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

[Ausdauersportler]

that's what I say too, that's why I exclude the 6970m, at most I could buy a 6770m

but I already have a 4850m and a 4570m from other imacs and I was wondering: if I mount them, are both MDP outputs going to work?

We are going round in circles. There are highly unlikely active users on this thread who tried this in the past.

So either search the thread for historical posts or search for different threads actively discussing this question.

Some (but not all) replacement cards can drive two displays using a TB2 dock. The second TB2 port unfortunately does not work.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Need help from the expert in this thread.

I have an iMac 11,3 (27" mid-2010) that's upgraded to a Nvidia GTX765M (original GPU fried), flashed with NickD[v]B BIOS, and it is running macOS Mojave 10.14.6 that's patched with DosDude1's patcher. Needless to say my iMac screen is at full brightness.

I read the first post in this thread with the recommendation to go with OCLP instead, which I've tried.

I've tried Big Sur and Monterey installer, downloaded and USB installer created via OCLP. I'm using OCLP v0.4.3 GUI and also TUI version. Unfortunately both installer didn't work. When I boot into OCLP and then into the macOS Installer, it will load and then hangs for Big Sur. It never got into the installer GUI.

For Monterey, it got all the way into the Installer, but there's noBluetooth or Wi-Fi support, and when I proceed to install it anyway, the install never complete. It just hangs.

I've also tried with Mojave as well (configuring the manual settings as posted in Post 1), trying to install fresh. The situation is the same as Big Sur, in that it hangs while trying to load the Installer. Never got into the Install screens.

The only macOS install that I can successfully complete is for macOS High Sierra, and it can only be done via native boot, not thru OCLP. If I boot the High Sierra Installer thru OCLP, it just hangs without reaching the Install GUIs.

My objective is to get brightness control back for my iMac.

Has anyone with and iMac 11,3 with GTX765M successfully get OCLP working with any version of macOS and get native screen brightness control?

You tried this vBIOS version?

 

[quarkysg]

You tried this vBIOS version?

My video BIOS is from 2020. Will try it out and report back! Thanks!

 

[quarkysg]

My video BIOS is from 2020. Will try it out and report back! Thanks!

@Ausdauersportler you’re a genius! Installing Big Sur on my iMac now!! Thanks a million!

 

[Rafy_GZ]

Hi ! need help/advice for a iMac Late 2009 video card upgrade:
I read a lot of post of this thread since I tried and succeed to upgrade my system with Catalina. As the system is running pretty well I thought I could also run Big Sur or even Monterrey. But I am facing again (already change once the GPU 3 years ago) video card troubles. My Radeon 4850 is showing weakness signs with verticals points and even stretches lines during the boot. Now it becomes difficult to enter the OS even in default mode holding shift key.
But truth is I really like this machine still fast and good enough for my working environment needs, so I want to upgrade the video card.
It seems a lot of video cards can be implemented in my iMac 11,1 and I understood the Late 2011 6970M could be an option. Actually if I wish I ideally could have a metal capable video card to run natively latest OS. I believe I can find a lot of second and video card on my nearby hardware market. In order to avoid some mistake and loosing time with incompatible hardware, if someone has a good advice experience to share... I would appreciate. Since probably I will not be able to boot with the original card I also wonder cannot upgrade the bios or flashing the new hardware so easily. Thanks for any help !

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Hi ! need help/advice for a iMac Late 2009 video card upgrade:
I read a lot of post of this thread since I tried and succeed to upgrade my system with Catalina. As the system is running pretty well I thought I could also run Big Sur or even Monterrey. But I am facing again (already change once the GPU 3 years ago) video card troubles. My Radeon 4850 is showing weakness signs with verticals points and even stretches lines during the boot. Now it becomes difficult to enter the OS even in default mode holding shift key.
But truth is I really like this machine still fast and good enough for my working environment needs, so I want to upgrade the video card.
It seems a lot of video cards can be implemented in my iMac 11,1 and I understood the Late 2011 6970M could be an option. Actually if I wish I ideally could have a metal capable video card to run natively latest OS. I believe I can find a lot of second and video card on my nearby hardware market. In order to avoid some mistake and loosing time with incompatible hardware, if someone has a good advice experience to share... I would appreciate. Since probably I will not be able to boot with the original card I also wonder cannot upgrade the bios or flashing the new hardware so easily. Thanks for any help !

