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

[lfom]

Added info: I also owned a Mid 2011 imac 21.5" with 6750M 512mb card which didn't die but showed colored artifacs all over the screen. I upgraded the gpu into a quadro K610M with hynyx memory, flashed the card successfully using xanderon method but screen both internal and external showed black screen only.

Same problem as I did, I didn't know about the Hynix memory (#1 post was updated recently). But I cannot replace the board, unfortunately. Hopefully @nikey22 can provide a VBIOS that will be compatible, I think it will help many people as this is the cheaper solution so far.

 

[nikey22]

@junley4
Excellent work. For those wondering about automation, referenced earlier by @Curtis Gross <link>
I've noticed you set the following parameters:

<key>HideAuxiliary</key>
<true/>
<key>HideSelf</key>
<true/>
<key>ShowPicker</key>
<false/>
<key>TakeoffDelay</key>
<integer>0</integer>

This together with a EFI partition for OpenCore should produce an automated bootup. If you've made other changes, let us know.


I've also noticed that in your device properties you have kept 2 entries:

<key>DeviceProperties</key>
    <dict>
        <key>Add</key>
        <dict>
            <key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x1,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
            <dict>
                <key>@0,backlight-control</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                <key>@0,built-in</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
            </dict>
            <key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x3,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
            <dict>
                <key>@0,backlight-control</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                <key>@0,built-in</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
            </dict>
        </dict>
        <key>Delete</key>
        <dict/>
    </dict>

The first <key> PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x1,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0) is made up of the Root PCI Bridge, the 1st PCI Device node and 2nd PCI Device node.

The second <key> entry is similarly encoded for the 2009/2010 machines.

Correlating this with the IO reg entry:
in 2011 models:
IOACPIPlane:/_SB/PCI0@0/POP2@10000/GFX0@0
in 2009/2010 models:
IOACPIPlane:/_SB/PCI0@0/POP2@30000/GFX0@0

I suggest the following changes:
delete the entire second key below since you have a 2011 machine.

<key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x3,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
            <dict>
                <key>@0,backlight-control</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                <key>@0,built-in</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
            </dict>

This should clear up your brightness issue. Obviously the opposite would be done if you have a 2009/2010 machine, just delete the 1st key in the device properties entry.

 

[Povilas1988]

If you meant VBIOS, then yes, it will remain even if the Mac is formatted or even the graphics board swapped. The flash replaces the firmware on the board (hardware).




The last LED lights up only if the main board can communicate with the LCD panel. Check the connections again (see first post and the excellent guide from Ausdauersportler about common hardware issues). If it still does not work, please post the full iMac and board specifications so someone may help further.




This board may have more than one memory chip, there are working VBIOS for both Samsung and Elpida AFAIK. Make sure you have flashed the correct VBIOS according to the memory chips on your board. If it does not work, provide full specs of your Mac and board, including chips versions and manufacturer, and possibly a photo showing them.

Thank you i think only tomorrow wil reasemble imac gain. and will check all things and write some specs about my mac. Thank you one more time.

 

[Pacific1972]

Got the second shut down:

Anonymous UUID: 9FEDE1A4-44E4-3CB4-439E-3CED4DF5D9EF

Tue Jan 19 09:04:38 2021

*** Panic Report ***
panic(cpu 0 caller 0xffffff802558687f): Kernel trap at 0xffffff7fa655d4d7, type 14=page fault, registers:
CR0: 0x000000008001003b, CR2: 0x0000000000000018, CR3: 0x0000000028e93000, CR4: 0x00000000000626e0
RAX: 0x0000000000000000, RBX: 0xffffff80570a2cc0, RCX: 0x0000000000000000, RDX: 0xffffff9682bebd70
RSP: 0xffffff9682bebd50, RBP: 0xffffff9682bebd50, RSI: 0xffffff805a3f40b8, RDI: 0xffffff9682bebd68
R8: 0xffffff805a3f3f1c, R9: 0x0000000000000001, R10: 0x0000000000000000, R11: 0xffffff8034bdefc0
R12: 0xffffff805a3f40b8, R13: 0xffffff805a3f3d80, R14: 0xffffff8055856e00, R15: 0xffffff9682bebd68
RFL: 0x0000000000010246, RIP: 0xffffff7fa655d4d7, CS: 0x0000000000000008, SS: 0x0000000000000000
Fault CR2: 0x0000000000000018, Error code: 0x0000000000000002, Fault CPU: 0x0, PL: 0, VF: 1

