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Model A1419 / Late 2012 / 2.9 & 3.2 GHz Core i5 or 3.4 GHz Core i7 Processor, ID iMac13,2

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Replacing 1TB HDD with Samsung 840 Pro 256gb SSD. Temperature Sensor?

Hi,

I am wanting to replace my 1TB Hdd in my 27" 2012 iMac. I have purchased the Samsung 840 Pro 256gb SSD but I read somewhere that you will need third party software to control the fan speeds once you remove the original HDD. Is this true?

I thought the 2012 iMac didn't require the temperature sensor on HDD because of it being built into HDD. Do SSD's need a temperature sensor? Do they have them built in?

Many thanks,

Will

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Sadly SSD's don't offer an internal temp sensor that meets Apples spec. Here's a good writeup on what Apple did OWC - iMac HD Upgrading explained.

The correct way to deal with this issue (if your HD don't come with the needed sensor) or replacing the HD for a SSD is to get this kit: OWC Complete Hard Drive Upgrade Kit Including Tools for all 27" iMacs 2012 & Later.

A better solution is to leave the HD in and install the PCIe M.2 blade SSD the system is able to support (some are just now being made available by 3rd parties) or get a SSHD hybrid drive (Seagate) that has the needed internal sensor so you don't need to adapter kit.

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Ahh. So I will have to purchase this entire kit even though I just want the temp sensor?

I thought that I might not have needed the temp sensor with the Samsung 840 Pro for some reason.

Thanks

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OWC also sells the custom cable without the tools as well.

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HDD Fan control application is 38$ and solves the problem.

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asd, Focus on the unanswered questions and the ones that don't have an accepted answer as well. As to fan control app we've found fixing the system correctly is a much better solution as this app does not vary the fans as needed to cool the system so you end up killing your system.

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Upgraded my late 2012 27” iMac (13,2) with a Samsung SSD, but was not sure about buying the OWC sensor, so before re-sealing the screen, I booted up and it appears the SSD temperature is monitored without the need for the OWC external sensor. Temperature of SSD is about 21 Celsius and fan is on low speed. See screen shots below.

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Update (10/13/2019)

In case the above image is too small.

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This gets tricky! As Apple's original firmware required the sensor.

I've not done a 2012 model in awhile so I can't verify if Apple's newer firmware is now not requiring it. I would monitor things a bit longer as you may not have caused the systems temp to raise to the needed level for SMC to fire off. The newer 2013 systems running Mojave don't need the sensor.

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I had assumed from the “macs fan control” readout that the new Samsung EVO 860 SSD must have a temperature sensor? Otherwise where is it getting the 21 Celsius from?

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@julesuk - Yes the SSD does have a thermal sensor! That is what is being reported via SMART.

The problem is SMC is expecting a direct feed to the internal thermal sensor. Basically, a second pathway (or sensor) to that SMC, if its not present then SMC can't monitor the drive (HDD) that it needs to control the heat build up within the system.

I really don't like SMCFanControl as it can hide things. I prefer this app TG Pro.

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Can someone clarify this answer. I just ordered the kit, and need instructions on installing the sensor maybe… there is an SSD in there now, albeit now beat, that was reporting temp for years…

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Will will be eternally grateful.
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