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

[bkiben]

Hello!
I have a question about which video card you currently recommend? With which there are few problems, I'm thinking of a 4GB or higher card. I would like to use it macOS Ventura. Thanks.

My config: iMac 27 2011 mid
cpu: i7-2600
memory: 32GB
gpu: AMD Radeon HD 6970M 1GB
2 ssd (Dvd drive replaced)

 

[Jforte]

Hello!
I have a question about which video card you currently recommend? With which there are few problems, I'm thinking of a 4GB or higher card. I would like to use it macOS Ventura. Thanks.

My config: iMac 27 2011 mid
cpu: i7-2600
memory: 32GB
gpu: AMD Radeon HD 6970M 1GB
2 ssd (Dvd drive replaced)

You can use 2 SSD and keep the dvd drive (you must buy a power/sata cable.
The best cards are AMD, like wx4150, wx4170 or wx7100. Read post 1.

 

[s3eker]

Hello guys, I view on external display my iMac 11,3 graphics shows Quadro K2100M, so it means the vga is normal,right? my internal display still black screen.

 

[maccoops]

vsync cable is broken - the plug disintegrated as I was teasing it out. Gutted.

@internetzel

I have replaced the vsync cable BUT was not able to connect it to the main logic board - I was only able to connect it to the socket hidden under the tape on the reverse of the display itself. Clearly this is how the data from the temp sensor is flowing, as the fans are now running as normal.

And... The CPU speed limit is now removed and I now get a benchmark score of 1213. Great!

But then what issues, if any, should I expect - if the vsync cable is not connected to the main logic board?

If none then I will not try to fix the problem. If there are problems then I will try to remove the broken parts of the plug from the logic board socket.

Obviously if this were an easy fix then I would just do it. But it does not appear to be an easy fix especially with my poor eyesight!

 

[floral]

Hello guys, I view on external display my iMac 11,3 graphics shows Quadro K2100M, so it means the vga is normal,right? my internal display still black screen.

View attachment 2200097

Um... is that a 720p display? ...480p?

 

[s3eker]

Um... is that a 720p display? ...480p?

it's vga monitor. 800x600

 

[floral]

it's vga monitor. 800x600

...You.. um.. might want to get a better one...

 

[s3eker]

...You.. um.. might want to get a better one...

I only use this monitor for testing purpose. Not for daily use. So no problem with 800x600 res

 

[floral]

I only use this monitor for testing purpose. Not for daily use. So no problem with 800x600 res

Okay, good. I thought that was your main display... almost had a heart attack

 

[ZenSurfeur]

K5100M or M5100?

sorry K5100M

 

[gagarin]

Hello!
I have a question about which video card you currently recommend? With which there are few problems, I'm thinking of a 4GB or higher card. I would like to use it macOS Ventura. Thanks.

My config: iMac 27 2011 mid
cpu: i7-2600
memory: 32GB
gpu: AMD Radeon HD 6970M 1GB
2 ssd (Dvd drive replaced)

 

[bkiben]

View attachment 2200321

Thanks!
Only AMD? I see GTX 880m. What problem with card? No working in macOS ventura?

 

[gagarin]

Thanks!
Only AMD? I see GTX 880m. What problem with card? No working in macOS ventura?

Last Mac with Nvidia GPU is from 2014 which is not officially supported by Monterey or Ventura, support is basically hacked for it while AMD support is native.

P.S. BUT read Knownw issues for AMD GCN v4 GPU (2016-2017) cards before buying

 

[internetzel]

@internetzel

I have replaced the vsync cable BUT was not able to connect it to the main logic board - I was only able to connect it to the socket hidden under the tape on the reverse of the display itself. Clearly this is how the data from the temp sensor is flowing, as the fans are now running as normal.

And... The CPU speed limit is now removed and I now get a benchmark score of 1213. Great!

But then what issues, if any, should I expect - if the vsync cable is not connected to the main logic board?

If none then I will not try to fix the problem. If there are problems then I will try to remove the broken parts of the plug from the logic board socket.

Obviously if this were an easy fix then I would just do it. But it does not appear to be an easy fix especially with my poor eyesight!

My vsync cable was also broken, and I replaced it - but I didn't notice a difference.
In theory the vsync should avoid issues like "tearing".

But rather than the vsync cable I suspect you did now connect some thermal sensor better than before - so now the power management is working properly again.

 

[maccoops]

AMD M5100 2GB support (AMD Radeon R9 M370X 2GB)

[...cut...]

In case you have a working system before changing the card just run OLCP, select the proper MXM GPU type to AMD (GCN) and build and install OpenCore to your system and reboot. Otherwise use another Mac to create the OC settings or create a OpenCore BootCD.

The settings needed are equivalent with adding radpg=15 -wegtree apdpmod=pikera to the boot-args in the config.plist of OpenCore.
[...cut...]

On my 2nd iMac I will install an AMD M5100 as described in this post but I am not able to change the MXM GPU in developer settings.

I am running High Sierra, have downloaded and run OCLP 0.6.5. First I selected AMD GCN as my GPU model in developer settings, then returned to menu then I went back into developer settings but AMD GCN was no longer selected. I went through this several times and the setting did not "stick". I installed OCLP anyway, and rebooted. I re-checked the setting in developer settings and GPU model is still set to None.

[SOLOUTION] Ausdauersportler kindly suggested I manually edit config.plist to add the required settings. To find this file, copy the path that is shown at the end of the build log.

In my case the path is

 /var/folders/bc/wn2t7mmx223cm7w55hgnqh940000gn/T/tmpp489oo0v/Build-Folder/OpenCore-Build

.

The file config.plist is inside

.../EFI/OC

so the full path is

 /var/folders/bc/wn2t7mmx223cm7w55hgnqh940000gn/T/tmpp489oo0v/Build-Folder/OpenCore-Build/EFI/OC/config.plist

.