Backtrace (CPU 0), Frame : Return Address
0xffffff9682beb820 : 0xffffff802546ae76
0xffffff9682beb870 : 0xffffff8025594484
0xffffff9682beb8b0 : 0xffffff8025586654
0xffffff9682beb920 : 0xffffff802541ce60
0xffffff9682beb940 : 0xffffff802546a8ec
0xffffff9682beba70 : 0xffffff802546a6ac
0xffffff9682bebad0 : 0xffffff802558687f
0xffffff9682bebc40 : 0xffffff802541ce60
0xffffff9682bebc60 : 0xffffff7fa655d4d7
0xffffff9682bebd50 : 0xffffff7fa6559e22
0xffffff9682bebdc0 : 0xffffff7fa648a0fa
0xffffff9682bebde0 : 0xffffff7fa648c2f7
0xffffff9682bebe10 : 0xffffff7fa647a282
0xffffff9682bebe80 : 0xffffff7fa6500ba3
0xffffff9682bebea0 : 0xffffff7fa6476334
0xffffff9682bebed0 : 0xffffff8025a988a5
0xffffff9682bebf30 : 0xffffff8025a97012
0xffffff9682bebf70 : 0xffffff8025a9663c
0xffffff9682bebfa0 : 0xffffff802541c557
Kernel Extensions in backtrace:
com.apple.iokit.IOAcceleratorFamily2(378.28)[D342FE41-0457-3586-ABB0-38E8E3947C4F]@0xffffff7fa6449000->0xffffff7fa64e1fff
dependency: com.apple.driver.AppleMobileFileIntegrity(1.0.5)[A4F333D5-7EC0-332F-A23B-558A0AC169A8]@0xffffff7fa6414000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOSurface(211.15)[37BCC686-AF99-3381-AC4F-E54A347E0F40]@0xffffff7fa642e000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.9)[F763C275-306F-358F-B6B0-0FD93486BD5F]@0xffffff7fa5c94000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(519.23)[81D774E8-DD11-3866-B90A-E855215EDB60]@0xffffff7fa6004000
com.apple.GeForce(10.3.2)[E95E1C10-8F87-326C-A7CD-61D8440918CD]@0xffffff7fa64f2000->0xffffff7fa658dfff
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.9)[F763C275-306F-358F-B6B0-0FD93486BD5F]@0xffffff7fa5c94000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport(519.21)[B9EB0174-55E4-3CB1-9802-E74BB1BD5EF0]@0xffffff7fa605a000
dependency: com.apple.nvidia.driver.NVDAResman(10.3.2)[6DE4BC26-EEC1-379B-AD41-532FB0A529CD]@0xffffff7fa6076000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(519.23)[81D774E8-DD11-3866-B90A-E855215EDB60]@0xffffff7fa6004000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOAcceleratorFamily2(378.28)[D342FE41-0457-3586-ABB0-38E8E3947C4F]@0xffffff7fa6449000

BSD process name corresponding to current thread: kernel_task

Mac OS version:
17G14042

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 17.7.0: Fri Oct 30 13:34:27 PDT 2020; root:xnu-4570.71.82.8~1/RELEASE_X86_64
Kernel UUID: 5E83A13A-32F5-3604-8591-50E2F2F70DC6
Kernel slide: 0x0000000025200000
Kernel text base: 0xffffff8025400000
__HIB text base: 0xffffff8025300000
System model name: iMac12,2 (Mac-942B59F58194171B)

