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

[internetzel]

First of all, a big THANK YOU to all the people who contributed to this thread. Having the possibility to revive these wonderful machines is truly awesome.

Now to the bad news: I read so many posts from this thread I can't give an estimate, but still... I can't get my iMac to POST with the new GPU

Situation: WX4150 on 11,3 iMac
Install the new card with copper plate, K5 pro paste for memory and MX-4 paste for the GPU. Detach the internal hard disks to boot from @xanderon's grml-based usb. After discovering that my ethernet module is fried, I use a usb keyboard to blindly setup a wifi connection. Finally, with an SSH connection I flash the WX4150_GOP vBIOS after saving the original one. Reboot, PRAM reset and... black screen.

Now I know that I can't get the boot menu since I don't have OC installed, but I would expect to see the grml usb printing stuff. I have tried to flash other vBIOSes, specifically the ALT version from @internetzel's post and the WX4130 GOP and ALT (thinking that maybe they sold me a different model), but after each round of: blind wifi setup, flash, reboot + PRAM reset... I get the same black screen.

Did I do something wrong in the process? Can I try something to see if the problem is the card itself? I am starting to think it could be defective and not as new as advertised.


Here is the result of the first flash of the WX4150_GOP.rom:

AMDVBFLASH version 4.71, Copyright (c) 2020 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Old SSID: 17B0
New SSID: 0B04
Old P/N: BR20623.001
New P/N: 113-L10991-101
Old DeviceID: 67E8
New DeviceID: 67E8
Old Product Name: Dell/Compal Crane 15 BaffinM GL Pro A1 GDDR5 4GB 300e/300m
New Product Name: Pegatron BaffinM GL PRO A1 GDDR5 4GB 214e/300m
Old BIOS Version: 015.050.000.001.020623
New BIOS Version: 015.050.000.001.000000
Flash type: M25P40/c
Burst size is 256
80000/80000h bytes programmed
80000/80000h bytes verified

Restart System To Complete VBIOS Update.

P.S. since the close-up image is not so clear, the VRAM memory of the card has the following writing:
SAMSUNG 834
K4G80325FB-HC28

Your card is damaged on the backside, near the miniPCIe connector; there's one component almost completely ripped off - unfortunately including at least one solder pad.
There are chances to get it to work again, but someone with experience in doing such a repair job should do it.

 

[angelo50]

Hey guys

I have spent hours to find an answer but without success

I have upgraded à lot of IMac with Keppler Nvidia with success
But, I need for a particular one to keep mountain lion on it
And, with this OS, The screen stay black
But, if I boot from high sierra, the screen work
Any help ?
Config: K2100 , patched with the Standard K2100 rom

Angelo.

 

[torsapbro]

Good afternoon, everyone. I have an imac 27 of 2011, but the rx470 failed on it. Now I have an imac 27 of 2009, but having connected the rx470 to it, the screen is black, the boot sound is heard, and then this sound loops.Help please.The win10. vbios rx470 system is stitched to the correct one.it's a pity that there are no diagnostic lights on imac 2009.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Good afternoon, everyone. I have an imac 27 of 2011, but the rx470 failed on it. Now I have an imac 27 of 2009, but having connected the rx470 to it, the screen is black, the boot sound is heard, and then this sound loops.Help please.The win10. vbios rx470 system is stitched to the correct one.it's a pity that there are no diagnostic lights on imac 2009.

We have no Windows and no macOS experience with the card or the vBIOS you are using. Install Sierra or High Sierra, get an external monitor and check the system again without the internal LCD installed.

There are four diagnostic LED on the 2009 system board (rear side, use a mirror to check them through the bottom air holes). Read the Technician Guide (links on first post) how to interpret these four LED....

 

[internetzel]

Good afternoon, everyone. I have an imac 27 of 2011, but the rx470 failed on it. Now I have an imac 27 of 2009, but having connected the rx470 to it, the screen is black, the boot sound is heard, and then this sound loops.Help please.The win10. vbios rx470 system is stitched to the correct one.it's a pity that there are no diagnostic lights on imac 2009.