You will get any help you need just by studying the first post of this thread. It describes the process, tools needed, cards supported and known issues.

My advice: Get an AMD card! Nvidia lost support with Monterey.

 

[quarkysg]

Need another piece of advice from the experts here.

From post 1., it is recommended that installs with dosdude1 patched system should not use OCLP.

OCLP has a work-around (stated in post 1.) that changing the SMBIOS settings allows installs of Mojave, and I've successfully installed Mojave on an external Firewire drive and it's working great, with native screen brightness control.

So my question is, in my internal SSD drive installed with Mojave with dosdude1 patch, would it be OK if I apply the latest OS updates to it, and instead of re-applying dosdude1 patches again (which I have to do after every update), I use OCLP to boot the internal SSD drive's Mojave install? This should get me native screen brightness control, along with all other device support?

Has anyone attempted this? It's kind of a hassle to re-install the OS, data and apps, although I have TimeMachine backups.

I had originally intended to install Big Sur or Monterey on my iMac but somehow Big Sur cannot connect to Wi-Fi although it can detect the BSSID, while Montery dropped support for Nvidia Kepler GPU cards.

So I have decided to stay on Mojave.

Edit: corrected iMac model number
-----------------------
iMac 11,3 (mid-2010) - GTX765M, 1TB SSD, 20GB RAM, Mojave with Dosdude1 patches

 

[Rafy_GZ]

You will get any help you need just by studying the first post of this thread. It describes the process, tools needed, cards supported and known issues.

My advice: Get an AMD card! Nvidia lost support with Monterey.

Thanks for that advice👍. I do carefully read the first post. If you have the choice which AMD family model metal compatible card will you choose for that iMac 11,1 Late 2009 ? I do means I don't need to have a 4k for amazing performance result as the screen is 27" not retina but something solid I can use for another couple of years. I wonder if someone having the same machine could share his config and experience upgrading video card. I usually draw maps on photoshop and montage on indesign. Rest of the time is more office and multimedia use.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Need another piece of advice from the experts here.

From post 1., it is recommended that installs with dosdude1 patched system should not use OCLP.

OCLP has a work-around (stated in post 1.) that changing the SMBIOS settings allows installs of Mojave, and I've successfully installed Mojave on an external Firewire drive and it's working great, with native screen brightness control.

So my question is, in my internal SSD drive installed with Mojave with dosdude1 patch, would it be OK if I apply the latest OS updates to it, and instead of re-applying dosdude1 patches again (which I have to do after every update), I use OCLP to boot the internal SSD drive's Mojave install? This should get me native screen brightness control, along with all other device support?

Has anyone attempted this? It's kind of a hassle to re-install the OS, data and apps, although I have TimeMachine backups.

I had originally intended to install Big Sur or Monterey on my iMac but somehow Big Sur cannot connect to Wi-Fi although it can detect the BSSID, while Montery dropped support for Nvidia Kepler GPU cards.

So I have decided to stay on Mojave.

Edit: corrected iMac model number
-----------------------
iMac 11,3 (mid-2010) - GTX765M, 1TB SSD, 20GB RAM, Mojave with Dosdude1 patches

Mojave is out of support, there are no new versions available, no new full installer packages so I doubt installing an arbitrary system update (which one??) will redo all patches dosdude1s patcher installed before. But you may give it a try. I do not like those shortcuts! They all come at a cost and very often with a new failure report.

My advice:
Replace the BT/WiFi and move on to Big Sur or Monterey using OCLP and possibly a fresh installation creating the APFS newly with the disk utility version provided by the new macOS version. Use TM backup/restore to add personal data during setup/config of the new macOS.

