New ssd | usb clean install issue

[billdoyz1]

I have been replacing some old 1 TB iMac hard drives with new samsung SSD drives and just ran into a problem I have not seen before.

I replaced an old sata drive on a 27” mid-2011 iMac with a new samsung ssd drive. I then went to install a clean copy of el capitan off my USB drive and its locked up on a gray screen, never reaching the disk utilities screen. I saw and selected the USB installer, I then saw the apple logo and load bar, which moved along fine, then it goes to a gray screen where disk utilities typically pops up and I get nothing. Just a gray screen.

What I’ve done:

1. I tried the USB installer on another computer and it worked just fine.
2. I created another clean USB installer and verified it worked. Same issue.
3. I reset pram (I’m desparate)
4. I searched google multiple times and found nothing.

Please let me know if you have any ideas. I don’t think it relates to the new SSD drive, because I can’t even get to the disk utility screen. I’m not making it off the USB installer… I’ve done this upgrade many times without issue. The only thing different is that since its a 2011 iMac, I used OWC’s thermal sata cable extension. I can’t imagine its a drive or sata issue that prevents disk utility from loading, but I’m not sure. Hate to tear the computer open again.

thank you!

 

[chscag]

It sounds like you're not gaining access to the Samsung SSD. You've proven that the USB installer is working OK so that points to a hardware problem. I don't know about using the OWC thermal SATA cable extension? I didn't think it was necessary to use when a SSD was installed. I know the fans will go full speed on that model iMac if a non Apple proprietary hard drive is used without the OWC thermal cable.

And a Welcome to the Mac-Forums.

 

[billdoyz1]

Thanks. I am leaning toward the cable extension being the issue. While not necessary to use, it does cure the fan issue when installing an SSD on that iMac model. Or at least OWC claims that is the case. I will probably have to open it up again and try without the cable extension.

 

[chscag]

If it works OK without the thermal cable extension but the fans rev up full rpm you can cure that by downloading "HDD Fan Control". This app has been specifically designed for an iMac and works just like the original thermal sensor. Don't confuse it with other fan control apps.

 

[chas_m]

But it would REALLY REALLY be better to use the machine as it was designed -- with the thermal sensor -- since all HDD Fan Control can do is ramp up the fans, making the machine noisier during those times when the program is not loaded, such as during restarts or sleep.

 

[chscag]

That's why I specifically recommended HDD Fan Control as it is unlike other fan control apps. This from the developer:

Reduce Fan Noise and Protect your Drive.
Fixes iMac Fan Noise problem
Stops the fan always running at full speed
Allows HDD Fan to run at a speed related to Drive's temperature
Does not need the Apple Temperature Sensor or Firmware
No hardware modifications needed
Protects Drive from Overheating
Works with all HDD's & SSD's

Of course it could be that the OP received a defective sensor cable from OWC in which case they will make it good. But if he decides not to use it, HDD Fan Control is a good alternative solution.

 

[billdoyz1]

Update.

This is really odd. I removed the thermal sata cable extension. Same problem. I removed the SSD bracket (adaptadrive), same problem. I took out the new Samsung SSD drive and initialized it externally with another mac. No issue seeing it or formatting it. I then reinstalled the newly initialized drive back into the imac. Same problem. I am now going to try a different and older SSD drive and maybe even a standard hard drive. I'm at a total loss.

When you remove a 2011 iMac screen, there are four cables to disconnect. Any chance damaging one of those connections could cause this gray screen issue? I've had no problems removing or putting them back. In fact, I've now figured out how to get at the drive with removing only the top left cable.

thanks

 

[billdoyz1]

To close this out for anyone reading... This 2011 imac is now a parts machine. Made two big mistakes. First, do not try to work on the imac without completely disconnecting the screen. I was accessing the drive bay frequently, so I just disconnected the top left cable while swapping out parts, holding the screen open. Well, the screen slipped from my control and fell. Screen ok, but it ripped the other cables out, breaking one from the mainboard and breaking a few pins off another. Machine effectively dead at this point.

Second mistake. The 1TB hard drive on this machine was clearly failing in the classic imac 2010 / 2011 sense. And I assumed it was only a hard drive issue. The person using the machine reminded me that the machine ultimately failed when it kept rebooting constantly without any user input. Symptoms which dont match a dead drive. After doing a lot of research I'm pretty sure the constant rebooting issue was a problem with the mainboard. an expensive fix for this old of a machine.

the ssd drive and thermal cable both worked great on another imac.

so I now have a parts machine. lessons learned.

 

[chscag]

Thanks for posting back. It's too bad about the 2011 iMac as it was still a useable machine. We try to remind folks about the hazards of disassembling an iMac and usually recommend they take the machine to Apple and let them do the repairs. However, some folks just don't want to, or are unable to undergo the expense and attempt to do the work themselves. But glad to hear the SSD and thermal cable worked out OK.