Hello

I am working on a IMac late 2013 21” for someone who wants the storage upgraded. I have seen Luke Miami upgrade the storage on these but when I got into the machine there is nowhere for the ssd to go…no connection

Please help, I’m so confused

 

Last edited by a moderator: Jan 5, 2024

Looks like this is a model with a PCIe SSD. There were models with 2.5" HDD, fusion drive or what apple called "blade SSD". As far as I know these are NON STANDARD and need special replacement models.

The SSD is mounted on the logic board, so you have to completely disassemble the iMac. This is the ifixit guide:

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2638+Blade+SSD+Replacement/29130

 

you are trying to add a ssd, but this guy you saw do this; was he adding a drive or replacing the old hd? Maybe there isn't space for both.

I've never worked on an iMac, or used one. It's an intel, and 10 years old. I wouldn't bother. I'd buy a Pro 5,1 or a Garbage Can Pro and call it a day with a way nicer machine.

If I had an iMac I wanted to add storage to, I would get an external USB-C and be done with it. I use the Lacie Rugged USB-C's and they are great. 4TB model is about 100 bucks. Fast enough for all my samples, Falcon, Kontakt, Nexus, etc. Of course my system drive is nice SSD, so this is easy to say.

Find a video of someone adding an ssd successfully and post it.

 

There is no way to fit additional storage into an old iMac and I wouldn't mess with DIY solutions. The best option is an external SSD. That's exactly what I did with my 2012 iMac: the startup disk is now an ext SSD. So much faster now.

 

I beg to differ