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

[mrbryceguy]

My 12,2 wx3200 installation post ( #22005 ) outlining vBIOS, OCLP, Copper shim, Sonoma/Sequoia...

Gotcha- I am have little experience soldering and adding the jumpers/resistors is intimidating. Because the card is an HP, that step in mandatory, correct? Even on a 11,3?

Thanks for the response, I am super deep into this project and committed to completion!

 

[Greyday23]

Post #1 nVidia Kepler choices (K610m, K2100m is good) will run macOS Big Sur well.
Post #1 AMD GCN1-3 (eg M4000, M5100) and GCN4 (wx4130) will all run latest macOS fairly well.

All $20-$30 in US except pricier wx4130. Cheaper GCN4 wx3200 (currently $30 on ebay) is possible if more skilled (GPU card soldering mod + slightly more complex install)

Signature link has all my experiences with these cards.

Its an 12,1 so i guess the M4000, M5100 are not working in this Model. So i need to buy a GCN4 card right?
The K2100m would be an option too but i want to run Sonoma on it

 

[andyzeo]

Post #1 nVidia Kepler choices (K610m, K2100m is good) will run macOS Big Sur well.
Post #1 AMD GCN1-3 (eg M4000, M5100) and GCN4 (wx4130) will all run latest macOS fairly well.

All $20-$30 in US except pricier wx4130. Cheaper GCN4 wx3200 (currently $30 on ebay) is possible if more skilled (GPU card soldering mod + slightly more complex install)

Signature link has all my experiences with these cards.

do the AMD ones have EFI boot screen after the Vbios flash? or are you blind booting and waiting for the OS to kick in?
do you know if they are still with the sleep issues with iMac12,x?

 

[howardc64]

do the AMD ones have EFI boot screen after the Vbios flash? or are you blind booting and waiting for the OS to kick in?

M4000 and wx4130 have EG vBIOS. Not sure about M5100. Read my signature links for EG details and these 2 GPU vBIOSes.

do you know if they are still with the sleep issues with iMac12,x?

GCN1-3 all have sleep issues. wx4130 does not but much more expensive wx3200 is cheaper but require soldering mod + more installation difficulty.

 

[howardc64]

Its an 12,1 so i guess the M4000, M5100 are not working in this Model. So i need to buy a GCN4 card right?

Correct, GCN1-3 all have sleep/wake issue on 12,x GCN4 unfortunately more expensive except for the more difficult wx3200. See details in my signature website.

The K2100m would be an option too but i want to run Sonoma on it

Signature website has links to Kepler Sequoia and Ventura feedbacks.

 

[howardc64]

Gotcha- I am have little experience soldering and adding the jumpers/resistors is intimidating. Because the card is an HP, that step in mandatory, correct? Even on a 11,3?

It seems at last the 2x jumper mod seem to have no exception. Not hard with microsoldering equip + skill but shouldn't attempt if limited experience. Take it to someone with equip+skill?

 

[andyzeo]

thanks for the replies, I did read all of your documentation but I'm not sure if your answer completely solved my doubt

M4000 and wx4130 have EG vBIOS. Not sure about M5100. Read my signature links for EG details and these 2 GPU vBIOSes.

but with these vBIOS do they show the original EFI boot picker from apple or only the OCLP boot picker? I mean, will I manage to select and boot from an external usb if the SATA drive with the OCLP is pulled out?

thanks once again

 

[howardc64]

thanks for the replies, I did read all of your documentation but I'm not sure if your answer completely solved my doubt



but with these vBIOS do they show the original EFI boot picker from apple or only the OCLP boot picker? I mean, will I manage to select and boot from an external usb if the SATA drive with the OCLP is pulled out?

thanks once again

Rewrote this section. Should be very clear

iMac+Metal GPU - vBIOS

vBIOS = Video BIOS. Basically how GPU boots. Since used GPU are sourced from PCs, need to be flashed to match how Mac boot. It is a ROM image and need to be flashed into GPU cards onboard EEPROM (reprogrammable ROM store) Some cards don't have this EEPROM (GPU maker cut cost and put file on PC to

sites.google.com

Many AMD cards have > 1 vBIOS. Both EG and no EG version. If you use no EG version, you will not get "original EFI boot picker" from Apple. And if OC installed in internal drive EFI is incorrect, then you will not get OCLP boot pickup either. And iMac boot order will not reach external USB EFI OC boot picker.

