Late 2009 iMac Loud Fan after HD Upgrade Question

[LondonMacUser]

Hi there,

So I just acquired my first iMac, a vintage late 2009 i7 2.8ghz model and I'm kind of amazed at how well it performs considering it's age.

The only problem I've found with it is something of a common complaint for iMacs after a HDD replacement, but I've not been able to address the issue in the same way that most of the similar forum posts I've seen have suggested.

I've tried downloading several types of fan control software, and even though the dialog is telling me that the fan RPM is adjusting, I'm hearing no change in the pitch. In fact, even though as soon I turn the iMac on it sounds like I've started up a hoover, but when I check iStat to see fan speeds they're all pretty normal (say 1300 rpm for HD and less for the others). This leads me to think that maybe a 'controller cable' that regulates the fan speed is unattached?

I'm semi confident about opening the iMac up and taking a look around but I wondered if anybody could give me any advice as to whether this could really be the problem, and perhaps what to look for? Failing that, a recommendation for an iMax service shop in the North/East London area would be appreciated.

All advice gratefully received, many thanks!

Duncan

 

[dtravis7]

On the late 2009's you have to replace the hard drive with the exact same brand of drive or there will be no temperature sensor and the Hard Drive fan will go full speed! What brand was the drive you took out and what brand did you install? There is a simple fix. A Kit from OWC that replaces the internal Temp sensor with one they designed. It will solve your issue. Here is the url.

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD09/

 

[LondonMacUser]

On the late 2009's you have to replace the hard drive with the exact same brand of drive or there will be no temperature sensor and the Hard Drive fan will go full speed! What brand was the drive you took out and what brand did you install? There is a simple fix. A Kit from OWC that replaces the internal Temp sensor with one they designed. It will solve your issue. Here is the url.

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIDIMACHDD09/

Hi Travis,

Thanks for replying, my point was that the fan control software touted as a solution by others doesn't actually control the fan at all... so I was speculating as to that being an unplugged cable that was accidentally removed during the install? I'm pretty sure the replacement HDD I have won't have had the sensor on it, so I was hoping to fix via a software override for the fan setting...

I could trying getting that sensor like you say, but I'm not sure that would work on it's own, as it feels like the fan isn't being controlled properly anymore as the override software doesn't have any effect...

thanks!

 

[pigoo3]

Thanks for replying, my point was that the fan control software touted as a solution by others doesn't actually control the fan at all... so I was speculating as to that being an unplugged cable that was accidentally removed during the install? I'm pretty sure the replacement HDD I have won't have had the sensor on it, so I was hoping to fix via a software override for the fan setting...

I could trying getting that sensor like you say, but I'm not sure that would work on it's own, as it feels like the fan isn't being controlled properly anymore as the override software doesn't have any effect...

Fan control software is not the solution. Like Dennis said in his post. You either need to replace the HD with exactly the same brand HD that it shipped with...or purchase the special cable from OWC.

And since 2009 iMac's are 7 years old...the "same brand HD" may or may not still work. Thus the most pedendable solution is purchasing the special cable.

- Nick

 

[pm-r]

If I were the OP, and at lest to give it a try, I'd download and install Macs Fan Control, as that was exactly one of the situations it was designed to work in:
http://www.crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control

But also uninstall any other fan control software first and a SMC and/or VRAM (PRAM) Reset may need to be run after uninstall and before new Macs Fan Control install.

http://www.macworld.com/article/2881177/how-to-reset-your-macs-nvram-pram-and-smc.html




- Patrick
=======

 

[LondonMacUser]

If I were the OP, and at lest to give it a try, I'd download and install Macs Fan Control, as that was exactly one of the situations it was designed to work in:
http://www.crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control

But also uninstall any other fan control software first and a SMC and/or VRAM (PRAM) Reset may need to be run after uninstall and before new Macs Fan Control install.

http://www.macworld.com/article/2881177/how-to-reset-your-macs-nvram-pram-and-smc.html




- Patrick
=======

Hey Patrick,

Thanks for replying, unfortunately I've tried that software, even after uninstalling other fan apps and resetting the smc it didn't seem to work. I could see the reported RPM of the fans in the dialog was changing as a result, but there was no change in fan volume

I appreciate your reply, probably going to have to take it to the shop.

 

[LondonMacUser]

Does this cable look like it would work? I'm in the UK, so ordering from OWC is really expensive.

thanks

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apple-iMa...erature-Sensor-Cable-593-1029-A-/172128052207

 

[pigoo3]

Does this cable look like it would work? I'm in the UK, so ordering from OWC is really expensive.

What do you think?


Ebay cable:

OWC cable:

Kinda different right.

- Nick

p.s. As far as ordering. Check Amazon.com (UK). Maybe you can find it there. Otherwise you will need to order directly from OWC...as they are the only manufacturer of this cable (it's their design).

 

[dtravis7]

Does this cable look like it would work? I'm in the UK, so ordering from OWC is really expensive.

thanks

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apple-iMa...erature-Sensor-Cable-593-1029-A-/172128052207

The item from OWC is not just some cable. It's a Circuit board with Sensor IC and other components. It's the only way your Mac will pass the Apple Hardware test and be 100% like it was stock with the old drive.