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: PatF Location: E WA Age: Over 65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Works great. January 5, 2019 After upgrading to an SSD, I tried the software "solution" for temperature control but found it unreliable. This was defitnitely worth the time and money. Thanks again, OWC.

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:

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Reviewer: MikeinPA Location: Philadelphia, PA Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Delicate but works great November 15, 2018 It's a delicate install. Getting the wires unplugged in the first place is not bad, but two of them are pretty delicate and awkwardly placed and a little tough to replace. I had the screen off and hard drive replaced in 20 minutes. It took at least another 20 to get the connectors re-connected. A.) I have huge fat fingers and B.) Horrible eyesight, so that could be a big part and it's certainly no knock on the product. The video is perfect and I knew what I had to do. It was simply a matter of doing it. In short, the video is perfect and the product is exactly what you need (check your model). Once re-assembled I now have a 100% functioning iMac again and now with a huge 6TB hard 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:

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Reviewer: Viktor Location: Tallinn, Estonia Age: 25-34 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 It simply works October 21, 2018 It does the job very well. Good price and packaging.

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:

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Reviewer: Mike89 Location: Connecticut Age: 25-34 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Perfect! October 3, 2018 I wasn't aware when I installed a SSD in my 2011 iMac that I would need an ad-on temp sensor.. It wasn't long after hearing my fan running at full speed and thinking, hmm that's strange that led me to this product. Pulled it back apart and installed in about an hour, super easy. First time obviously took longer to get the drive out and swapped because I was following instructions, but second time was a breeze. Once back together I removed the manual fan control that I had used in the meantime and the fans are running as they were with the factory drive installed. Great product!

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:

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

Rating: 5/5 OWC... helping people fix their own Macs for 30 years! September 9, 2018 I bought a second hand 2011 iMac for a song and really wanted to boost the speed, so I bought an SSD, glad I read about the temp sensor somewhere. Anyway, really easy to install! OWC really makes it easy with their step by step guides.

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:

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Reviewer: jeancass Location: coosbay oregon Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Perfect for the job! September 7, 2018 I recently used this tool kit to replace the hard drive in my 2011 iMac. I got this kit, the hard drive, & SoftRaid (to certify the disk & clone before installing) and it all went smoothly. And THANK YOU OWC for having such great installation videos!

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:

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Reviewer: OnlineConsumer Location: Central Florida Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Best solution to replace IMac drive with SSD September 2, 2018 I swapped my hard drive in my Mid 2011 IMac to an SSD drive. I had three options to have an internal SSD drive. 1) Replace the CD/ROM with an SSD drive since it is a SATA drive. I chose not to because the CD/ROM SATA is slower than the other two SATA ports. 2) Add an additional drive behind the CD/ROM using the unused SATA port. I almost did this option but required more disassembly of the IMac to get to the SATA port and I did not need the extra disk space. I also prefer all on one disk drive/partition. 3) Replace the existing drive. The existing hard drive only runs at half the rated speed of the SATA port. This is the option I selected as the SSD will run at the full SATA speed.

Ordered this cable kit and the Adaptadrive to install a 2.5 inch drive in the IMac. I used a 500GB SSD drive from another source. The install videos were a great help. Used Time Machine to make sure both of my TM back-ups were up to date. I already had a boot USB thumb drive. The only issue I had was my mistake where I bent the LCD cable pins when reattaching the display. I had to order a new LCD cable which delayed my install by two days. Nice that the part number was printed on the LCD cable. When I installed the new LCD cable I laid the open IMac face up on a bed and instead on hinging the display from bottom as the video shows, I hinged it from the top which made putting the LCD cable from the bottom easier and allowed a straight alignment. Then repositioned the display to bottom hinge to attach the other three cables in. If I was to do it again, I would try laying the IMac face up, just hinge the display up from the bottom without removing the four screen cables and use a stubby T10 driver to remove and replace the disk drive as there appears to be enough room. I used my USB boot thumb drive to boot the IMac and Time Machine to transfer my data to the new SSD drive. The transfer of all my data to the SDD took several hours. When I started photos, it had to do its thing which took a hour or so. Everything is now the same as before the SSD install except it is faster. The only System Preference change I made was to change the Energy Saver option to uncheck the "put hard disk to sleep when possible". The SSD I got does its housekeeping (called active garbage collection on my SSD) during idle time and since it has that feature I did not set the TRIM option as it is not needed. I am happy with the results as the computer is much faster loading programs and anything that uses the disk. I did not have any fan control issues that others have when using other solutions. Yes, I would do it again.

