Can I setup a Fusion drive and still retain my optical drive?

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iMac Intel 24" EMC 2134 and 2211

Model A1225 / Mid 2007 and Early 2008 / 2.4, 2.8, or 3.06 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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Andrew Dobson @andrewdobson

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Postato: 6 mag 2015

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Can I setup a Fusion drive and still retain my optical drive?

iMac 24" 2.8 GHz EMC No. 2134

I'd like to upgrade my 2008 iMac 8,1 Core 2 Duo 2.8GHz 24".

I have the original 320GB HDD.

I'd like to replace this with a fusion drive.

I'd prefer to retain my internal optical drive as I still use this regularly, although could consider an external unit.

I've considered using a hybrid drive (e.g. Seagate Laptop 1TB 2.5 inch 9.5mm Solid State Hybrid Drive).

From my research online, it appears that the fusion drive is a better option in my case because...

1 - my existing HDD is now almost seven years old, has lasted years longer than any previous HDD I've owned, and will probably need to be replaced sooner rather than later;

2 - general consensus in forums and when reviewing the results of testing, the indication is that the fusion drive is faster overall (although hybrid drive may be faster in certain circumstances).

Any advice gratefully appreciated.

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Dan @danj Rep: 478,9k Self employed contract worker 35 329 970 · Answer 1 · 2015-05-07T03:37:48-07:00

The problem you face here is there is only two drive ports one for the HD the other the for the optical drive.

As for the hard drive's size I do want to correct you as you stated 2.5", in fact your systems drive is a 3.5".

To your points:

1 - True your drive is getting old so it is likely to fail

2 - True a Fusion drive can be faster than a hybrid drive in some cases. In other cases not so much.

But jumping to a Fusion drive setup is not the only thing you can do to speed up a system. Often the amount of RAM can improve things as well as good drive file management.

As you have an older iMac I do question how much investment in upgrading is wise here. Given the drives size I'm sure you have it mostly filled. I do recommend leaving 1/4 to 1/3 of the drive free that way the OS has some room to do its thing. So I would start there but I think going with a desktop class (3.5") hybrid drive (SSHD) will be a better investment than taking out the optical drive.

I would also upgrade the RAM as well here either go up to 4GB or if your system can do it 6 GB. You will need to upgrade your systems firmware. Follow this Apple T/N: EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs.

Doing theses two upgrades should give you at least two more years. Then you'll need to think about getting a newer system (which could be a used system).