..) to get the screen you got on your video (exact minute: 11:32) but nothing worked. I tried putting back the old HDD and everything booted normally. So with that I came to realization that I didn't format the new SSD. Can you please direct me in the right direction on how to format the new Samsung 850 EVO ssd before installing it into iMac, or do you format the new ssd after you do the hardware installion. I would really appreciate specifics on the proper formatting of a new ssd. THANKS MUCH IN ADVANCE!

[@hongli5884]

same question here. Does anyone know what to do?

[@hongli5884]

Or have you figured out the answer? since its been 5 months already..

[@vasilnazar]

Hong Li, I just saw your question. Sorry! Yes I did figure it out how to go around my problem. Here's what I did, if it's at all helpful: 1. I connected my newly purchased Samsung 850 EVO ssd to my Mac as a secondary External Hard Drive via USB 3.0 cable (www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-STAE-104-Compatible-Black-Boat/dp/B06Y55HBKQ/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1505249424&sr=8-10&keywords=Seagate+cable) 2. Before the upgrade to SSD drive my Mac was running older version of Mac OS X I believe it was (10.6.8). I can't remember now, since it was about a year ago. So, I downloaded a FREE version of newer version of Mac OS X (10.10) and installed it on a Samsung 850 EVO ssd. (That took a while, about 3 hours, due to USB speed limitation) 3. Then I went to Setting > Startup DIsk and made sure the newly SSD drive showed as an option to restart my Mac with. It was there. I selected it and restarted the Mac. Upon the restart everything worked great except evrythythg was super slow that was because the SSD drive was connected via USB cable. 4. So now knowing that everything boots from new SSD, I shut down my Mac and did all of the steps on removing old SATA drive and putting my new SSD drive by exactly following the video above. Thank you Rick! 5. I did install "Fan Control" app just as Rick mentioned in the video and everything worked beautifully. I also maxed my RAM which is 16 GB. THAT'S IT! I still use my old Mac 2009 running new Samsung 850 EVO (1TB of SSD) on it. So, for nearly $300 i've updated my 2009 Mac to a spec that isn't even available at Apple store. If you have old Mac try it, it's worth the effort.

[@Escorpio40]

Looks like you forgot to enable trim support for this system, which is very important for the life of the SSD.

[@ReginaldoKono]

What trim support is? How to enable it? Thanks in advance!

[@MRrwmac]

Rick, Why did you change it?

[@Rickmakes]

The SSD is a lot faster. It gave this old computer a new life. My wife was using it but I recently switched her to a 2012 Mac Mini. I did a fresh install on the iMac and am keeping it on hand with some older software that doesn't run on the newer systems.

[@MRrwmac]

RickMakes I should have asked “why did you change the format”? I kind of knew you wanted a bigger/faster HD.

[@Rickmakes]

@@MRrwmac Probably the biggest advantage of APFS is that if you copy a file, it only stores it once on the hard drive. If you change the copy, it only stores the change. It also has better data integrity features.

[@MRrwmac]

RickMakes Thank you for explaining.

[@tzsetzse]

Excellent video BUT...Dust is a conductor and high velocity cleaning isn't recommended! VACUUM the dust off and away from the electronics, just sayin'.

[@FluoxTrix]

INSCRITO

[@alienrefugee51]

You don't need a caddy for the SSD... just use some double-sided sticky tape and attach it inside the iMac where the HD goes

[@FrankBittom1]

+alienrefugee51 great! Could you explain in more detail? please thanks .

[@alienrefugee51]

Not really sure how else to explain it... Basically, put the double-sided tape underneath the SSD and stick it to the iMac, exactly where the HD caddy was. You're attaching it to the back part of the iMac. Maybe attach all the cables to the SSD first and then stick it, so the drive will be close enough to the cables. I put my SSD in place of the optical drive because I didn't want to have to deal with the HD fan sensor issue. Now everything is run off the SSD and the HD drive has now become a Time Machine back-up. You can also use heavy duty duct tape instead of double-sided sticky tape. That's what I used. You're not going to be moving the iMac around and the SSD has no moving parts, so it's not going anywhere

[@poiiihy]

optical drive bay has a slower sata connection...

[@poiiihy]

I used wire to suspend the ssd so it doesn't touch anything

[@diamonddave2622]

Velcro

[@BryantAvant]

How TF did you get that glass off so easy

[@Rickmakes]

Were you using a specialized suction up or a suction cup soap tray? The soap tray made easy work of breaking the magnet's hold on the glass.

[@BryantAvant]

I haven't tried yet. Is it just magnets or are there clips as well?

[@Rickmakes]

It just used magnets. I do have a link in the description to some small suction cups. You could also use something like a suction cup phone/GoPro mount like you would use on a car windshield.

[@BryantAvant]

I have about 500 suction cups. I get one Everytime I order an iPhone screen