System uptime in nanoseconds: 63253919459
last loaded kext at 6480727256: com.apple.driver.AudioAUUC 1.70 (addr 0xffffff7fa837c000, size 32768)
loaded kexts:
com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.snowleopard 5.9.1
com.apple.driver.AudioAUUC 1.70
com.apple.filesystems.autofs 3.0
com.apple.driver.AppleMikeyHIDDriver 131
com.apple.driver.AppleTyMCEDriver 1.0.3d2
com.apple.driver.AGPM 110.23.37
com.apple.driver.ApplePolicyControl 3.20.18
com.apple.driver.AppleMikeyDriver 281.52
com.apple.driver.AppleGraphicsDevicePolicy 3.20.18
com.apple.driver.AppleHDAHardwareConfigDriver 281.52
com.apple.AGDCPluginDisplayMetrics 3.20.18
com.apple.driver.AppleUpstreamUserClient 3.6.5
com.apple.driver.AppleHDA 281.52
com.apple.driver.AppleHV 1
com.apple.iokit.IOUserEthernet 1.0.1
com.apple.driver.AGDCBacklightControl 3.20.18
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelHD3000Graphics 10.0.4
com.apple.GeForce 10.3.2
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothSerialManager 6.0.7f22
com.apple.driver.pmtelemetry 1
com.apple.Dont_Steal_Mac_OS_X 7.0.0
com.apple.driver.eficheck 1
com.apple.driver.AppleBacklight 170.12.6
com.apple.driver.AppleSMCPDRC 1.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleLPC 3.1
com.apple.driver.AppleSMCLMU 211
com.apple.driver.AppleOSXWatchdog 1
com.apple.driver.AppleFIVRDriver 4.1.0
com.apple.driver.ACPI_SMC_PlatformPlugin 1.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelSlowAdaptiveClocking 4.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltIP 3.1.1
com.apple.driver.AppleMCCSControl 1.5.5
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelSNBGraphicsFB 10.0.4
com.apple.nvidia.NVDAStartup 10.3.2
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothUSBDFU 6.0.7f22
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBStorageCoexistentDriver 439.70.3
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBCardReader 439.70.3
com.apple.driver.AppleIRController 353
com.apple.driver.AppleFileSystemDriver 3.0.1
com.apple.filesystems.hfs.kext 407.50.6
com.apple.AppleFSCompression.AppleFSCompressionTypeDataless 1.0.0d1
com.apple.BootCache 40
com.apple.AppleFSCompression.AppleFSCompressionTypeZlib 1.0.0
com.apple.AppleSystemPolicy 1.0
com.apple.iokit.SCSITaskUserClient 404.30.3
com.apple.filesystems.apfs 748.51.0
com.apple.iokit.AppleBCM5701Ethernet 10.3.1
com.apple.driver.AirPort.Atheros40 700.74.5
com.apple.driver.AppleFWOHCI 5.5.9
com.apple.driver.AppleAHCIPort 329.50.2
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIButtons 6.1
com.apple.driver.AppleRTC 2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleHPET 1.8
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBIOS 2.1
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIEC 6.1
com.apple.driver.AppleAPIC 1.7
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelCPUPowerManagementClient 220.50.1
com.apple.nke.applicationfirewall 186
com.apple.security.TMSafetyNet 8
com.apple.security.quarantine 3
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement 220.50.1
com.apple.kext.triggers 1.0
com.apple.driver.AppleGraphicsControl 3.20.18
com.apple.driver.DspFuncLib 281.52
com.apple.kext.OSvKernDSPLib 526
com.apple.iokit.IOAVBFamily 683.1
com.apple.plugin.IOgPTPPlugin 680.15
com.apple.driver.AppleSSE 1.0
com.apple.nvidia.driver.NVDAGK100Hal 10.3.2
com.apple.iokit.IOAcceleratorFamily2 378.28
com.apple.iokit.IOSurface 211.15
com.apple.nvidia.driver.NVDAResman 10.3.2
com.apple.iokit.IOSerialFamily 11
com.apple.driver.AppleBacklightExpert 1.1.0
com.apple.AppleGPUWrangler 3.20.18
com.apple.AppleGraphicsDeviceControl 3.20.18
com.apple.driver.AppleHDAController 281.52
com.apple.iokit.IOHDAFamily 281.52
com.apple.iokit.IOAudioFamily 206.5
com.apple.vecLib.kext 1.2.0
com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport 519.21
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBusPCI 1.0.14d1
com.apple.iokit.IOFireWireIP 2.2.9
com.apple.driver.IOPlatformPluginLegacy 1.0.0
com.apple.driver.IOPlatformPluginFamily 6.0.0d8
com.apple.iokit.IOSlowAdaptiveClockingFamily 1.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltEDMSink 4.1.4
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBusController 1.0.18d1
com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily 519.23
com.apple.driver.AppleHIDKeyboard 205.1
com.apple.iokit.BroadcomBluetoothHostControllerUSBTransport 6.0.7f22
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothHostControllerUSBTransport 6.0.7f22
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothHostControllerTransport 6.0.7f22
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothFamily 6.0.7f22
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBMassStorageClass 4.0.4
com.apple.driver.usb.IOUSBHostHIDDevice 1.2
com.apple.driver.usb.cdc 5.0.0
com.apple.driver.usb.networking 5.0.0
com.apple.driver.usb.AppleUSBHostCompositeDevice 1.2
com.apple.driver.usb.AppleUSBHub 1.2
com.apple.filesystems.hfs.encodings.kext 1
com.apple.iokit.IOSCSIMultimediaCommandsDevice 404.30.3
com.apple.iokit.IOBDStorageFamily 1.8
com.apple.iokit.IODVDStorageFamily 1.8
com.apple.iokit.IOCDStorageFamily 1.8
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltDPOutAdapter 5.5.5
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltDPInAdapter 5.5.5
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltDPAdapterFamily 5.5.5
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltPCIDownAdapter 2.1.3
com.apple.driver.AppleXsanScheme 3
com.apple.iokit.IOAHCISerialATAPI 267.50.1
com.apple.iokit.IOAHCIBlockStorage 301.40.2
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltNHI 4.7.3
com.apple.iokit.IOThunderboltFamily 6.7.10
com.apple.iokit.IOEthernetAVBController 1.1.0
com.apple.driver.mDNSOffloadUserClient 1.0.1b8
com.apple.iokit.IO80211Family 1200.12.2
com.apple.driver.corecapture 1.0.4
com.apple.iokit.IOFireWireFamily 4.7.2
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBMergeNub 900.4.1
com.apple.iokit.IOAHCIFamily 288
com.apple.driver.usb.AppleUSBEHCIPCI 1.2
com.apple.driver.usb.AppleUSBUHCIPCI 1.2
com.apple.driver.usb.AppleUSBUHCI 1.2
com.apple.driver.usb.AppleUSBEHCI 1.2
com.apple.driver.usb.AppleUSBHostPacketFilter 1.0
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBFamily 900.4.1
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBHostMergeProperties 1.2
com.apple.driver.AppleEFINVRAM 2.1
com.apple.driver.AppleEFIRuntime 2.1
com.apple.iokit.IOSMBusFamily 1.1
com.apple.iokit.IOHIDFamily 2.0.0
com.apple.security.sandbox 300.0
com.apple.kext.AppleMatch 1.0.0d1
com.apple.driver.DiskImages 480.60.3
com.apple.driver.AppleFDEKeyStore 28.30
com.apple.driver.AppleEffaceableStorage 1.0
com.apple.driver.AppleKeyStore 2
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBTDM 439.70.3
com.apple.driver.AppleMobileFileIntegrity 1.0.5
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBMassStorageDriver 140.70.2
com.apple.iokit.IOSCSIBlockCommandsDevice 404.30.3
com.apple.iokit.IOSCSIArchitectureModelFamily 404.30.3
com.apple.iokit.IOStorageFamily 2.1
com.apple.driver.AppleCredentialManager 1.0
com.apple.driver.KernelRelayHost 1
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBHostFamily 1.2
com.apple.driver.usb.AppleUSBCommon 1.0
com.apple.driver.AppleBusPowerController 1.0
com.apple.driver.AppleSEPManager 1.0.1
com.apple.driver.IOSlaveProcessor 1
com.apple.iokit.IOReportFamily 31
com.apple.iokit.IOTimeSyncFamily 680.15
com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily 3.4
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIPlatform 6.1
com.apple.driver.AppleSMC 3.1.9
com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily 2.9
com.apple.iokit.IOACPIFamily 1.4
com.apple.kec.pthread 1
com.apple.kec.Libm 1
com.apple.kec.corecrypto 1.0

