iMac 2011 SSD Replacement

Arthur Shi

Last updated on August 15, 2022

5 - 15 minutes

Moderate

Prerequisite Only

This guide is only intended to be used as a prerequisite for other guides. It's incomplete by itself.

Introduction

Go to step 1

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.

What you need

Tools

Step 1 Replace the hard drive with an SSD

iMac 2011 SSD Replacement, Replace the hard drive with an SSD: step 1, image 1 of 3

iMac 2011 SSD Replacement, Replace the hard drive with an SSD: step 1, image 2 of 3

iMac 2011 SSD Replacement, Replace the hard drive with an SSD: step 1, image 3 of 3

Follow the next steps if you are replacing your hard drive with an SSD kit.
If your SSD enclosure looks like the first image, follow this guide instead.
Line up the SSD connectors with the metal enclosure's sockets.
Press the drive against the enclosure sockets until the SSD is firmly seated.
The SSD connects with the enclosure in only one direction. If the connectors don't line up, rotate the SSD and try again.

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Step 2

iMac 2011 SSD Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

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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Step 3

Plug the included sensor-enabled SATA power cable into the enclosure's port.
The cable is keyed to connect in only one orientation. If you can't connect the cable, rotate it 180° and try again.

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Step 4

iMac 2011 SSD Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

Peel the white liner off the back of the small temperature sensor board in order to expose the adhesive.
Adhere the temperature sensor board to an exposed, metal surface of the SSD, close to the SATA connector.
Fold the excess temperature sensor wires so that they are out of the way while you install the enclosure.

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Step 5

Use a T8 driver to install the mounting pins from the old hard drive onto the sides of the enclosure.

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Step 6

Attach any mounting brackets removed from the old hard drive onto the enclosure.

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Step 7

Connect the iMac's SATA power cable to the other end of the new sensor-enabled SATA cable.

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Step 8

Connect the iMac's SATA data cable to the enclosure.

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Step 9

iMac 2011 SSD Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3

The images used in this step come from a 2017 iMac. Your cables may look slightly different, but the procedure remains the same.
Slide the SSD enclosure into the space previously occupied by the hard drive.
Route the SATA cables so that they will not interfere with any other components.
Try to keep the cables free from any sharp bends, and route them such that they are not pinched.