Hard Drive replacement.

[Oriels]

Model: Complete iMac "Core i5" mid-2011
A1312
I have hard drive problem. (white flashing question mark).

When I start the computer I hear "tick tick" from the drive.
I open the hard drive in the read/write head was stuck and already scratched the platter.

I connect an good old hard drive that I have with windows OS (256GB) and the logo of Win OS appear and suddenly shut down. I assume incompatible drivers and software.
Anyway. I made Apple hardware test and that error appeared:

4SNS/1/40000000:TH00-9.000 - thermal sensor error??

So I have two problems.

However, I want the mac to work. don't care about that error.
My question is: if I get simple hard drive. Will it work for me?
for ex: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822179010
I'm afraid that it will not work with my iMac.

Also, heared that some drives does not have that temp sensor so they will not work. How much is it correct?

Thank you!

 

[komatsu]

This message can probably be ignored. It is referencing your disk which has the problem.
When you install a new disk - it should go away. IF NOT - you can always download something like
https://www.crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control

As for new disk - the Seagate Barracuda - if you go with this mechanical disk and install Sierra or High Sierra - your Mac will still be very slow. Sierra and High Sierra do now work well with mechanical disks. You really need an SSD like:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...944&cm_re=kingston_ssd-_-20-721-108-_-Product

As for Temp sensor not working - that is true. This is why most Mac technicians will use "mac fan control" software to compensate. Once this is installed, your Mac should run fine.

 

[EyeDoc1]

This message can probably be ignored. It is referencing your disk which has the problem.
When you install a new disk - it should go away. IF NOT - you can always download something like
https://www.crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control

As for new disk - the Seagate Barracuda - if you go with this mechanical disk and install Sierra or High Sierra - your Mac will still be very slow. Sierra and High Sierra do now work well with mechanical disks. You really need an SSD like:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...944&cm_re=kingston_ssd-_-20-721-108-_-Product

As for Temp sensor not working - that is true. This is why most Mac technicians will use "mac fan control" software to compensate. Once this is installed, your Mac should run fine.

[doublepost=1512922773][/doublepost]I agree

 

[Oriels]

If I understand you correct.
1. buy an ssd drive, convert to mac os x file system then install mac OS.
2. if the message havn't gone, just download and install mac fan control.

1. Does it matter which ssd should I buy? or any one will work for me.

2. about this: "As for new disk - the Seagate Barracuda - if you go with this mechanical disk and install Sierra or High Sierra - your Mac will still be very slow. Sierra and High Sierra do now work well with mechanical disks. You really need an SSD"
I didn't understand. if they do work well why is it important to buy an ssd.?

I will buy ssd anyway for upgrade the mac but just for understand better.

Thank you for your help, again.

 

[BrianBaughn]

I think he meant to type "do not work well".

 

[Oriels]

ok
Now just need to know if any standard ssd drive from pc shop will match my mac and I will go to buy one.

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Suggest you look over OWC (macsales.com) as you will need the heat sensor kit when replacing the hard drive. For sure go with an SSD which will give you ageing Mac a new lease of life. You have not told us how much memory is installed in your Mac. With the latest operating systems look to get 8-16GB in the machine.


https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD11/

 

[Oriels]

I have 4GB ram.
Is it necessary to install that OWC?

 

[kschendel]

The OWC sensor isn't absolutely required, but it might make your life easier since you won't have to fool with Fan Control, or worry about the remote chance of overheating your new drive / SSD. Any SATA drive or SSD that physically fits should work. As for RAM, I think you'll see a decent improvement by upgrading to at least 8 Gb, but I wouldn't wring my hands over it too much. Any reputable RAM vendor such as Data Memory Systems, Crucial, etc can sell you sticks that work fine in your iMac.

 

[mbosse]

I have 4GB ram.
Is it necessary to install that OWC?

Your iMac would bah with any hard drive/SSD as if it were a factory installed drive, i.e. with proper temperature control. You won't need any fan control software.

 

[danielwsmithee]

I’ve done this on multiple iMacs both with and without the OWC sensor. I definitely recommend getting the sensor. It runs your iMac the way it was designed to run.

As far as which brand if SSD, any will work but I would stick with Crucial, Samsung or an SSD from macsales.com

 

[mbosse]

I’ve done this on multiple iMacs both with and without the OWC sensor. I definitely recommend getting the sensor. It runs your iMac the way it was designed to run.

As far as which brand if SSD, any will work but I would stick with Crucial, Samsung or an SSD from macsales.com

I can support your statement with one exception: never use an OWC SSD, particularly their PCIe SSDs look like some backyard tinkering product. Crucial, Samsung or Intel (if you can get one of their new 545s series).

 

[danielwsmithee]

I can support your statement with one exception: never use an OWC SSD, particularly their PCIe SSDs look like some backyard tinkering product. Crucial, Samsung or Intel (if you can get one of their new 545s series).

They are rebranded OCZ SSDs. My third choice behind Crucial and Samsung for SATA SSDs. Wouldn’t touch them for PCIe. Early SATA SSDs, they used the best controller and firmware. Crucial and Samsung had to catch up, and did surpass them. I wouldn’t touch the OWC branded PCIe SSDs.