 

[quarkysg]

Mojave is out of support, there are no new versions available, no new full installer packages so I doubt installing an arbitrary system update (which one??) will redo all patches dosdude1s patcher installed before. But you may give it a try. I do not like those shortcuts! They all come at a cost and very often with a new failure report.

My advice:
Replace the BT/WiFi and move on to Big Sur or Monterey using OCLP and possibly a fresh installation creating the APFS newly with the disk utility version provided by the new macOS version. Use TM backup/restore to add personal data during setup/config of the new macOS.

Thanks for the quick reply @Ausdauersportler .

I'll likely give it a try and see how it goes (applying the latest available Mojave patch, which comes in at 1.5GB in size, and switch over to OCLP). My iMac has not been patched since Oct 2020 . Worst case is I completely muck up my internal SSD and have to do a fresh install anyway.

I'll move on to Big Sur/Monterey if I can get hold of a BT/WiFi module.

 

[viniciustulio]

I was able to successfully upgrade the GPU of my mid 2010 21.5 inch iMac. I upgraded to an AMD FirePro M5100, bought it on aliexpress. I just got lost in the tutorials because it was not clear that it is necessary to modify the card's VBIOS, after I did this I was able to start macOS High Sierra in safe mode and run OCLP to start the system normally and recognizing the GPU correctly, now I've installed it macOS Monterey, but I'm having issues with Wifi that I haven't updated yet. The next step is to upgrade the processor to a core i7 860s

 

[Brad_C]

Some (but not all) replacement cards can drive two displays using a TB2 dock. The second TB2 port unfortunately does not work.

That'd be interesting. I'm driving 2 Thunderbolt displays chained off one port on a 6970m. I'd held off any form of replacement due to the comment about not driving 2 additional displays.

 

[Rafy_GZ]

I was able to successfully upgrade the GPU of my mid 2010 21.5 inch iMac. I upgraded to an AMD FirePro M5100, bought it on aliexpress. I just got lost in the tutorials because it was not clear that it is necessary to modify the card's VBIOS, after I did this I was able to start macOS High Sierra in safe mode and run OCLP to start the system normally and recognizing the GPU correctly, now I've installed it macOS Monterey, but I'm having issues with Wifi that I haven't updated yet. The next step is to upgrade the processor to a core i7 860s

OK thanks for that reference. It appears clear I need upgrade wifi/BT module as well if I want to upgrade OS.

 

[quarkysg]

I'll likely give it a try and see how it goes (applying the latest available Mojave patch, which comes in at 1.5GB in size, and switch over to OCLP). My iMac has not been patched since Oct 2020 . Worst case is I completely muck up my internal SSD and have to do a fresh install anyway.

Quick update. I have updated my Dosdude1 patched Mojave iMac 11,3 GTX765M setup with the 2021-02 security update (1.52 GB in size) and then booted into the iMac via OCLP 0.4.3. Everything seems to be running good. Native screen brightness, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet. USB, Firewire and sound all working.

In fact, before I applied the security patch I tried booting the pre-patch iMac with OCLP and lo and behold, it booted successfully and I get native screen brightness control! So it appears that OCLP and DosDude1 patch can co-exists.

I would not recommend anyone try this (unless you like living dangerously), but this is one data point for reference. I'm just lazy to re-install everything to the way it were

 

[Ulysses_UK]

Hi, having issues with a "Dell" AMD FirePro M4000 1GB. I include pictures for ID.

I've tried to flash this in both an imac 27" 2011, headless with the bootable linux image on this thread and on my Xserve 3.1 in windows 10.
The error i receive is Error: 0FL01.
After another restart and another attempt i cant see the adaptor anymore.

Is this likely a defective card or does it even have a vbios?
Possible to replace the vbios chip or should i look for another method to flash?

 

[dfranetic]

Is this likely a defective card or does it even have a vbios?

