replacing hdd/ssd in iMac 2011 (possible solution?)

word up guys

i have the iMac 2011 with a 256 ssd and 1tb hdd. like most people, i want to replace the drives for larger ones. i've read a lot about the fan cranking itself up to overdrive when people start changing the hdd's, because of custom apple firmware that regulates the temperature.

however, an apple genius told me that it is not the firmware, but a thermistor that is attached to the hdd.

i watched a good video of someone taking the iMac apart, and it shows the thermistor, but also a noise isolation module that he removes from the existing drive and puts it on the new drive. he makes no mention of custom firmware.

so, i am trying to find out:
if it is true that there is no custom firmware?
and if anyone has read or seen or done this successfully?

i'm planning to go to an apple authorized reseller so it won't void the warranty if **** hits the fan. plus if it doesn't work, i'm hoping that they can acquire official drives from apple, but we'll see.

anyway, mucho appreciata for any input!!

oosk

p.s. http://www.tested.com/videos/how-to/5651-how-to-take-apart-an-imac-and-replace-its-hard-drive/

 

i went to the apple store and they said that they only replace drives (ssd or hdd) if one develops a fault, and only at the same capacity.

i forgot that the sata cable is 7 pin in the iMacs, after watching the video. although this video shows an ssd being added not a hdd, it still sounds good, however the kit is £65 with UK shipping which is annoyingly expensive.

oh ok I didn't know that there was an extra sata port. the extra ssd rather than hdd sounds awesome but seems to me it would be a waste to have 2 ssds. however I could install a 2nd 256 ssd through the iFixit guide, thereby devoting one to mac and one to bootcamp, and replace the 1tb hdd for a larger one, thereby i don't need a 2nd temp sensor.

s*** i jus noticed the aluminium rim around the glass in the video. you sure that there's custom firmware on the hdd?

i'd rather not short out the temperature circuit or use anything like SMC fan control as that voids the warranty lol

aye the western digital or lacie 4TB thunderbolt raid drive is my last resort option coz i need the ssd boot drive upgrading, plus its nice to have all the storage etc contained within the computer.


i'm thinking either,

replacing ssd for 512
adding another 256 ssd, replacing the hdd
adding another 256 ssd, thunderbolt for storage
or pretty much just thunderbolt, although the ssd boot drive is the main thing i need upgrading.

anyway cheers for ya feedback, i'm gonna go apple reseller and test out ssd replacement/adding. i'll get back with results!

 

Ooh yes I did. Sorry I forgot to post up my results earlier. I successfully changed the Apple 256 SSD with a Crucial 512 SSD. No problems.

As for the HDD, for the sake of £30-ish, I changed the Apple 1 TB for an Apple 3 TB. However, technically, the 3 TB shouldn't go in a 2011 iMac, so the HDD fan cranks up. But, third party software such as http://www.hddfancontrol.com, works flawlessly. This software was recommended by the Apple Authorized Service Provider that I went to.

A few months later, unrelated to the SSD/HDD, I went to the Apple store, because the display needed replacing. They noticed I changed the SSD and HDD, but once I said that it was done through an authorized provider, they were cool with it.

Hope my experience helps you

Cheers

 

Hey dude apologies for not getting back to you sooner.

1. There is no temp reader on the built-in Apple SSD.
2. I imagine so yes. It was plug and play when I replaced my Apple SSD for a Crucial one.
3. I am pretty sure, yes. However, if you replace the built-in HDD, even with an Apple one of higher capacity, the fans WILL rev up. I am using HDD Fan Control, a small compromise, with absolutely no issues for almost a year now.
4. You mean a bracket? I'm not sure, but my advice would be to go to an authorised Apple service provider if you can. Over here in the UK, I've found one that isn't afraid to 'bend the rules', so it's awesome, keeping my warranty intact.

If you still need any more help, just send me a message.

If you didn't choose a HDD at the time of purchase, there will be no bracket or 2nd Sata lead inside the iMac for a second drive. I can't remember where about the SSD is, but it's pretty organized inside there, you'll see it!

And yeah I'm also pretty sure that that is possible. Just don't try to put in a dvd into the slot afterwards