Installed additional SSD to iMac 27-inch (mid 2011)

Finally found the time and patience to perform “Operation – Install SSD”. Basically, it is to install the Crucial M4 256GB SSD as a boot drive on the iMac 27-inch (mid 2011 model).

The installation is pretty straight forward as long as you got the proper tools:

• Philips screw driver (for the access door of the memory bay)
• T10 Torx screw driver (for the various parts within the iMac)
• Suction cup (for removing the glass panel)
• Slimline SATA cable (power + data)
• SSD drive (like the Crucial M4 256GB)
• A easy to follow guide like the ifixit Dual Hard Drive installation Guide
• Lastly, a pair of steady hands and courage

The entire installation took me close to 1 hour. Most of the time figuring out which screw go where as some of them are of different lengths (for the logic board portion).

I would say it was 1 hour well spent considering that I got a faster boot drive now. It achieved 251.5 MB/s write speed and 505.9 MB/s read speed!

With the new Crucial M4 SSD, the technical specifications of my iMac 27-inch is now:

I am extremely pleased with the new Crucial M4 SSD in the iMac as everything is snappier now. The iMac boots up in less than 30 seconds and applications launch almost instantaneously.

It is pure coincidence that Steve Jobs passed away 1 year ago, on this day (5th October). Well, take some time to remember the great guy and the things he have done to change the little technology gadgets we use everyday.

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Treat shadowandy!

If these step-by-step guides have been very helpful to you and saved you a lot of time, please consider treating shadowandy to a cup of Starbucks.