How to Install a 2.5-inch SSD in the SSD Drive Bay of a 21.5-inch iMac (Mid 2011) iMac12,1

[@Padrefan13]

Guess I didn't need to remove the logic board like this video demonstrates..

[@edmotler2115]

This is by far the best video for this procedure on the internet. I upgraded mine today. It took me 2 hrs after a couple of problems. The display port connector is the fiddlyest most delicate and difficult to seat correctly, thing ever. The display didn't work the first time I put it all together because I hadn't seated it correctly. Another issue I had was the fans running at max rpm, and no usb power when I switched back on. I opened everything up again and couldn't see the issue so I watched the video back again and realised that I hadn't plugged the mic cable by the fan back in. After doing so everything ran perfectly. Why this should affect the fan speed I don't know but there you go! Thanks for such a precise and comprehensive guide. Just perfect.

[@snoozimation4966]

btw how is your imac now? is it much quicker than before when starting up and using applications?

[@satyareddy6025]

Hi, I am trying to add an SSD to my mid 2011 Imac without removing the standard Hard drive and add the ssd behind the optical drive. My question is do I need that In line thermal cable?

[@stephengonzalescajonhs3205]

I'm having trouble getting that display port connector back in? any advice?

[@edmotler2115]

@@stephengonzalescajonhs3205 My issue was not being able to see what I was doing properly whilst holding the screen up. Could have used someone else with a torch to shine some light on what I was doing. All I can say is take your time and go slowly, don't give up and don't force it. And if you can get someone else to both hold the screen and shine a torch in, I'm sure that would help. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[@denizkayra]

Thank you for the detailed tutorial. I did it. The whole process took me about 1 hour. The only frustrating part was rearranging the motherboard. It was a complete pain in the neck.

[@JohnDoe-bf1fw]

pain in the ass is more like it.

[@timgreen5235]

Sense of satisfaction. Completed this upgrade whilst also upgrading the internal HD. Now have a 500GB SSD and a 4TB HD. SSD upgrade was non trivial. I found the music calming given its slow methodical pace - just whats needed when working on the innards of your machine. Thanks to the OWC production team - this video was a model of clarity.

[@JohnDoe-bf1fw]

the music of Black Sabbath would have more appropriate

[@amessman]

I love how these new iMac videos are uploaded just before I get a 2011 21.5" iMac. A great video as always!

[@bayclovebb1544]

This video is brilliant! I would never attempt anything like this, not in a million years. But the video is so clear and flows at a really good pace. I decided to invest and was able to install in roughly 3 hours. Well proud of myself.. thanks guys :D

[@satyareddy6025]

Hi, I am trying to add an SSD to my mid 2011 Imac without removing the standard Hard drive and add the ssd behind the optical drive. My question is do I need that In line thermal cable?

[@SRProducciones]

no you dont need it

[@MestreMagoo]

I purchased the kit and installed it. But my iMac after turning on in a few minutes is turning on the fan very fast . What could be happening?

[@luovega476]

the music is pure torture

[@nentihaiudittu]

exactly. But a great and informative video.

[@6teeth]

@La preuve en video You are behaving like a spoiled brat. He just said the musiv was torture, thats all. Then you start calling names. Idiot.

[@Human_V]

Hello, how about if i want to install 3.5 ' ssd its gonna be same procedure? I have 21.5 I mac mid 2011

[@tincanboat]

most other vids you don't have to remove the logic board, once you remove the screen the hard drive is right there.

[@solojazzcup]

Most other videos show you how to replace the internal HDD with an SSD. This video shows you how to install an optional extra SSD (using the extra SATA connector that's available), leaving the internal HDD where it is. That gives you 2 storage drives instead of 1. If you wanted, you could follow both procedures and have 2 SSDs installed on your imac

[@hendrikkeler4692]

this is brilliant. But I don't get the Logic Board back on the right place. It is about 1cm to high. What can I do?

[@hendrikkeler4692]

thanks. everything is back and the iMac is closed, but it doesn't start. I have checked every single cable 20 times... Failed :-(

[@stephengonzalescajonhs3205]

It's all really easy except for the display port. That is really difficult to seat and it can be easily bent as what happened to me. I'd rate myself at pretty proficient but this was quite challenging as you have a bad angle while holding the screen to put it back in

[@LeandroR99]

Woooow. I have an iMAc 12,1. Thinking about doing this... It is so easy to watch it in 12 minutes. I think I would take almost an hour to do the same. Great video.

