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Replacing the hard drive in these macs requires separating the display. Possible but a delicate operation. https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Di...

I’d just throw a thunderbolt or usb3 SSD in a port instead. I boot off a USB3 SSD on my Mac mini and that seems to work fine, despite not being quite as good as an internal or TB drive would be.

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I boot off a Nvme SSD in an usb-c (https://www.delock.com/produkte/S_42600/merkmale.html) enclosure on my 2017 27" iMac. I do manage 1000 MB/s. Popping off the screen and using the right adapter and SSD you may be able to reach 2500 MB/s.

I recently replaced the drive on mine. The most annoying part of the process is the fact that you have to purchase adhesive strips to be able to re-seat the display.

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