Introduction
Use this guide to replace Apple's proprietary blade SSD (AHCI/PCIe x2).
This guide is intended for the higher spec iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 models that are equipped with an SSD (Fusion Drive or blade SSD configurations).
What you need
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Tool used on this step:iMac Intel 21.5" Cardboard Service Wedge$4.99
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Before beginning any work on your iMac: Unplug the computer and press and hold the power button for ten seconds to discharge the power supply's capacitors.
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Tool used on this step:Plastic Cards$2.99
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Starting from the top right corner of the iMac, wedge a plastic card between the display and frame.
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While holding the display up with one hand, use the other hand to unplug the display power cable.
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Remove the following five Phillips screws holding the lower support bracket in place:
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Four 3.2 mm screws
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One 1.7 mm screw
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Use a spudger to loosen the right speaker cable's connector from its socket on the logic board.
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Pull the connector downwards to remove it from its socket.
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Remove the following screws securing the hard drive bracket to the rear enclosure:
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Two 21 mm T10 Torx screws from the left-hand hard drive bracket.
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One 9 mm T10 Torx screw.
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One 27 mm T10 Torx screw.
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Use the tip of a spudger to push each side of the power button cable connector and gently walk it out of its socket.
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Gently pull the fan cable connector straight away from its socket on the logic board.
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Lift the hard drive from the edge nearest the logic board and pull it slightly out of its recess.
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Remove the single 7.2 mm T10 screw securing the hard drive tray to the rear enclosure.
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Push on each side of the left speaker cable connector with the tip of a spudger and gently walk it out of its socket.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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40 Comments
This question never been asked: what's the diameter and a length of this screw holding the PSIe SSD on motherboard? Is it there if there no SSD in the config?
There is no screw in the motherboard if it did not come configured with a fusion drive.