[@M81Ahmed]

Hi great video and kit! before I start can you tell me the best way to transfer all data from my existing mac HD to the new SSD which I want to make the new start up disk and keep the old one for media. I also have a boot camp partition on my Mac HD with windows 7 installed. Thanks!

[@FabricioGiugni]

Hi. I can't find the installation video and how to proceed after. Can Anyone help me out?

[@superman3486]

thanks this video alone helped me update to the i5 cpu to a i7 2600, video card GTX 780m, and 1TB ssd...thanks guys!

[@elsbridgeproductions]

If i need to completely replace the internal HDD with a fresh SSD, can I basically follow the same steps but also unplug the HDD? I guess I would also need a way to reinstall a new OS as well?

[@DrMacintosh]

Just completed this! Worked great! Clear instructions with no questions being asked during the tutorial.

[@riclobosco6272]

Thanks for the guide. I'm installing a 2.5" HD (with 2.5" to 3.5" adapter bracket, installed where the original HD would be), plus an SSD as my boot drive installed directly underneath it. (Rather than restricting airflow past the DVD drive & GPU.) I imagine I'll need to put the temperature sensor on the 2.5" HD. Where do I put the electrostatic pad, in this config?

[@NicVandEmZ]

My mid 2011 iMac doesn’t have a bracket for the screen cable but it still works and doesn’t fall out at all just wondering why some iMac don’t have the bracket

[@Marphale]

Hello. I've used the video to do the upgrade and it was very comprehensive - thanks. The only problem I have now, on El Capitan, is that in Disk Utility the option to Partition the drive (as in your online instructions) is greyed out. I read on a forum somewhere that in El Capitan you have to Erase before you can Partition. Is that correct?

[@Ax3lN3ri]

so this makes my imac work with dvd rom and 2 drives ?

[@pinkspider777]

after installled it i have this error msg "The Disk you inserted was not readable by this computer" do i need to format it?

[@LighSpectrum]

before I install the SSD, do I need to install MAC OS ? Or is it possible to install it on the SSD post install and make it the primary booting drive? How do you prevent it from booting from your HDD?

[@chana100red]

Thanks - one question how easy is it to replace the primary HDD to SSD along with installing additional x2 SSD HDD as I noticed two sata ports on the MB?

[@Carlitos807]

Hi awesome video, Can you confirm if the same can be done on a late 2009 21,5" Imac (A1311) (ie adding to so keeping the optical drive iso replacing it with a "doubler" as most of the tutorials show for the late 2009 ones? or is it different on the late 2009 ones for place or Sata connector reasons). Thanks in advance.

[@dansyz80]

Thank you , great video!

[@CalumDouglas]

Well great but this doesnt match the parts in the kit you sent me. There is not sata power cable, and the SSD doesnt have adhesive pads, and I dont even know why the motherboard has to come out !

[@poweredbyowc]

Thank you for reaching out to OWC. If you could please reach out to our team we can make sure you have the correct kit. If you not seeing the correct cable or parts we want to get that taken care of for you. We can be reached at 1-800-275-4576 .Customer service 8am-8pm CST Technical Support 8am-6pm CST.

[@_RnD_]

Hello! What do you think about video card overheating after installing SSD behind the DVD drive? Seems airflow from the fan will be reduced...?

[@timbrunet1759]

I'm about to do this. My fan stop working I'm guessing because its full of dust. Should I just clean the fan or get a new one? Also since I'm putting in an SSD drive do I even really need the fan too?

[@Fab36new]

What about cooling of GPU? As can you see, space under ODD should be for air which going to heatsink of GPU. This installation will not affect on temperature of GPU?

[@305Nick]

My Mid-2011 still runs like a champ. Just sad that Chrome ended support last month and now Firefox is the only good browser with Extended Support. Cant download any sort of AppStore apps or use any of the MS Office programs. But its a great computer for surfing the internet.

[@bhuvy_27]

I am unable to get a hold of the "iMac to SSD power cable" in India. Could I use a SATA Y splitter power cable and power it with the HDD's power source? Would be great if you could help me out. Thanks !!!

[@poweredbyowc]

Hello Bhuvanesh! The SSD Bay Add-in Kit includes the cabling necessary. Here's the 120 GB Electra version: eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/K21IM11SE120/ If you prefer to work with OWC EU, they carry the OWC Internal SSD DIY Kit (without the SSD) www.owcshop.eu/catalog/product_info.php/apple-215%C2%94-imac-2011-models-tools-p-1253 We do have some OWC distributors in India. www.owcdigital.com/reseller/resellers#map-tab

[@telposh]

Very professional and clear, well done video. Thanks!

[@misterICo]

Do you know if there is the additional Sata port in the 2008 version iMac 8.1 ?

