Name: OWC HDD Compatibility for all Apple 2011 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models with SMC Compatibility.
SKU: OWCDIDIMACHDD11
Price: 39.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.80 (69 reviews)

OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor for iMac 2011 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 2011 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 Videos below to determine your ability to perform this complex upgrade.

OWC assumes no responsibility for damage that may occur during the install. Technical support for this DIY product consists only of the OWC Install Video.

Have OWC Upgrade Your iMac

While OWC encourages the DIY philosophy, this is a very difficult upgrade that requires advanced skills. 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 (21.5-inch Late 2011)

(August, 2011)

Model ID: iMac12,1

3.1GHz i3

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011)

(May, 2011)

Model ID: iMac12,1

2.5GHz i5, 2.7GHz i5, 2.8GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011)

(May, 2011)

Model ID: iMac12,2

2.7GHz i5, 3.1GHz i5, 3.4GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

Gallery

Customer Ratings

Write a Review 4.8 / 5 67 out of 69 (97%) reviewers would recommend this product

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: iMacSSD Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Age: 25-34 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 3-4 months

Rating: 5/5 Great to order! May 2, 2018 I love how easy OWC makes it to order this part. I always need one and it ships quickly.

This review is from OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple 27" iMac models 2012 & Later. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Alvin Location: California Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Just Right! April 26, 2018 Just right for upgrading an old iMac with an SSD. This kit and the great OWC video are wonderful

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Dawn Location: Macomb, IL Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Great Customer Service-Great Products April 24, 2018 Ordered a replacement part for our computer....got it quick and at a great price!

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: PapaEd Location: Palm Coast, FL Age: Over 65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Excellent for upgrading your iMac April 19, 2018 Low cost, easy to use kit with simple-to-follow instructions on their video. Only took about 30 minutes to upgrade to an SSD drive.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple Late 2009-2010 iMac 21.5", 27". Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: ArielZTD

Rating: 5/5 Fixed loud/high running fan April 18, 2018 I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer Top 100 Contributor

Reviewer: Andy6456 Location: Oswego, NY Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 The kit U need! April 15, 2018 I recently bought a new/used iMac from OWC and needed the Installation Tool Kit to get into and seal it back up after I upgraded the HDD with an SSD that I previously bought over 6 months ago. This kit makes doing the upgrades easy and anyone can really do them. The kits include quality tools to get the job done fast and accurately.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple 27" iMac models 2012 & Later. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: ORF2018 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Great Products and Service April 5, 2018 This kit has worked great for me to be able to change out the Hard Drive on my Mid 2011 iMac. Everything of of good quality and did exactly what they needed to do. These tools with the great instructions let me get this change out done in just over 30 minutes.

This review is from OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple 2011 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Scot Location: Florida Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Easy in. March 19, 2018 OWC product provided all items necessary to switch from HHD to solid state drive (SSD)

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Ando Location: Auckland, New Zealand Age: 35-44 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Works like magic... March 8, 2018 This product literally saved me thousands. My Mid-2010 iMac's HDD finally died after 7.5 years of use but the rest of the system was fine. This cable, paired with a Seagate Firecuda HDD has brought the system back to life and even faster than before. Easy install when following the MacSales instructional video. (About 40 mins all up for me including dust removal from the accessible fans, motherboard etc.) Thanks team - a lifesaver!

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Compatibility for Apple late 2009 to mid 2010 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models with SMC Compatibility.. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Mrmaconly Location: Sacramento, CA Age: Over 65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Great accessory February 25, 2018 Have used many of these devices. Stopped using the software fixes. Now when upgrading my customer's iMac drive, I always order one of these.

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Vicensj Location: PR Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Excellent! February 11, 2018 I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple Late 2009-2010 iMac 21.5", 27". Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: macmlover Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 3-4 months

Rating: 5/5 LCD Display Cable February 4, 2018 It worked like it should. It made my upgrade to SSD work perfectly.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Compatibility for Apple late 2009 to mid 2010 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models with SMC Compatibility.. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: iShenom Location: Salt Lake City, UT Age: 35-44 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 This kit worked like a charm! January 9, 2018 I was replacing a hard drive in a 2013 iMac for the first time. This kit made the process pretty straight forward. It has everything you need to dismantle, connect a new drive, and assemble the iMac again.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple 27" iMac models 2012 & Later. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Traumatic911 Location: Albuquerque, NM Age: 35-44 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 So far so good January 7, 2018 So far so good, it's working as designed. Hopefully it doesn't fail in the near future!

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Compatibility for Apple late 2009 to mid 2010 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models with SMC Compatibility.. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer Top 250 Contributor

Reviewer: Emerald

Rating: 5/5 2010 iMac Upgrade January 4, 2018 With these tools and the instructions from the OWC DIY videos I was able to replace my original hard drive and SuperDrive with SSD's. Mission accomplished. Everything is working great.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple Late 2009-2010 iMac 21.5", 27". Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: shawnPDX Location: Portland, OR Age: 45-54 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Worked Perfectly January 2, 2018 Using the iMac HDD upgrade kit was straightforward and easy using the included tools and the online video instructions. I replaced my defective HD in the 2011 iMac and am now back in business!

