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Hard drive fan runs full speed after installing after market hard drive in Imac 20.5" late 2009

I had an internal hard drive fail at the 364 day mark and decided to upgrade the size. I replaced with the same manufacturer hard drive, just larger in size and now the hd fan runs to full speed. I have read elsewhere that there is a special hd firmware on Apple drives that allow the fans to work correctly. How can I get the fans to run at a lower speed without using a shorting pin on the hd temp cable? Is there anyway to get the Apple firmware for the hard drives?

Posted on Apr 18, 2011 8:46 AM

36 replies

Mar 8, 2014 3:18 AM in response to machammer

The second I clicked complete installation with hdd fancontrol, the fan essentially went silent:

https://sites.fastspring.com/hddfancontrol/instant/hddfancontrol

Oct 23, 2016 5:17 AM in response to machammer

SOFTWARE SOLUTION

Just replaced my Western Digital HD with a new Toshiba. I had this same problem because the factory heat sensor did not fit my new faster HD. I found the Macs Fan Control 1.4.4 to be a better product that intalled easier and had better controls get it here http://www.crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control

Oct 23, 2016 5:50 AM in response to machammer

You are better off installing the sensor, otherwise the computer could still overheat...

For 2009 iMacs,

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD09/

Oct 23, 2016 6:53 AM in response to mattwithcats

With the sensor cable I find the default fan speeds too low and the hard drive becomes so hot that I fear it shortens its lifespan. So I still use Macs Fan Control to set a lower temperature range to keep the fans spinning a little faster.

Oct 23, 2016 7:00 AM in response to abubasim66

Abubasim66 are you using the S.M.A.R.T. sensor based control? What temps are you setting at I'm currently at 42-52. Macs Fan Control is working fine but I would like to tweek it. .

Oct 23, 2016 9:44 AM in response to iMacUserEJV

I set it to 35-50 degrees. This keeps the drive fan at little higher RPMs but I don't mind this as I have an A/C running in the room which drowns out the fan noise. I live in a hot climate, with indoor temperatures often reaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Hard drive fan runs full speed after installing after market hard drive in Imac 20.5" late 2009