Sadly, your card does not have a VBIOS IC...

Possible to replace the vbios chip or should i look for another method to flash?

That's unknown. @Krutav did attempt it, without success. If you feel adventurous, you can try injecting VBIOS via OpenCore.

 

[Ulysses_UK]

Sadly, your card does not have a VBIOS IC...

That's unknown. @Krutav did attempt it, without success. If you feel adventurous, you can try injecting VBIOS via OpenCore.

Ok, so the guide says Dell branded ones should have vbios, only cheaper HP models dont, i guess things change.

Thank you, will have a look at with the injection method.

 

[fronk]

Flashing the original VBIOS would be one way to verify whether it could work at all with the macOS drivers.
You could also check whether it works in Linux and/or Windows. In case it works there some OpenCore tuning (WhateverGreen options) might help.

What are WhateverGreen options?

I've been doing some research these days and found the following in this thread about graphics cards for the MacPro:

-Some of these cards have trouble displaying over DisplayPort 1.2 or later. Solutions: Set your monitor to DisplayPort 1.1 mode or use a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.

I think this is exactly my problem. My monitor uses DP 1.4 but does not allow to force an older version.

Does anyone have any idea what I could do? Has anyone with the W4150 had the same problem?

 

[internetzel]

What are WhateverGreen options?

One web search for "WhateverGreen options" will show you.

I've been doing some research these days and found the following in this thread about graphics cards for the MacPro:

I think this is exactly my problem. My monitor uses DP 1.4 but does not allow to force an older version.

Does anyone have any idea what I could do? Has anyone with the W4150 had the same problem?

Try an DisplayPort(1.1)-to-HDMI(4K) adapter followed by an HDMI(4K)-to-DisplayPort adapter in order to force converting to DisplayPort 1.1?

 

[Pablito1]

Hi,
I finally successfully replaced the faulty original card with the GTX 770m. The internal screen works so I have a question about flashing VBIOS. Can I flash the card with Xanderon Linux USB pen drive on this iMac because the screen works or do I still have to flash from another computer over SSH? I did not found answer on page 1.
Thx

 

[viniciustulio]

OK thanks for that reference. It appears clear I need upgrade wifi/BT module as well if I want to upgrade OS.

after I made this report I discovered that it is important to do the post installation of the OCLP, after this procedure the original wifi is working perfectly.

 

[viniciustulio]

Hi,
I finally successfully replaced the faulty original card with the GTX 770m. The internal screen works so I have a question about flashing VBIOS. Can I flash the card with Xanderon Linux USB pen drive on this iMac because the screen works or do I still have to flash from another computer over SSH? I did not found answer on page 1.
Thx

I think if you connect a keyboard to the mac and it accepts commands, why not do it directly on the machine?

 

[Rafy_GZ]

after I made this report I discovered that it is important to do the post installation of the OCLP, after this procedure the original wifi is working perfectly.

Thanks for sharing. May I ask if need remote SSH to flash the VBios ? And did you also perform the "special install" with an additional copper plate to bridge the gap between sink and GPU chip or just go with the original heatsink?

 

[Ulysses_UK]

Sadly, your card does not have a VBIOS IC...

That's unknown. @Krutav did attempt it, without success. If you feel adventurous, you can try injecting VBIOS via OpenCore.

So I replaced the eeprom (Vbios IC), and now have a working m4000.
How? I used the eeprom from my dead 6970:

I Removed the bios chip from my dead GPU, an ati 6970.
Put the some flux around the chip.
I carefully removed as much solder from each pin of the chip from the board with a fine pointed soldering iron and some copper braid de-soldering wire.
I Applied more flux. Used a heatgun at lowest setting around 350C and some fine pointed tweezers to remove the chip.
Always keeping the gun moving in small circles and heat it just enough time to melt to solder.
When you see the solder start to shimmer or the flux boiling, remove chips as soon as you can or you will cook the chip.

