Introduction
Follow this guide to upgrade your iMac's hard drive with an SSD using an updated 2.5” to 3.5” metal enclosure. The guide includes steps to install the temperature sensor so that the Mac's fans will operate at the correct speed.
This is a prerequisite only guide and should not be used alone. This guide is a part of the iMac HDD replacement guides.
Tools
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Line up the SSD connectors with the metal enclosure's sockets.
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Press the drive against the enclosure sockets until the SSD is firmly seated.
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to install the four silver screws (two on each side) along the edges of the SSD to secure it to the enclosure.
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Peel the white liner off the back of the small temperature sensor board in order to expose the adhesive.
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Adhere the temperature sensor board to an exposed, metal surface of the SSD, close to the SATA connector.
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Fold the excess temperature sensor wires so that they are out of the way while you install the enclosure.
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Use a T8 driver to install the mounting pins from the old hard drive onto the sides of the enclosure.
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Slide the SSD enclosure into the space previously occupied by the hard drive.
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Route the cables so that they will not interfere with any other components.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
what if I’m installing a hard drive?
Troy Garcia -
Didn’t bother with the SSD caddy. Some 3M sticky pads did the trick!
James Clive -
Been using them for years...works great.
Michael Maxson -
Two thoughts on SSD replacement/upgrade:
1) It would help if some references were made to help us determine what we need in terms form factors. I’ve never used an SSD and see a 2.5” one that would work, but I don’t know if 2.5” SSDs are different (in form factor) from 2.5” HDs. A lot of us are still learning about SSDs and isn’t that what this site is about? (Learning new things about hardware and using hardware?)
2) I’m not clear if I definitely need a new temperature sensor if I put in an SSD or if
Hal Vaughan -
Can I buy the kit without the SSD. I'm thinking of replacing my 3TB hard drive with a 4TB SSD.
Also, would you happen to know what the maximum hard drive dimension that can fit inside of this iMac? I may try a 14TB hard drive instead.
Larry -
A 14Tb HDD does not represent any problem. But I will care about rising temperature. Must attach a heat sensor. If rise to high, it will suddenly shutdown to protect it.
Neos Marketing -