Install 2.5 inch SSD to replace 3.5 inch hard drive in iMac

Question

Install 2.5 inch SSD to replace 3.5 inch hard drive in iMac

I am looking to install a 2.5inch SSD (Crucial MX) to replace the 3.5 inch hard drive in a 27 inch Late 2009 iMac (2.66 GHz Intel Quad Core i5 - Model 11,1). I have two issues.

1. The hard drive has three cable connections (thermal sensor, SATA power and SATA data) but the SSD only has connections for the SATA power and SATA data (i.e. no thermal sensor connection). What should be done with the thermal sensor connector?

2. Also there looks to be a need for a 3.5 inch to 2.5 inch converter tray/bracket but I have not seen one advertised that fits an iMac (those on offer seem to be for PC trays). Does anyone know of a supplier?

Posted on Nov 21, 2015 1:52 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Tom Nelson1

Level 4

2,711 points

Nov 22, 2015 12:27 AM in response to BobinStanmore

OWC has an installation kit for your iMac that includes a thermal sensor you can attach to the SSD.

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/imacdiy/

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Answer 2

Nov 22, 2015 12:39 AM in response to Tom Nelson1

Thank you. After having posted my question, I did a bit more hunting round the web and found the OWC sensor too! That looks as if it does the job as an exact form/fit replacement approach. But what is sold for $36 in the USA is sold for £40 in the UK.

I also found a software based solution (www.hddfancontrol.com) which makes use of the SMART functionality built into most hard drives and SSDs and operates automatically. This is cheaper (c.£24 in the UK) than the OWC sensor. Other software based solutions don't look to have the connection to SMART sorted out so as to work fully automatically.

Finally, I found a 3.5" to 2.5" converter tray called a NewerTech AdaptaDrive to sort out physical installation issue.

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Answer 3

Nov 23, 2015 9:22 AM in response to BobinStanmore

Any 2.5" to 3.5" adapter will work for you, you will just need to remove the 4 T6 pins that holds the current 3.5" drive in its grommets. I do recommend the Icy Dock (http://smile.amazon.com/Icy-Dock-EZConvert-2-5-Inch-Converter/dp/B002Z2QDNE/ref= smi_www_rco2_go_smi_y2243582042?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0&ie=UTF8). I have used it with multiple repairs and have never had any issues.

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Answer 4

sw20ryo

Level 1

9 points

Jul 12, 2016 3:21 PM in response to BobinStanmore

I wanna save a little money on the converter for the 2.5 to 3.5 drive. Would an alternative converter work? I found one on Newegg and was wondering if it would all work the same. I'm a little new to Apple so all I know right now is about my current MacBook.

This is the one I found:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817994172&cm_re=mb482sp-_- 17-994-172-_-Product

It's a little cheaper than the OWC version so I figure why not.

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