[@cro0w]

Hello, I purchased an installation kit and a Crucial 1T, 2.5-inch SSD very recently. I managed to put the computer back together and my problem is that when the SSD WAS installed, the computer wouldn't turn on. When it WASNT, it would turn on fine. Can you tell me what I should trouble shoot? 1. Could it be the cables? 2. I'm pretty sure I did this at least 4 times with the videos so I'm pretty sure my testing was accurate. 3. Could it be the SSD? To I need to do anything to it prior to it? Please help, thank you.

[@hluidy]

HI, I just followed all the steps on the video but after adding the ssd the IMac does not power on. It doesn't make any sound or show any information on the screen. I noticed that the only the fan below the main hard drive starts when I press the power button but it doesn't keep running. the is also a green light on the logic board. I also tried to disconnect the sdd and start the iMac like it was originally it did not work. I watched this video again probably 10 times to see if I miss connecting something, everything seams to be in place. Please let me know if anyone can help!

[@cruiseedwards4657]

is this the same installation for a 2009 imac 21.5?

[@Hdave48]

Installation went fine on my iMac mid 2011 however now have a main cooling fan problem with the speed running way too high and oscillating slow to fast. Any clues on how I can fix this please?

[@michaelromeo5689]

what does this video have to do with installing a solid state drive?

[@mattbaar]

I just completed the install and on startup, I'm getting the beeps indicating a RAM error, any suggestions?

[@johnwelbornjr519]

Will this work with a 2008 imac? Does that t have a extra SATA as the 2011?

[@dragodespalj9376]

Best of all videos about this topic! Bravo...keep going like this!

[@poweredbyowc]

Thanks, Drago, we will!

[@hafezmuslim9510]

hi bro thanks for your learning your video was very useful...

[@poweredbyowc]

You are very welcome! We want to make sure we can help as many customer's as we can whether it be for a repair or an upgrade. Glad to be of help. :)

[@LookOutForNumberOne]

Is that SATA connection in the same place as the iMac 27-Inch "Core i5" 2.8 (Mid-2010)?

[@poweredbyowc]

There is a very similar installation process. We have attached the installation video below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpezaqCIodyMfKs

[@تقنيّ-ي1خ]

Thank you. What is the appropriate length of the cable?

[@تقنيّ-ي1خ]

Thank you. cable data & cable power. I want to buy alone.

[@تقنيّ-ي1خ]

If I can know that, I'll thank you. Because I am looking for a lower price than supply.

[@keithpaw]

Very informative and helpful possibly one of the best MAC tutorials I’ve seen.

[@BillQuinlan]

Does this procedure work with a iMac 11,2 'Mid 2010 I5 Core' Model A1311 EMC No.: 2389 ?

[@poweredbyowc]

That should be very similar overall. Regrettably, we don't have an installation video of the SSD upgrade for this iMac, but iFixit has installation instructions on their website which are really handy in case you wanted to see a step by step specifically for that iMac

[@CmThayer33]

If im just gonna put a SSD n take out the old HDD, i dont need to do all those steps correct? Once i remove screen, i can just unscrew HDD n replace it with SSD using the same SATA cable already in use correct? Im only wanting 1 drive, an SSD. So it should be much easier correct? Great video, if i can do this, i will be orderingmy owc upgrade kit soon as possible. Thanks.

[@TACNERD1]

+Cory Thayer They took a really long way around the bend to get to replacing the HD. You can pop the back off and put in an SSD without doing any of that nonsense.

[@CmThayer33]

+MacSales. com btw, i did the SSD upgrade last Saturday n it was much easier then i thought. Now i may get a 5k imac in the next month or two, that upgrade scares me to death in comparison to this one. Anyway, i was getting 100mb read n 100mb write with the original 7200rpm hdd. now I'm getting 390write n 440mb read speeds. also from 1:04 boot time to 24 seconds. Much much snappier with the ssd.

[@uhoh007]

Using the proper DVD caddy which has mini sata adapter 8.99, and the old temp sensor is way easier than any other method. You can even still use the superdrive with this: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LOMGXWM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 These guys are out of date, sry.

[@kenwong8201]

Hello , there! DVD DRIVE was a sata2 wire, how can i a SATA3 speed in that SSD??

[@enoshyeluchuri]

Looks very complicated. If I get my iMac to you will be able to do it for me ?

[@NicVandEmZ]

WHY CANR YOU JUST REMOVE THE CD DRIVE AND AND USE THAT Sata connector for the hard drive

[@alfredoquintanilla4693]

Very good tutorial! It has helped me a lot. Very thankful

[@dorpho55]

The same way can be done at 27" IMac Mid 2011 ?