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: LoveToTinker Location: San Diego, CA Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 A perfect solution for an old computer August 30, 2018 My hard drive died in my old iMac. I had no idea how to open the iMac or how to replace the drive. An internet search took me to an OWC video that showed the process. I went to the macsales website and was able to get everything i needed to do the repair, including a new hard drive. I chatted with someone there. I provided the serial number of my computer to the person. He assured me that the items I had put in my cart were correct. I made my purchase and much to my amazement everything arrived the next day. I rewatched the video and in 20 minutes my computer was working again. I am happy that I found this website, everything was easy and now I have a working computer again.

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: Gnemik Location: NYC Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Fantastic August 23, 2018 Undertaking the task of replacing a damanged HD, part of an Apple Fusion drive, in an iMac 27: Late 2013 can be daunting, intimidating However, due diligence and numerous google searches and youtube examples, one is constantly directed to OWC for their noted Installation Kit, which includes the necessary thermal sensor. I think there are a few essential requisites to replace the HD, in this iMac. First, you cannot view enough video tutorials/instructions for this tech journey. Second, get quality tools and parts. You want to be able to do it right the first time. Third, Patience. Don't rush, go back and look at videos again, look at pictures to get a clear idea of what you're doing. Zoom in. Fourth, be smart and plan ahead. Make room to do the job. Have a safe place to put your LCD/glass. Some additional things I used, that I felt greatly helped: Gloves (surgical type, nice fit and negates most of risk of ruining circuit boards, capacitors, etcO. A mini flashlight, came in handy when lifting the glass and peering to see the 2 connectors that had to be handled. I also stuck some styrofoam between the imac and the stand, to keep that spaced. Also, I used a styrogoam piece to raise the iMac off the table when i put it on it's back, to work on removing the glass/lcd and during the hard drive replacement. My opinion, the job is immensely easier using OWC installation kit, and watching OWC video instruction video. Each item included in the kit is useful. Another hint: when using the 'roller' to separae the glass, I suggest you do a shallow pass first, do this for both sides and the top. Then work it deeped along the side and corner...and then the top. Be patient, insert plastic cards (spare credit cards? or the like) and gradually you'll feel the separation. Another tip: if you have access to another mac, format the replacement drive and install osx. This way, after you install the imac will boot right into the drive and begin setup process. THANKS OWC. Only did this repair because of your reputation and tools.

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

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: DocBruce Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 A kit of tools that simplify the upgrade August 16, 2018 I needed to replace a hard drive on a heavily used office iMac due to disk read errors when cloning the drive. At the same time, I installed a solid state drive. The only other item needed was a specialty SAT cable between mother board and drive. The install required a few hours but the iMac is better than new. Copying information from the internal hard drive to the SSD (approximately 90 Gig data and applications) required only about 20 minutes instead of the much slower speed of a USB transfer.

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:

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Reviewer: TotalMac Location: Quebec, Canada Age: 35-44 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 The solution for iMac upgrade! August 13, 2018 Received very quickly the package containing all the tools including the thermal probe. With the help of the videos and tutorials available on Youtube, I managed to proceed and the results are great. I appreciate the good quality of the tools and the excellent packaging to deliver it. The result is a very clean installation (note that I had to buy an adaptor to fit the SSD into place). Now this iMac will continue to work like a charm for many years, at a fraction of the price for a new computer!

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: DavidGWilson Location: Wellington, New Zealand Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Saved again - brilliant August 10, 2018 This in-line solution that allows normal hard drives (thats drives without Apple Firmware) to be used on Macs is brilliant. So easy to install as well.

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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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.

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