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

[ShadowFlay]

Hey all. I'm looking for some help with sleep panics. Firstly, thanks for all the knowledge and effort put in by all here. Thanks to Ausdauersportler and other contributors for the patchers and all the development.

I have two 2011 27" i7 2600 k4100m machines. Both work well with one exception, sleep. I have been using the machines for work for nearly a year now and they are great.

I just reinstalled Catalina from a fresh download of the Catalina installer from Apple and installed using Dosdude1 patcher. I ran post install script. I then installed the latest patcher from Ausdauersportler selecting the choice of kexts recommended for NVIDIA ("Catalina sleep pactch NVIDIA"). No Opencore is installed and its a fresh install on an OEM Apple/Toshiba SSD on port0. I checked using IO Registry Explorer that SSD boot drive is on SATA Port0. I mention the SATA port because I have seen reports of sleep issues for Macbooks with a system booting off an SSD on the SATA port of the ODD.

Attached is the crash report.

I'd really appreciate if anyone can point in a direction. Thanks.

 

[jay508]

there was written this:"problems with cards: Unlike the NVIDIA family where we get each week several reports of dead cards we had so far only two reports showing a not properly working Dell WX4150 and a HP WX4170 - the problem have been solved by adding more VRAM support. Unfortunately we now have to chose from several published versions."

So I can choose only hp WX4170 (which is bigger MXM-B card ) if i dont want to risk another crush of nvidia card? I search it on ebay and cant find any link

I am coming to China and have five HP WX4170 4G. new crown epidemic control all express delivery is stopped buy anything is not convenient.

 

[m0bil]

About Kepler and Windows 11 on iMac 2009-2011, after install nvidia drivers, same situation with logon delay 30 sec, up to 1-2 min.

can someone know solution to resolve this?

It's not possible to solve this on current Kepler patched vbios.

Only way to solve it would be to use original Nvidia EFI on vbios + Opencore, but you'll loose the native Apple boot screen and bootpicker (can however use the emulated Opencore bootpicker, same way as it is done on AMD cards).

 

[bahersaleh]

I installed k3100m to my 27 inch 2011 imac and no display only 2 leds ,so I tried to ssh my imac but I couldn’t, my imac got ip adress and i tied to ping but request timed out , i changed usb stick and tried SD card slot and hdd but still the same problem pls help

 

[pbv1970]

Hi how are things. After many achievements with Nvidia graphics cards, I start to try with Amd gop and I realize that in my 2011 imac there is no way to boot in any operating system with my w6170. I tried before with an m5100, and had the same result. By chance I have been reading about the topic of the w7170m, and it is possible that we are in the same problem?
I mean the smbios
I don't have an exact solution, since I don't know much about smc or graphics roms, but in this case I followed, step by step, the installation instructions in the first post. The system boots when installing both big sur and monterrey, but when restarting, it stays at the start screen, and from there it does not happen. I have reset nvram and cmd, but there is no way to boot with this type of graphics on my 2011 imac. It may be that the smbus gives problems on these imacs, and if true, it may be easier to install nvidia graphics than amd? For users with basic knowledge. Thank you for all this great topic and I follow you with great interest.
Greetings.
Sorry for my English is made for google translate.

 

[pbv1970]

Personally, I prefer iMacs from 2010 or 2009 in this type of card, since in 2011 they only give worse results both in benchmarks and in problems after installation.
My idea was to find the result of a perfect installation on a 2011 imac but I am seeing disappointment after disappointment, and I don't know what to think of this imac anymore.

 

[bahersaleh]

- I tried with the FAT format.
- I made the Linux Live with two different USBs.
- The Linux Live USBs appear as a boot option in other Mac (my MacBook Pro 2011).
- However, my iMac 21 2011 still can't boot from the Linux Live USBs either with FAT or previously with FAT 32.
- I format the USBs in FAT with two different options: GUID and Master. Still it doesn't work.

The photo shows the USB option with FAT format in the other device, MacBook pro 2011.

View attachment 1939329

Is your problem got fixed, i have the same problem , can you share the fix with me pls

 

[bahersaleh]

As seen in the image I was able to SSH into the 27" - 2011 iMac. but upon following the guide I'm getting the no such file or directory, when I created the usb I did exactly as it explains to just place all files into the usb so following commands listed should theoretically work if I'm not mistaken?

