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Hi, I would like to replace the 128 GB SSD blade in my Late iMac 20114 (15.1). I would like to replace it with a minimum 1TB blade, ideally a 2TB one. My understanding is that this iMac is limited to a x2 link width. So buying the latest and greatest (x4) would be limited by the x2 link?? So, my question is what would be the optimal speed specs of an SSD blade to be used in the system? Are all current SSD blades x4? If so should I just settle with the cheapest? Would something like the 2TB OWC Aura Pro X2 (OWCS3DAPT4MB20) be completely over the top? Should I settle from some generic eBay 2TB blade like this? Bingo SSD, MPN: F132TA1466, https://www.ebay.ie/itm/392823097638?has… or sth like this other generic eBay 1TB blade (2000 read/1600 write? https://www.ebay.ie/itm/393028017326?has… Any steering in the right direction would be appreciated. Thanks. Update (12/03/2022) I forgot to ask, I know the OWC modules cannot run BootCamp. Is this generic across all other non-apple SSD Blades? Or is there any specific brand/model that would allow for bootcamp to work?
Let’s answer the BootCamp question first - Apple updated BootCamp so it will only work on its drives. I suspect this is a licensing issue with some of the code. So if you use a non-Apple blade SSD BootCamp won’t work correctly. Franky, most people use VMware or other true VM product as it offers more options. As for I/O speed it’s not that simple with Flash drives (SSD’s) while the number of PCI lanes offers channel movement across the interface, the ability of the Flash as well as the system to process and store/use the data has a large bearing here. Let’s look at what a vehicle deals with running down the pavement or other flat surface… if you are so lucky to have a race course with no one else on it you can push your vehicle to its limits! So do you have a 1960 three cylinder Citron or have a Porsche 911 each will have very different top speeds so the race track is not the limitation here is it? Even running on Bonneville Salt Flats which you can race down in a straight line won’t offer any real improvement either. So clearly the 911 is the better in this example or is it?? Now you are on the Autobahn in Germany here there most of the highway has no speed limit so that 911 can sail right thru right? Well… No! As the rest of the traffic will get in the way and no flashing your lights or leaning on you horn will change things as traffic congestion it what you are facing! So maybe it’s best just getting a more mainstream car where it’s more in lined with the limits, here your iMacs I/O connection. So now let’s get back to your issue, first your 2014 iMac systems PCIe lanes is only PCIe 2.0 x2 Where as the Late 2015 iMacs offer the new PCIe 3.0 x4 interface. Reference The Ultimate Guide to Apple’s Proprietary SSDs So a real 1TB Apple SSD - Custom Samsung drive would be the best option if you want to use BootCamp but as you can see it’s not cheap at $216 USD, yet the OWC SSD alone is $190 USD and with all of the other needed stuff iMac Intel 27" (Late 2013-Mid 2015) Blade SSD Upgrade Bundle $280, you’ll need a different MS Windows solution. I also don’t recommend using anything else as most just don’t hold up as they weren’t designed from the ground up and adapters don’t carry all of the signals. Besides it’s a pain to go back in to replace it again!
