I've searched around for an answer on this but no luck so... Does anyone know the function (if any) of the silver contact pad on each of the SATA bays in the 2010 (and presumably 2009) model MP's? I'm trying to determine if I need something like an ICY DOCK for my 2.5" SSD's so that contact will be 'tripped'. My '08 MP did not have such contacts... Thanks!
It's a thermal sensor. You can use any 2.5" drive with it, no need to make contact to the sensor. You just won't get a temperature reading from the connected drive.