iM 4,1-14,4 2011 iMac Graphics Card Upgrade

[Raymel]

@Roman78

I think maybe these quadro cards suck at these 3d game benchmarks.. ?
GTX cards are perhaps way better in this one..

I suppose these quadro cards are better at other workloads...

They aren't the best. I only chose the K2000M because it was easier to install and are cheaper. I paid $40 for mine. This will buy me a little more time but the obvious is near for me, I'll eventually have to get a newer iMac or Mac Mini. I've maxed out my iMac. Theres nothing more I can do.
[doublepost=1566755867][/doublepost]

First, can you please do a Valley(https://benchmark.unigine.com/valley) and Geekbench(https://www.geekbench.com/download/mac/) Compute benchmark? It would be really helpful to compare the scores. You can see the settings we used for the benchmark on the screenshots previously shared.

You could try to select the installer drive under Settings / Startup Disk, while you are booted into High Sierra. I'm not sure it will work though. Even if it does, you would still need to boot back into the installer again to apply the patches, so its recommended to keep High Sierra installed, so you can select the startup disk option again. But i think the easiest way is to do the install on another iMac and swap the SSDs. I'm afraid theres no way to get back the boot screen(at least yet...).

I've used a k2000m in a 2011 iMac before and temps were fine, no issues at all. I still recommend running the fans at a bit higher speed using Macs Fan Control.

Thanks for your reply! Greekbench/Unigine benchmarks attached.

 

[passatgt]

They aren't the best. I only chose the K2000M because it was easier to install and are cheaper. I paid $40 for mine. This will buy me a little more time but the obvious is near for me, I'll eventually have to get a newer iMac or Mac Mini. I've maxed out my iMac. Theres nothing more I can do.
[doublepost=1566755867][/doublepost]

Thanks for your reply! Greekbench/Unigine benchmarks attached.

So you basically have double scores than a k1100m, which in theory should be almost identical. Interesing... https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-Quadro-K2000M-vs-Nvidia-Quadro-K1100M/m8574vsm10244

 

[Roman78]

@Raymel, you have to do the Compute benchmark to test the GPU. The CPU test just test the CPU.

 

[kilianrmh]

I just attempted the install of an GTX 770M in a 27“ iMac from Mid 2011.
Everything is working except for the internal display. I already did an NVRAM and SMC reset but that didn‘t change anything. The only way of getting an image is with the use of an external display. Apparently the card is successfully recognized by the iMac since the System Profiler is showing a GTX 770M 3GB installed. Furthermore, when looking at the connected Displays the iMac only shows the external display.

Right before I attempted the GPU replacement I upgraded from macOS High Sierra to macOS Mojave (no fresh install) with the dosdude1 patcher, I am pretty sure that I deselected the „Legacy Video Card Patch“.

Now I‘m asking myself if I accidentally broke the display during the upgrade but I checked all the cables and I can‘t see any damage.

I hope someone might have an answer for this problem.

 

[Raymel]

@Raymel, you have to do the Compute benchmark to test the GPU. The CPU test just test the CPU.

View attachment 854660

Sorry, didn't realize it until now. I went ahead and put back the old 5750 HD in the iMac. Didn't think it would be this much trouble to install Mojave. I went ahead and brought a used Mac mini from 2014. If anyone is interested, I have a K2000M for sale. Paid $40, make an offer. Will ship for free.

 

[FlorisVN]

@FlorisVN

I also have tested a GTX765M. Look here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2011-imac-graphics-card-upgrade.1596614/page-102#post-27647356 and on W10 it is even worse https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2011-imac-graphics-card-upgrade.1596614/page-102#post-27649667. And Passatgt tested the GTX780M, almost same result like mine GTX765M and the HD 6790M: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2011-imac-graphics-card-upgrade.1596614/page-102#post-27644436

Ha ok,
Sry I missed this one..
Does look a little strange, but I think these results are normal.
We maybe expect too much of these cards.. ?
In

I just attempted the install of an GTX 770M in a 27“ iMac from Mid 2011.
Everything is working except for the internal display. I already did an NVRAM and SMC reset but that didn‘t change anything. The only way of getting an image is with the use of an external display. Apparently the card is successfully recognized by the iMac since the System Profiler is showing a GTX 770M 3GB installed. Furthermore, when looking at the connected Displays the iMac only shows the external display.