Im new to doing things through terminal but am willing to take the time to do it correctly so not to brick my video card I'm flashing.

the terminal commands to backup and save original rom. before flashing does the first page of this forum also have details of the process step by step guide to using the linux terminal approach with commands needed to flash cards?

Thanks


View attachment 1802408

So how you fixed request timed out problem?

 

[MrZupp]

If you've already successfully flashed the GPU. Then try replacing the Backlight Inverter board, that was the part that was giving issues on mine.

I've tested 2 gpu's, one k1100m and HD6770M, both show no sign of life on the display, and I know both are working since I used them in 2 iMac 21,5" 2010. I've tried mounting the 2010 display into the 2011 imac but I saw that they have different connections, so no luck here, although, do you know how could I test the 2011 display to see if it's bad? ( Also, tested the inverter from the 2011 on a 2010, works like a charm )

 

[Schprecher]

It's not possible to solve this on current Kepler patched vbios.

Only way to solve it would be to use original Nvidia EFI on vbios + Opencore, but you'll loose the native Apple boot screen and bootpicker (can however use the emulated Opencore bootpicker, same way as it is done on AMD cards).

i find the one thing, is gtx780m EG2 version works good than roms for quadro all versions. (only k1000 to k2100) good for windows and working fine.

starting from k3000m to k5100m, want cry if uses with this card windows. and for this cards need version EG2 like for gtx780m edition.

and one little thing! - before first rom was created for k4100m , problem with delay in windows was never founded. its started when this roms was be modded. there is no more old version from 2020, just 2021.

i am ASK for bios makers, please add old version for all card to table series Quadro in first page or create special table or archive for us. who needed this.

 

[davidg5678]

I’ll check imac ping and let you know

Make sure that the iMac and the computer you are using for SSH are plugged into the same exact router with ethernet cords. If you have a router and modem (or two routers) and the computers are plugged into two different devices, there can be what's called a "double NAT" problem that could prevent SSH from working.

Generally, if both computers are on the same (home) network and you are using the correctly assigned IP address, SSH should be working.

If you cannot get SSH to work for some reason, I would recommend looking into the CH341A flashing method that can be found if you search the first post (especially using the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner of the screen). This would let you flash the GPU using a USB-connected tool (rather than the iMac itself over the network).

 

[madvinegar]

I just want to say the following:

In my iMac 2011 21,5" I installed k2100m (flashed the modded vBios), and using OCLP I updated to Big Sur.
Sleep works just fine, Auto-brightness works fine. The only things not working is AppleTV and Netflix in safari (works just fine is chrome).

Regarding win10/11 installation, I suggest you use parallels. Much easier and works great. Not for games but for your daily needs.

 

[zoran]

Will an Ati6750...
1. work on my 27" mid2010 i7 iMac?
2. be installed on a 5750 heatsink?

 

[dfranetic]

Will an Ati6750...
1. work on my 27" mid2010 i7 iMac?
2. be installed on a 5750 heatsink?

This is really off topic here.
1. The original Apple one will.
2. Yes, but you'll probably need a 0.5mm-1mm copper shim between the GPU IC and the heatsink.

 

[zoran]

2. Yes, but you'll probably need a 0.5mm-1mm copper shim between the GPU IC and the heatsink.

What exactly would that do?

 

[davidg5678]

What exactly would that do?

There is likely an air gap between the heat-producing GPU chip and heatsink with this (nonstandard) configuration which could prevent the heat from getting transferred from the GPU into the heatsink. Placing a piece of thermally conductive copper between the chip and heatsink will resolve this issue. Look on eBay (or somewhere similar) for kits of small copper GPU shims that are fit for this particular purpose.

Thermal paste should be used on both sides of the copper shim to enhance the heat transfer characteristics.

 

[mpwi]

I haven't seen this mentioned before. If you're having trouble getting the network to come up with the USB stick, try setting the ip address manually:

Edit boot/grub/grml64small_default.cfg and add an ip kernel parameter.

For example:
linux <snip> nomodeset ip=10.0.0.55::10.0.0.1:255.255.255.0::eth0:off

This was the only way I could get the network to come up on a mid 2011 imac.
It's also helpful to use a usb stick with a blinking light to know it's booting.

