User profile for user: khef
khef Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

mid-2010 iMac 27" hard drive replacement

Hello all,

My 1TB hard drive recently decided it's had its final day (for mid-2010 iMac 27" display). Since it is out of warranty, I took it to my nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider where they charged me $50 to tell me that yes, indeed my hard drive was dead.

I decided instead of paying all the labor fees etc. that I would do it myself.

This is a multi-part question:

1- I just want another 1TB hard drive that is similar to what the stock one is. Is buying a refurbished drive ok to do and what's a recommended model? I was looking here for one: https://www.serversupply.com/HARD%20DRIVES/SATA-II/1TB-7200RPM/

2- Do I need a thermal sensor?

I've read that the stock apple drives have an internal thermal sensor and all 3rd party drives need a separate part seen here: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD09/

3- There's also a chance my DVD drive may not work but the diagnostic test only tested the hard drive. I don't ever need this drive except I will need it to boot the OSX, right?

4- I've also heard there are certain iMac models that are trickier than others to do the install. Does anyone know if the mid-2010 is one of those?


I realize this is a lot of questions! Is it worth the trouble to just suck it up and pay to have a service provider do it? I've chatted with Apple support multiple times asking and all they want to do it just point me to where the nearest service providers are. I can not get any help they just send me in circles or avoid answering questions since my computer is an older model. 😟


Any and all help appreciated. Been in the internet rabbit hole trying to figure this out.

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4), mid-2010 27"

Posted on Aug 9, 2017 3:56 PM

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5 replies
User profile for user: MichelPM
MichelPM
User level: Level 10
81,841 points

Aug 10, 2017 2:19 PM in response to khef

It can be done, but the if you are new or a novice to upgrading any type of Macs, iMacs are fiddly to work on.

Losts of fasteners and small, fragile, fiddly coonections to deal with.

I consider myself a qualified Mac upgrader, but since my 2009 iMac is my one and only work iMac, I didn't want to risk doing my own DIY to replace my iMac's ailing hard drive.

If you want to try this with your own iMac, I would forget putting in a conventional replacement hard drive and install an internal SSD (Solid State flash memory Drive), instead.


OR

Since your 2010 iMac only has FireWire 800 ports,

You could do as I have done and purchase an SSD in either FW800 or Thunderbolt enclosure ( using a FW800 cable or Thunderbolt cable and FW800 adapter) and boot and run your 2010 iMac from an external SSD.

My 2009 iMac runs very quick from an external SSD and it was just, basically, plug and play.

I formatted the SSD for MacOS, cloned my failing hard drive to the external FW800 enclosed SSD, booted my iMac and it was back up and running.

The enclosed external SSD is very, VERY snappy with my iMac.

Very happy with the results.


I used OWC (macsales.com).

Internal SSDs here.


https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/imac

There's the external and enclosed FW800 SSD I use. I purchased the 480 GBs SSD model

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/EliteALmini/eSATA-FW800-FW400-USB

Good Luck to You!

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User profile for user: khef
khef Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Aug 10, 2017 2:18 PM in response to MichelPM

Thanks! I really was trying to spend less money with the HDD but I think I'm gonna go for the SSD instead.

There's one on amazon that a friend suggested so if I can do the install myself I think I can just use an external to do most of my design file storage.

Amazon.com: Crucial MX300 525GB SATA 2.5 Inch Internal Solid State Drive - CT525MX300SSD1: Computers & Accessories

Thanks for the suggestions! I have an install kit at work I can borrow so that's a plus.

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User profile for user: Glen Doggett
Glen Doggett
User level: Level 4
2,759 points

Aug 9, 2017 11:45 PM in response to khef

I have two 2010 iMacs, a 21.5" and a 27" model. I recently maxed out the RAM in both and installed new SSD drives in them to replace the original spinning mechanical drives. OWC makes a DIY kit with all the tools you need and hardware bundled, including the temperature sensor cable.


(The one missing part, which would make sense only if the original drive was still functional, is an external USB enclosure for the old drive.)


There are videos of the installation process that you can watch to decide for yourself if you are up for the challenge, for example:

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/K27IM10SE1TB/

This video shows how to install the SSD in the open bay in the 27" models only so you can have a second internal drive or Fusion drive.


note: the 6G drive in this bundle will only operate as fast as the 2010 iMac's 3G interface speeds. You might be able to get a 3G SSD cheaper. OWC may still offer a service where they will perform the installation for you, if you can ship them the computer, give them a call. These videos show how to remove the existing internal drive and replace it:

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/KITIM09HE1TB/


If you are going to make the effort to install this yourself, go for the SSD rather than a mechanical spinning drive, it is much faster, totally silent, runs cooler, so your fans will barely kick in as well. Prices have come down a little, especially for the older 3G drives.


Good luck!

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mid-2010 iMac 27" hard drive replacement

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