[@CmThayer33]

i looked on ur site n basically answered all my questions EXCEPT 1. If I buy the Adaptadrive thing, do i still need the thermal sensor cable as well? Or is that built into the red lil board on the adaptadrive cage? Thanks, i dont wanna buy something wrong or something i dont need.I dont see a video on ur site using the new adaptadrive thing,

[@CmThayer33]

+MacSales. com thank u. im confident i can do the upgrade myself, just worried about the 4 wires i gotta detach from the Screen, everything else is easy. Thank u 4 ur help.

[@JN7583-k7z]

hi, how long is the sata data cable?

[@josephw.sarnecky3229]

Can I mid 3010 21.5 inch iMac use an SSD that has a SATA 3 interface? Thanks!

[@poweredbyowc]

The 2010 21.5" iMac has installed a SATA 2 interface.

[@ChristopherOlson]

Pulled off the whole operation, but now booting up I have a vertical white bar a bit over an inch wide towards the right side of the screen... did I break it? Or could the display connectors inside need to be adjusted? Opening this thing up again is not got in to be fun...

[@ChristopherOlson]

MacSales. com I tried, but no this did not fix the issue. From what I’ve read on the net it looks like I probably damaged the LCD when using the opening tool by pushing too far in. Turns out this is likely a very expensive mistake and that I’ll need to be replacing the entire screen.

[@eldiablort1461]

Great idea. Horrible in practice. If you’ve got a 2011 iMac today there’s no way you’re getting all of those connectors lose without ripping up a wire

[@huemoua2628]

hi was wondering if this will work with my imac 21.5, 11,2 mid 2010 Intel core i3? I've been receiving this error code..4hdd/11/40000000: SATA (0,0)... when I did the hardware test. was wondering if I add an ssd, will it help me solved that issue?

[@Marphale]

My main concerns are 1. not getting dust and smudge marks on the screen, and 2. not damaging the internals through static charge. What sort of gloves should be worn, and what's a suitable material for storing the LCD screen in if you don't have the foam(?) that the iMac was originally packaged in?

[@Marphale]

MacSales. com Thank you for your response - much appreciated.

[@cappuccino-1721]

Why not just replace the hard drive with an SSD,

[@NicVandEmZ]

Cappuccino - because you would need a temperature senser cable

[@devanirnf]

on a video from the "Tech It Out " channel I've read this reply to the same question : "The hard drive fan will ramp up more sometimes, but you can actually get an app Called Macs Fan Controller. I use it and it can actually read the temps of the SSD because the SSD has a built in sensor, but by default macOS can’t read it without that app. You can set it to control the fans based off the SSD temp. But you have to be careful because you will have to set it for the gpu and cpu because auto doesn’t always work well especially for the gpu and I don’t trust auto." This is the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKiUpXaYe917hsk

[@NicVandEmZ]

Devanir Nunes Filho you can easily by sdd adapter fit it into a iMac and buy secerct temple that connects to ssd and works perfectly like the main iMac drive and fans don’t go crazy

[@parzival6423]

And also, you get to keep the hard drive along with the SSD, for more storage

[@ppash]

@@NicVandEmZ or replace the hard drive for better performance and download mac fan control.

[@raindrozest9558]

This was hard! Very cramped. Good video though! I couldn't have done it without this. Thanks! Full disclosure it took three hours and then I had to do it again because the SDD wasn't found by the OS. It's working now though!

[@poweredbyowc]

We are happy to have helped. Thank you for your feedback.

[@satyareddy6025]

Hi, I am trying to add an SSD to my mid 2011 Imac without removing the standard Hard drive and add the ssd behind the optical drive. My question is do I need that In line thermal cable?

[@satyareddy6025]

Hi, I made a small video comparing boot speed after installing the SSD. If you want to have a look please check the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3zRonqcbdGlgck Thanks.

[@bbcrazzman]

i've just done it, 3 hours job. !!! woohoo

[@bbcrazzman]

for my iMac mid 2011 i5 definetle worth.. makes it much quicker definetly recomand!! Raz.

[@satyareddy6025]

Dont we need to add In-Line Digital Thermal Sensor somewhere????

[@satyareddy6025]

Thank you so much for the super fast response. :)

[@agoodartist]

Hi I just installed everything as you explained with the same kit cable. But now I don't know why when I'm using the Mac during 1 hour or 2 the fans start running completely crazy both I think too much noise it's annoying never seen the fans running that fast. I'm using iMac mid 2011 21,5. I tried installing Fans control software but doesn't work... any idea guys? Thank you

[@agoodartist]

I just fix it with an SSDfancontrol software luckly, but yes I installed the same WD black 2 TB instead the one that came that was WD black 1 TB but the it's weird because the last HDD didn't have any wire sensor connected. Can affect that anyway?

