This months update to Apple home and business all-in-one desktop computer - the new iMac - sees a change to the internal hard drive SATA power connector which looks like it could bring with it issues for anyone hoping to seek a third-party upgrade whilst still in warranty (AppleCare) or a replacement drive for a source other than an Apple Service Provider. The industry-standard SATA power connector has a 4-pin configuration and we're informed Apple have altered this on the new iMac instead fitting a custom 7-pin configuration.

As with previous iMac models (from 2009), the regulation of temperature is controlled via Apple's firmware on the hard drive which means replacing an original drive would cause the fans to spin wildly at full speed and this is still the case with the current and new iMac. What's more, using a new drive would cause the Apple Hardware Test to fail. These restrictions will no doubt cause a headache for out-of-warranty iMac owners in the future and might leave no option but to enlist an AASP (Authorised Apple Service Provider) to replace the drive.

MacEmergency, based in London, offer an alternative Mac repair service for out-of-warranty Apple computers including the full range of Intel based desktop and portable models.