Right before I attempted the GPU replacement I upgraded from macOS High Sierra to macOS Mojave (no fresh install) with the dosdude1 patcher, I am pretty sure that I deselected the „Legacy Video Card Patch“.

Now I‘m asking myself if I accidentally broke the display during the upgrade but I checked all the cables and I can‘t see any damage.

I hope someone might have an answer for this problem.

Are you

Sorry, didn't realize it until now. I went ahead and put back the old 5750 HD in the iMac. Didn't think it would be this much trouble to install Mojave. I went ahead and brought a used Mac mini from 2014. If anyone is interested, I have a K2000M for sale. Paid $40, make an offer. Will ship for free.

I think its not so difficult, as long as you have high sierra on a first partition.
This way you can always use startup utility from there and boot into mojave patched installer or mojave boot partition.

Using pram reset the iMac will then always boot back into the high sierra partition..

Creating a seperate patched partition with mojave installer with the dosdude1 mojave patcher is in my opinion a must..

I think this is a good workarround for the non visible black bootscreen..
[doublepost=1566831268][/doublepost]

I just attempted the install of an GTX 770M in a 27“ iMac from Mid 2011.
Everything is working except for the internal display. I already did an NVRAM and SMC reset but that didn‘t change anything. The only way of getting an image is with the use of an external display. Apparently the card is successfully recognized by the iMac since the System Profiler is showing a GTX 770M 3GB installed. Furthermore, when looking at the connected Displays the iMac only shows the external display.

Right before I attempted the GPU replacement I upgraded from macOS High Sierra to macOS Mojave (no fresh install) with the dosdude1 patcher, I am pretty sure that I deselected the „Legacy Video Card Patch“.

Now I‘m asking myself if I accidentally broke the display during the upgrade but I checked all the cables and I can‘t see any damage.

I hope someone might have an answer for this problem.

Are you using a Dell/Alienware compatible gtx770 ?
Sounds like not I think..

 

[kilianrmh]

Ha ok,
Sry I missed this one..
Does look a little strange, but I think these results are normal.
We maybe expect too much of these cards.. ?
In


Are you


I think its not so difficult, as long as you have high sierra on a first partition.
This way you can always use startup utility from there and boot into mojave patched installer or mojave boot partition.

Using pram reset the iMac will then always boot back into the high sierra partition..

Creating a seperate patched partition with mojave installer with the dosdude1 mojave patcher is in my opinion a must..

I think this is a good workarround for the non visible black bootscreen..
[doublepost=1566831268][/doublepost]

Are you using a Dell/Alienware compatible gtx770 ?
Sounds like not I think..

I bought this card from eBay, the seller wrote that this GPU has a Dell/Alienware BIOS and that “it might work with Clevo/MSI too”. If the card isn’t compatible I have to flash a Dell/Alienware BIOS, right? I have a few Raspberry Pis lying around so I could probably use one of them to flash the card. Is there any software method that allows me to check the BIOS version of the card?

 

[kilianrmh]

I bought this card from eBay, the seller wrote that this GPU has a Dell/Alienware BIOS and that “it might work with Clevo/MSI too”. If the card isn’t compatible I have to flash a Dell/Alienware BIOS, right? I have a few Raspberry Pis lying around so I could probably use one of them to flash the card. Is there any software method that allows me to check the BIOS version of the card?

Ok nevermind, I looked at the System Profiler under "Graphics/Displays" and found out that the ROM Revision is the following: "VBIOS 80.06.51.00.0f". After Googling around a little bit I found out that all the Dell/Alienware compatible cards have "80.06.60.00.01" as VBIOS version. I attached a screenshot of the System profiler page. Are there any good tutorials on flashing a MXM card online and can someone confirm that I have the wrong VBIOS version?

