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OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor for iMac 2009-2010 Hard Drive Upgrade
  • Required for any drive installed into the main drive bay.
  • Eliminate fan noise and maintain correct system fan control when upgrading your 2009- 2010 iMac.
  • The only iMac HDD upgrade option on the market certified to pass the Apple Hardware Test.
  • Fixes firmware incompatibility issues with third party hard drives.
  • Engineered in-house and backed by OWC's award-winning customer support.
  • OWC Internal SSD DIY Kit
    This item does not include installation tools.
    Improve Performance and Capacity. Upgrade Your iMac with Confidence.
    OWC's in-line solution is the only hardware digital thermal sensor on the market allowing a third-party SATA drive to be installed in your iMac. A convenient, plug-and-play cable, the In-line Digital Thermal Sensor eliminates fan noise and maintains proper system fan control through the iMac's System Management Controller. This innovative device is designed specifically for the iMac, requires no software hacks and ensures compatibility with Apple's built-in diagnostic processes.

    Using an OWC Internal HDD DIY Kit (sold separately), replace your iMac's original hard drive with up to an 8.0TB hard drive or a lighting fast SSD with a NewerTech Adaptadrive, for dramatic upgrades in storage capacity or data speed while maintaining the original system's fan and diagnostic performance.

    Note: Before attempting to perform this installation, please watch the OWC Install Video, corresponding to your machine, in its entirety to determine your ability to perform this complex upgrade.

    If you are not fully confident in your ability to upgrade the drive in your 2009-2010 iMac after watching the OWC Install Video, you can have OWC upgrade your iMac where our certified technicians will expertly upgrade your iMac and ship it back to you.

    If you need an upgrade kit with tools, you can purchase the OWC Internal HDD DIY Kit.

    Includes


    NOTE: This kit contains consumable and/or one time use components and therefore is non-refundable if opened. If you have any concerns about your ability to perform the upgrade, you can return the unopened kit for a refund.
    This kit is compatible with... Learn how to find your Mac's model ID
    iMac Intel
    iMac (27-inch Mid 2010)
    (July, 2010)
    Model ID: iMac11,3
    2.8GHz, 2.93GHz, 3.2GHz, 3.6GHz
    iMac Intel
    iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2010)
    (July, 2010)
    Model ID: iMac11,2
    3.06GHz, 3.2GHz, 3.6GHz
    iMac Intel
    iMac (27-inch Late 2009)
    (October, 2009)
    Model ID: iMac10,1; iMac11,1
    2.66GHz, 2.8GHz, 3.06GHz, 3.33GHz
    iMac Intel
    iMac (21.5-inch Late 2009)
    (October, 2009)
    Model ID: iMac10,1
    3.06GHz, 3.33GHz

    Customer Ratings

    Write a Review 4.8 / 5 38 out of 39 (97%) reviewers would recommend this product
    1 2
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: nekton Location: Japan Age: 55-65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 4/5 It does the job August 25, 2016 This little gizmo does the job of replacing the thermal sensing firmware in HDDs when replacing the HDD with an SSD. Although there is a workaround in software, this hardware solution is more reliable and leaves the system "cleaner" with fewer third-party fixes. My only "quibble" (and it is a small one), is that the overseas handling and shipping nearly doubled the price, so it is an expensive solution relative to the software workaround. Such a little part should be shipped for pennies in a regular airmail envelope.

    I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: UncleDean Location: Boston, MA Age: 55-65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 Piece of cake to install August 16, 2016 For my 2012 vintage iMac, swapping out the old magnetic drive with an SSD was pretty easy. It took me about 2 hours, but I'm slow. About 1 hour was spent vacuuming out a 4 year accumulation of lint and dust that had found its way into the iMac! Think Mr. Monk, IT guy.

    The only tricky part is being careful removing the connectors that attach the iMac screen to the machine itself. I watched several YouTube videos to get a better idea of how to release the various connectors. Some have "ears" on the side that need to be squeezed, etc. Just don't force a connector apart! Take your time.

