kapasigma

Q: Internal SSD on iMac mid 2011

Hi. I'm editing a short film and due to the footage I need to add an SSD drive on my system. As long as I'm concerned, I have two options:

  1. Buy an external SSD drive with thunderbolt interface.
  2. Add an internal SSD drive but also keeping my HDD.

 

The first option should give me a real speed around 350mb/s. I was wondering:

  • what speed approximately I would get from an internal SSD?
  • is it dangerous for my system to have both drives like overheating?
  • is it worth the trouble?

 

Thank you in advance.

iMac, iOS 9.3.4

Posted on Aug 9, 2016 2:25 AM

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Q: Internal SSD on iMac mid 2011

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  • by Rudegar,

    Rudegar Rudegar Aug 9, 2016 7:32 AM in response to kapasigma
    Level 7 (28,371 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 9, 2016 7:32 AM in response to kapasigma

    don't think thunderbolt would be a limitation in terms of speed

  • by rkaufmann87,Helpful

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Aug 9, 2016 9:12 AM in response to kapasigma
    Level 9 (58,135 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 9, 2016 9:12 AM in response to kapasigma

    The 2011 iMacs had an option to have an internal HD and SSD when they were sold new, this means you could safely do this option. I made this change myself using the OWC instructions and cable kit to ensure the fans did not go crazy. If you are comfortable working inside an iMac it's not all that difficult, however look at the video (link below) and make that judgment. If the thought scares you, contact an AASP in your area and they can do the upgrade for you. My installation has been running trouble free for about 2 years and the speed has been fantastic. If you do decide to go this route, any SSD would work and then use the install kit OWC has available. The video instructions are:

     

    https://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/imac_mid27_2011_ssddiy/

  • by kapasigma,

    kapasigma kapasigma Aug 9, 2016 9:15 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 9, 2016 9:15 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    Thank you for your help.

     

    The SSD's I find it says they have a write/read speed around 550MB/s. Is this a theoretical speed or do they actually reach these numbers? I'm not a speed-freak I just need it to be above 300MB/s.

  • by rkaufmann87,Helpful

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Aug 9, 2016 9:23 AM in response to kapasigma
    Level 9 (58,135 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 9, 2016 9:23 AM in response to kapasigma

    Re-Read the specificiations. If they say Up to 550 MB/s that indicates it's not an absolute. At any rate you will see a dramatic increase in speed when the computer boots, shuts down and opens large files.

  • by mattwithcats,

    mattwithcats mattwithcats Aug 9, 2016 11:27 AM in response to kapasigma
    Level 1 (35 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 9, 2016 11:27 AM in response to kapasigma

    You need to post more info, Mid 2011, with how much memory and hard drive size?

     

    The 21 inch models came with a 500 gig drive, and 4 gigs memory.

     

    While you can add a second drive, it requires major disassembly.

    Large capacity SSD's are expensive, too...

     

    I would add memory first, an additional 16 gigs, to 20, will help greatly.  4 slots, two are available..

    Data Memory Systems, http://www.datamemorysystems.com/apple-imac-intel-core-i5-quad-core-2-5ghz-21-5- mc309ll/a-mid-2011-memory-upgrades/

     

    Second, upgrade the small hard drive.  I put a 2 terabyte Western Digital Black ($99 Shell Shocker sale) in my mid 2011.  Hard, but not nearly as hard as a second drive.  You will need the temp sensor, OEM drive had it built in, replacement does not.

    https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD11/

     

    An internal SSD as either primary or second would be my final move.  Most cost, most disassembly..

  • by PeterWeter,

    PeterWeter PeterWeter Aug 9, 2016 11:01 PM in response to kapasigma
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 9, 2016 11:01 PM in response to kapasigma

    TIp : Do not replace the DVD drive with a SSD. It will work but is will not be as fast as replacing the hard disk or adding a cable to the motherboard and putting the SSD behind the DVD drive. Get the cable kit on eBay.