 

[iMac2011_27]

I made a small app that fixes the color-depth issue at startup for some cards, like the 780M with @nikey22's ROM. After startup, start this app, the screen should turn black for a second and the colors/performance should be good to go. Appears to be working fine for me but obviously needs some testing first. Previously i had to put my iMac to sleep at least once or change screen resolution back and forth to fix this problem, now its a bit faster as i set it up in a way that it runs automatically on startup.

Download: https://github.com/passatgt/imac-color-depth-fix

Usage: just simply double click imaccolordepthfix to run. You can add it to your login items(system settings/users/login items), so it runs on a fresh startup automatically.

Hello! Is this program compatible with High Sierra? I can't get it to run

Spoiler: error

/Users/vmitryassov/imac-color-depth-fix-main/imaccolordepthfix ; exit;


iMac-Vyacheslav:~ vmitryassov$ /Users/vmitryassov/imac-color-depth-fix-main/imaccolordepthfix ; exit;
dyld: lazy symbol binding failed: Symbol not found: ____chkstk_darwin
Referenced from: /Users/vmitryassov/imac-color-depth-fix-main/imaccolordepthfix (which was built for Mac OS X 11.0)
Expected in: /usr/lib/libSystem.B.dylib

dyld: Symbol not found: ____chkstk_darwin

Referenced from: /Users/vmitryassov/imac-color-depth-fix-main/imaccolordepthfix (which was built for Mac OS X 11.0)

Expected in: /usr/lib/libSystem.B.dylib
Abort trap: 6
logout

Saving session...
...copying shared history...
...saving history...truncating history files...
...completed.

 

[Stefanox2410]

Good morning everyone, I have a question, I found myself with a k3100m, but with a 21.5 heat sink or I found that 2 pipe on the internet, I have to install it on a 2011 , if I use the small heat sink what happens? If I order and use that 2 pipe 2009 what changes? Unfortunately, there are no more 3pipes here in Italy

 

[bahersaleh]

Make sure that the iMac and the computer you are using for SSH are plugged into the same exact router with ethernet cords. If you have a router and modem (or two routers) and the computers are plugged into two different devices, there can be what's called a "double NAT" problem that could prevent SSH from working.

Generally, if both computers are on the same (home) network and you are using the correctly assigned IP address, SSH should be working.

If you cannot get SSH to work for some reason, I would recommend looking into the CH341A flashing method that can be found if you search the first post (especially using the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner of the screen). This would let you flash the GPU using a USB-connected tool (rather than the iMac itself over the network).

The imac doesn’t boot from usb for some reason idk , I removed all hdds and ssds and doesn’t boot from usb stick , I tried connecting hdd it booted , and tried to ping it to see if connected So it did , so the problem that imac doesn’t boot from my usb stick for some reason, the same usb stick works with my macbook flawlessly and i coud get gmrl work so any help?

 

[dfranetic]

The imac doesn’t boot from usb for some reason idk , I removed all hdds and ssds and doesn’t boot from usb stick , I tried connecting hdd it booted , and tried to ping it to see if connected So it did , so the problem that imac doesn’t boot from my usb stick for some reason, the same usb stick works with my macbook flawlessly and i coud get gmrl work so any help?

OK, so we finally have a culprit. Are you sure (all) USB ports are working/functional on your iMac? (Can you still boot into original OS with the original GPU and test USB ports? BTW: It looks like you have a hardware problem...)

 

[zoran]

There seems to be uncertainty on if the K3100 really needs a 3pipe heat sink or not.

Suppose it is needed, will the 3pipe heat sink fit on the mid2010 27" i7 iMac that uses a 2pipe heat sink?

 

[m0bil]

There seems to be uncertainty on if the K3100 really needs a 3pipe heat sink or not.

Suppose it is needed, will the 3pipe heat sink fit on the mid2010 27" i7 iMac that uses a 2pipe heat sink?

K3100M is 75W TDP, so YES, it will need the 3 pipe heatsink.

@nikey22 made a summary of heatsinks in this post, check it, but I think it will fit.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

There seems to be uncertainty on if the K3100 really needs a 3pipe heat sink or not.

