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

[nikey22]

@Mrmani, this is an interesting idea. Let's dive into it further:
The J4700 connector controls the Camera, Bluetooth data and ambient light sensor:

The SMC lines for data/clock use a write address of 0x52 and read of 0x53 for the "ALS", Ambient Light Sensor
BUS A can use either channel 0 or channel 1, the K74 logic board chooses to use channel 1:

Can you confirm that disconnecting these wires will allow GPU recognition in some cases? Some people have no problems with the K3100M or K3000M getting booted up:

If so, do you lose "Auto Brightness Control"?
Does the camera still work properly?

Disconnecting the parallel connections in the video card itself should ressolve the conflict as well without needing to disrupt the wiring on the logic board. Worth investigating.

Keep us posted, and good discovery.
Thanks!

 

[wxzerg]

Hi，my imac is 2009 late version,I found my imac transfer to TDM mode,it's only use internal sound,i have change the sound mode to bluetooth mode,but it always use the internal sound.

 

[EMRosa]

It is the correct vBIOS and I removed the irritating lines.

Although I cannot promise it will run without hiccups in the iMac12,x. Recently I had some hit and miss experiences, i.e. some systems fails to reboot, did not wake from sleep while others where running fine using the exact same GPU. On the other hand all those GCN version 1-3 cards rund fine in the older 2009 and 2010 iMacs.

I've hit a strange snag. I flashed the vBIOS attached in the post, and my system boots but only sees 7MB of VRAM Memory on my M5100 Card.

1. I've tried resetting the PRAM.
2. Then I tried running OCLP on the computer, but I checked non-Metal settings and that seems to cause kernel panics on boot up. (I'm sure that was a mistake, since the card has support for metal).
3. So I pulled the SSD and rebuilt OCLP on a separate computer with iMac12,1 and AMD GCN settings and put them in the EFI folder. This got me back booting successfully into Monetary but with the same symptoms i.e. 7MB of VRAM and no graphics acceleration.

I saw some issues with memory on some of the other memory chips, but I have the Elpida memory. Additionally, on mine it seems to be more than just a cosmetic issue, because I don't have graphics acceleration. I am attaching the original vBIOS as well as pictures in case its helpful in discovering any mistakes I may have made.

Maybe this is one of the strange hit or miss issues about which you were speaking? 😞 Should I reflash the vBIOS? any other troubleshooting steps that I am neglecting?

System: Montery with OCLP 0.4.3
Original: 21-inch iMac 2.5 GHz Core i5 mid 2011
Upgraded CPU: core i7 2600S
Upgraded GPU: AMD FirePro 5100M

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

I've hit a strange snag. I flashed the vBIOS attached in the post, and my system boots but only sees 7MB of VRAM Memory on my M5100 Card.

1. I've tried resetting the PRAM.
2. Then I tried running OCLP on the computer, but I checked non-Metal settings and that seems to cause kernel panics on boot up. (I'm sure that was a mistake, since the card has support for metal).
3. So I pulled the SSD and rebuilt OCLP on a separate computer with iMac12,1 and AMD GCN settings and put them in the EFI folder. This got me back booting successfully into Monetary but with the same symptoms i.e. 7MB of VRAM and no graphics acceleration.

I saw some issues with memory on some of the other memory chips, but I have the Elpida memory. Additionally, on mine it seems to be more than just a cosmetic issue, because I don't have graphics acceleration. I am attaching the original vBIOS as well as pictures in case its helpful in discovering any mistakes I may have made.

Maybe this is one of the strange hit or miss issues about which you were speaking? 😞 Should I reflash the vBIOS? any other troubleshooting steps that I am neglecting?

System: Montery with OCLP 0.4.3
Original: 21-inch iMac 2.5 GHz Core i5 mid 2011
Upgraded CPU: core i7 2600S
Upgraded GPU: AMD FirePro 5100M

I believe you have already done this, haven't you?

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):

Code:
<key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x1,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
<dict>
<key>shikigva</key>
<integer>128</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=128 to the boot-args in the config.plist of OpenCore.

 

[flibberflops]

Black Screen of Death: Quick Question.

I have flashed a K3000m on my imac which I resetup with a new hard drive and fresh virgin install of High Sierra (with all updates)... which was working fine before the card upgrade.

Unfortunately it is now getting a black screen (but sounds like it is booting OK).

Tried both roms availible + Pram reset
Unfortunately I can't get an external screen working (even before the card upgrade.... guess I need a special lead?)

Question: Is there anything else I have missed... should I be getting some kind of display if the flash worked? I a guessing that the post upgrade high sierra patches wouldn't fix this issue?