(the ideal tool for this would be a hot air solder station, but, i assume anyone who has that doesn't need my advice replacing an eeprom...)

With the chip and removed its important to identify pin 1 on the chip and pin 1 on its new location. Correct orientation is critical.
Put some flux on the solder points where the chip will be placed.
You can either solder or use a heat gun to attached the chip.
I tried using my soldering iron, but, my hands are not the steadiest, and it was a low wattage soldering iron. The other iron i have is too high wattage and doesn't have a fine tip.
After knocking the chip off a few times trying to solder it i opted to use the heat gun again.
again always keeping the gun moving in small circles and for the just enough time to melt to solder. don't overdo it or you will fry the chip and/or the entire card.

I then flashed the m4000 on my xserve 3.1 which has an mxm slot.
I am using my rx 560 in the machine with the m4000 mxm card in place but not connected to any displays. My reasoning for that is as we are using the old vbios from the 6970m on the m4000 until we re-flash. Booting up a gpu with the wrong vbios and a connected display might kill the card. Don't know that for certain, just being cautious.
Using the linux image and ssh, without the internal or external display would be best if flashing like this on an imac. You can see that it identified as "Verde" (6970) in the attached pictures. That is good because it proves the old eeprom is connected and works.

Then Flashed as per the guide same as a normal w4000 with bios. I flashed in windows because I have two GPU's so it was easy to.

A lot of effort for a low spec card, but, should get me going with metal support in big sur and mavericks.

 

[Krutav]

So I replaced the eeprom (Vbios IC), and now have a working m4000.
How? I used the eeprom from my dead 6970:

I Removed the bios chip from my dead GPU, an ati 6970.
Put the some flux around the chip.
I carefully removed as much solder from each pin of the chip from the board with a fine pointed soldering iron and some copper braid de-soldering wire.
I Applied more flux. Used a heatgun at lowest setting around 350C and some fine pointed tweezers to remove the chip.
Always keeping the gun moving in small circles and heat it just enough time to melt to solder.
When you see the solder start to shimmer or the flux boiling, remove chips as soon as you can or you will cook the chip.

(the ideal tool for this would be a hot air solder station, but, i assume anyone who has that doesn't need my advice replacing an eeprom...)

With the chip and removed its important to identify pin 1 on the chip and pin 1 on its new location. Correct orientation is critical.
Put some flux on the solder points where the chip will be placed.
You can either solder or use a heat gun to attached the chip.
I tried using my soldering iron, but, my hands are not the steadiest, and it was a low wattage soldering iron. The other iron i have is too high wattage and doesn't have a fine tip.
After knocking the chip off a few times trying to solder it i opted to use the heat gun again.
again always keeping the gun moving in small circles and for the just enough time to melt to solder. don't overdo it or you will fry the chip and/or the entire card.

I then flashed the m4000 on my xserve 3.1 which has an mxm slot.
I am using my rx 560 in the machine with the m4000 mxm card in place but not connected to any displays. My reasoning for that is as we are using the old vbios from the 6970m on the m4000 until we re-flash. Booting up a gpu with the wrong vbios and a connected display might kill the card. Don't know that for certain, just being cautious.
Using the linux image and ssh, without the internal or external display would be best if flashing like this on an imac. You can see that it identified as "Verde" (6970) in the attached pictures. That is good because it proves the old eeprom is connected and works.

Then Flashed as per the guide same as a normal w4000 with bios. I flashed in windows because I have two GPU's so it was easy to.

A lot of effort for a low spec card, but, should get me going with metal support in big sur and mavericks.

So I have the same card as you, and I did more or less the same as you with your M4000 card. However, I was unsuccessful in getting the VBIOS to be actually loaded by the card even though it is detected by ATIFLASH and AMDVBFLASH.

With that said, would you be able to follow up with more details such as whether the card works with OpenCore boot menu screen and doesn't need any external VBIOS injection? In addition, would you also be able to send pictures of the front and back of the cards? Thanks.