OWC Sells HDD DIY Kit for Removing Factory Installed HDD in 2011 iMac ($60)

Other
World Computing Inc introduced the its HDD DIY Kit for 2011 21.5′ and 27′ iMac models.

The kit enables iMac owners to replace
the 500GB to 1TB HDD with up to a 4TB HDD for up to 8x the
storage and backup capacity. Supported with a step-by-step video and
installation tools, the kits feature a custom power cable with an
in-line digital thermal sensor that ensures proper factory fan
operation and compliance with the Apple Hardware Test.

Problem
Custom drive
firmware with the introduction of the 2011 iMac, Apple factory
installed drives contained custom firmware that communicates thermal
data to the System Management Controller. Standard, retail sourced
replacement drives do not contain that firmware, nor does Apple make
that firmware available for aftermarket use. Without communication,
the SMC is unable to monitor HDD temperature to regulate iMac fan
speed. As a failsafe, the blower fans run at full speed and the test
will report a failure. Despite various ‘hacks’ and workarounds (one
which disables SMC monitoring for substantial risk of early drive
failure) the solution is to maintain use of Apple’s SMC to
ensure ongoing drive health.

Solution
This
kit provides a power cable – which includes an engineered,
in-line digital thermal sensor – to replace the Apple cable. The
thermal module attaches to any drive and is programmed to communicate
drive temperature data to the SMC in the same manner as Apple
firmware enabled drives. Now 2011 iMac owners can install any
standard 3.5" SATA HDD with capacities up to 4TB, retain
proper cooling via SMC bay monitoring and fan speed management of the
HDD bay per Apple factory settings, and pass the Apple Hardware Test.

The kit includes:

• NewerTech 11-Piece Toolkit

• NewerTech Microfiber Pro Cleaning Cloth

• Custom iMac to HDD SATA 3.0 (6Gb/s)
  interface and power cable with in-line digital thermal sensor

• 2 suction cups for the outer glass
  removal

Availability and Pricing

• The kit is available for both the
  21.5′ 2011 and 27′ 2011 iMac models each at the discounted price
  of $59.99 direct from OWC’s ecommerce portal.

• Kits with just the custom power
  cable (no tools included) are also available for $44.99.

Rebate with Drive Purchase

Customers that purchase any Toshiba
or Hitachi brand 3.5" SATA HDD on the same order with an
HDD DIY kit will receive a $10.00 instant rebate until
3/22/2013.

Supercharge Performance with OWC
SSD

Opening the iMac to replace/upgrade the
HDD presents the opportunity to add an OWC Mercury SSD or upgrade the
installed SSD for a performance boost. Similar to the former kits,
OWC SSD kits are easy to install with free how-to videos.

Double Factory Maximum RAM

To enhance the increased storage/backup
capacity the kit provides, 2011 iMac owners can also choose to add up
to double the factory maximum installed RAM with the company’s 32GB
MaxRAM Kit. Same-sized factory memory upgrades of 8GB and 16GB
starting at $61.99 are available from with savings up to 69%
compared to factory upgrade costs and are backed by the free
installation videos and lifetime warranty. Customers can enjoy
additional savings by utilizing the memory trade-in rebate program
and receive cash back for Apple factory memory.

Re-task ‘Old’ Drive

After using the kit to perform their
drive upgrade, users can give the factory original HDD continued use
by re-tasking it as an external solution. The company offers a
variety of adapters, docks, or enclosure kits priced starting from
$29.79.

Let OWC Pros DIFY

If, after watching the how-to video,
owners are not confident of their ability to add a larger HDD to
their machine, they can choose to have OWC ‘Do It For You’ via their
upgrade installation program.

Starting from less than half the cost
of factory SSD options, owners can have OWC install up to three
Mercury SSDs up to 480GB each and with data rates over 2x faster than
factory SSD options. Program options also include a larger capacity
HDD up to 4TB and certified memory upgrades up to 32GB. 27′ iMac
owners also have the option of OWC installing the eSATA interface and
experience data transfer rates up to 600MB/s. The installation
service program offers multiple configuration options starting at
$169 with a 48 business hours or less installation turnaround.

”The HDD DIY Kits for 2011 iMacs
represent OWC’s steadfast commitment to the DIY upgrader,” said
Larry O’Connor, founder and CEO, OWC. ”Our kit
represents the only complete, proven solution for obtaining higher
storage/backup capacity while retaining proper system operation.”