[@agoodartist]

Thank you :) I'll do with the SSD software for now! Cheers :)

[@agoodartist]

I will :)

[@thetechguy5385]

Can you just use the optical drive SATA cable for the SSD?

[@thetechguy5385]

MacSales. com Thank you! That is exactly what I was looking for!

[@alexanderrikmanis8753]

Very good video, thank you!!

[@fitspz1559]

Where can one purchase the suction cups? Also, where can one purchase the special Torq screw drivers that are needed for this task? A very comprehensive video. Thank you.

[@ANCELLSTUDIO]

Great Video....Very helpfull I plan to upgrade with 2 Drives, One is HDD 4tb and + SSD Samsung 256gb So...The Power Sata Cable...weather I should buy? Can I use sata power splitter cable? Thanks before (already subscribe & thumb) (Imac middle 2011, 21.5 inch)

[@ANCELLSTUDIO]

Thanks you very much I will order....may be I choose OWC Internal SSD DIY Kit

[@jonathankern5814]

Here's an easier solution: I added an external SSD using Thunderbolt. Startup time went from over 4 minutes to 24 seconds, and everything else got faster, too. With that "upgrade" and more memory I've never felt the need for buying a new computer. I just use the internal drive as a clone in case the SSD should die. But it's been more than 2 years and I've had no problems at all.

[@howdesign]

How did you connect your SSD via Thunderbolt? Not seeing many, if any affordable enclosures.

[@BEEFTEEF4]

If you leave the main HDD alone, but then choose to boot from this new SSD, do you need to get the in-line thermal temperature sensor to keep fans from spinning at 100%?

[@BEEFTEEF4]

Thank you very much for the response. I suppose I can then install macOS on the new SSD, format the old HDD, and then select the SSD as the startup disk? Is that the correct general approach?

[@CB-kt7qd]

Perfect tutorial, way better explained than that of fixit. Thanks

[@snarkyguy]

Wow, great job!

[@ManuelRF]

excellent video

[@jw_25]

You can't just use a Sata Power Y-Splitter?

[@jw_25]

Oh crap, I spoke with an online assistant from your website and he/she said it was fine and I already ordered your y splitter

[@jw_25]

What will happen if I use the Y-Splitter?

[@Dannykirklandmissed]

for the thermal sensor www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Hard+Drive+Replacement/5954

[@andyhammond]

so much work to put a new SSD in...but i guess it could be worth it :P

[@baileyjrk]

This is one way to do it, but if you want to keep your optical drive, and not waste money on a special SATA cable, here's what I did: www.haught.org/2015/11/16/imac-2011-hd-thermal-sensor/

[@solojazzcup]

Is there anything special about this particular SATA cable though? Just wondered, it seems like you could use any as long as it's the right length. If you believe otherwise, let me know. Also, the method described in this video would also keep your optical drive intact :)

[@itchyego]

Excellent video with Step-by-step How To instruction. One word of critique: Never have a staccato-like music bed or one with a lot of separate notes which sounds 'clangy' which this video does exactly ---- Very distracting. Better to not have any music bed. WHY? I don't need "atmosphere' while trying to do a surgical operation. Love the Video, the narrator and never the music! Ken-in Hawaii - Mars 27th 2017

[@robertoerazo1445]

Now who I am I going to pay to do this, this intense for a beginner that just wants their computer to run faster

[@aladinsarsipeus]

Thought about doing this... Too much work. Id probably break one of the ribbons, plugs or wires👎🏼 Good tutorial though👍🏼

[@McCormick9000]

1 hour on a iMac...1 minute on a PC.

[@nentihaiudittu]

neverending discussions. It's cool if you do prefer PC's. It really is.

[@willm5032]

I'm gonna have a crack at this cos I need to clean out my mac for dust in the first place

[@SootyHunt]

This is BS... you do not need to remove all these parts...!!! Just unscrew the hdd once the screen is off.

[@ramelmamedov547]

Guys that disgusting airport card won’t go off. Help. I spoiled the head of screw. I feel it is going to end bad with this card

[@Samsonimages]

Wow this looks...terrifying. Thanks for trying to simplify it. I'm considering just running off a SSD external drive via thunderbolt instead. Has anyone here tried that?

[@jeremiahevns]

horrible broke my iMac