Chosen Solution
I see one a somewhat-similar post from 2014 but not sure if its still applicable…. I replaced the hard drive in my EMC2211 (iMac 24” early 2008 3.06ghz) in 2017 with a Seagate BarraCuda 4TB SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5-Inch. Its running fine but want to go to a newer operating system — I’m suck on El Capitan. I’m considering purchasing a 2016 or 2017 21.5 or 27” iMac with a small capacity HDD and then just replace the this machine’s HDD with the one out of my EMC2211. Will the new(er) machine accept the drive without any fuss (i.e., just swap it out without any configuration and power up) or will I need to go through another process (i.e., time machine it, erase the Seagate HDD, install, etc.)? Thanks! Mike
Your system uses a 3.5” HDD, while the newer 2016 or 2017 21.5” system used a 2.5”. So transferring the drive to it won’t be possible as your drive its too big physically. You could put it into a newer 27” model as it still offers a 3.5” HDD. Now what I would buy is a SSD 27” model which will get you a blade SSD drive, either the 256 or 512 GB models. That way you have a zippy boot up and hosting your apps, leaving the rest of the drive empty! That way your system can leverage it for Virtual RAM, caching and scratch space. Using the 3.5” drive as your data drive. You will need to carry over the drive mounting screws and you’ll need to add in the SATA/Power cable iMac 27" Retina 5K Hard Drive Combo Cable (L15/17/19) Apple P/N 923-00664 But before you do this review the guides for the system decide you get. Getting the display off is a bit tricky! If you don’t use the correct tools as well as not force things! You’ll need replacement adhesive strips and make sure you use regent quality 85% or better isopropyl alcohol to clean the surfaces.