EOF
Model: iMac12,2, BootROM 87.0.0.0.0, 4 processors, Intel Core i7, 3,4 GHz, 20 GB, SMC 1.72f2
Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro K3100M by nikey22, NVIDIA Quadro K3100M by nikey22, PCIe
Memory Module: BANK 0/DIMM0, 8 GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz, 0x80CE, 0x4D34373142314737335148302D4348392020
Memory Module: BANK 1/DIMM0, 8 GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz, 0x80CE, 0x4D34373142314737335148302D4348392020
Memory Module: BANK 0/DIMM1, 2 GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz, 0x02FE, 0x45424A3230554638424353302D444A2D4620
Memory Module: BANK 1/DIMM1, 2 GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz, 0x80CE, 0x4D34373142353637334548312D4346382020
AirPort: spairport_wireless_card_type_airport_extreme (0x168C, 0x9A), Atheros 9380: 4.0.74.0-P2P
Bluetooth: Version 6.0.7f22, 3 services, 27 devices, 1 incoming serial ports
Network Service: Wi-Fi, AirPort, en1
Serial ATA Device: ST2000DM001-1ER164, 2 TB
Serial ATA Device: Samsung SSD 860 EVO 500GB, 500,11 GB
Serial ATA Device: OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5690H
USB Device: USB 2.0 Bus
USB Device: FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in)
USB Device: Hub
USB Device: Keyboard Hub
USB Device: Apple Keyboard
USB Device: BRCM2046 Hub
USB Device: Bluetooth USB Host Controller
USB Device: USB 2.0 Bus
USB Device: Hub
USB Device: USB2.0 Hub
USB Device: Mad Catz R.A.T.3 Mouse
USB Device: IR Receiver
USB Device: Internal Memory Card Reader
Thunderbolt Bus: iMac, Apple Inc., 22.1



