Recommend SSD for iMac 2013 27 Inch for Booting Macos

crazyboy on 12/07/2022 - 22:39

My ageing iMac 2013 27 inch has HDD and I have installed macOS Monterey on it. However, apps such as Microsoft Word take around 15-20 seconds when loading for the first time. I am thinking to buy SSD, install macOS on the SSD and boot directly from it.

I checked that this iMac has USB 3 ports (5 Gbps) and Thunderbolt port (10 Gbps).

Can anyone recommend which SSD should I purchase keeping in mind that my port speeds are limited as mentioned above. Also just wondering is it possible to boot from thunderbolt port? Will it be faster when using the iMac?

Looking for cheaper options please.

Computing Apple Computer Computer Component Desktop Computer SSD

Comments

  • Hybroid on 12/07/2022 - 22:48
    +2

    You'll want an internal SATA SSD. Here's a step by step guide: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2639+Har…

  • Richardc on 12/07/2022 - 23:05

    samsung 870 evo

  • AustriaBargain on 12/07/2022 - 23:34
    +1

    Why not replace the internal drive.

  • pinchies on 12/07/2022 - 23:54
    +1

    Did the thunderbolt SSD boot for a while, can recommend. Big improvement in responsiveness.

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 13/07/2022 - 05:36
    +2

    Replacing the internal drive is super easy. Do that instead

  • akyeeeahdude on 13/07/2022 - 08:41
    +2

    I did the same thing with my daughter's iMac 2017 model. Technically any SSD can be used (I was using a cheap WD Blue SSD which was great) - I'd recommend to save money, buying an internal SSD and using an inexpensive USB-C dock.

    I also don't know if I'd say upgrading the internal drive to a SSD is super easy as you have to remove the LCD adhesive to access it. It's very easy to get that wrong and damage the SSD and is the same reason why many shops don't charge peanuts to do it. I've been building PCs since I was in high school (20+ years ago) and I wasn't game to do it on my daughter's iMac in case I damaged the LCD.

    • akyeeeahdude on 26/07/2022 - 19:19

      Damage the LCD/screen I mean, not damage the SSD.

      • crazyboy on 27/07/2022 - 10:50

        Can you recommend any YouTube video to install MacOS on SSD. I used NobleTech video last time for iMac 2013 but it was on internal drive not external.

        • akyeeeahdude on 29/07/2022 - 13:57

          I used a random how-to I found on Google. Similar steps to this one. https://www.macworld.com/article/672585/how-to-install-macos…

          Installing MacOS on an external SSD is quite easy - you can even use Apple's own Disk Utility program to do it as per the article I've linked. Installing Windows 11 on an external SSD to run on a Mac (any model that supports Bootcamp/doesn't have the Apple M1 chip which arrived in November 2020 in Macbooks) is slightly more complicated but still pretty easy.

  • Minheim on 13/07/2022 - 09:10
    +3

    My wife has a 2013 27" imac. We use an external samsung t5 USB ssd. Works brilliantly. Just clone your current drive to the ssd and set it as the boot drive. Much easier than opening up the imac. If you did open the imac for an internal ssd then you would also need to install a sensor kit for that model imac so the fans don't go crazy speeds.

    • Jimmytshirt on 13/07/2022 - 10:31
      +1

      I did this - worked an absolute treat. And pretty easy guides out there even I could follow.

    • Currynuts on 13/07/2022 - 11:30

      Instead of buying a sensor kit, why not just set fan curve through ssd fan control?

  • Minheim on 13/07/2022 - 12:37
    +1

    Further to my earlier email, if you go the external ssd option you can then utilise the existing interrnal hardrive either for a backup image or extra storage. We run parallels on the external ssd for windows 10 and it works flawlessly as well. An SSD will certainly make a huge difference to the usability of your IMac and give you good speed through USB3. I had looked at the option of an internal fit but thought it wasn't worth the hassle and risk on an 8 to 9 year old unit and the external USB can be easliy repurposed if the IMac eventually dies. Also being able to utulise the extra storage of the old drive was a bonus.

  • crazyboy on 23/07/2022 - 15:59

    Thanks a lot everyone. An external SSD seems better option as of now.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join