Last year, iFixit released a kit to install a second hard drive inside the 2011 Mac Mini. The install was fairly straightforward, but some Macs are a lot trickier to upgrade.

imacdriveinstall
The company has now released a hard drive install kit for the mid-2011 21.5" and 27" iMacs.

We’ve combined all the components you need and set the price at $69.95. And you’ll be able to use the clearest, bestest instructions on the planet to perform this install –– for free. Check out the 21.5" iMac and 27" iMac dual hard drive installation manuals to get a feel for the install process; the instructions are as clear as can be, but the procedure is still pretty involved since you have remove the LCD to get inside.

The kit includes the required SATA cables as well as the appropriate mounting hardware to install the second drive. As the LCD needs to be removed to access the interior of the iMac, the install isn't for the faint of heart, though iFixit does include suction cups to pull the glass off.

The kit is available for $69.95 from iFixit in 21.5" and 27" varieties.

Top Rated Comments

nagromme Avatar
179 months ago
Just duct tape it on the back, and put the iMac against a wall. Nobody will know.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
baryon Avatar
179 months ago
I always thought it's weird that the iMac, being a desktop computer, is much more difficult to upgrade than the MacBook Pros… I mean taking the screen off, with the possibility of getting dust underneath, is quite a big thing, you shouldn't have to do that to change the HD. And taking it to Apple each time is stupid, since it's a heavy machine and it costs more that way too.

I'm waiting for the time when SSDs will be cheap enough, and they'll be the size of a CF card and you'll just pop it into a slot next to the RAM. Will that ever happen?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tony hatbasket Avatar
179 months ago
Just duct tape it on the back, and put the iMac against a wall. Nobody will know.

Or go for the slightly fancier option and use one of these:

http://twelvesouth.com/products/backpack/

If I had an iMac with an external drive I'd get one
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iSayuSay Avatar
179 months ago
Cool concept, ugly computer!
Well yes, it's a plasticky computer as usual from HP. But at least iMac could be designed like that while keeping the great design and aluminum. Easy to maintain, upgrade, disassembly like a DESKTOP computer should. And that HP use 2560x1440 27" display too, so no reason for .. "Uugh iMac use a professional grade display resolution, HP not" anymore.

But no Steve wouldn't want customers "mess up" with the inside. It's a piece of art, not a computer .. right? :rolleyes:
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gnasher729 Avatar
179 months ago
This is what an iMac should be like. . .

//www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=7OAji8R-_jQ&vq=medium

Not a shipping product. Wait until this ships, and I'd love to see a price list.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nsfw Avatar
179 months ago
Imagine bringing your 27" iMac into the Apple Genius Bar for repair with a second hard drive custom installed! :eek:

Do you think anyone who does this mod would need a "Genius"?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

apple store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
iphone air camera

iPhone Air Flop Sparks Industry Retreat From Ultra-Thin Phones

Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...
Apple Foldable Thumb

Foldable iPhone to Debut These Three Breakthrough Features

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:09 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include three standout features that could set it apart from the competition. The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...