I posted the report.

Can anyone tell me what happened and how I can solve the issue?
I don't understand the reports and can't help myself, so any help is more than welcome.

All the best and thanks in advance
Ekki

I can only shake my head....

Do you have an alternative Apple ATI Video Card to cross check your system ?

Take out some of your dirty memory module forever (2x 2GB / various Brand),
try to make a PRAM Reset (perhaps with only one memory module, look at the video).

Furthermore do you think somebody make a full diagnose of your pages ?
Perhaps your Core i7 have some problems because I often see something
like that here with kernel panics, overheated and oldering processed Core i7 !

Perhaps this should help (together with ALT+CMD+P+R after all)

Try out 👍

Attn: do you have some MacsFanControl temperatures before this kernel panics ?
Take a look at your 1067Mhz RAM Modules, I think about that these RAM Chips
don't harmonize with the system (dual channel mode with lags / different brand)
or some of these are defect...

Attn: go to Nikeys ROMs at page 335 of this thread or at page 1 and press "ROM"
for K3100 and verify your Video card RAM and the correct BIOS (AFR / BFR) !!!

 

[felipequirozh]

Hello! New to the thread, excited to see the advances.
I just installed a K110M to my 2010 27¨iMac and it works wonders! But I haven't been able to flash the GPU, the ethernet won't connect to my iMac when it's on and therefore I cannot find any network signs from it when it boots into the USB. Is there any way of embedding the SSID and password settings into any USB file? What do you recommend me to do? (I have already called my services company and they will come to check, any ideas until then?).

Thank you, I will be reading the threads to see if i can find anything of interest. 😁😁😁

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Hello! New to the thread, excited to see the advances.
I just installed a K110M to my 2010 27¨iMac and it works wonders! But I haven't been able to flash the GPU, the ethernet won't connect to my iMac when it's on and therefore I cannot find any network signs from it when it boots into the USB. Is there any way of embedding the SSID and password settings into any USB file? What do you recommend me to do? (I have already called my services company and they will come to check, any ideas until then?).
View attachment 1716387

Thank you, I will be reading the threads to see if i can find anything of interest. 😁😁😁

Buy a CH341A clip programmer and flash your K1100M this way. Right now the Linux Flash utility needs a fixed cable connection to the router.

 

[panwato]

Would you please attach the working AppleBacklightFixup.kext. zipped. I am going to adjust all OC configs, again. We had this month ago...

You may delete the nvram output...ask a moderator to do so in case you cannot.

Here you go!

I also cleaned Cpuid1 and mask in config

 

[nandor690]

This board may have more than one memory chip, there are working VBIOS for both Samsung and Elpida AFAIK. Make sure you have flashed the correct VBIOS according to the memory chips on your board. If it does not work, provide full specs of your Mac and board, including chips versions and manufacturer, and possibly a photo showing them.

I just received this board k2100m. It appears to have the Samsung chips. Do you know if this means I should use rom1 or rom2. I was kind of confused reading through the thread on which one is for which.

thanks for any help with this

 

[Razor-G]

Hello guys! I need your professional help.
I have an iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010, Intel i7-870 2,93 GHz) upgraded with K2100M 2gb (flashed by Nick[D]vB rom).
It seems like Catalina runs without acceleration, animations are glitchy.
GeekBench 4 shows gpu metal score near 25k, but it's no effect for OS as I see.
Sierra wasn't glitch with this GPU. What could be wrong?
Are anyone have a setup like my one? Any success with it?