Only the 27" iMac late 2009 with Intel Core-i CPU (model name "iMac 11,1") has some chances to work well with your graphics card. Please specify the exact model of your iMac.
Furthermore photos from the top and bottom side of your graphics would be useful, as well as the original VBIOS from the card.
Provided the card is installed properly in your machine and the machine is otherwise fully working, the only chance of accessing the VBIOS EEPROM would be to either hold the EEPROM in short circuit while booting up the machine or by using a clip flasher.
Another option would be to put it into the machine it came from.

 

[SEJU]

I am finally upgrading my iMac 2011 27" with an WX7100 - 109 C65847 00D 02 I bought on the Internet. I have my fingers crossed and will let you know how it works out.

I would like to clear some doubts, I still have on the process, even after studying post #1.

1) I would like to use the CH341 to backup the old VBIOS and install the new one. Am I right in assuming that I have to use the 25xx series section on the CH341 programmer? The vBIOS chip on the WX7100 says MX IC 25L4006E M1i-12G ... so 25xx it is ... Am I correct?

And in case I use the CH341 for the BootROM on the motherboard: 24xx or 25xx?

2) Regarding the iMac's bootROM modification mentioned in post #1 and @Ausdauersportler's post #18.993:

2.1) does the iMac firmware modification also work with the GOP vBIOS or only with the EG BIOS version? With other words: Is the bootROM modification something useful independently from the vBIOS I am choosing? I was considering the EG BIOS Version in order to being able to test the machine in High Sierra before upgrading to Big Sur by using OCLP.

2.2) can I modify the bootROM on my iMac and patch it directly to the BIOS chip on the motherboard through flashROM or do I have to patch it and use a second machine with the CH341 to put it on the BIOS chip?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Ausdauersportler]

I am finally upgrading my iMac 2011 27" with an WX7100 - 109 C65847 00D 02 I bought on the Internet. I have my fingers crossed and will let you know how it works out.

I would like to clear some doubts, I still have on the process, even after studying post #1.

1) I would like to use the CH341 to backup the old VBIOS and install the new one. Am I right in assuming that I have to use the 25xx series section on the CH341 programmer? The vBIOS chip on the WX7100 says MX IC 25L4006E M1i-12G ... so 25xx it is ... Am I correct?

IDK - use the Linux GRML tool

And in case I use the CH341 for the BootROM on the motherboard: 24xx or 25xx?

IDK - AFAIK it does not matter

2) Regarding the iMac's bootROM modification mentioned in post #1 and @Ausdauersportler's post #18.993:

2.1) does the iMac firmware modification also work with the GOP vBIOS or only with the EG BIOS version?

No, but it is transparent. GOP behavior does not change!

With other words: Is the bootROM modification something useful independently from the vBIOS I am choosing?

No

I was considering the EG BIOS Version in order to being able to test the machine in High Sierra before upgrading to Big Sur by using OCLP.

2.2) can I modify the bootROM on my iMac and patch it directly to the BIOS chip on the motherboard through flashROM

No

or do I have to patch it and use a second machine with the CH341 to put it on the BIOS chip?

No

You can use your current iMac and Linux flashrom to pull the current vBIOS and modify it! But is is a better idea to pull it using the clip, you have done at least one successful read on your chip using the clip. Having a non working clip can cause a lot of problems on writing.

But you need a clip to flash it using flashrom from a second computer. There is no way around it.

Can you please avoid questions containing any or clauses?

Thank you in advance!

Why not a list of simple and short questions?

You need a Ver 1.1 card. If you cannot find such a print on the WX7100 card do not even start to install it or mod the firmware.

 

[SEJU]

Thank you very much for your reply!

IDK - use the Linux GRML tool

IDK - AFAIK it does not matter

I used the 25xx section, the one closer to the USB interface and got a connection to the WX7100. The GPU authenticated itself and I was able to get the data from it.

No, but it is transparent. GOP behavior does not change!