 

[mrbryceguy]

2 iMac 11,x (original non metal GPU) I have works pretty well on latest macOS+OCLP with transparencies reduced. Stability is good.

Adding metal upgrade made it basically perfect (legacy network card lacking the new across Apple device synchronization features, but can upgrade that too if necessary/desired) Stability appears to be good but only have 1 day of use (5+ tab browsing, youtube, Messages, Mail, FaceTime, Maps, Calendar)

Here are some challenges. 12,x +metal upgrade is probably biggest

• More stressful heavy lifting use. Audio production probably can't handle any performance stutters.
• Older software less in the cloud (data+license) More challenging migration (see wipe drive concerns below)
• Haven't +metal 12,x myself but research suggest upgrade options is limited. Probably newer pricier AMD cards (>= GCN v4 @ $100+) Cheap nVidia Kepler (have variety of issues, some not yet resolved) if willing to stay <= Big Sur. Started an iMac -> GPU table that might help your research. Link in my signature.

Here are some ideas

• 11,x are cheap and easier to +metal than 12,x. Recently got 2 for $20 each. +SSD +metal GPU +RAM ~= $75-$100+ depending on spec. Set it up and move over gradually. This is probably best plan.
• Could dual boot with stock GPU and see if Sonoma+OCLP works well for you. OCLP Install spreadsheet link in my signature has links to the 11,x UI transparency work arounds that works pretty well. Should be same on 12,x
• If Sonoma on stock GPU works well, then maybe worth +metal. Would need to make sure upgraded GPU works well in High Sierra.
• Might be a good chance to mess up and wipe drive +metal GPU. Need backup solution like Time Machine. With OCLP installed/patched macOS, following don't work
  • CarbonCopyCloner/SuperDuper! cloning don't work
  • Peer to peer migration don't work
  • I don't know about OCLP installed macOS intel <-> M1 Time Machine recoveries

I keep seeing your posts, and it is like you have PhD in iMac GPU upgrades! Awesome!

Question- after finding out my HP WX3200 needs hardware mods, I bailed and am thinking either an M4000 or M5100.

My main question is- does the M5100 support an external display? I have a 30" Cinema Display I am hoping to utilize-

I saw post from Ausdauersportler in 2021 and 2022 stating that M4000 works with external display, and M5000 has problems.

So many thanks, do you have a "Buy Me a Coffee" account? I appreciate your knowledge!

 

[mrbryceguy]

It seems at last the 2x jumper mod seem to have no exception. Not hard with microsoldering equip + skill but shouldn't attempt if limited experience. Take it to someone with equip+skill?

For sure, I am thinking cell phone repair shop maybe? I appreciate your help!

I just posted to another reply, but I am think the $18 AMD M4000 (blue PCB, 109-C42251-00A) is the safe play?

I have an iMac A1312, 27" version 11,3 and an Apple A1083 HD Cinema Display I hope to pair together.

Ausdauersportler's post from 2022 and 2021 reference the M4000 working no problems with external display, but the M5100 having sync problems. Thanks for your feedback, your contribution to keeping these rigs from becoming ewatse is commendable! Do you have a contribution platform like "Buy Me a Coffee" ?

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

My iMac 2009 works pretty well with Firepro M6100 and Ausdauersportler's vBIOS. Native bootscreen.

 

[howardc64]

For sure, I am thinking cell phone repair shop maybe? I appreciate your help!

yep, they can do in 10min easy. Just show them 2x jumper and 2x resistor to remove.

look at my wx3200 experience via signature website on OCLP install. A little tricky

I just posted to another reply, but I am think the $18 AMD M4000 (blue PCB, 109-C42251-00A) is the safe play?