 

[passatgt]

Ok nevermind, I looked at the System Profiler under "Graphics/Displays" and found out that the ROM Revision is the following: "VBIOS 80.06.51.00.0f". After Googling around a little bit I found out that all the Dell/Alienware compatible cards have "80.06.60.00.01" as VBIOS version. I attached a screenshot of the System profiler page. Are there any good tutorials on flashing a MXM card online and can someone confirm that I have the wrong VBIOS version?

I'm not sure about the bios, but here is a guide flashing it with a raspberry pi: https://tomvanveen.eu/flashing-bios-chip-raspberry-pi/

 

[kilianrmh]

I'm not sure about the bios, but here is a guide flashing it with a raspberry pi: https://tomvanveen.eu/flashing-bios-chip-raspberry-pi/

Thanks for the link! I also asked a friend of mine who told me that I could flash the card with nvflash under Windows, is it even possible to boot into Windows on a iMac with a wrong GPU Bios? Furthermore, does the Logic Board support flashing a MXM card? I‘m probably going to try both the Raspberry and Windows nvflash method.

 

[FlorisVN]

Thanks for the link! I also asked a friend of mine who told me that I could flash the card with nvflash under Windows, is it even possible to boot into Windows on a iMac with a wrong GPU Bios? Furthermore, does the Logic Board support flashing a MXM card? I‘m probably going to try both the Raspberry and Windows nvflash method.

flashing trough live linux is also possible I think.
Another user in this thread few pages aggo did this with his nvidia card, and worked fine.

I think he used a live linux cd, ran nvflash from there, and used it with an external monitor.
External monitor output usually works, under Windows/MacOS and Linux.
[doublepost=1566905105][/doublepost]

Ok nevermind, I looked at the System Profiler under "Graphics/Displays" and found out that the ROM Revision is the following: "VBIOS 80.06.51.00.0f". After Googling around a little bit I found out that all the Dell/Alienware compatible cards have "80.06.60.00.01" as VBIOS version. I attached a screenshot of the System profiler page. Are there any good tutorials on flashing a MXM card online and can someone confirm that I have the wrong VBIOS version?

I think you need vbios : 80.06.60.00.01
See screenshot.

This is what @highvoltage12v posted a while back, when running a GTX770m combined with an external TB Radeon RX580.
His GTX770m Dell/Alienware did worked with internal iMac display, also shown on the screenshot.

His nice EFI discovery was btw very nice and funny, he got EFI boot screen working with an external TB flashed graphics card.
EFI bootscreen was btw only visible on external display, but still he had a bootscreen..

Have a look at this link to the vbios file :
https://www.techpowerup.com/vgabios/142849/dell-gtx770m-3072-130418

 

[Ove K]

Thanks for the link! I also asked a friend of mine who told me that I could flash the card with nvflash under Windows, is it even possible to boot into Windows on a iMac with a wrong GPU Bios? Furthermore, does the Logic Board support flashing a MXM card? I‘m probably going to try both the Raspberry and Windows nvflash method.

Only a quick answer:
- Use a Linux Live DVD (maybe Ubuntu) and boot the iMac.
(Internal Display could work, although the brightness slider)

- Start the terminal and use nvflash (https://www.techpowerup.com/download/nvidia-nvflash) to store the old vbios of your card on a SD-/USB-Drive. (Just start nvflash and you get all possible commands)

- Now you could compare it with another vbios under any Windows (Vitualbox/Parallels) with the Kepler BIOS Tweaker (https://www.techpowerup.com/download/kepler-bios-tweaker).

- If you are sure to flash. You have to write it under Linux with "nvflash -6 newbiosname.rom" (without 6, you get a ID-Mismatch Error). Reboot, finger crossed and smile

My card is working now. Before it was a Nvidia vBios and now a Dell vBios.

 

[kilianrmh]

flashing trough live linux is also possible I think.
Another user in this thread few pages aggo did this with his nvidia card, and worked fine.

I think he used a live linux cd, ran nvflash from there, and used it with an external monitor.
External monitor output usually works, under Windows/MacOS and Linux.
[doublepost=1566905105][/doublepost]

I think you need vbios : 80.06.60.00.01
See screenshot.

This is what @highvoltage12v posted a while back, when running a GTX770m combined with an external TB Radeon RX580.
His GTX770m Dell/Alienware did worked with internal iMac display, also shown on the screenshot.