I think that is what I was asking for ... if I could use the GOP vBIOS with the modded bootROM. In case I would switch the vBIOS later for whatever reason.

You mean transparent as in: the bootROM modification does not have an effect in combination with the GOP vBIOS (OC does serve the boot screen with the GOP vBIOS).

The modded firmware is not "useful", but the system would run with the combination GOP vBIOS + modded firmware.

No

No

No

I do not get the last "no". I thought I was describing the process you suggest: to use an CH341 from a second machine to patch the modded bootROM to the motherboard.

You can use your current iMac and Linux flashrom to pull the current vBIOS and modify it! But is is a better idea to pull it using the clip, you have done at least one successful read on your chip using the clip. Having a non working clip can cause a lot of problems on writing.

But you need a clip to flash it using flashrom from a second computer. There is no way around it.

I was trying to understand what ways existed to write the bootROM to the motherboard. In your answer you write vBIOS. Did you mean bootROM?

I used flashrom on the iMac to pull the bootROM, but will do it again with the CH341 to verify, that a successful connection can be made for the write part of the process. Excellent advice!

Can you please avoid questions containing any or clauses?

Why not a list of simple and short questions?

I will take note and try to follow it.

You need a Ver 1.1 card. If you cannot find such a print on the WX7100 card do not even start to install it or mod the firmware.

I bought a Ver 1.1 as advised throughout this thread and hope it will work. I will try to document everything thoroughly and will report on my experience in order to give you all some more informations about the WX7100.

For now I can share the pictures of the card and a screenshot of my flashrom session.

 

[idenis42]

Thank you very much for your reply!

I used the 25xx section, the one closer to the USB interface and got a connection to the WX7100. The GPU authenticated itself and I was able to get the data from it.

I think that is what I was asking for ... if I could use the GOP vBIOS with the modded bootROM. In case I would switch the vBIOS later for whatever reason.

You mean transparent as in: the bootROM modification does not have an effect in combination with the GOP vBIOS (OC does serve the boot screen with the GOP vBIOS).

The modded firmware is not "useful", but the system would run with the combination GOP vBIOS + modded firmware.

I do not get the last "no". I thought I was describing the process you suggest: to use an CH341 from a second machine to patch the modded bootROM to the motherboard.

I was trying to understand what ways existed to write the bootROM to the motherboard. In your answer you write vBIOS. Did you mean bootROM?

I used flashrom on the iMac to pull the bootROM, but will do it again with the CH341 to verify, that a successful connection can be made for the write part of the process. Excellent advice!

I will take note and try to follow it.

I bought a Ver 1.1 as advised throughout this thread and hope it will work. I will try to document everything thoroughly and will report on my experience in order to give you all some more informations about the WX7100.

For now I can share the pictures of the card and a screenshot of my flashrom session.

First, install OCLP through your native AMD 6770 video card. Then insert vx7100. Connect an external monitor or TV. Turn on your computer. OCLP will be visible on the TV. Start Linux. Flash like this - ./amdflash -f -p 0 newbios.rom! Ready. Reboot.

 

[SEJU]

First, install OCLP through your native AMD 6770 video card. Then insert vx7100. Connect an external monitor or TV. Turn on your computer. OCLP will be visible on the TV. Start Linux. Flash like this - ./amdflash -f -p 0 newbios.rom! Ready. Reboot.

Thanks for your input. I was hesitant to install OCLP right away on my iMac's system-disk, while the iMac is still running High Sierra. I had a bad experience with OCLP on my Mac Pro running Mojave. To my knowledge the native OCLP installation comes with support only for Catalina and above ...

 

[Ausdauersportler]

I bought a Ver 1.1 as advised throughout this thread and hope it will work. I will try to document everything thoroughly and will report on my experience in order to give you all some more informations about the WX7100.

For now I can share the pictures of the card and a screenshot of my flashrom session.

Just stick to the original post Nick made. Honestly putting contradicting facts into a single question and connecting it to another question constructed in the same awkward way can convert a simple and easy to understand three year old post a complex and misleading thing.