 

[lfom]

I just received this board k2100m. It appears to have the Samsung chips. Do you know if this means I should use rom1 or rom2. I was kind of confused reading through the thread on which one is for which.

thanks for any help with this

From what I have read and understood, ROM1 is for Samsung (most common) while ROM2 is for Elpida (rare). I am not sure if there is one for Hynix, or if either would also work with Hynix as well.

Hello guys! I need your professional help.
I have an iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010, Intel i7-870 2,93 GHz) upgraded with K2100M 2gb (flashed by Nick[D]vB rom).
It seems like Catalina runs without acceleration, animations are glitchy.
GeekBench 4 shows gpu metal score near 25k, but it's no effect for OS as I see.
Sierra wasn't glitch with this GPU. What could be wrong?
Are anyone have a setup like my one? Any success with it?

If you have used dosdude1 Patcher, you probably don't want to use the patch for graphics compatibility, it is installed by default for iMac mid 2010. There is a nice post with the recommended settings and configuration for each setup by Ausdauersportler IIRIC.

 

[panwato]

Hello guys! I need your professional help.
I have an iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010, Intel i7-870 2,93 GHz) upgraded with K2100M 2gb (flashed by Nick[D]vB rom).
It seems like Catalina runs without acceleration, animations are glitchy.
GeekBench 4 shows gpu metal score near 25k, but it's no effect for OS as I see.
Sierra wasn't glitch with this GPU. What could be wrong?
Are anyone have a setup like my one? Any success with it?

You installed Catalina with dosdude patcher?
If you do, do you uncheck “auto install patches”?

 

[Razor-G]

From what I have read and understood, ROM1 is for Samsung (most common) while ROM2 is for Elpida (rare). I am not sure if there is one for Hynix, or if either would also work with Hynix as well.

As I see on seller's photos I have Hynix memory on my GPU.

If you have used dosdude1 Patcher, you probably don't want to use the patch for graphics compatibility, it is installed by default for iMac mid 2010. There is a nice post with the recommended settings and configuration for each setup by Ausdauersportler IIRIC.

+

You installed Catalina with dosdude patcher?
If you do, do you uncheck “auto install patches”?

I've tried two kinds of install. With unchecked and later with checked Video patch. The result was the same.

Photo of GPU memory:

 

[panwato]

As I see on seller's photos I have Hynix memory on my GPU.



+

I've tried two kinds of install. With unchecked and later with checked Video patch. The result was the same.

Photo of GPU memory:

You have to uncheck “auto install patches” BEFORE creating the usb, or the installer will patch the video

 

[Razor-G]

You have to uncheck “auto install patches” BEFORE creating the usb, or the installer will patch the video

I have 1.4.4. version of patcher and there is no option to check or uncheck anything before creating USB drive.
Patcher just selects Installer from Applications folder or downloads and patches it.

May I have to reinstall Catalina, and unplug USB after first reboot while installing?

Additional info:
Even VideoProc and Photoshop do not normally recognize a graphic card.

 

[panwato]

I have 1.4.4. version of patcher and there is no option to check or uncheck anything before creating USB drive.
Patcher just selects Installer from Applications folder or downloads and patches it.

here...

 

[panwato]

@Razor-G
1.- erase USB (HFS+ GUID)
2.- open Catalina patcher
3.- options —> uncheck “auto-apply post install”
4.- create usb installer
5.- boot from usb
6.- wipe the drive, install
7.- there are 2 phases of installer, 1 on the usb and other on the boot drive, let it finish both.
8.- boot from usb, select post-install
9.- apply all patches for your iMac EXCEPT video legacy.
10.- boot on Catalina.
Done.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

@Razor-G
1.- erase USB (HFS+ GUID)
2.- open Catalina patcher
3.- options —> uncheck “auto-apply post install”
4.- create usb installer
5.- boot from usb
6.- wipe the drive, install
7.- there are 2 phases of installer, 1 on the usb and other on the boot drive, let it finish both.
8.- boot from usb, select post-install
9.- apply all patches for your iMac EXCEPT video legacy.
10.- boot on Catalina.
Done.

You have really a lot of patience

P.S.: Added the AppleBacklightFixup to the next dev-v0.5.4 of the micropatcher. It is online, but no real new things to explore right now.

 

[junley4]

@junley4
Excellent work. For those wondering about automation, referenced earlier by @Curtis Gross <link>
I've noticed you set the following parameters:

<key>HideAuxiliary</key>
<true/>
<key>HideSelf</key>
<true/>
<key>ShowPicker</key>
<false/>
<key>TakeoffDelay</key>
<integer>0</integer>

This together with a EFI partition for OpenCore should produce an automated bootup. If you've made other changes, let us know.


