Need an SSD upgrade for your iMac Unibody (2009–2011)? We carry out this work in-house at our London workshop, with a fixed quote before we start.
The drive sits behind the LCD, which comes out after lifting the magnetic glass. We fit an SSD and, on 2011 models, deal with the hard drive temperature sensor, because Apple used drive-specific firmware and cabling that can make the fans run at full speed after a swap. You can also add a second SSD in the optical bay.
About this model: The 2009–2011 unibody iMacs (A1311 21.5-inch and A1312 27-inch) have the magnetically held glass, which makes getting inside easier than later glued models. They have four RAM slots behind a door and a 3.5-inch hard drive.
Signs it needs an SSD upgrade
- Slow start-up
- Clicking drive
- Fans roaring after a previous drive replacement
- Need more space
How we do it
We use quality SATA SSDs from established brands, fitted with a bracket or adapter where the bay was designed for a larger drive. If your old drive still reads, we clone it so your apps, files and settings carry across unchanged.
Once fitted, we either restore your existing system or install the newest macOS your model supports, then run a full read/write test and check the drive’s health reporting before handing it back.
If you’d rather move to a new Mac instead, our data migration service (from £79 + VAT) transfers everything across.
At a glance
| Years | 2009–2011 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo, then Core i3/i5/i7 |
| Storage | Standard SATA drive |
| Memory | Socketed, upgradeable |
| Power / charging | Internal mains power supply |
Before you bring it in
Tell us how much data is on it now and how much you expect to add, so we can recommend a sensible capacity. Bring your Apple ID and login passwords; we need them to check everything works after the upgrade.
Which model do you have?
This page covers the iMac 21.5 & 27-inch Unibody (2009–2011) (iMac10,1 / 11,x / 12,x; A1311, A1312). About This Mac in the Apple menu shows the model and year; the A-number is printed on the underside of the stand. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.
Price
We give you a fixed quote for your exact model after a free initial assessment, before any work starts. All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.
Questions we’re often asked
Will I lose my files?
No. We clone or back up your data before any upgrade and check everything is in place afterwards.
Is it worth upgrading this model?
If the machine is otherwise healthy, yes. Storage and memory upgrades are the cheapest way to make an older Mac noticeably quicker, and we’ll tell you honestly if we think a replacement would be better value.
How much does it cost?
See the price section above. We always quote before starting, and if we can’t fix it, you don’t pay for the repair.
Book a repair
For a free, no-obligation quote, call 020 7394 2528 or email info@mac-repair.london.