I bought a Pomona 5250 SOIC clip a year ago on eBay after my cheap China clip quit the service. Using it I flashed graphics cards 100+ times and iMacs approximately 30+ times - the electronics is still the cheap China tool I bought three years ago.

You can create your own full GRML Linux tool including flashrom to pull the iMac vBIOS using this guide and make if even rewritable using this Linux tool. Of course, the first write has to be made using a SOIC clip!

About OLCP you might read the official docs or the short guide and list of hints on the first post here. You cannot run this card without OLCP - unless you are willing to rebuild a fully working OpenCore config yourself looting all necessary components from the OCLP development like other maintainers of OC distributions did and do.

 

[Kouiderdream]

Hallo every body
Since dome week ends i installed one S7100x card with 8 go succefull with high sierra but not posdible to install Montery its an 2009 imac 27‘‘
I pluged nee time an old card i had installed Montery and swipped new time the s7100x it was reconized as rx 290 but only with 14 mb vram has somme one an adea

 

[dfranetic]

Hallo every body
Since dome week ends i installed one S7100x card with 8 go succefull with high sierra but not posdible to install Montery its an 2009 imac 27‘‘
I pluged nee time an old card i had installed Montery and swipped new time the s7100x it was reconized as rx 290 but only with 14 mb vram has somme one an adea

More detail please? I'm guessing you installed Monterey via OCLP and created OCLP config with the old card. (Possibly you even installed post-install patches.) Plug in the S7100X, rebuild and rewrite OCLP configuration, reinstall Monterey.

 

[SEJU]

Just stick to the original post Nick made. Honestly putting contradicting facts into a single question and connecting it to another question constructed in the same awkward way can convert a simple and easy to understand three year old post a complex and misleading thing.

I bought a Pomona 5250 SOIC clip a year ago on eBay after my cheap China clip quit the service. Using it I flashed graphics cards 100+ times and iMacs approximately 30+ times - the electronics is still the cheap China tool I bought three years ago.

You can create your own full GRML Linux tool including flashrom to pull the iMac vBIOS using this guide and make if even rewritable using this Linux tool. Of course, the first write has to be made using a SOIC clip!

About OLCP you might read the official docs or the short guide and list of hints on the first post here. You cannot run this card without OLCP - unless you are willing to rebuild a fully working OpenCore config yourself looting all necessary components from the OCLP development like other maintainers of OC distributions did and do.

Thanks for your feedback!

I actually wanted to make a simple and flexible upgrade. My first choice after reading post #1 was GOP vBIOS + OCLP, since no bootROM/firmware patch on the motherboard would be necessary. I tried OCLP on my Mac Pro 5.1, which runs Mojave, in order to get some knowledge about it. Unfortunately I experienced on the Mac Pro that OCLP's standard configurations do not work with macOSs such as High Sierra or Mojave.

I would like to test the upgraded machine on High Sierra before putting Big Sur on it ...

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Thanks for your feedback!

I actually wanted to make a simple and flexible upgrade. My first choice after reading post #1 was GOP vBIOS + OCLP, since no bootROM/firmware patch on the motherboard would be necessary. I tried OCLP on my Mac Pro 5.1, which runs Mojave, in order to get some knowledge about it. Unfortunately I experienced on the Mac Pro that OCLP's standard configurations do not work with macOSs such as High Sierra or Mojave.

It works with both macOS version in the very same way it works with other OpenCore distributions....Either add the famous -no_compat_check to the boot-args or use the iMacPro1,1 SMBIOS, the latter could have been changed by simply running the OCLP app and rewrite OC and reboot.

I would like to test the upgraded machine on High Sierra before putting Big Sur on it ...

To display the OC boot picker your need OCLP. All GCN4 vBIOS version have the so called High Sierra bug. You will experience a black screen on boot when trying this unless you patched High Sierra (AGDC patch) or use the agpdmod=vit9696 in the boot-args (you need to delete this entry when using newer macOS versions). If you do not plan to use High Sierra on the long run it will be a one time fix.