I've also noticed that in your device properties you have kept 2 entries:

<key>DeviceProperties</key>
    <dict>
        <key>Add</key>
        <dict>
            <key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x1,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
            <dict>
                <key>@0,backlight-control</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                <key>@0,built-in</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
            </dict>
            <key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x3,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
            <dict>
                <key>@0,backlight-control</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                <key>@0,built-in</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
            </dict>
        </dict>
        <key>Delete</key>
        <dict/>
    </dict>

The first <key> PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x1,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0) is made up of the Root PCI Bridge, the 1st PCI Device node and 2nd PCI Device node.

The second <key> entry is similarly encoded for the 2009/2010 machines.

Correlating this with the IO reg entry:
in 2011 models:
IOACPIPlane:/_SB/PCI0@0/POP2@10000/GFX0@0
in 2009/2010 models:
IOACPIPlane:/_SB/PCI0@0/POP2@30000/GFX0@0

I suggest the following changes:
delete the entire second key below since you have a 2011 machine.

<key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x3,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
            <dict>
                <key>@0,backlight-control</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                <key>@0,built-in</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
            </dict>

This should clear up your brightness issue. Obviously the opposite would be done if you have a 2009/2010 machine, just delete the 1st key in the device properties entry.

thanks for the reply sir nikey22. Actually the opencore config was only used in my 21.5inch imac with k610m gpu. That machine has proper brightness stepping, it gets really bright at maximum level. I used the guide posted by curtis gross to edit the config file using opencore configurator that is why I am not aware that the config produced entries for both 2009-2010, and 2011 machines. It works well with no issues right now. I dont have that machine now because i sold it but if the person who bought it enounters some issues, I might visit him and might as well edit the config file the way you said sir nikey22 ^^

It is my machine now which is a 27-inch with k3100m gpu that has the brightness stepping problem. It does not need opencore for boot switcher or brightness control. Your bfr rom is really great as it makes my machine to have those two features natively. So as it is, I am satified with the way my machine is performing now and the brightness is enough for my usage. Maybe later, i will try the brightness stepping mod that you posted in the k3100m rom section but i am hesitant because Im not sure if that mod applies to Big Sur as well.

 

[Razor-G]

@Razor-G
1.- erase USB (HFS+ GUID)
2.- open Catalina patcher
3.- options —> uncheck “auto-apply post install”
4.- create usb installer
5.- boot from usb
6.- wipe the drive, install
7.- there are 2 phases of installer, 1 on the usb and other on the boot drive, let it finish both.
8.- boot from usb, select post-install
9.- apply all patches for your iMac EXCEPT video legacy.
10.- boot on Catalina.
Done.

Thank you very much!
You’ve helped me so much!
Installed successfully!

 

[KennyW]

Well, I did try editing that part of DeviceProperties

@junley4
Excellent work. For those wondering about automation, referenced earlier by @Curtis Gross <link>
I've noticed you set the following parameters:

<key>HideAuxiliary</key>
<true/>
<key>HideSelf</key>
<true/>
<key>ShowPicker</key>
<false/>
<key>TakeoffDelay</key>
<integer>0</integer>

This together with a EFI partition for OpenCore should produce an automated bootup. If you've made other changes, let us know.


I've also noticed that in your device properties you have kept 2 entries:

<key>DeviceProperties</key>
    <dict>
        <key>Add</key>
        <dict>
            <key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x1,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
            <dict>
                <key>@0,backlight-control</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                <key>@0,built-in</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
            </dict>
            <key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x3,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
            <dict>
                <key>@0,backlight-control</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                <key>@0,built-in</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
            </dict>
        </dict>
        <key>Delete</key>
        <dict/>
    </dict>

The first <key> PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x1,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0) is made up of the Root PCI Bridge, the 1st PCI Device node and 2nd PCI Device node.

The second <key> entry is similarly encoded for the 2009/2010 machines.

Correlating this with the IO reg entry:
in 2011 models:
IOACPIPlane:/_SB/PCI0@0/POP2@10000/GFX0@0
in 2009/2010 models:
IOACPIPlane:/_SB/PCI0@0/POP2@30000/GFX0@0

I suggest the following changes:
delete the entire second key below since you have a 2011 machine.

