Late 2015 27" iMac heat sensor needed?

[peekapoo]

I have late 2015 iMac 5k 27" with fusion drive, and try to upgrade it with SSD.
Everything is clear except one thing. Heat Sensor.
Some says I need one, and some says I don't after El Capitan.
I don't mind install heat sensor, but just don't want to do it if not necessary.

 

[pm-r]

According to this, a heat sensor probably isn't needed:
Another note: thermal sensor is not required for SSDs on systems using OS X El Capitan/Sierra. I installed an SSD without one. No fan throttling at all.
mikai - February 28
iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display SSD Replacement
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Display+SSD+Replacement/30537

And then there's this:
"As to your choices here, yes you could replace the 1TB HD for a SSD. You will need to get a 2.5" to 3.5" frame and you'll need this adapter cable: OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor for Hard Drive Upgrade for 27" iMacs 2012 and Later as you need to replace the thermal sensor for the SMC services from running wild without the HD input. You see, the SSD does not have the needed sensor, the in-line adapter cable replaces the missing sensor."
SOLVED: HDD Upgrade/Replacement with SSD? - iMac Intel 27 ...
https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/247122/HDD+Upgrade-Replacement+with+SSD

Hmmm…

Maybe best to read some of the hits and recommendations here:
https://www.google.ca/search?client...-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=_gUuWYAgy8zyB-Tnl6AH


EDIT:

iFixit seems to imply a cable is required, but maybe that's just for a HDD???

"iMac Intel 27" 5K Late 2014 and Mid 2015 Hard Drive Cable
Item code: IF174-006-1
$19.95" [OUT of Stock it seems]
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/iM...014-and-Mid-2015-Hard-Drive-Cable/IF174-006-1


I don't see any mention of a heat sensor/cable here:
http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/imac-(retina-5k,-27-inch,-late-2015)-imac17,1/CT8647904

and the 2015 isn't even listed at https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/imac for OWC SSD Flash Storage Upgrades
iMac for some strange reason.
I must be missing something and need a glass of wine.

Edit 2:

Stupid me, it's listed as 2013 - Current!!!

Their Kit includes the heat sensor cable just using a small SSD as an example so I would say a heat sensor cable IS required.
Just because of their reputation, and Mac knowledge.
https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/K27IM12HE060/

"Upgrade Your iMac with Confidence.
OWC's in-line solution is the only hardware digital thermal sensor on the market allowing a third-party SATA drive to be installed in your iMac. A convenient, plug-and-play cable, the In-line Digital Thermal Sensor eliminates fan noise and maintains proper system fan control through the iMac's System Management Controller. This innovative device is designed specifically for the iMac, requires no software hacks and ensures compatibility with Apple's built-in diagnostic processes[/I]."


Phew… sorry for all that…



- Patrick
======

 

[peekapoo]

According to this, a heat sensor probably isn't needed:
Another note: thermal sensor is not required for SSDs on systems using OS X El Capitan/Sierra. I installed an SSD without one. No fan throttling at all.
mikai - February 28
iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display SSD Replacement
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Display+SSD+Replacement/30537

And then there's this:
"As to your choices here, yes you could replace the 1TB HD for a SSD. You will need to get a 2.5" to 3.5" frame and you'll need this adapter cable: OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor for Hard Drive Upgrade for 27" iMacs 2012 and Later as you need to replace the thermal sensor for the SMC services from running wild without the HD input. You see, the SSD does not have the needed sensor, the in-line adapter cable replaces the missing sensor."
SOLVED: HDD Upgrade/Replacement with SSD? - iMac Intel 27 ...
https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/247122/HDD+Upgrade-Replacement+with+SSD

Hmmm…

Maybe best to read some of the hits and recommendations here:
https://www.google.ca/search?client...-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=_gUuWYAgy8zyB-Tnl6AH


EDIT:

iFixit seems to imply a cable is required, but maybe that's just for a HDD???

