Machine: Mid-2011 21” iMac, model 12,1.
This machine has become my “audio/visual” workstation, mostly for Logic, Photoshop, and Final Cut. I figured an SSD would really future-proof things. I use outboard hard drives for all my data projects, so I just ordered the 500GB SSD kit.
The OWC video is pretty much spot-on, though BIG item to note: the DisplayPort cable (which connects your LED screen to the guts of the iMac) is incredibly delicate. In fact, my cable was plugged in so tightly to the motherboard that the cable was damaged when I finally removed it.
If you also damage your DisplayPort cable, fear not, just buy a replacement (I bought mine from Beets Tech for like $10). Remove the old cable from the LED panel. The key is to plug the DisplayPort cable into the motherboard FIRST, and then plug it into the LED panel, as your final connection when closing up the machine.
Also, be super careful with the LED screen and the glass. Do not let your fingers touch the LED! I laid out some clean drop cloths on my couch and gently propped the glass and LED panel up against the couch back, so nothing touched the exposed surfaces (picture the panels at a 60deg angle, to the right angle of the couch back and seat). Once I had everything installed, I used the included microfiber cloth to gently brush off the LED screen (dry cloth, not wet), and then used it also to brush down the inside face of the glass, before replacing the glass on machine.
Another note: I highly recommend you format the SSD before installing it! I plugged the SSD into a USB enclosure, then formatted it with Disk Utility (Journaled, one partition), installed OSX on it (simply open App Store, re-download your current OSX, and have it install on your SSD), and then used a Time Machine backup to flash my original hard drive onto the SSD. Then I tested the SSD by using it as the startup disk (while still in the USB enclosure). Once I was sure that the SSD was all set, only then did I open up the iMac and install it.
Overall, this is a fantastic kit. The heat sensor works great. If you’re having a raging fan after install, then double-check the LED heat sensor cable; it’s the cable right next to the fragile DisplayPort connection on the motherboard. I had to push this heat sensor cable pretty firmly into its receptacle, in order for a good connection.
Once you’re up and running, zap the PRAM a few times (command option PR on startup). I cannot describe how much of an improvement the SSD is! Lightning fast machine, feels super modern, and I can’t imagine ever buying another workstation for audio/visual production. Thanks OWC!
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