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Watuse Location: Spain Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Great upgrade package December 27, 2017 I bought this upgrade my hard rice and put in a Samsung SSD which gave new meaning and life to my iMac

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple Late 2009-2010 iMac 21.5", 27". Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Coldfoot Location: Gig Harbor, Wa Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Perfect December 24, 2017 I wanted to replace the original HD on my wife's IMAC 27" . I watched the MacSales video probably twenty times so that I would get real familiar with the procedure. I had already replaced HDs on 2 MacBook pros so I wasn't worried about cloning the SSD for the IMAC. I ordered the complete kit and the SSD bracket as well. I cloned the internal HD with my Samsung 850Pro 1TB using my usb to Sata drive connector. I then began taking the IMAC apart with the supplied tools while rematching the Video on the Macbook next to me. Everything went perfect. The hardest part is making sure to align the adhesive strips one at time. Make sure you DO NOT take both sides off at the same time. Slow and methodical and make sure the bottom is perfectly aligned before closing. Be sure to connect the connectors before closing. I would suggest having someone help you at this point as I had to use my iPhone to hold the screen up while I replaced the connectors and then lowered the screen onto the adhesive strips... Looks great and is perfectly aligned. Interesting that the Samsung SSD still takes a little time before the apple logo appears but then the load is quick. My 2 MacBooks immediately go to Apple logo and then open more quickly. The IMac 27" though once loaded does perform so much better than the original drive...

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple 27" iMac models 2012 & Later. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer Top 100 Contributor

Reviewer: FultonKBD Location: Akron, OH Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Works as advertised December 23, 2017 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: LuvMacz Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Still the Best December 20, 2017 MacSales has been, and continues to be, the best place for Mac parts and service tips. Everything I needed to install the SSD was included. The tutorial video was very easy to follow. The hardware installation went perfectly. I had a problem transferring my old data, but one call to Tech support got me on track. The boot time was cut dramatically on my wife's iMac! After seeing the results,I'll be upgrading my mine soon. I highly recommend MacSales for their high quality parts and servive.

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

Reviewer: funkhouser Location: Golden Valley, MN Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Works, upgrade keeps me from buying new December 17, 2017 2009 iMac 27 inch 2.66 processor. Used the OWC tools and accessories to open up my iMac and replace the old slow hard drive. Remounted a Samsung 500 GB SSD. Also replaced RAM with 16GB of OWC memory modules. Also mated this with the newest Apple wireless trackpad and an Apple wireless keyboard. This is a nice setup for most home use. I would never buy another computer without an SSD drive. To get a new iMac with a decent size SSD is $$$. Runs most recent OS and is still fun to use. If you are thinking about it I recommend trying. The cost of upgrading is low and there is not much to lose if you screw up. There are lots of instructions. The payoff is very nice.

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: GrahamO Location: UAE Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Very simple exercise December 8, 2017 Laptop running with the help video, and working on a table nearby, it took 15 minutes start to finish. Vey clear instructions and easy to follow. Its worth noting that several of the tiny connectors require nails to grasp the fittings to undo them as without nails, you've not got much chance.

I chose a Barracuda drive to replace the dead one and the only comment so far is that its quite a bit noisier than the original which was near silent.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple Late 2009-2010 iMac 21.5", 27". Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: bajeez Location: SF, CA, USA Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 worked exactly as expected. great video instructions. December 5, 2017 I ordered this kit to add a 10TB HDD to my mid 2017 iMac which I had bought with only and SSD. There was not a lot of information here or elsewhere online as to whether the drive harness would be inside, or if the previous methods for the 2014/2015 models still worked. Turns out they do, and there was a harness inside with all the hardware. The only thing missing was the 923-00092 Sata/power cable. Once that arrived, I was able to install that without removing the logic board. (the teardown video showed exactly where the two connecting ports were and I could feel their position beneath the logic board. fairly easy to insert the connectors into the slots. they both insert perpendicular to the logic board and there's plenty of space beneath to work with.

Turns out the first drive I installed was faulty, but fortunately, I had only adhered the screen at the base, and left the backing on all of the adhesive strips on the sides and top until I made sure the drive was working, or in this case, not working.

This review is from OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple 27" iMac models 2012 & Later. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Clews464 Location: Petrie Australia Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Great product simple & easy to use November 20, 2017 This product makes replacing the standard hard drive with an after market hard drive extremely simple and straight forward. The new temperature sensor was fitted to a late 2009 iMac

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC HDD Compatibility for Apple late 2009 to mid 2010 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models with SMC Compatibility.. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: jwknight Location: Post Falls, Idaho Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Mac HDD adapter 2 November 19, 2017 Worked Perfectly easy install

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7