"iMac Intel 27" 5K Late 2014 and Mid 2015 Hard Drive Cable
Item code: IF174-006-1
$19.95" [OUT of Stock it seems]
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/iM...014-and-Mid-2015-Hard-Drive-Cable/IF174-006-1


I don't see any mention of a heat sensor/cable here:
http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/imac-(retina-5k,-27-inch,-late-2015)-imac17,1/CT8647904

and the 2015 isn't even listed at https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/imac for OWC SSD Flash Storage Upgrades
iMac for some strange reason.
I must be missing something and need a glass of wine.

Edit 2:

Stupid me, it's listed as 2013 - Current!!!

Their Kit includes the heat sensor cable just using a small SSD as an example so I would say a heat sensor cable IS required.
Just because of their reputation, and Mac knowledge.
https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/K27IM12HE060/

"Upgrade Your iMac with Confidence.
OWC's in-line solution is the only hardware digital thermal sensor on the market allowing a third-party SATA drive to be installed in your iMac. A convenient, plug-and-play cable, the In-line Digital Thermal Sensor eliminates fan noise and maintains proper system fan control through the iMac's System Management Controller. This innovative device is designed specifically for the iMac, requires no software hacks and ensures compatibility with Apple's built-in diagnostic processes[/I]."


Phew… sorry for all that…



- Patrick
======

Thank you very much for your research.
I did research of my own, but I have not heard from people who actually did this.
I think I will just install a heat sensor just in case.
Don't want to open iMac too often.

 

[chscag]

Don't want to open iMac too often.

I would go so far to say... you don't want to open up your 2015 glued together iMac at all. Make sure you go over the instructions to get inside your iMac which you can find at www.ifixit.com. We have no idea of your technical skill so forgive us for the warning if you're done this before (successfully). Check with the folks at Mac Sales (www.macsales.com) to see if a heat sensor cable is needed. I know for a fact it's needed on earlier models but have no idea if it's needed on yours.

 

[chscag]

and the 2015 isn't even listed at https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/imac for OWC SSD Flash Storage Upgrades
iMac for some strange reason. I must be missing something and need a glass of wine.

That's because the 2015 iMacs are glued together. The outside glass is glued to the display and the myriad of cables and connectors that have to be removed carefully is not an easy task. The folks at ifixit have the break down instructions. I have no doubt the technicians at OWC could do the job but it may be that the labor involved might just be too costly. Packing up that monster and sending it to them is a job all in itself. No way I would attempt it myself and I've tackled some hefty electronic repair jobs when I worked for the government.

 

[harryb2448]

For mine you do need the kit from OWC, Mac Specialists. Have a read of this link from OWC who advise using the kit on late 2009 26" iMacs and onwards, and also 21.5" iMacs late 2009 to late 2011. Apple decided to use a notebook style 2.5" hard drive from 2012 onwards in the 21.5". This solved the heat sensor kit for the 21.5"models. Note bwhat Administrator chscag says about it being a difficult job and OWC's comment in red about installing the unit for you. I have a mate who is a reseller in Sydney, Australia, and he does not allow his technicians to open them after breaking several screens at $500 a pop. Loads the iMacs in a van and delivers them to Apple's Head Office here to have the work done.


https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD12/

 

[pm-r]

and also 21.5" iMacs late 2009 to late 2011. Apple decided to use a notebook style 2.5" hard drive from 2012 onwards in the 21.5". This solved the heat sensor kit for the 21.5"models.

Just curious here, but do those specific drives have some special internal temp sensor and a special connector???

PS: Good valid points about those 2015 glued together iMacs. Scary procedure even for qualified techs and with proper tools etc. I'd imagine.




- Patrick
======

 

[pigoo3]

Hopefully the OP is aware that the newer iMac's are glued together. Just got to watch a few Youtube video's of folks taking them apart to learn that it's not for for the average do-it-yourselfer.

- Nick

 

[pm-r]

Hopefully the OP is aware that the newer iMac's are glued together. Just got to watch a few Youtube video's of folks taking them apart to learn that it's not for for the average do-it-yourselfer.

- Nick

My God!!!