Apologies if this question has already been answered but its a nightmare searching through 700+ pages for specific details on this issue.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Black Screen of Death: Quick Question.

I have flashed a K3000m on my imac which I resetup with a new hard drive and fresh virgin install of High Sierra (with all updates)... which was working fine before the card upgrade.

Unfortunately it is now getting a black screen (but sounds like it is booting OK).

Tried both roms availible + Pram reset
Unfortunately I can't get an external screen working (even before the card upgrade.... guess I need a special lead?)

Question: Is there anything else I have missed... should I be getting some kind of display if the flash worked? I a guessing that the post upgrade high sierra patches wouldn't fix this issue?

Apologies if this question has already been answered but its a nightmare searching through 700+ pages for specific details on this issue.

This may help, found it somewhere on this thread:

It is HIGHLY recommended that you read through this post before asking questions. Then, reread the information.

Before you post a question please add a signature to your account settings reflecting your machine type, graphics card, and possible even the problem you have. This signature sticks with every post you make and helps other to keep track and understand what is going on.

 

[flibberflops]

This may help, found it somewhere on this thread:

Cheers, have updated Sig

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Cheers, have updated Sig

Now search the first post again for the black screen issue you have. You will be surprised.

 

[EMRosa]

I believe you have already done this, haven't you?

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):

Code:
<key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x1,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
<dict>
<key>shikigva</key>
<integer>128</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=128 to the boot-args in the config.plist of OpenCore.

Thanks! Yes, I did! I tried it a couple of ways, but I don't think the order matters? By a couple of different ways, I mean, I left it with the default values that OCLP generates for AMD cards (it uses <integer>1</integer>). And with the "data" values below.

            <key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x1,0x0)/Pci(0x0,0x0)</key>
            <dict>
                <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>
                <key>agdpmod</key>
                <string>pikera</string>
                <key>rebuild-device-tree</key>
                <integer>1</integer>
                <key>shikigva</key>
                <integer>128</integer>
                <key>unfairgva</key>
                <integer>1</integer>
            </dict>

I've reread the posts a few times. I haven't seen anyone else have this particular issue. Any ideas?

 

[16v]

Which gpu for 12.2 is recomended?
I dont do videos or photoshop or gaming.
Just playing with the imac.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Which gpu for 12.2 is recomended?
I dont do videos or photoshop or gaming.
Just playing with the imac.

What is your objective? Entertainment or researching?
What is your skill in playing with the iMac? Are you capable of replacing parts inside the iMac? Replacing components on the logicboard? Soldering chips? Reprograming firmware and stuff?
What kind of resource (money & time) are you willing to spend for it?

 

[16v]

I can replace parts of the imac. I can solder.
Thats not a problem.

I dont know how to say that...
I dont really work with a mac.
A bit browsing the web, some office.

Money? Less is better...

 

[dfranetic]

I can replace parts of the imac. I can solder.
Thats not a problem.

I dont know how to say that...
I dont really work with a mac.
A bit browsing the web, some office.

Money? Less is better...

In any case you'll have to answer the questions from @Nguyen Duc Hieu to yourself, (re)read post 1 and make your pick. It is your choice.

 

[Mrmani]

@Mrmani, this is an interesting idea. Let's dive into it further:
The J4700 connector controls the Camera, Bluetooth data and ambient light sensor:
View attachment 1989298

The SMC lines for data/clock use a write address of 0x52 and read of 0x53 for the "ALS", Ambient Light Sensor
BUS A can use either channel 0 or channel 1, the K74 logic board chooses to use channel 1:

View attachment 1989302

Can you confirm that disconnecting these wires will allow GPU recognition in some cases? Some people have no problems with the K3100M or K3000M getting booted up:
View attachment 1989309

If so, do you lose "Auto Brightness Control"?
Does the camera still work properly?

Disconnecting the parallel connections in the video card itself should ressolve the conflict as well without needing to disrupt the wiring on the logic board. Worth investigating.

Keep us posted, and good discovery.
Thanks!

Hey okay so if you disconnect the wires all works well except the camera gives issues some times but the device is detected .I am putting up pics probably I load bigSur and see what happens next

 

[16v]

In any case you'll have to answer the questions from @Nguyen Duc Hieu to yourself, (re)read post 1 and make your pick. It is your choice.

Yes, but card should work without opencore.
Flashing apple bios and ready to run.

In ebay i saw a few gtx285(?) i think, for ~300€, but i cant find apple bios in this thread.

Seller is nick from this board.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Yes, but card should work without opencore.
Flashing apple bios and ready to run.

