OWC DIY HDD Replacement Kit for iMac

Other World Computing, Inc. introduced its HDD Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Kit for all 2011 iMac and 27″ 2012 iMac models.

The kit enables iMac owners to replace the installed internal HDD with up to a 6TB HDD for expanded storage and backup capacity. Supported with step-by-step video and installation tools, it features a custom power cable with an in-line digital thermal sensor that ensures proper factory fan operation and compliance with the Apple diagnostic testing.

The Problem: Custom Drive Firmware
With the introduction of the 2011 iMac, Apple factory drives contained custom firmware that communicates thermal data to the System Management Controller (SMC). Standard, retail replacement drives do not contain that firmware, and Apple does not make it available to third-party manufacturers. Without proper communication, the SMC is unable to monitor HDD temperature to regulate iMac fan speed. As a failsafe, the blower fans run at full speed and the Apple hardware test will report a failure. Despite various ‘hacks’ and workarounds (one that simply disables SMC monitoring, which can potentially lead to HDD or system damage) the best solution had been to skip the upgrade and settle for Apple’s factory drive.

The Solution: OWC HDD DIY Kit w/thermal sensor module
The kit provides a custom engineered digital module with a thermal sensor which installs in-line between the new drive of the customer’s choice and the existing Apple factory cabling.The thermal module is programmed to communicate drive temperature data to the SMC in a similar manner as the original, factory installed drive.

2011 iMac 21.5″ owners and 27″ 2012 iMac owners can:

Install any standard 3.5″ SATA HDD with capacities up to 6TB
Retain proper cooling via SMC bay monitoring and fan speed management of the HDD bay per Apple factory settings
Pass Apple diagnostic testing

“The HDD DIY Kits for 2011 and later iMac models represent OWC’s steadfast commitment to the DIY upgrader/servicer,” said Larry O’Connor, founder and CEO, OWC. “Our kits represent the only complete, proven solution for obtaining higher storage/backup capacity while retaining proper system operation.“

The kit include:

NewerTech 14-Piece toolkit
NewerTech Microfiber Pro cleaning cloth
Custom iMac to HDD SATA 3.0 (6Gb/s) interface and power cable with in-line digital thermal sensor
Two suction cups for outer glass removal

The kits are available with all installation tools from $64.79.

OWC also offers this solution without tools included starting at $47.99.

For all Apple iMac 2011 models (both 21.5″ and 27″ models)

For Apple iMac 2012 with 27″ display (not required/compatible for 21″ model)

Also available, iMac SSD Upgrade/Installation kits for select iMacs from $22.50

Double the Factory Maximum RAM
To enhance the storage/backup capacity the kit provides, 2011 and 2012 iMac owners can also choose an upgrade with up to double the factory maximum installed RAM with OWC’s 32GB MaxRAM Kit. Memory upgrades of 8GB and 16GB starting at $99.79 are also available from OWC with savings of up to 50% compared to factory upgrade prices and are backed by OWC’s free installation videos and a lifetime limited warranty. Customers can enjoy additional savings by utilizing OWC’s Memory Trade-in rebate program and receive cash back for original Apple factory memory or previously installed OWC memory.

New Use for the Factory Drive
After using the kit to perform the drive upgrade, 2011 and 2012 iMac owners can continue to utilize the factory original HDD as an external solution. OWC offers adapters, docks, and enclosure kits priced starting from $39.99.

Let the OWC Pros DIFY
If, after watching the how-to video, iMac owners are not confident of their ability to add a larger HDD to their machine, they can choose to have OWC ‘Do It For You’ via the upgrade installation program. Starting from less than half the cost of factory SSD options, iMac owners can have OWC install up to three mercury SSDs up to 480GB each with data rates of up to 2x faster than factory SSD options. Program options also include a larger capacity HDD of up to 6TB and certified memory upgrades of up to 32GB. Owners of 27″ iMacs also have the option of OWC installing the industry’s only eSATA interface and experience data transfer rates up to 600MB/s. OWC’s installation service program offers multiple configuration options starting at $169 with a 48 business hours or less installation turnaround.