Suppose it is needed, will the 3pipe heat sink fit on the mid2010 27" i7 iMac that uses a 2pipe heat sink?

No, there is no uncertainty about it other than every once in a while some people post what they want to be true - searching for alternative truth of facts - which does not exist! Neither here, nor anywhere else in science or computer industry.

The K3100M is a 75W card which needs a 75W three pipe heat sink. A three pipe sink will fit, at least it fits in my iMac11,3 running a 75W limited RX480.

 

[FireAlarm87]

Experimental AMD W5170M 2GB support (AMD Radeon R9 M375 2GB)

This card has been produced in many variants, currently I know of at least three different types and ident strings:

Type	ident	BIOS version	device-id	working
Green AMD PCB	109-C93157-00A_03	W5170M	6820	yes
Blue AMD PCB	109-C42271-01_02	W5170M	6820	most likely

Sometimes this card will be advertised as AMD W5170M 2GB version (AMD re-branding). This will be the Green card.

Warning:
This card is easy to install but complex to manage during the initial software installation. You need to install OpenCore in advance and add the changes posted before booting into macOS.

Important:
Use the W5170M vBIOS for both the green and blue card!

After installing the card it will not simply boot directly into any macOS version (WindowServer crash) unless you install and use OpenCore and apply the settings described below (I will try to get the changes added to OCLP, later).

So you need to install OpenCore onto your boot disk before booting in your current installation in normal multi user mode.

Run OLCP to create an AMD (metal) config and add the lines starting with the <key>rebuild-device-tree</key> into the DeviceProperties section (this is an iMac12,2 example):

                        <key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x1,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
                        <dict>
                                <key>shikigva</key>
                                <integer>80</integer>
                                <key>unfairgva</key>
                                <integer>1</integer>
                                <key>rebuild-device-tree</key>
                                <integer>1</integer>
                                <key>agdpmod</key>
                                <string>pikera</string>
                                <key>CAIL,CAIL_DisableDrmdmaPowerGating</key>
                                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                                <key>CAIL,CAIL_DisableGfxCGPowerGating</key>
                                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                                <key>CAIL,CAIL_DisableUVDPowerGating</key>
                                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                                <key>CAIL,CAIL_DisableVCEPowerGating</key>
                                <data>AQAAAA==</data>
                        </dict>

These settings are equivalent with adding radpg=15 -wegtree apdpmod=pikera shikigva=80 to the boot-args in the config.plist of OpenCore.

This GPU type has been used in 2015 15" MacBookPro models.

Tested systems:
- iMac12,2: sleep/wake broken
- iMac12,1: not tested
- iMac11,1: no problems
- iMac11,2: green AMD card has SMBUS problem, some temp sensor readings are weird, card needs a mod, red Dell card works fine!
- iMac11,3: no problems

Known issues:
- external display sync is difficult on all systems and needs the main LCD or the system to go to display sleep once after connecting the external display

Known features:
- Airplay is working until Catalina as with any other AMD metal card on iMac11,x and iMac12,2 (without using QuickSync)
- high metal scores
- boot screen with OpenCore
- brightness control working
- GPU power management working
- needs Sierra or better (AMD support)
- still full Monterey B9 support (no root patching needed unlike Kepler)

Performance:
- GeekBench Metal and OpenCL: > 10.000
- Valley AMD: 18.6 FPS, 778 Score
- MetalBench: 31 MRays/s
- CoreClock: 300 MHz idle - 850 MHz max
- MemoryClock: 150 MHz idle - 1125 MHz max
- PowerDraw: 5W idle - 35W max

Warnings:
- do not use this vBIOS on the Red DELL card, it will cause a bad flash and will make the card unusable
- do not flash the vBIOS from the DELL card onto the other two cards, it will cause a bad flash and will make the card unusable
- a bad flash prevents the iMac from booting and running the Linux flash utility, again!
- bad flashes can only be cured by using a clip or some other nasty tricks

News:
- OCLP 0.3.1 and later support this card. So you can update OC using OCLP in future. Nevertheless the boot strap process is complex since you cannot boot the normal macOS unless OC has been installed in advance!

Is this the correct VBIOS for the green M5100? I ordered that one. Should I cancel and get the red one? Thanks!