<key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x3,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
            <dict>
                <key>@0,backlight-control</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                <key>@0,built-in</key>
                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
            </dict>

This should clear up your brightness issue. Obviously the opposite would be done if you have a 2009/2010 machine, just delete the 1st key in the device properties entry.

in hope of reducing the brightness or changing the bright white background color of OC Bootscreen to something less dazzling, and it didn't work. Now I know that it is related to the brightness control of the GPU ! Probably only for nVidia ? as my AMD GPU isn't affected at all by its value.

P.S. Finally found the needed info.
It is in NVRAM section under "4D1EDE05-38C7-4A6A-9CC6-4BCCA8B38C14 / DefaultBackgroundColor". Apparently it's a four-byte BGRA data, hex colour with two extra zeros, defining boot.efi user interface background colour.

You need to add the following lines to the Config.plist under "NVRAM / Add":

<key>4D1EDE05-38C7-4A6A-9CC6-4BCCA8B38C14</key>
<dict>
<key>DefaultBackgroundColor</key>
<data>AAAAAA==</data>
</dict>

These are the color codes example:
AAAAAA== (00000000) Syrah Black
v7+/AA== (BFBFBF00) Light Gray

You can also set the subsequent Apple Boot Screen background color with DarkBoot:

GitHub - w0lfschild/DarkBoot: :computer: Customize the boot, login and lock screens on macOS

:computer: Customize the boot, login and lock screens on macOS - w0lfschild/DarkBoot

github.com

 

[Ausdauersportler]

thanks for the reply sir nikey22. Actually the opencore config was only used in my 21.5inch imac with k610m gpu. That machine has proper brightness stepping, it gets really bright at maximum level. I used the guide posted by curtis gross to edit the config file using opencore configurator that is why I am not aware that the config produced entries for both 2009-2010, and 2011 machines. It works well with no issues right now. I dont have that machine now because i sold it but if the person who bought it enounters some issues, I might visit him and might as well edit the config file the way you said sir nikey22 ^^

It is my machine now which is a 27-inch with k3100m gpu that has the brightness stepping problem. It does not need opencore for boot switcher or brightness control. Your bfr rom is really great as it makes my machine to have those two features natively. So as it is, I am satified with the way my machine is performing now and the brightness is enough for my usage. Maybe later, i will try the brightness stepping mod that you posted in the k3100m rom section but i am hesitant because Im not sure if that mod applies to Big Sur as well.

The mod works on every macOS and I guess it is included in the micropatcher, at least if you pick the correct version.

 

[junley4]

The mod works on every macOS and I guess it is included in the micropatcher, at least if you pick the correct version.

Oh, i see... now i will definitely try that! Thanks for clearing it out for me Ausdauersportler

 

[Game1Experts]

Can someone help me please? I recently bought nvidia quadro 3000m for imac 2009 21 inch but when I press the Power button my screen is black and the fans go loud all cables are connected.When I switch to the original mac gpu all works great. I never flashed the gpu since I cant find the rom or how to actually do this. I tried to see from the motherboard lights too without the screen and I have only the power led button on. Can you help me? Thanks for your time.

 

[herrdude]

Can someone help me please? I recently bought nvidia quadro 3000m for imac 2009 21 inch but when I press the Power button my screen is black and the fans go loud all cables are connected.When I switch to the original mac gpu all works great. I never flashed the gpu since I cant find the rom or how to actually do this. I tried to see from the motherboard lights too without the screen and I have only the power led button on. Can you help me? Thanks for your time.View attachment 1716699

Did you read the first post? You will see all the cards that work. Sadly, for the moment K3000m is NOT working.

 

[doscore]

The linux flash utility should solve the problem.

Nope, I've used the Linux and Windows methods these cards are not flashing at all.

I can't even save the rom file, it works in Mojave without bootscreens etc but yeah not flashing. I have the bfr hynix chip version

ERROR: Cannot program a non-page boundary or invalid range for EEPROM.

and I have 4 of these cards lol, although one BFR version did work.

The linux flash utility should solve the problem.

Overriding PCI subsystem ID mismatch


Current - Version:80.04.E8.00.1C ID:10DE:11B6:1028:15CD


GK104 Board - 20530501 (Normal Board)


Replace with - Version:FE.ED.0B.C0.DE ID:10DE:11B6:10DE:1022


NVIDIA Quadro K3100M by nikey22 (Normal Board)

P.S yes I have protect off.. just add that to the list of cards not working due to the bios chip being too small. this is supposed to be a dell chip but that's ok I will use it without flashing.