Can you put a new hard drive in a 27" imac?

Hey there!

+1 to the external SSD method.

Using an external SSD is a far simpler, cost-effective solution that you can set up yourself. There's also no risk of damage to the iMac, and you can re-use the external SSD for external storage when you get a new Mac.

To learn more, this user tip should help: Use an external SSD as your startup disk … - Apple Community.

-Jack

Just get an external SSD and be done with it.

There is no need to tear the machine apart and risk destroying it.

Yes, a new HDD can be installed but if the iMac is otherwise ok it will be much easier just to add an external bootable SSD and run your iMac from that.

Do these iMacs have standard HDDs or are they Fusion drives? Exactly what model(s) are they?

Disassembling an iMac to replace the drive is not a trivial job ... and if you have or intend to install macOS Monterey, or later, the replacement needs to be a genuine Apple drive.

OWC has a drive replacement service but their website is currently down for maintenance. We're all hoping it will be back up in a day or so.

MartinR is correct, however if the computers are older than 2017's it would not be wise to invest any money in them, why?

1. They are obsolete, meaning they cannot run current versions of Mac OS.
2. They are considered vintage, meaning parts are no longer widely available.
3. They are at least 8 years old meaning between 1 & 2 you are painting yourself into a corner as software developers DO NOT develop for old hardware. They go back may 3-4 generations not 5 or more normally. This means that eventually you will need to upgrade your software but cannot because you have old hardware.

Where I am going with that is if your hardware is 2017 or older then consider spending the money to invest in newer hardware. Don't worry about the old computers, you can always use Apple free recycling services.

However, if your iMacs are 2019's that still used HD's then yes, get an external SSD and use that as your boot drive, much easier than doing MAJOR surgery on the computer and risk ruining it. The reason I'd not saying 2019 or newer is beginning in 2020 all Macs began shipping with SSD's. You can learn how to setup an external SSD by clicking How to setup an external SSD as your startup disk

Indeed, you can install a new hard drive in a 27" iMac, and guess what? If you install an SSD, you will see lightning-fast booting and day-to-day work.

I am sure iMacs were very slow in performance before both hard drives died. I suggest getting a solid-state upgrade, which will save you a big cost on buying new iMacs.

It's a tricky job - physically, the screen needs to be removed to install a new SSD drive - only do it if you are a professional or hire a professional to do it. I would suggest doing it on 1 iMac, and you will see the magic.

KiltedTim wrote:

Just get an external SSD and be done with it.

There is no need to tear the machine apart and risk destroying it.