    The other thing I found that worked well for me was removing the screen from the iMac while leaving the iMac standing on a desktop. Once I had the 8 screws removed which secure the screen, I was able to gently tilt the top of the screen out from the iMac body and rest the top edge of the screen on my chest. This let me use both my hands to then disconnect each of the 4 wire connectors attached to the screen.

    With the screen removed, swapping out the old hard drive itself was a piece of cake. The improvement in speed with the SSD makes it almost as fast as a new iMac, but for about 1/100 the price!

    I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Larry767 Location: Humboldt, SK Age: 35-44 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 Exactly as advertised. August 12, 2016 I had no issues with this. Worked exactly as described in a 2010 iMac.

    I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Murfreesboro, TN Age: Over 65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 SSD adapter for iMac 2010... July 24, 2016 Thanks to all at OWC for finding new ways to to help older Macs to keep up with the ever changing tech advances. This device simply plugs in to the drive and power supply. It monitors the heat build up in the drive and controls the cooling fan. Without out this there is nothing to keep the fan from running full out. And it's really loud.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: London, UK Age: 25-34 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 Works 100% as advertised but unnecessary. July 23, 2016 This is a great product, but there is another - cheaper - solution to your problem. Rather than buy what is quite expensive for what it does, just buy another LCD sensor cable, plug it into the socket for the HDD sensor on the MLB and and stick the sensor to the new HDD with Kapton tape. I wish I had thought of this before ordering this sensor cable rather than while I was installing the sensor cable, but there you go. I paid probably about triple for this, but it works and isn't unreasonably priced.

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Age: 35-44 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 Works great June 13, 2016 I used this to upgrade a 2009 iMac to an SSD - it works perfectly and prevents the fan from running constantly, an elegant solution to a frustrating problem.

    One bit of advice to anyone attempting this upgrade on a 2009 iMac would be to partition and format the new drive on a Mac before trying to install it. Until I did that the installer for the original OS (10.6.x I believe) would not recognize the new drive. Once the original OSX version is on the new SSD I downloaded and upgraded to the latest and greatest El Capitan, no problems. The 2009 iMac now boots up to the desktop in around 10 seconds and has no problems loading advanced flash/html5 websites, as it did before.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: maple ridge, bc Age: 35-44 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: less than a month
    Rating: 5/5 Made my iMac better than when it came out of the box. June 2, 2016 Don't hesitate. If you need this, get this.

    So simple, so straightforward, even a blind monkey can do it.

    Thanks OWC for everything you've done. My iMac is like or maybe even better than it was when I bought it. Starts in less than 30 secs, very quiet. I'm very happy.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months
    Rating: 5/5 Works very well June 1, 2016 This product works very well, easy to install. My only issue is it would be nice if OWC would give you a break in the price if you bought in multiples, without having to become a dealer in their products. Other than that they do have great, well made products.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer Top 250 Contributor
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Washington, DC Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 Does the job May 23, 2016 This makes connecting the SSD to the iMac possible. Don't install an SSD without one.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous
    Rating: 5/5 Perfect! May 14, 2016 Works just as described and no problems with install.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Houston, TX Age: 35-44 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 AWESOME!!! April 30, 2016 I was at a loss when I installed my new hard drive into my iMac. I saw the wire for the thermal sensor but didn't know where to plug it in. I searched the internet and there was lots of "get arounds" but no sure fire fixes. This definitely did the trick. I spoken to Apple techs on the phone and they always recommend checking out OWC. They never seem to fail me. I'm a happy camper now without the jet engine fan noise in the background.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Kaneohe, HI Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 Gave new life to my old iMac April 30, 2016 Adobe Phototshop/Lightroom CC 2016 update requiring 16GB to operate rendered my older iMac unable to handle the load. The addition of 16.0GB (4x 4GB) PC-8500 DDR3 kit for all Apple iMac 21.5" and 27" Models (Oct/2009) gave my machine new life and saved me from spending $4000 to buy a replacement. Way to go OWC!

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Ann Arbor, MI Age: 18-24 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 Easy to use April 18, 2016 The adapter was very easy to install and works like a charm!

