Name: OWC HDD Installation tools & SMC Compatibility Solution for all Apple 27" iMac models 2012 & Later
SKU: OWCDIYIMACHDD12
Price: 49.5 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.80 (71 reviews)

OWC Complete Hard Drive Upgrade Kit Including Tools for all 27" iMacs 2012 & Later

Required for any drive installed into the main drive bay.

Eliminate fan noise and maintain correct system fan control when upgrading your 2012 or later 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.

Already have all the tools necessary to perform this upgrade?

You can purchase the sensor cable set separately here.

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 a high-capacity 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.

Already have the tools? Then purchase just the OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor.

Note: Before attempting to perform this installation, please watch the install video below to determine your ability to perform this complex upgrade.

Professional installation is highly recommended.

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 2012 iMac after watching the OWC Install Video, we recommend seeking a professional installation service.

Includes

(1) OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor Cable
(2) OWC 2-1/4" Suction Cup
(1) Torx T10S Driver
(1) Torx T8S Driver
(1) Nylon Pry Tool (Spudger)
(1) OWC Screen Removal Tool
(1) OWC Blue Microfiber Screen Cleaning Cloth
(1) 27" iMac Adhesive tape set for proper display resealing

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 w/Retina 5K display
(27-inch Mid 2017)

(June 2017)

Model ID:iMac18,3

3.4GHz i5, 3.5GHz i5, 3.8GHz i5, 4.2GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac w/Retina 5K display
(27-inch Late 2015)

(October 2015)

Model ID:iMac17,1

3.2GHz i5, 3.3GHz i5, 4.0GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac w/Retina 5K display
(27-inch Mid 2015)

(May 2015)

Model ID: iMac15,1

3.3GHz i5, 3.5GHz i5, 4.0GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac with Retina 5K display (27-inch Late 2014)

(October 2014)

Model ID: iMac15,1

3.5GHz i5, 4.0GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (27-inch Late 2013)

(September, 2013)

Model ID: iMac14,2

3.2GHz i5, 3.4GHz i5, 3.5GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (27-inch Late 2012)

(November, 2012)

Model ID: iMac13,2

2.9GHz i5, 3.2GHz i5, 3.4GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

Install Video

Professional installation is highly recommended.

Customer Ratings

Write a Review 4.8 / 5 69 out of 71 (97%) reviewers would recommend this product

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Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Arlingtonian Location: Arlington, VA Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 New life for old iMac July 15, 2018 I have a 27" iMac from mid-2010, which is pretty ancient in computer terms. I'd replaced the hard drive a few years ago, but had to do a kludgey jerry-rig with a transistor to get around the fact that the new drive didn't have a temperature monitor. Then I saw this item @ OWC and ordered it, along with a 2 TB "Firecuda" hybrid drive. Install was easy, thanks to the OWC toolkit and videos (make sure you have another computer handy so you can watch the video while yours is taken apart!). Blasted a good amount of dust out with canned air before re-assembly. Didn't boot the first time; re-opened and found and corrected a loose connection then all was well. Took the opportunity to upgrade to OS-X High Sierra, and it's like I have a new computer! OWC FTW!

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: Rusty Location: Newark, DE Age: 35-44 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Perfect fit July 9, 2018 Easy install. Remember to take time to line up the screen after the adhessive is on, only got one chance to fit right.

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: Boerh1 Location: Lausanne, Switzerland Age: 45-54 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Works perfectly! July 8, 2018 I ordered the temperature sensor for an SSD upgrade in my iMac. I finished the upgrade in 45 minutes and was able to observe the proper functionality of the sensor when I was rendering video files in final cut pro. PS: this solution is less expensive than the ones from the the competition and easier to mount.

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: Muraliz Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Age: 35-44 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Great Product July 1, 2018 I must say the product works like a champ! I was initially a little worried of opening up my iMac, but with the right product and step by step video guide i did it all by myself and replace the hard disk drive to SSD without any issues.

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: krispy1121 Location: Sault Ste Marie, Ontario Canada Age: 35-44 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 I've got my iMac back! June 26, 2018 I have a 2010 iMac and for YEARS (literally), the fan has been going in high speed for short bursts, long bursts and intermittent bursts. Sometimes, it sounded like it was revving it's engine. I finally brought it in to be serviced and was told that it was the thermal sensor and the hard drive. Since the sensor is now on the Apple Obsolete list, I had to purchase it myself and this is the site I found. Shipping took less than a week, and the part was exactly what I needed. I'd definitely buy from here again. Thanks OWC!

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: mclaughlindzn Location: Charleston, SC Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 This Kit is a Must! June 20, 2018 Just purchased a new iMac 2017 edition and before even turning it on for the first time, used OWC's installation kit to drop in a larger HD and more RAM. This kit and the accompanying video tutorial made it so easy! Couldn't have done it without it. Thank you OWC!

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: MacFixer Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 It "just works" June 14, 2018 The 2009 and 2010 iMacs used a hard drive with 'unique' thermal sensing that isn't used on other non-Apple hard drives. This little temp sensor lets you use any ordinary hard drive as a replacement. It installs on the hard drive easily and there have been no compatibility issues with my mid-2010 27" iMac running High Sierra 10.13.5. Mind you, opening the iMac isn't the easiest but with the proper tools and the helpful video on the Other World Computing website it is quite do-able if you are careful. Highly recommended. I just wish Apple hadn't used those weird drives in the first place!

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: TMac

Rating: 5/5 Contained everything I needed June 4, 2018 This kit contained everything I needed to open up my iMac and access the internals to swap out the drive. Note that I combined with a separate kit for the components used in the drive swap I did.

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: Lipi007 Location: Paks Age: 25-34 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Everything OK! June 4, 2018 Everything OK!

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: W0ggyPaul Location: Portland, OR Age: 55-65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Fantastic Kit May 17, 2018 I bought this and the SSD Drive Adapter, and the process was a breeze. The online video was excellent, and everything needed was provided in the kit. I was concerned about breaking the glass, so I had put this off for some time, but after using this kit and video instruction, I would not hesitate to do it again, or recommend it to someone else.

Thank you very much!

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Lerch

Rating: 4/5 Great experience! May 13, 2018 Great product, support videos and instructions. Thanks for making a complicated process simple!

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Ibulia Location: Michigan Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Resurrected 2009 iMac 27” May 11, 2018 My old iMac died 2 years ago. I took it 60 miles to the apple store where I was told they couldn’t do anything for me. So I ordered a new hard drive that appeared to be the same as the original. It didn’t work. So I ordered a new one and a temperature kit from OWC. My original disk that came with the computer would not load. It took me about a month, but I finally got the thing to load from a brand new copy of Snow Leopard. Now I’ve updated to El Capitan and trying to decide whether to go to Sierra or High Sierra. It’s like having a brand new $2000 iMac, interacting with our other iDevices in ways we hadn’t even thought of back in 2009. What a nice surprise!!

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: 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.

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! 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: 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! 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: 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! This review is from OWC HDD Compatibility for all Apple 2011 iMac 21.5" and 27" Models with SMC Compatibility.. 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! 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! 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: 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! Customer Videos:

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