Replace 3.5 HDD with 2.5 Laptop HDD

[Bmacphe1]

My question is I have a Mid-2010 21.5" iMac and the hard drive has failed. I have a spare 1TB 2.5" Laptop hard drive that can use but am wondering if I can use it without issues of overheating.

I recently updated my Mid-2011 21.5 iMac from a 3.5 HDD to an 2.5 SSD and went smooth as butter. As expected I had the jet engine fan issue and used the SSD Fan Control program to calm the fan and have been extremely happy with it since.

My concern is as the laptop hard drive is still a mechanical drive and it does not have the port to plug the 3.5" thermal sensor, it will as with the SSD issue cause the fan to kick into high gear. I can use the same SSD Fan Control to lower it but will I run the risk of overheating.

I have searched the forums and have not been able to find an accurate answer and any advise is appreciated.

Regards.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Here's one option https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD09/
[doublepost=1511817786][/doublepost]and another https://yktoo.com/en/blog/post/231

 

[Bmacphe1]

Here's one option https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD09/
[doublepost=1511817786][/doublepost]and another https://yktoo.com/en/blog/post/231

Hi, thank you for your reply. As I have a Laptop drive on hand and this is a secondary iMac, I do not want to invest in another SSD. I have done some research and have come across the OWC sensor and again not looking to spend more on this iMac.

Just wondering if using the SSD Fan Control to calm the fans would be an effective solution.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Look at my second option, shouldn't cost you anything.

 

[Bmacphe1]

My apologies as I didn’t read the entire article only saw the SSD install. That is great and should work.

 

[mazdamiata210]

To add to what that article says... You could probably just snip the connector off and then twist the two wires together.

Better than having a loose jumper wire dangling around inside the computer.

 

[Fishrrman]

IF you're going to open the iMac, put an SSD into it instead!
Much faster!

Put the spare 1tb 2.5" drive into a 2.5" USB3 enclosure for backup and extra storage space.