First make a copy of the file, then edit the original. Find the boot-args section and add the settings

radpg=15 -wegtree apdpmod=pikera

there.

According to my limited understanding, when you install OCLP to disk, it will adopt the settings you have added.

 

[Jay6]

Hi everyone, I would like to sell my upgraded iMac 27 2011 i7-3.4ghz Mac but I have no idea how much it worth. Anyone could help me get an idea of pricing and where I can sell it ? (I'm in Canada)

Thanks

Here's the specs :

iMac 27 2011 / i7-3.4GHz / NVIDIA Gtx780m / 16 GB RAM / MAC OS Ventura / WiFi + BT 4.2 UPGRADED with BCM943602CDP / 256 SSD / Airdrop, Handoff, Camera continuity, Airplay, Apple Watch unlock SUPPORTED

 

[Bmju]

Hi everyone, I would like to sell my upgraded iMac 27 2011 i7-3.4ghz Mac but I have no idea how much it worth. Anyone could help me get an idea of pricing and where I can sell it ? (I'm in Canada)

Thanks

Here's the specs :

iMac 27 2011 / i7-3.4GHz / NVIDIA Gtx780m / 16 GB RAM / MAC OS Ventura / WiFi + BT 4.2 UPGRADED with BCM943602CDP / 256 SSD / Airdrop, Handoff, Camera continuity, Airplay, Apple Watch unlock SUPPORTED
View attachment 2200528

eBay completed sales search?

 

[Jay6]

eBay completed sales search?

Good idea. Thanks

 

[s3eker]

Make an Update to High Sierra with additional Firmware Update to your iMac (should be iMac 11.3).

Hopefully your seller spoke the truth - most sellers have no great experience with ROM Updates
and if you buy from AliExpress sometimes you become the last trash of item (a DOA Card) with
a subsequently soldered BIOS Chip and a ROM file on EEPROM from anywhere...

Your NVIDIA Quadro K2100M must POST (Apple Boot Screen + Boot Selector - press ALT on Start)
without any OCLP or OC Loader from Startup Chime - if you have the lastest firmware, regardless
what macOS you have (should be High Sierra -> because of firmware)...

NVIDIA Spoiler: Read here again + the links

No.3 / No.7 / No.10

View attachment 2198683

I did upgrade to high sierra 10.13.2 and external display work but still black screen on internal. After upgrade to 10.13.6 and install nvidia patch now totally black screen on internal and external.

 

[Pacific1972]

I did upgrade to high sierra 10.13.2 and external display work but still black screen on internal. After upgrade to 10.13.6 and install nvidia patch now totally black screen on internal and external.

Hello, try a PRAM Reset CMD+ALT+P+R on StartUp, hold down the keys and
wait untill the macOS chime comes three times (without external Display)
- after that release the keys and boot into High Sierra.

It was good if you have additional infos about your machine. The Nvidia Patch
is only for A1312 (2009). If there is black screen anymore, try to hold ALT
on StartUp to get the Apple Boot Picker.

That is only - of course - if your ROM patch was successful and you have
no dead GPU. Sometimes users make a BIOS Update and forgot to control
and edit the GPU ID, sometimes faulty with the software method (NVflash).

To prevent there are no other faults on the iMac try an original
AMD Apple GPU (don't forget the GPU thermal sensor on install) ...

 

[s3eker]

Hello, try a PRAM Reset CMD+ALT+P+R on StartUp, hold down the keys and
wait untill the macOS chime comes three times (without external Display)
- after that release the keys and boot into High Sierra.

It was good if you have additional infos about your machine. The Nvidia Patch
is only for A1312 (2009). If there is black screen anymore, try to hold ALT
on StartUp to get the Apple Boot Picker.

That is only - of course - if your ROM patch was successful and you have
no dead GPU. Sometimes users make a BIOS Update and forgot to control
and edit the GPU ID, sometimes faulty with the software method (NVflash).

To prevent there are no other faults on the iMac try an original
AMD Apple GPU (don't forget the GPU thermal sensor on install) ...

I use iMac 27 inch 2010. and yes, it is still black screen even after I try nvram reset and press alt to show apple boot picker.

this pic is on external display before I install Nvidia patch. is that means vga card is OK? now it's totally black screen on internal or external display.

 

[Pacific1972]

I use iMac 27 inch 2010. and yes, it is still black screen even after I try nvram reset and press alt to show apple boot picker.

this pic is on external display before I install Nvidia patch. is that means vga card is OK? now it's totally black screen on internal or external display.

View attachment 2201493

Sometimes it's useful to take out the Power Plug, wait a few seconds
and then rotate the plug and put it to power supply again. Your Card
seems to be correctly ROM-patched. Perhaps you must make a new
Installation of High Sierra, the Nvidia Patch is for 2009 models only !

🙃 ...for fresh install don't use OCLP !!!

 

[s3eker]

Sometimes it's useful to take out the Power Plug, wait a few seconds
and then rotate the plug and put it to power supply again. Your Card
seems to be correctly ROM-patched. Perhaps you must make a new
Installation of High Sierra, the Nvidia Patch is for 2009 models only !

🙃 ...for fresh install don't use OCLP !!!

I try fresh install on a cheap ssd from my 2013 imac and still black screen using both internal and external display.

 

[joker9012]

hi there everyone! o got a problem with flashing my gtx680 tried al the methods i think
is says pcie board id mismatch...how can i fix this thing? thank you for your answears

 

[The_Croupier]

I try fresh install on a cheap ssd from my 2013 imac and still black screen using both internal and external display.

Maybe you damaged some components on your logic board while performing the upgrade? it is know to happen.