His nice EFI discovery was btw very nice and funny, he got EFI boot screen working with an external TB flashed graphics card.
EFI bootscreen was btw only visible on external display, but still he had a bootscreen..

Have a look at this link to the vbios file :
https://www.techpowerup.com/vgabios/142849/dell-gtx770m-3072-130418

Only a quick answer:
- Use a Linux Live DVD (maybe Ubuntu) and boot the iMac.
(Internal Display could work, although the brightness slider)

- Start the terminal and use nvflash (https://www.techpowerup.com/download/nvidia-nvflash) to store the old vbios of your card on a SD-/USB-Drive. (Just start nvflash and you get all possible commands)

- Now you could compare it with another vbios under any Windows (Vitualbox/Parallels) with the Kepler BIOS Tweaker (https://www.techpowerup.com/download/kepler-bios-tweaker).

- If you are sure to flash. You have to write it under Linux with "nvflash -6 newbiosname.rom" (without 6, you get a ID-Mismatch Error). Reboot, finger crossed and smile

My card is working now. Before it was a Nvidia vBios and now a Dell vBios.

Thank you so much guys! Now my iMac internal display is finally working! But it wasn't easy to flash the new VBIOS, this is how I managed to pull it off:

At first I tried to boot from an Elementary OS (based on Ubuntu 18.04) USB, but it kept crashing while starting the GUI. The same happened with the desktop version of Ubuntu 18.04. The problem was probably the VBIOS version of the GPU I guess. So I decided to install Ubuntu 18.04 server, which is made for headless use with SSH. But then two problems occurred: Ubuntu Server can't just run off the RAM, it needs an HDD. Furthermore, it doesn't support the use of WIFI so I had to move the iMac near the next LAN port and I installed an old HDD (because I didn't want to mess with the APFS containers). When the iMac finally booted with Ubuntu Server, I connected to it via SSH on my MacBook and downloaded nVFlash and the new VBIOS (80.06.60.00.01 as FlorisVN told me). The actual VBIOS update was really smooth and no problems occurred during installation. After that I put the iMac back together, pressed the power button and it just started like nothing ever happened. I attached a few images of the installation process and the crashed Ubuntu loading GUI. I'm writing this on my new fixed iMac btw
There's just one strange thing I noticed: Everybody is talking about loosing the boot screen but when I start my iMac I can see the Apple logo and the gray loading bar. Is this normal?

The next step is to fix the backlighting issue I guess. I am working on a 15 $ solution that you can put in the iMac where the CD drive is located. It's still in the alpha stage but I will report back as soon as first results are in. For those who are interested: We're trying to use a NodeMCU V3 micro controller and a potentiometer inside a 3D-printed case which connects via Bluetooth to the iMac since the Dying Light solution from dosdude1 isn't available anymore. I just didn't want to start this project until my iMac was working again because otherwise I can't test the module myself.

 

[Roman78]

@kilianrmh You should replace the optical drive for better airflow for the GPU. Or do a mod so the air from the van goes 100% trough the cooler.

 

[FlorisVN]

Thank you so much guys! Now my iMac internal display is finally working! But it wasn't easy to flash the new VBIOS, this is how I managed to pull it off:

At first I tried to boot from an Elementary OS (based on Ubuntu 18.04) USB, but it kept crashing while starting the GUI. The same happened with the desktop version of Ubuntu 18.04. The problem was probably the VBIOS version of the GPU I guess. So I decided to install Ubuntu 18.04 server, which is made for headless use with SSH. But then two problems occurred: Ubuntu Server can't just run off the RAM, it needs an HDD. Furthermore, it doesn't support the use of WIFI so I had to move the iMac near the next LAN port and I installed an old HDD (because I didn't want to mess with the APFS containers). When the iMac finally booted with Ubuntu Server, I connected to it via SSH on my MacBook and downloaded nVFlash and the new VBIOS (80.06.60.00.01 as FlorisVN told me). The actual VBIOS update was really smooth and no problems occurred during installation. After that I put the iMac back together, pressed the power button and it just started like nothing ever happened. I attached a few images of the installation process and the crashed Ubuntu loading GUI. I'm writing this on my new fixed iMac btw
There's just one strange thing I noticed: Everybody is talking about loosing the boot screen but when I start my iMac I can see the Apple logo and the gray loading bar. Is this normal?

