Chosen Solution
I have an Apple iMac “Core i5” 3.2 27-Inch (Late 2013), - ME088LL/A - iMac14,2 - A1419 - 2639. Dead unit. No internal hard drive, just a 512GB SSD. Without opening it yet, I’m assuming the SSD is living in the SSD slot on the back of the logic board, as opposed to the easier-to-access hard drive slot. More work for me. Oh, well… I need to pull the 512GB SSD that’s in it, and get access to the data. I am wondering what pin-outs I’m potentially looking at on the SSD - 24, 26? - and what enclosures/cables might work with the SSD to access it from another computer. Connection could go from the SSD to USB for instance, or from the SSD to SATA. Time is somewhat crucial here, and I’d like to keep the adapter cost below say, $70 as this will be a one-off. Many thanks in advance. Update (08/24/2017) From the provided link: “IMPORTANT NOTE: Compatible with the Flash SSD module used in the 2012 / early 2013 13” and 15" MacBook Pro with Retina Display models only and NOT for use with any other SSD modules, including the OWC Aura and Aura Pro 6g SSDs." iMac not mentioned. I asked OWC about any adapters they might have; their response: Evan M (August 24, 2017 at 4:26:37 PM MDT): Hello Kurt, I would be more than happy to assist you today. Is the SSD inside a 2.5" SSD? Me (August 24, 2017 at 4:29:27 PM MDT): Well, as stated - without opening it yet, I’m assuming the SSD is living in the SSD slot on the back of the logic board. It looks to be a non-standard connector, possibly PCIe. Evan M (August 24, 2017 at 4:31:04 PM MDT): Apple uses non standard PCIe SSDs for their Macs. Unfortunately, we do not have a guide or method of removing/replacing the PSSD inside of this mac model, as it may be soldered to the logic board. For assistance and questions regarding this, we recommend contacting Apple Support.
Here is what you’ll need: OWC - Portable, bus-powered Apple Blade SSD enclosure. Its a handy tool, if you really won’t need it again you should be able to get some of your money back selling it on eBay. Update (08/24/2017) Lets backup here a bit the OWC support person answered a different question. Not if the OWC Envoy Pro external case I’ve pointed you to would support the custom Apple blade SSD that your system from the factory would have. If someone got a HD only model I could see someone swapping out the HD for a 2.5" SATA SSD. So you’ll need to ask your customer if the system was altered from the factory config, if not you have the blade SSD. Moving on… If you take a look at the link I provided you’ll see at the bottom The OWC Envoy Pro can fit SSDs from… In the bottom row you’ll see your system: iMac (27-inch Late 2012)(October 2012) Model ID: iMac13,2 So OWC has verified it will support the Apple blade SSD drive. I’ve also used this OWC Envoy case without any problems. OWC have a few different versions of the Envoy case for the different SSD drives Apple has used so you do need to get the correct one. Here is the OWC vid on gaining access to the blade SSD: iMac 27-Inch Late 2012 SSD Card Install Video This vid shows the OWC SSD being installed. In your case you’re removing the Apple SSD this system has. Here is the IFIXIT guide: iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 SSD Replacement which goes over the finer details on pulling the display and lists the tools and adhesive strips you’ll need. Make sure you review both thoroughly! For reference here is one person who sadly damaged their screen as they did not use the correct tools or follow the instructions: Possible causes in vertical lines of LCD as you can see this was an expensive Opps! A new 27" display would be a more expensive Opps!
