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OWC in-line digital thermal sensor cable with pick and adhesive strips for 27 2012 iMac

OWC

OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor 27" iMac 2012+

SKU CH-ZYMJ-DBHJC

An in-line digital thermal sensor cable that enables third-party SATA drive upgrades in 27" iMac models from 2012 onward while maintaining proper fan control

  • Enables third-party SATA drive upgrades in iMac
  • Eliminates fan noise via digital thermal sensor
  • Maintains SMC fan control without software hacks
  • Certified to pass Apple Hardware Test
  • Includes screen pick and OEM adhesive strips

iMac 27 2012+ SATA drive upgrade

The OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor enables a third-party SATA drive to work in the main drive bay of a 27 inch iMac from 2012 onward. It connects directly to the System Management Controller so the Mac sees accurate drive temperatures. Without it the system cannot regulate cooling for a non-Apple drive. The kit includes the sensor cable, a screen-separation pick and OEM adhesive strips for reassembly.

Sustained thermal regulation under load

The sensor reports real-time drive temperature to the SMC so fan speed scales with actual heat during long writes or heavy reads. This prevents the constant high-RPM fan noise that occurs when the SMC receives no data or inaccurate data. Because the device is a passive in-line cable it adds no latency and needs no software to stay calibrated over time. Fan behaviour stays consistent whether the workload lasts minutes or hours.

SATA interface limits for this installation

The sensor works only with drives that use a standard SATA connection in the primary bay. It does not adapt proprietary Apple thermal connectors for other interfaces or form factors. Builders who need to install more than one drive or who want to use a drive without a SATA interface cannot use this cable. The kit also omits the Torx and suction tools required to open the iMac chassis.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Sensors, Transducers & Thermometers, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $26.99
Cheaper than about 62% of the 255 comparable items (median $39.99).

Specifications

No published specifications for this item yet.

Questions about this item

Does the in-line digital thermal sensor draw extra power or create heat inside the 27-inch iMac?

The sensor is a passive in-line cable that uses the existing SATA connection, so it adds no measurable power draw or heat while the iMac runs all day.

What must I already own to use this sensor kit in my iMac?

You need a 2012-or-later 27-inch iMac, a third-party SATA drive for the main bay, and the OWC pick plus adhesive strips included in the box to open and reseal the display.

Will the sensor let a new SATA drive pass Apple Hardware Test on a 2012 27-inch iMac?

Yes, the sensor is the only upgrade option certified to pass Apple Hardware Test, so the SMC reads the drive temperature correctly and the diagnostic completes without errors.

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