The next step is to fix the backlighting issue I guess. I am working on a 15 $ solution that you can put in the iMac where the CD drive is located. It's still in the alpha stage but I will report back as soon as first results are in. For those who are interested: We're trying to use a NodeMCU V3 micro controller and a potentiometer inside a 3D-printed case which connects via Bluetooth to the iMac since the Dying Light solution from dosdude1 isn't available anymore. I just didn't want to start this project until my iMac was working again because otherwise I can't test the module myself.

great you got it working again !
and good to hear another succes story of flashing his nvidia card using Linux..

So you just flashed your card using Ubuntu server, using an external display and running nvflash from there, to flash the Dell/Alienware vbios to the card.. ?
Also installed a temp. other hdd for the ubuntu server to start up.. ?

Getting an Apple logo and gray loading bar in the boot process is normal to see.
the first part is EFI based as far as I know, the second part gives runs on MacOS kepler drivers and that's way you see the last part of the loading screen.
This last part of the loading bar has already got the MacOS video drivers booted up..
I hope my explenitation make sence..

You will still have no EFI Apple boot screen, when you for example startup the mac holding the option key, it will give you a black screen.

Keep us posted about your screen brightness mod !
keep it going !
spread the word, another imac has been saved from AMD death..

 

[kilianrmh]

@kilianrmh You should replace the optical drive for better airflow for the GPU. Or do a mod so the air from the van goes 100% trough the cooler.

I already removed the optical drive to improve airflow but I'm thinking about 3D printing a airflow channel that has the same layout as the optical drive so you can screw it in place. If I manage to get the brightness mod working I could combine the airflow channel mod and the case for the micro controller. I attached a small sketch how I'm imagining the airflow mod.

great you got it working again !
and good to hear another succes story of flashing his nvidia card using Linux..

So you just flashed your card using Ubuntu server, using an external display and running nvflash from there, to flash the Dell/Alienware vbios to the card.. ?
Also installed a temp. other hdd for the ubuntu server to start up.. ?

Getting an Apple logo and gray loading bar in the boot process is normal to see.
the first part is EFI based as far as I know, the second part gives runs on MacOS kepler drivers and that's way you see the last part of the loading screen.
This last part of the loading bar has already got the MacOS video drivers booted up..
I hope my explenitation make sence..

You will still have no EFI Apple boot screen, when you for example startup the mac holding the option key, it will give you a black screen.

Keep us posted about your screen brightness mod !
keep it going !
spread the word, another imac has been saved from AMD death..

Actually I discovered that if you install Ubuntu Server on another computer and activate the OpenSSH module and install the HDD with Ubuntu Server in the iMac you don't even need a display since you can just SSH into the iMac and perform the needed commands there. Furthermore, if you brick your GPU while flashing (wrong image) you could probably resurrect it without using an external flashing method like the Raspberry Pi with the SOIC8 clip because when using SSH you just can reflash the card via SSH.

It should be possible to use the HDD with macOS installed on it if you're brave enough to mess with the APFS filesystem and partition it. I didn't want to try this method because I was to afraid to accidentally destroy my macOS installation and that's why I installed a temporary HDD in the iMac.

 

[win0210]

Yes, I've confirm the card's version form dealer.
This card has device id 0x119f and bios version is 80.04.AF.00.03.
I notice that success case of install gtx780m on Yosemite, os version is 10.10.3.
Maybe I need to downgrade to 10.10.3 and try again?

Hey! Guys
I've success make my iMac recognize GTX780m.
But internal display don't work, it shows as 23inches display and resolution locks in 1280x1024.
When I put 6970m back, iMac is work as normal.
Any suggestion? Thanks

 

[passatgt]

Actually, i tested a while back the gpu temps with the original GPU with and without the ODD drive and i got better results with the drive still in. I think it helps directing the airflow more towards the heatsink, because it has more restricted airway while the odd is in and it will increase the pressure/speed of the airflow when it reaches the heatsink.

