Name: OWC HDD Compatibility for all Apple 2009-2010 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models with SMC Compatibility.
SKU: OWCDIDIMACHDD09
Price: 39.99 USD
Availability: InStock

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.

This item does not include installation tools.

View the OWC Hard Drive Upgrade Kit with 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.

Install Videos

Includes

OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor Cable
1 Year OWC Brand Standard Limited Warranty

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 (27-inch Mid 2010)

(July, 2010)

Model ID: iMac11,3

2.8GHz, 2.93GHz, 3.2GHz, 3.6GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2010)

(July, 2010)

Model ID: iMac11,2

3.06GHz, 3.2GHz, 3.6GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (27-inch Late 2009)

(October, 2009)

Model ID: iMac10,1; iMac11,1

2.66GHz, 2.8GHz, 3.06GHz, 3.33GHz

Detailed specs iMac10,1

Detailed specs iMac11,1

Install Videos

iMac (21.5-inch Late 2009)

(October, 2009)

Model ID: iMac10,1

3.06GHz, 3.33GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

Customer Ratings

Write a Review 4.9 / 5 53 out of 55 (96%) reviewers would recommend this product

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Verified Buyer

Reviewer: macmanmich Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 iMac HD fan/temp control harness March 26, 2017 Yep. Works good.

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Freddy909 Location: Vienna Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Great product March 12, 2017 Saved my old iMac when I had to change the original HD. Fan control is working again. Also easy to install .

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Compatibility for all Apple 2011 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models with SMC Compatibility.. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: ibnphotog Age: 55-65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Great kit and awesome instructional video February 17, 2017 The kit is great but the true gem is the instructional video. Apple clearly chose cool over convenient when designing the latest slimline iMacs. OWC have come to the rescue. The tools in these kits are perfect for the job and the video is extremely clear.

That being said I'd like to offer a little advice to anyone planning to undertake a hard disk replacement. For reasons I won't go into I had to do this exercise twice (suffice it to say that I have a 2011 iMac cable and sensor looking for a new home) and figured out a couple of things along the way:

- The screen separation process is significantly easier to start with the iMac still upright. However prudence will stop you from going very far before laying the iMac on its back lest gravity should get the better of it! - There are 3 antennae located on the right side (as you normally view your iMac) - at roughly 12:30, 2:00 and 3:00 positions. Be careful in these areas when releasing the adhesive as there may be a possibility of damaging them if you are too rough - Have a flashlight on hand for when you first lift the screen - and also a convenient non-metallic prop about 3" in height. I found that resting the screen on the prop and the flashlight on the speaker to your right (now viewing the iMac form the top, face up) gave me the best chance to remove the two screen cables. Since these are black cables running across black plastic mouldings and plugged into a black circuit board a little extra light is much appreciated! (Cool gone too far maybe?) - (This lesson came from the second go around) ... Don't start the adhesive right at the bottom of the screen sides - leave around 1" gap. If you don't the next person to disassemble this iMac will curse you all the way to your grave (or theirs maybe). The adhesive is extremely sticky and your magical plastic pry tool, spudge or whatever will not part it. Only the very brave or very stupid will reach for a knife but that may be what is required. Leaving the 1" gap makes that problem go away. - When it comes time to put the screen back on I strongly recommend propping the iMac up to the point that the screen will lie horizontal - it makes alignment so much easier. Before you start grab your prop and rest it inside the iMac at the top of the screen. I used one of OWCs handy dandy suction cups (since I am the proud owner of 4 - see the comment on the 2011 iMac cable ...). - Be aware that the screen will sag slightly in the center when you hold it by the edges. Therefore you have to be very careful when first placing the screen on to the adhesive to make sure you don't end up with a gap at the bottom. I found it best to hold the screen almost horizontal, let it sag ever so slightly, place the center onto your adhesive strip with the the bottom of the screen hard up against the case and then gently lower the sides onto your other two pieces of adhesive. The prop will prevent you from gluing the screen down before you've connected it back on - that would be BAD! - Use a finger as a guide on one lower screen corner to align the screen laterally (your finger can feel gaps down to less than 1/64th of an inch). Make sure to get the alignment just right before allowing any weight to be taken by the adhesive. This stuff is STICKY! - Finally grab that flashlight again as you will need to to reinsert the two cables to the screen - particularly the inner one.

Now sit back, grab your favourite cold beverage, and admire your handy work. Good job!

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Compatibility for all Apple iMac 27" models 2012 and Later - digital sensor for SMC. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Pikur68 Location: Sparks NV Age: Over 65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Solved my problem! February 8, 2017 I was having issues with a mid 2011 iMac 27" I recently purchased and the fact that the HDD fan kept failing the TechTool diagnostic exam. When I found out about the change of the location of the temp sensor to the inside of the hard drive, thereby limiting the choice for a replacement, I decided to try this before going to the lengths of replacing the fan itself. It was quick and easy to install, (with the great video help OWC provides!) and it solved the problem completely. I couldn't be happier, and with this in place, I will be ready for the next upgrade, one OWC's SSD drive kits!! Thanks!!

