I recently replaced my HD. Now the fans run high continuously and resetting the PRAM doesn't solve the problem. Any other tricks out there?
iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), 1-TB Seagate Barracuda 7200/32MB HD
What model is it? Beginning with the late 2009 iMacs there is a proprietary sensor cable that must be connected. And then for the more recent imacs, beginning this year, there is proprietary Apple sensor firmware in the drive itself, in addition to a special cable, which makes it difficult or even impossible to use a third party drive.
Not sure if this is for the newer iMacs: Some may have gotten round this by using a glue-on sensor meant for the optical drive which is attached to the body of the hard drive.
http://blog.macsales.com/10146-apple-further-restricts-upgrade-options-on-new-im acs
smcFanControl might do the trick.
or HDD FanControl
or
http://www.hardmac.com/news/2011/05/18/an-easy-solution-to-replace-the-hard-driv e-in-a-2011-imac
Message was edited by: WZZZ
It is a 2010 model. There were some cables that came with the HD I purchased. However, my neighbor had the same replacement done to her iMac (identical to mine) under warranty from a home-visit repairman. I watched him not use the provided cables, as well as he said it wasn't necessary. Her iMac was eventually replaced due to extensive problems. Mine, however, was not under warranty so I did it myself. My question is, should I have used the provided cables and do you think that will solve? Your reply has been very helpful. I just need the extra push to open the machine back up again. By the way, I've already tried both smcFanControl and HDD FanControl to no avail.
Hey, WZZZ. I just tried HDD FanControl for the second time (demo version) and lo & behold, the fans stopped immediately. I'd love to read of some endorsements for the product as I'd hate to find out too late HDD FanControl could be harmful in any way. The demo is for One Hour Only. I'll have to wait to learn more on this before buying the Full Version. Thanx again for all the info, and thanx-in-advance for further help.
Sorry, I have no experience with HDDFanControl. I've been using smcFanControl -- but not for this issue -- without any harmful effects. HDDFan is new to me, but I don't see how it could be harmful. I guess I'd just want to be careful not to configure it to run the HD fan too much above the defaults, as you don't want to burn up the fan motor. Get iStat Pro so you can keep an eye on temperature and fan speeds.
http://www.islayer.com/apps/istatpro/
Although it won't show the fan speeds, Temperature Monitor is noted for accuracy.
http://www.bresink.com/osx/TemperatureMonitor.html
As for using the enclosed cables, I guess you'd just have to try and see what happens. If you think you can open it up again without any unnecessary risk, if it works, this would seem to be the preferred solution. If it doesn't, I guess you just leave it like that and continue to run HDDFan.
Perhaps you want to contact Seagate at 1-800-SEAGATE. Ask for Pre-Sales, since they will be more knowledgeable than the outsourced, mediocre Level 1 techs who, at best, will probably just be reading from a script.
For the cables, you could also call OWC tech support, 1-800-275-4576. And also ask them about HDDFan, since they have been recommending it for the 2011 iMac drive problem.
I do have the iStatPro and Bresink TempMonitor. They keep me aware, as it should be. I like staying informed anyway. I've read several good blogs on HDDFC and nothing negative to date. Pretty sure I'm going to buy it for $29.95. With a close eye on my Mac's heartbeat, providing nothing ontoward happens, it should be well worth not having to risk breaking my glass face to get inside. Many thanx for your help, info and insight. Much obliged.
The only sensor Temperature Monitor can find on my old G3/400 Slot is for the Seagate drive I put in. It gets it from SMART and I suppose HDDFan works by taking the SMART temp data from the drive and inputting it in to the SMC (System Management Controller), where it would normally go if you were using the proper cable. As I said, OWC appears to recommend HDDfan as a solution to the 2011 iMac drive issue. So, I'm thinking it's not going to do anything harmful.
I have AppleCare, so I haven't needed to think about opening up this 21.5 late 2009, but when the time comes, I know it's kind of a dicey operation -- not so much for the glass, but for the fragile cables connecting the screen. I suppose not opening it again is the prudent thing to do.
AppleCare... Good to have... Envious. If the occasion should present itself, it's too easy to open it up so long as you have Glass Suction Cups. Apply them and give a quick jerk outward and off it comes (too easy). The hard part is fenagling the screen around to get underneath and disconnect everything. From 1 to 10 (1 being easiest) I'd say it is a 4 job. Just don't lose the screws! Lots of good info, WZZZ. Thanks again.
I recently replaced my HD. Now the fans run high continuously and resetting the PRAM doesn't solve the problem. Any other tricks out there?