 

[FlorisVN]

Hey! Guys
I've success make my iMac recognize GTX780m.
But internal display don't work, it shows as 23inches display and resolution locks in 1280x1024.
When I put 6970m back, iMac is work as normal.
Any suggestion? Thanks

Sounds to me like you are not using a compatible Dell/Alienware gtx780m card..
What model do you have ?

Does external display work ?

 

[kral84]

any fix to start to recovery mode??? i can boot to it... catalina latest dev beta with dosdude1 patcher...

 

[jonwatso]

Thanks for the awesome write up. Currently attempting this with an Alienware 765M on a 2011 21.5" iMac. Pretty tight fit but it does fit. When I boot the Mac and get the fans spinning at 100% and no GPU light. I've had this before after replacing the CPU on a 27inch iMac of the same year and reseating the GPU fixed it. so will attempt to reseat the card and try again.

Will report back if I have any luck.

 

[FlorisVN]

Thanks for the awesome write up. Currently attempting this with an Alienware 765M on a 2011 21.5" iMac. Pretty tight fit but it does fit. When I boot the Mac and get the fans spinning at 100% and no GPU light. I've had this before after replacing the CPU on a 27inch iMac of the same year and reseating the GPU fixed it. so will attempt to reseat the card and try again.

Will report back if I have any luck.

Nice, but i would rather recommend you put in a mxm-b card, like a compatiblr quadro card.
In my opinion much better for 21,5” iMac.
See opening post of this thread for more info..

Reseatting the gpu does indeed sometimes help.
It also fixed it for me one time..
[doublepost=1567169147][/doublepost]

any fix to start to recovery mode??? i can boot to it... catalina latest dev beta with dosdude1 patcher...

Just make a small partition with hs,
And create a small install partition containing a patched mojave installer.

This way with a pram reset you can always boot back into hs, and use startup utility..

 

[ich558]

Here a Benchmark of the GTX 765M on a 2011 running Mojave.
View attachment 854058

thats the Score for a 770m. Not much faster....

 

[jonwatso]

Dear all -

PS: As I type this I'm using using my 2011 iMac 27 upgraded with a Dell/Alienware NVIDIA GTX 765M 2GB (vBIOS 80.06.61.00.01) with backlight control, i7 3.4Ghz CPU, 32MB ram with Mojave successfully installed and running flawlessly. The heat reduction achieved by having backlight control is very noticeable.

Bill

So I've booted the Mac and remoted in. Fans are still going full speed but the card is detected in macOS its using the same firmware in the quote above. Will spend some more time looking into this and will report back. so far so good.

 

[Nick [D]vB]

Actually, i tested a while back the gpu temps with the original GPU with and without the ODD drive and i got better results with the drive still in. I think it helps directing the airflow more towards the heatsink, because it has more restricted airway while the odd is in and it will increase the pressure/speed of the airflow when it reaches the heatsink.

Yes, removing the DVD drive does more harm than good because it breaks the seal between the air-dam and the screen, which reduces the static pressure / air flow through the heat-sink. To correct this you could build-up the air dam with a strip foam or something and seal up the DVD slot with tape.

This would work. No resistors necessary. The PWM output amplitude will equal the input DC voltage. So if you wire this to the 3.25V supply you will get what you need. The only question is whether the module stores its settings when powered down. Its also rather big but I imagine you could fit it in the area of the HDD provided it's replaced with an SSD.

I tested one of those PWM modules and they do store their settings, you can get a boxed version with screw terminals so people wouldn’t have to solder anything, they could be mounted externally by running the wires through the RAM cover. For software back-light control you can add a $2 USB interface (the drivers are built into MacOS) then use a serial terminal to adjust the duty cycle, there isn’t much info on the serial commands but it should be pretty easy to make a slider app for it.

Then i will wait for you to release your boot-screen mod or explain us how to do it before buying a RX580M.

I have updated my original post with the modded vbios & EFI files needed to enable boot-screens on the AMD 560 / 580 cards, let me know if you need any help with it. I'm still working on something for the Nvidia cards…