:: General Apple Mac Thread..

[puppy fields]

Originally Posted by joetron2030

Details on DIY iMac HDD replacement issues are spelled out at http://blog.macsales.com/10146-apple...s-on-new-imacs.

It talks about the HDD thermal sensor issue and additional hurdles that have been introduced since.

yup, pain in the butt.

"Hard drive temperature control is regulated by a combination of this cable and Apple proprietary firmware on the hard drive itself"

[puppy fields]

Originally Posted by joetron2030

How old is this iMac?

got it in summer of 2010, way too early for primary drive failure.

[joetron2030]

According to this, you can only buy AppleCare post-purchase if your system is still under the 1 yr. warranty window. So, you won't be able to buy that, it sounds like.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/AP...02584#overview

[puppy fields]

gah...i should have got a tower.

i dunno, maybe I'll just zap the drive and install windows7.

[slackerbot]

no hurry anyways. hard drive prices are still on the high side. heard it might be another 9 months before prices drop to pre-flood prices.

[premium]

Originally Posted by puppy fields

what's weird is windows 7 is running just fine via bootcamp, it's when i switch over to mac that it becomes clear something is wrong with the drive.

maybe i can just sign-up to applecare and get the HDD replaced that way.

Apple will fix it for you without Applecare.

[premium]

http://www.missionrepair.com/iMac_Su...vice_s/360.htm

[puppy fields]

Originally Posted by premium

Apple will fix it for you without Applecare.

Thanks, I was just hoping to save some dough using Applecare.

[puppy fields]

Originally Posted by premium

http://www.missionrepair.com/iMac_Su...vice_s/360.htm

I'm sure those guys are pretty good. Looking for someone local or just use apple.

Makes it easier to sue them if they break something.

[premium]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q-11cSNshc

[puppy fields]

^ his biography is a pretty fun read. recommend if you're curious about the guy.

[puppy fields]

Around $300 to have Apple replace a 1TB drive in a 27" iMac.

[joetron2030]

Might want to see if there are any independent Apple certified repair facilities in your area that might be offering the same service at a lesser price.

[puppy fields]

MacMall charged a higher price. The deal with Apple, I guess, is that they keep the old drive. The "genius" didn't seem to know what they did with old drives or if the new drive was refurbished.

[joetron2030]

Ah. I guess I've never needed someone to do the HDD swap for me. But, then again, I've never owned a system where I couldn't get at the hardware myself.

I guess a more secure option would be to backup your computer, wipe the HDD with a security-focused wiping utility (preferably one you boot from), then take it in to have the HDD replaced.

But, good on ya to ask what they do with the original drive from a HDD replacement/swap. Can't say I'd be too concerned with a refurbed HDD as long as Apple continues to honor what's left of the system warranty or honors the HDD maker's refurbed drive warranty policy.