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Québec, Canada Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 Great product ! March 10, 2016 This product works perfectly! No more fan noise and my iMac is back to normal !!! Highly recommended!

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: United Kingdom Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 so far it's perfect March 1, 2016 Excellently does what it has to.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Age: 45-54 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 Excellent Product February 28, 2016 This is an excellent solition if you changed the original HDD from your iMac. Intalled in 5 minutes, very easy and the fan is in control again. It works with any drive.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Switzerland Age: 25-34 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 3-4 months
    Rating: 5/5 Owc January 18, 2016 Nice product, it works perfectly. Fast ship to europe! Thanks

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Japan Age: 35-44 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 Works as expected, without any problems January 11, 2016 There's not much to add. It met my expectations perfectly. This product works as advertised. I had no problems whatsoever. My iMac's internal fans run quietly. A definite must-have when installed in the iMac11,1. Much better than using a software solution, in my opinion.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: San Marcos, TX Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month
    Rating: 5/5 iMac Fan Problem Fixed! December 12, 2015 Didn't know what was wrong with the used iMac I purchased on Craigslist. I found a thread that led me to OWC. I purchased this part and installed it (via the video provided by OWC).. Works perfect!!! The fan problem is gone!!! I love OWC. They are so helpful and their customer service is tops. I've been a customer since 2000 and will always remain one. This company rocks!

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer Top 100 Contributor
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Milwaukee WI Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month
    Rating: 5/5 Makes things allot faster December 1, 2015 Makes things allot faster. Almost like having a new Mac. Boot time well under a minute, We handle large photo and video files at church and used to get the beachball often. Now the volunteers are much happier.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: New Hampshire Age: 35-44 Experience Level: Gamer Owned Product: 1-3 months
    Rating: 5/5 Great set up, must have with no temp sensor November 19, 2015 The replacement hard drive had no temperature sensor, the fan ran full speed. Easy to install, works flawlessly fan is nice and quiet now.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Auckland, New Zealand Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month
    Rating: 5/5 A Great Loom which does the Job Nicely November 16, 2015 I bought this loom from OWC for upgrading my iMac 27" 2009 model with a 2Tb SHHD. I followed the instructional video off my iphone & the job was done within 40 minutes. Software load took longer. All in All a great product which works well as my cooling fans are not running at full speed, Well Done OWC, Thank You.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous
    Rating: 5/5 It's just working November 15, 2015 Great product and very fast delivery.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 3-4 months
    Rating: 4/5 It works October 10, 2015 Easy to install and it works. The only way I found to install a non Apple SSD in my late 2009 iMac.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    Verified Buyer
    Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Grand Rapids MI Age: Over 65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month
    Rating: 4/5 The missing piece for 2009-10 iMac SSD or HDD installations September 29, 2015 Crucial's web site has lots of illustrated guides on how to install SSD's in 2009-10 iMacs, but they never show how to complete the installation.

    If you follow their notes and install a SSD, what you will wind up with is no place to plug in the HDD temperature sensor connector. If you leave it dangling or remove it, your fans will run at high speed. Some recommend shorting out the connector, but do you really want to do that? I didn't.

    The OWC kit provides a professional solution the the problem. There was some initial concern that the OWC temp connector was not an "exact" match, but I convinced myself that the electrical connections were good.

    If you are installing a SSD, be sure to obtain a 3.5 to 2.5 adapter so you can mount it neatly. The Apple screws and pins are standard 6-32, in case you have to tap your adapter.

    You also need this kit if you install a non-Apple HDD.

    I would recommend this item to a friend!

    OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor for all Apple iMac 2009-2010 Models Mfr P/N: DIDIMACHDD09 OWC SKU: OWCDIDIMACHDD09 OWC DIY Kit for all Apple iMac 2009-2010 Models for replacing the main hard drive. Includes all cables necessary for installation. Hard drive and tools sold separately. 1 Year OWC Limited Warranty Ships: Same Day Only $49.99MacSales.com Price $39.75
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