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Q: Which hard drive in imac intel core 2 duo 2008

Hi

I need to change the hard drive and as my mac has died I need to know the replacement type

On the box it has the following :- MB323K/A     A1224

       imac 20"/2.4ghz/3gb/250gb/sd/ap/bt

 

 

 

Thanks in advance for the help

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Mar 20, 2014 11:09 PM

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Q: Which hard drive in imac intel core 2 duo 2008

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  • by K Shaffer,Helpful

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Mar 21, 2014 12:44 AM in response to espookid
    Level 6 (14,567 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 21, 2014 12:44 AM in response to espookid

    Your iMac (20-inch Early 2008) model A1224 2.4GHz computer

    can use more RAM than 3GB; as 6GB aftermarket is supported.

     

    There are two 20-inch model A1224, a difference in processor:

    2.4GHz Core 2 Duo (E8135)

    2.4GHz Core 2 Duo (T7700)

     

    {So to further identify by serial number lookup, or use the SN

    along with model A1224, when discussing replacement or

    upgrade parts with a reputable Apple vendor with a database.}

     

    •iMac intel 20" EMC 2133 and 2210 repair guide - ifixit:

    http://www.ifixit.com/Device/iMac_Intel_20%22_EMC_2133_and_2210

     

    And the hard disk drive data interface is 3Gbps, some replacements

    that say 6Gbps are backward compatible for these older iMacs. This

    could be a 500GB capacity, 7200 RPM, & perhaps larger capacity.

     

    The 3.5 inch model Serial ATA is the type; you could double-check

    by email, chat, or phone, in contact with reputable reseller, be sure to

    reference the iMac serial number. The largest supported HDD may

    be more than 500GB, but original spec says it shipped with 250GB.

     

    •iMac upgrades (RAM, HDD, etc)

    http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/imac/

     

    iMac install videos (2007/2008/2009)

    http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/imac_mid_2007/

     

    The model A1224 covers several builds in a wide or general build series

    but to know details of your build year model, you'd need to use the Mac's

    serial number, either in an Apple Support database, or an online identify

    by serial number lookup such as one I use; w/o SN it shows a wide group.

     

    •Identify your Mac - lookup your mac by model or serial number:

    https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php

     

    According to database information from http://MacTracker.ca (download)

    your iMac can safely use more RAM than original product specs say...

     

    Maximum Memory6.0 GB (Actual) 4.0 GB (Apple)
    Memory Slots2 - 200-pin PC2-6400 (800MHz) DDR2 SO-DIMM

     

    •iMac: How to remove or install memory

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423

     

    The exact replacement may be ordered from the above vendor or any

    other; a nearby Apple Store genius or product specialist, or a retail

    Specialist independent service provider with trained technicians can

    perform these update or upgrades; as I have no experience with the

    company OWC (while others have good reports) they are a reference

    example. However they offer help before you purchase, and even if

    you do not; and their RAM upgrade is a good match.

     

    Be sure to correctly identify your computer to whoever may eventually

    work on it, so as to get the proper match in detail for parts, especially

    in RAM. This and a new hard disk drive, should help the iMac plenty.

     

    {Also, even though OS X upgrade specs suggest you can run new

    OS X 10.9.2 on your older iMac, there are possible pitfalls; so if

    you go there, be sure to make a bootable backup of your OS X

    Snow Leopard 10.6.8 (if that's still your system) in case you find

    Mavericks tends to eat your old iMac alive. Make a bootable clone.}

     

    You asked about a hard disk drive. Well, you could use any that can

    support the data rate 3Gbps, and other specs per OEM; or better.

    A good idea is to get an externally enclosed HDD, self-powered and

    with oxford-type chipset to support OS X booting, and with clones.

    This is a third reason to see what macsales OWC has, then compare.

    The more you know, the better off you will be; esp. with good backups.

     

    {This took a little while to look into, as I went to five web sites, and to

    the MacTracker application, model & SN lookup, with two browsers

    open; and all at once. A feat for a G4 Mini w/ slow internet.}

     

    Good luck & happy computing!