(SOLVED) Clean install stuck at two minutes left

SOLVED:

The problem was two fold. The Crucial SSD would not work, so I bought a Samsung EVO, my typical go-to—Bingo. I used another Mac to clone its drive to the EVO. Worked first time; whereas, the Crucial SSD failed.

With that resolved, I proceeded, but it was still crashing randomly. Removed one stick—fixed. I replaced that stick, and so far so good. Thank y’all, Dan, especially.

I’d even thought I had checked the RAM early on.

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This was a customer’s computer, so I don’t know the specific history. I think he was trying to upgrade to Ventura when it got stuck in a boot loop.

I don’t care about the data anymore so I split the Fusion Drive, figuring that one of the drives is failing. This is based on the numerous repairs I’ve done on this model. Disk utility says that both drives are OK. I tried installing the operating system on each one of them individually without luck—stuck at two minutes.

I’m using an Apple keyboard that’s plugged directly into the back of the computer.

I took out the larger drive and replaced it with the new SSD. It’s not a Samsung, which I usually prefer. I went cheap with a Crucial (I love the ram, not so much their SSDs).

I didn’t bother putting the two back together into a fusion configuration. I’ve done this repair plenty of times, and I usually just leave the original Ssd to do its own thing. This time, no matter what I try, it won’t get past two minutes left message.

Efforts:

• tried install from a brand new bootable Mojave installer

• tried installing the operating system using a new Ventura installer thumb drive

• tried installing Monterey, Catalina and El Cap.

• tried install from the web with command option and R.

• I’m about to try command option shift and R

• I’ve done a PR reset

• I’ve swapped out the ram

• I’ve rearranged the Ram

• I’ve done one Ram stick

• I’ve tried installing it from fully functional external system

• tried putting it in target mode, but you can’t install an OS from that mode on this model.

I’m considering opening up another iMac that I have just to do an install on this new Solid that I put inside the computer and then take out and put in this one.

i’ve also read that this might be related to my Internet connection. So I’m resetting the router and trying it without anything running on my Internet. It is Wi-Fi. I may have to plug it in and see if that makes any difference. Does anybody know anything about that as a possible problem.

I’ve also considered that there could be something physically wrong with the small blade format SSD. I just don’t wanna have to take the entire logic board out to remove it, but that will remain an unaddressed variable, if I can’t figure this out.

Right now it’s trying to install Mojave with two minutes. Left where I’m going to leave it running all night.

Help?

Update:

Now the Mac has:

• new clock Battery

• new solid-state drive, replacing the 2.5” hard drive

• the blade format Drive has been removed

When I try to do a new OS Install from the Internet, it freezes at two minutes remaining and says that the installer was corrupted

I’ve tried it wirelessly and with it plugged in directly to the router.