SEVENTEEN Steps instruction shots just to remove the display glass!!

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Display+Hard+Drive+Replacement/30522

And almost 50% of those steps with some warning in RED!!!



- Patrick
======

 

[pigoo3]

Yeah. These newer "glued together" Mac's are real DIY nightmares (iMac's, MacBook Pro's, MacBook Air's, and MacBook's). The disassembly & reassembly risk's are just too much. Namely the breaking of the display glass on disassembly...and/or misalignment of the new adhesive strips on reassembly (and then the need to remove the glass & try again)...which then there's the breaking of the glass on disassembly risk again.

Definitely a procedure that I'm sure can be learned & managed after you've done it 5, 10, or 100 times. But definitely a high-risk procedure for a first-timer (and potentially high cost for replacement glass).

- Nick

p.s. iPad's & iPhones kind of the same thing. Procedure seems easier on a smaller piece of glass.

 

[peekapoo]

iMac 5k SSD upgrade DIY

Yeah, I did it anyway.
After all replies, I wansn't gonna do it by myself.
Called several authorized service centers near me, but they said they won't do it because Apple doesn't allow them to do that.

So, I watched few videos and did it.

It wasn't that hard. Actually, it was pretty easy.
By no means I am a technically savvy person, but still, it was not that hard.
Was I scared? **** yes, but it was still easy.

I bought a new sticker set from ifixit for $20 and just followed their instruction.
It took me about 40 minutes to install my used sandisk SSD and took another 30-40 minutes to install OSX and now my iMac is super fast.

A lot of people worry about the display, but after I did it, I think it would be hard to break it unless you drop it.
After read bunch of youtube replies, I did not even install a heat sensor and I don't have a fan issue too.
So, if you want to try it, do it if you can overcome scary factor.
My advise? be patient.

 

[pigoo3]

Threads merged. Same topic.

- Nick

 

[Tjorners]

iMac 5k SSD upgrade DIY

Yeah, I did it anyway.
After all replies, I wansn't gonna do it by myself.
Called several authorized service centers near me, but they said they won't do it because Apple doesn't allow them to do that.

So, I watched few videos and did it.

It wasn't that hard. Actually, it was pretty easy.
By no means I am a technically savvy person, but still, it was not that hard.
Was I scared? **** yes, but it was still easy.

I bought a new sticker set from ifixit for $20 and just followed their instruction.
It took me about 40 minutes to install my used sandisk SSD and took another 30-40 minutes to install OSX and now my iMac is super fast.

A lot of people worry about the display, but after I did it, I think it would be hard to break it unless you drop it.
After read bunch of youtube replies, I did not even install a heat sensor and I don't have a fan issue too.
So, if you want to try it, do it if you can overcome scary factor.
My advise? be patient.

iMac 5k SSD upgrade DIY

Yeah, I did it anyway.
After all replies, I wansn't gonna do it by myself.
Called several authorized service centers near me, but they said they won't do it because Apple doesn't allow them to do that.

So, I watched few videos and did it.

It wasn't that hard. Actually, it was pretty easy.
By no means I am a technically savvy person, but still, it was not that hard.
Was I scared? **** yes, but it was still easy.

I bought a new sticker set from ifixit for $20 and just followed their instruction.
It took me about 40 minutes to install my used sandisk SSD and took another 30-40 minutes to install OSX and now my iMac is super fast.

A lot of people worry about the display, but after I did it, I think it would be hard to break it unless you drop it.
After read bunch of youtube replies, I did not even install a heat sensor and I don't have a fan issue too.
So, if you want to try it, do it if you can overcome scary factor.
My advise? be patient.

Just checking whether after afew more years, the heat sensor not being fitted ever caused you any long term issues ? I have the late 2015 27" and am happy to attempt the SSD install as I have done one in the past and like you felt that as long as you have the right equipment, go slowly and follow the instructions it's really not to hard to acheive. My machine has the Apple blade SSD fitted so the SATA is completely unused - i'm planning just to add a new SSD drive for the extra capacity leaving the Apple blade PCIe in situ.