NVME external boot drive

[darkan9el]

Hi, I have a late 2011 27" iMac (12,2) and I think the internal HDD is on it's way out. I could just replace the drive internally but I also have an NVME card. Could I put this in an external enclosure and connect to a thunderbolt port and boot from it.

Would this be a practical or viable option?

This is the thunderbolt spec.

Vendor Name: Apple Inc.
Device Name: iMac
UID: 0x0001000A1EE02C80
Route String: 0
Firmware Version: 22.1
Domain UUID: D5DAB45E-C7DB-215E-8738-CFEB286FC1B1

Port:
Status: No device connected
Link Status: 0x7
Speed: Up to 10 Gb/s x2
Receptacle: 1
Port Micro Firmware Version: 2.1.3

Port:
Status: No device connected
Link Status: 0x7
Speed: Up to 10 Gb/s x2
Receptacle: 2
Port Micro Firmware Version: 2.1.3

 

[chscag]

Welcome to our forums.

Your 2011 27" iMac has two TB type 1 ports rated at 10 Gbps. Even with a fast NVME card in an enclosure it won't be as fast as installing the SSD internally.

A 2011 27" iMac is not difficult to get into since the display is held on magnetically and with tape. The later models are sealed and require more work. You can see the procedure for changing the drive and opening up your iMac at www.ifixit.com. You will also need a thermal sensor bypass if you go that route.

Keep in mind that Apple considers your iMac as obsolete and will not provide parts or service for it.

 

[darkan9el]

Thanks for the reply and I'll get decent SDD and get it installed internally.