Chosen Solution
Would any Western Digital Hard Drive- Model: WD10EALX-408EA0 work in a 2011 iMac without fan issues? Same drive as in the 27" iMac 2012 [EMC 2546]
It makes no difference who’s drive you use in the 2011 models onwards (3.5" drive’d systems) All of them need a means to see the thermal load of the drive so the systems cooling system is able to adjust to it. Apple over the years has used a few different ways of getting that needed input by either applying a thermal sensor on the external can of the drive, leveraging the burn-in sensor the HD makers started putting into the drives, and lastly then getting them to allow Apple access to them via custom firmware. The good news is there is a way to intercept the SMC signal with this: OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor for iMac 2011 Hard Drive Upgrade which allows you to put in any 3.5" drive or even a 2.5" SSD drive! This is the best method of controlling the systems cooling while some people have tried using software over the years we have found the in-line sensor is better in protecting the system and allowing the system to run quietly when there is no load. Consider getting a SSHD drive to get some better performance and if you can swing it add in a second drive in this case a SSD. I strongly recommend the dual drive config if you want the best performance! Heres the guides for both: iMac Intel 27" EMC 2429 Hard Drive ReplacementInstalling iMac Intel 27" EMC 2429 Dual Hard Drive Kit