In ebay i saw a few gtx285(?) i think, for ~300€, but i cant find apple bios in this thread.

Seller is nick from this board.

If you get a card from the @Nick [D]vB you will not need to flash a BIOS, it will come ready to install and run (ignoring the Dremel work on your heat sink).

But there is a catch with all NVIDIA cards, Monterey dropped NVIDIA (Kepler) GPU support and you need now to patch it back all the time. There are better solutions if you take some time and read the quotes added to the tables on the first post.

 

[dfranetic]

Yes, but card should work without opencore.

See? That's why you should make your own pick. 'No OpenCore' was not a requirement in any of your previous questions.

 

[Max Fire Fox]

Which gpu for 12.2 is recomended?
I dont do videos or photoshop or gaming.
Just playing with the imac.

I have a similar question and read a lot this thread, I have done the cpu, memory and ssd upgrade, I am capable to disassembly and assembly, have a Imac 21,5 mid 2011, I look to upgrade gpu and wifi card now, but in gpu side, is there any card that work more stock os as possible? I think for me the best card now is wx4150, is that right? thx to all expert here, this thread is amazing.

 

[davidg5678]

The WX4130/4150 is a very good choice for macOS functionality and compatibility. Do keep in mind that some soldering may be necessary to configure it properly for your specific iMac configuration.

I have a similar question and read a lot this thread, I have done the cpu, memory and ssd upgrade, I am capable to disassembly and assembly, have a Imac 21,5 mid 2011, I look to upgrade gpu and wifi card now, but in gpu side, is there any card that work more stock os as possible? I think for me the best card now is wx4150, is that right? thx to all expert here, this thread is amazing.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

I have a similar question and read a lot this thread, I have done the cpu, memory and ssd upgrade, I am capable to disassembly and assembly, have a Imac 21,5 mid 2011, I look to upgrade gpu and wifi card now, but in gpu side, is there any card that work more stock os as possible? I think for me the best card now is wx4150, is that right? thx to all expert here, this thread is amazing.

Yes, many of us agree with you. WX4150 is the best.
The challenging thing about it is how to find one with acceptable price.
And "acceptable" varies depending who are talking.

 

[16v]

What soldering?

Does this card work without opencore?

 

[davidg5678]

What soldering?

Does this card work without opencore?

OpenCore is necessary, but really not a huge issue to work with ---the vast majority of recent upgrades on this thread include OpenCore, because it is the best way to run unsupported operating systems on these iMacs. It will also allow your GPU to function, so it is required.

Because you have a 2011 iMac, there are some small jumpers to solder that might be needed for your GPU to work. I can't remember exactly where the information is located, but I guarantee that it's in the first post somewhere.

 

[Mrmani]

Black Screen of Death: Quick Question.

I have flashed a K3000m on my imac which I resetup with a new hard drive and fresh virgin install of High Sierra (with all updates)... which was working fine before the card upgrade.

Unfortunately it is now getting a black screen (but sounds like it is booting OK).

Tried both roms availible + Pram reset
Unfortunately I can't get an external screen working (even before the card upgrade.... guess I need a special lead?)

Question: Is there anything else I have missed... should I be getting some kind of display if the flash worked? I a guessing that the post upgrade high sierra patches wouldn't fix this issue?

Apologies if this question has already been answered but its a nightmare searching through 700+ pages for specific details on this issue.

Hi
Please re flash your video bios again k3000 rom as you did a clean install the high sierra does lot of upgrades while installation it changes firmware of devices . That will sort your problem.Also if anyone getting boot loop chime stuck on 3 leds the gpu card rom is the culprit in general fixed many like that .cheers everyone
A big thanks to nikey22 and. Other techs to reverse engineer firmwares.

 

[Max Fire Fox]

Yes, many of us agree with you. WX4150 is the best.
The challenging thing about it is how to find one with acceptable price.
And "acceptable" varies depending who are talking.

2 weeks ago I see on aliexpress, WX4150 and WX4130, not expensive ones, today I found none, if I am right, the Dell model is better than HP one, Dell one need soldering too?

If some one see this cards available with good price, please share with us, I have this thread on watch.

Thx.

 

[16v]

OpenCore is necessary, but really not a huge issue to work with ---the vast majority of recent upgrades on this thread include OpenCore, because it is the best way to run unsupported operating systems on these iMacs. It will also allow your GPU to function, so it is required.

Because you have a 2011 iMac, there are some small jumpers to solder that might be needed for your GPU to work. I can't remember exactly where the information is located, but I guarantee that it's in the first post somewhere.

I already use opencore with monterey.

But when there is no bootscreen before opencore, i cant select windows!?