How to install 2.5 ssd + 2.5 hdd into late 2009 iMac?

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Level 1

4 points

How to install 2.5 ssd + 2.5 hdd into late 2009 iMac?

Hello, this is my first question/post in the community, even though I've been a silent reader for quite some time.

I was able to find a lot of answers to my questions, but here's one thing that I just can't figure out ...

I have a late 2009 iMac (21.5 inch) as my home desktop computer. It's great and works okay. However, I just recently replaced the 2.5 HDD in my 2011 Macbook with a Crucial MX200 SSD and am blown away by the increase of speed. Now, my old iMac seems slow in comparison.

So I was thinking about making my own fusion drive (as explained here: http://www.techrepublic.com/article/pro-tip-how-to-create-and-disable-a-fusion-d rive/), using a 2.5" 128 GB SSD and the 500 GB 2.5" HDD from my old Macbook (that's more than enough storage for me). I figured that I'll need

a 3.5" to 2.5" mounting kit like this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G57BN1M/ref=crt_ewc_img_srh_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1& smid=A29Y8OP2GPR7PE

a 2N3904 transistor to modify the thermal sensor cable a la https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/85991/replace+the+hard+drive%2C+how+do+I+con nect+Hard+Drive+thermal+sensor#answer108508

Now my question is: Do I need a special SATA cable to connect the ssd and hdd with each other/the computer?

Thanks a lot!

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on Apr 24, 2016 2:29 PM

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Answer 1

theratter

Level 4

3,961 points

Apr 24, 2016 2:39 PM in response to DocChelios

No, the two disks do not get connected together. An iMac has SATA connections for two full-size internal disks plus one for the optical disk. If you plan to do the project then I suggest you visit OWC for the items you will need including the SSD and tools for removing the front glass and LCD screen, and the cable to replace the missing thermal sensor for the internal disk. This is not an easy project. Read as much about it as you can before you decide to DIY. If there are any problems you will not be able to go to Apple for help. Once you open the enclosure and complete you upgrade Apple will no longer provide any support.

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Answer 2

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,492 points

Apr 24, 2016 4:27 PM in response to theratter

theratter wrote:

An iMac has SATA connections for two full-size internal disks plus one for the optical disk.

Are you sure about that? My late 2009 27" doesn't have three SATA connections. His 21.5" iMac doesn't either. The 2010 27" iMac has a third SATA connector on the back side of the logic board but even the 2010 21.5" doesn't. If the OP wants to install an SSD he needs to either replace the hard drive or the optical drive. I replaced my optical drive and left the hard drive in place. If he wants a home brew fusion drive, which I wouldn't do, he'll have to replace the optical drive https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2308+Dual+Hard+ Drive/8641

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