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Compatibility for all Apple 2011 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models with SMC Compatibility.. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: odoylerules Location: Canada Age: 25-34 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Need this to upgrade 2009 iMac SSD February 5, 2017 Works great, easy to replace with no prior experience. Make sure to clean out the dust while it's open. I damaged the vertical sync cable while opening but got a replacement on eBay. Thanks

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: flatlander

Rating: 5/5 Great product January 19, 2017 Thermal sensor adapter cable works great. Install video is very helpful. Be sure to get the correct cable for your year of imac. With the solid state drive the 7 year old imac boots in 20 seconds.

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: lowerground Age: 45-54 Experience Level: IT Professional

Rating: 5/5 Great Product!!! January 19, 2017 Serves its purpose. Awesome product!

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: trentfox Location: Peterborough, Ontario Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Clever adaptation January 4, 2017 Product was easy to install, and works as advertised. While one can use software to control the hard drive fan speed (and noise!), it was worth $35 to me to have the fan sensor working as it should after replacing the hard drive in a 27" 2010 iMac with an SSD. Incidentally, this was a stupid design decision by Apple to use a drive-specific sensor cable. Fortunately they only did this for one or two years because my 2009 and 2012 iMac models didn't have this.

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: 4466

Rating: 5/5 Recommended December 31, 2016 This product provides a simple way to upgrade or replace the hard drive in a 2009 iMac with a non-Apple unit that compensates for the lack of temperature sensor functionality. You don't need to download any fan control software. With the excellent on-line videos, installation of a new SSD was straight-forward. So far, so good!

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Kisser Location: Sussex County Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 3-4 months

Rating: 5/5 Great Product December 11, 2016 Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: eholtam Age: 35-44 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 The missing piece December 6, 2016 Apple's iMac HDD firmware has a proprietary component that allows it to communicate environmental temperatures back to keep the fans at an acceptable rate. If you try and replace a drive without that communication the system assumes the worst (FIRE!) and kicks those fans on high forever. This adapter is the missing piece to allow outdated machines to reap the rewards of modern SSD technology.

The installation went as expected. Even my bear-like manhands were able to remove the iMac screen and detach the cables as necessary. Thanks to the handy video installation guide I was prepared for those gotchas.

I already recommended (and helped install) this setup to a friend. I recommend it to you, too.

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Guymer Location: TX Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Keeps it quiet December 6, 2016 This is meant to replace temp sensor of the iMac for non mac drives. That it is designed for this instead of just a hack is a marvelous thing.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Compatibility for all Apple 2011 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models with SMC Compatibility.. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Penrod Location: Iowa Park, TX Age: 25-34 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Installed but wasn't required December 4, 2016 I got this because the site said that the hard drive I bought needed this, but it has the same exact connection as my last hard drive so I'm pretty sure this wasn't required. I installed it anyways since I didn't want to send it back and it seems to be working great.

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: djaipii Location: LYON - FRANCE Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 HHD Replacement With SSHD November 30, 2016 I only needed the t° sensor from you guys and the supply was easy quick and well done But what I want to say, is beyond all, I LOVE YOUR VIDEO TUTORIALS and the musical tune , thanks

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Giampo Location: Rome, Italy Age: 35-44 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Excellent November 28, 2016 I bought the HDD compatibility cable when I decided to replace my old 500GB HDD with a newer 750 GB SDD. When I did the installation, the cable worked and is working just fine. The termal sensor is in order since the main fan of my iMAC is not over working. Also, the shipment of the item was smooth and fine.

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Peppersoft Location: Switzerland Age: 55-65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Easy to install, works perfectly :-) November 22, 2016 After upgrading my iMac with a SSD the fan always ran at full speed while booting or using bootcamp. Now: perfect silence as required in a music studio. PERFECT!! Thank you OWC :-)

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Moni

Rating: 5/5 Works Great! November 17, 2016 Computer fan is smooth & quiet after replacing my hard drive as promised. Actually sounds smoother then before. Thanks!

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Jorgen

Rating: 5/5 Works like à charm! November 8, 2016 Installerad it in my late 2015 iMac. Now I run two separate disks. One 3,5". 3TB WD red and the built in SSD drive. Perfect if you want to replace standard drive or install a SSD

Please note: For dual drives more parts needed.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Compatibility for all Apple iMac 27" models 2012 and Later - digital sensor for SMC. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Satir8 Age: 35-44

Rating: 5/5 Easy to install, it does the job October 14, 2016 Very easy to install. It works fine on my iMac mid 2010 i7 quad core. Usefull if, like me, you don't want to install a software to control the hd fan.

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: UsedMac Location: Akron, OH Age: 45-54 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Exactly What I Needed October 7, 2016 Replacing the internal hard drive on 2009 and later iMacs has been torture until OWC came up with this product. No more thermal problems from a simple upgrade. 100% recommend

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: doctrsnoop Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Necessity for HD upgrade for 09/10 iMac HD upgrade October 2, 2016 If you need or want to upgrade the Hd that comes with an 09 or 10 iMac, you want this to make it work correctly. Easy to install, works as described.

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: agrajag Location: Canada Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Power User

Rating: 4/5 Did the trick- like new iMac September 3, 2016 27" iMac 2011 with a dead HD (Seagate) now resurrected with an SSD, working nicely using this module. Also used the OWC adapter so the SSD fit in the iMac HD mount.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Compatibility for all Apple 2011 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models with SMC Compatibility.. Customer Videos:

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:

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