Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT
Hi!
I have a late 2009 IMac and it came with a Seagate ST3500418ASQ. I know that my IMac requires the thermal cable connection to display the correct temperature. What HD from seagate is available right now as a replacement for this drive? Any barracuda or something? Thank you!
iMac (21.5-inch Late 2009), Mac OS X (10.7.3)
Thanks for the update. Hope it will all come together quickly. Seems like the optical drive temp sensor for the drive is the way to go. A highly regarded AASP here in NY does it that way. Don't know what OWC is talking about.
I don't know if I mentioned this or if it's really suitable, but there's a free/donation ware program called SSD Fan Control.
You might want to give it a try.
I'm seeing this comment on the iFixit instructions for the late 2009 hard drive replace instructions. Might this explain the problem some are experiencing replacing the drive even with one of the same manufacturer?
One thing Andrew left out here, which I discovered on my own, is that even if you have the temperature sensor connected to the correct pins, you ALSO have to make sure that it is 'oriented' properly.
On the sensor connector (the little head that plugs into the hard drive) I saw a little white dot on one side, which it turns out, indicates that's the 'top'. So on my iMac, you have to make sure when you connect the temp sensor connector with the white dot showing.
Otherwise, I got the 6000 rpm fans.
robert Seith, Jun 5 2011 @ 7:52 AM
Also, from the instructions
Step 10 — Hard Drive
Before disconnecting the thermal sensor cable, take note of its orientation. It is extremely important to reinstall the connector in the right orientation so the fans will not run at full speed.
Disconnect the thermal sensor by pulling its connector away from the side of the hard drive.
During reassembly, be sure that the thermal sensor connector is connected to set of pins closest to the SATA connectors.
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac-Intel-21-5-Inch-EMC-2308-Hard-Drive-Replacement /1766/1
Maybe wishful thinking, but all of the problems I've seen have been associated with the Seagates needing the AP24 firmware. I'm wondering if the WDs don't have this problem. I still have to try calling an upper level tech at WD about this.
I seem to be talking to myself, but FWIW, just got off the phone with WD, who told me that if I replace the drive with the same model, WD 5000AAKS, Caviar Blue, they are certain the internal temp sensor will work out of the box. No mods needed. Might work with other WD models, e.g. Caviar Black, but they can't guarantee it.
If this is so -- and I won't know until I actually need to do this -- looks like the problems with Seagates are Seagate specific.
HD drive