First post and now I am done with repeating stuff ...

If your iMac is still running you can prepare either fix in advance.

 

[Aliceelle]

Good morning, I have a k2100m on imac 27 2009 i7 , could windows 11 work? In case for 10 can you put only that without dual boot?

 

[Kouiderdream]

More detail please? I'm guessing you installed Monterey via OCLP and created OCLP config with the old card. (Possibly you even installed post-install patches.) Plug in the S7100X, rebuild and rewrite OCLP configuration, reinstall Monterey.

Hallo
That what i did before but not possible to get the ocp working on high siera no problem it reconized the 8gb but not on Montery may some drivers are missing

 

[mahmutakn]

hello guys ı have a imac 21.5 2011 a1311 ı need to the graphic card 2gb upgrade help me please

 

[Ausdauersportler]

hello guys ı have a imac 21.5 2011 a1311 ı need to the graphic card 2gb upgrade help me please

You need to find a fitting small MXM-A card for your iMac on your local market - where ever you may live on these planet.
All working cards are listed here (NVIDIA or AMD GCN4) both in small MXM-A format.

All information needed you will find on the same page. Have fun!

 

[Kouiderdream]

Hallo
That what i did before but not possible to get the ocp working on high siera no problem it reconized the 8gb but not on Montery may some drivers are missing

Making new installation does nt work using actusl one the bar bolcjed in the middle

 

[mahmutakn]

You need to find a fitting small MXM-A card for your iMac on your local market - where ever you may live on these planet.
All working cards are listed here (NVIDIA or AMD GCN4) both in small MXM-A format.

All information needed you will find on the same page. Have fun!

RADEON HD6970M will this card work ? Can you recommend a suitable model for me?​

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Making new installation does nt work using actusl one the bar bolcjed in the middle

Please post in this thread questions about OLCP and Monterey! This thread is about the GPU upgrade, which you already managed.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ausdauersportler]

RADEON HD6970M will this card work ? Can you recommend a suitable model for me?​

No, card is too big to fit into your small iMac - it is an MXM-B type card.
Suitable: AMD WX4130 - best card to get! Nvidia K1100M or Nvidia K610M cheapest cards to get.

 

[clara90]

Good evening , I am a new user but first of all I would like to thank you all for the contribution to this thread and helping me starting this proect to bring back to life my old 2011 27 imac but sadly I cant get it to work . I bought a nvidia k3100m and modded the heatsink , installed it with thermal paste on the die and k5 pro on the memories , I connected the gpu and reconnected all the small cables but sadly I only get a black screen after the boot sound , the fans starts but nothing ever appears on screen , since I opened it i also replaced the internal hdd with a kingston 500gb ssd (empty) but i doubt that it is the problem , I noticed that on the motherboard only the first two leds light up so the gpu is not properly communicating with the monitor, should I try getting a mini display port to hdmi adapter and try with an external monitor ? I did not flash the gpu before installing it so I do not know if that could be the problem but online it seems like people are able to boot even before flashing it . Thank you .

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Good evening , I am a new user but first of all I would like to thank you all for the contribution to this thread and helping me starting this proect to bring back to life my old 2011 27 imac but sadly I cant get it to work . I bought a nvidia k3100m and modded the heatsink , installed it with thermal paste on the die and k5 pro on the memories , I connected the gpu and reconnected all the small cables but sadly I only get a black screen after the boot sound , the fans starts but nothing ever appears on screen , since I opened it i also replaced the internal hdd with a kingston 500gb ssd (empty) but i doubt that it is the problem , I noticed that on the motherboard only the first two leds light up so the gpu is not properly communicating with the monitor, should I try getting a mini display port to hdmi adapter and try with an external monitor ? I did not flash the gpu before installing it so I do not know if that could be the problem but online it seems like people are able to boot even before flashing it . Thank you .

Flashing is mandatory!
How to flash? FAQ on the first page and first post, see Q3.
Which vBIOS: Please read the K3100 post @nikey22 made about his card.