{"id":16946,"date":"2013-02-21T10:15:12","date_gmt":"2013-02-21T16:15:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/?p=16946"},"modified":"2016-02-11T12:37:00","modified_gmt":"2016-02-11T18:37:00","slug":"owc-hard-drive-diy-kit-for-2011-apple-imacs-replaces-factory-installed-drive-with-up-to-8x-the-original-storagebackup-capacity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/16946-owc-hard-drive-diy-kit-for-2011-apple-imacs-replaces-factory-installed-drive-with-up-to-8x-the-original-storagebackup-capacity\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Up To 8x Storage from OWC HDD DIY Kit for ’11 iMacs"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Other World Computing today introduced the OWC Hard Drive DIY Kit for 2011 21.5″ and 27″ iMac models<\/a>. The kit enables iMac owners to replace the factory installed 500GB to 1.0TB hard drive with up to a 4.0TB hard drive for up to 8x the original storage and backup capacity. Fully supported with a step-by-step video<\/a> and installation tools, the kits feature a custom power cable with an in-line digital thermal sensor that ensures proper factory fan operation and compliance with the Apple Hardware Test.<\/p>\n

The Problem: Custom Drive Firmware<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With the introduction of the 2011 iMac, Apple factory installed drives contained custom firmware that communicates thermal data to the System Management Controller (SMC). Standard, retail sourced replacement drives do not contain that firmware, nor does Apple make that firmware available for aftermarket use. Without proper communication, the SMC is unable to monitor hard drive temperature to regulate iMac fan speed. As a failsafe, the blower fans run at full speed and the Apple Hardware Test will report a failure. Despite various \u2018hacks\u2019 and workarounds (one which simply disables SMC monitoring for potentially substantial risk of early drive failure) the best solution is to maintain use of Apple\u2019s SMC to ensure ongoing drive health. For more information on this topic, visit the OWC Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Proven Solution: OWC Hard Drive DIY Kit<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The OWC Hard Drive DIY Kit<\/a> provides a new power cable \u2014 which includes a custom engineered, in-line digital thermal sensor \u2014 to replace the stock Apple cable. The thermal module attaches to any drive and is programmed to communicate drive temperature data to the SMC in the same manner as Apple firmware enabled drives. Now 2011 iMac owners can install any standard 3.5″ Serial ATA hard drive<\/a> with capacities up to 4.0TB, retain proper cooling via SMC bay monitoring and fan speed management of the hard drive bay per Apple factory settings, and pass the Apple Hardware Test.<\/p>\n

The OWC Hard Drive DIY Kit for 2011 iMacs Includes:<\/h3>\n