2009 iMac not accepting new SSD

Hello all. I got an old imac 27inch from 2009 and am in the process of trying to revive it. I got new ram and a new ssd, after having solved the ram issue, I am not able to get the computer to show the ssd in any way and it still shows me the question mark when I boot it up. I think it might be the cable but don't even know what kind of cable I would need to buy and if this would even help... thanks all

Posted on Nov 23, 2025 6:58 PM

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2 replies

Nov 24, 2025 2:31 PM in response to eliot21

You need a macOS installer of some sort. For a 2009 iMac, you need:


  • The iMac's original drive with a working recovery partition
  • An OS X 10.6.3+ Retail Upgrade DVD installer
  • A macOS 10.11 or possibly a 10.13 USB installer......whether a 10.13 High Sierra installer is Ok depends on whether the iMac is a Late-2009 model, otherwise only macOS 10.11 can be installed.


For the bootable macOS USB installer requires access to another compatible working Mac generally a model from 2008 to 2015 for macOS 10.11, or a model from Late-2009 to 2018 for macOS 10.13.

Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support



Unfortunately Internet Recovery Mode is not available on the iMac 2009 models (even the Late-2009 model) so if you cannot find one of the above options for installing macOS, then you can install Linux Mint on the iMac.


2009 iMac not accepting new SSD

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