Yes, looks like thats what I used and wrote in the website. And use the EG vBIOS noted there rather than post #1. Do note M4000 is on the lower performance end (probably same as the original GPU in iMac) and you want to drive 2 monitors. There are higher perf options which cost more of course and very high performance options could have special heat sink requirements. My efforts have mostly stayed on the low cost cards to help save more of these iMacs.

I have an iMac A1312, 27" version 11,3 and an Apple A1083 HD Cinema Display I hope to pair together.

Ausdauersportler's post from 2022 and 2021 reference the M4000 working no problems with external display, but the M5100 having sync problems. Thanks for your feedback,

I have not tested ext mon but you did your homework well reviewing post #1. @Ausdauersportler did say M4000 good for ext mon and M5100 has issues.

your contribution to keeping these rigs from becoming ewatse is commendable! Do you have a contribution platform like "Buy Me a Coffee" ?

Didn't cost too much time putting this together. Mostly collected all the existing recipes and put it in one place while I upgraded like 10 iMacs. This development has been going on for a few years hence the large thread. I just summarized the latest which is often good to do after much evolution. The real heros are the devs for these vBIOS and OCLP. Their time is many orders of magnitude more than mine. Here are the donation links on my website back to them

iMac+Metal GPU

Quick Start This website greatly simplies the huge list of options. But regardless, this upgrade can be complex: need to load software/firmware into multiple pieces of the hardware and can't do it while macOS is running in some simple app. If just want to just start and see what happens. Just be

sites.google.com

 

[mrbryceguy]

For sure! I am grabbing a M4000 first, (it is better than the current ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5670 Mac Edition 512mb)

I am away from my home and don't have the tools for a heatsink mod and only have the 2-pipe MXM-A setup currently.

I am certainly going to try and find a soldering ninja to get the WX 3200's working- they are solid cards.

The current Radeon HD 5670 MXM listed above drives the second display, but I am hoping to get a bit more juice.

I have a few MXM's (Quadro M2000m, M3000m, Quadro P5200, that I have used in the HP EliteDesk 800 USDT G1, Zotac Magnus, and my HP Zbook G5- I may throw in the MXM-A Quadro m2000m and run something like Nobara Linux (or Unbuntu with either Proton or WINE?) and see if I can play some super basic games like Northgard on the 2K iMac!!!!

You are the best, I will for sure get the vBIOS ninjas some coffee donations so that they can stay awesome!

 

[stcm]

Sry for the late report.

In my case, it seems that there was a defect in the BOOTROM.
Cross-compiling, It's a so especially environment.
MB the SMC may have malfunctioned after repeatedly booting as an Xserve 3,1 and then as a Mac Pro 5,1.
(In reality, when we cross-flash, "The BOOTROM for a Mac Pro" and "The SMC for a Xserve" mixed environment. Needless to say It's probably not what OpenCore was expecting.)

Thank you to everyone who helped me out.
I'm happy that I was able to get it working properly all again.
I got carried away and even modified the hardware in week end. lol
(Silent mod + added built-in some indicators)
See you soon.

 

[dorninko]

wx3200 (GCN4 ~$30 ebay 9/22/2024) install success on 12,2 with Sonoma and Sequoia. Much easier with latest OCLP wx3200 installation support (Thanks to the devs!) Only 2 installation bug to resolve (below with workarounds)

Simpler OCLP Supported Install

The older wx3200 procedures (post #18295 linked by post #1) in this thread requires various manual patches. Current OCLP (I'm on 2.0.1) has a Lexa (wx3200 is Lexa) selection for AMD GOP Injection and will automatically add all the patches. So Lexa is fully integrated to OCLP. Normal metal card upgrade install to macOS Sonoma. Installation succeeded and works great in brief test and usage so far.

View attachment 2426001

Common Installation Issues

Got the fairly common "An Error Occurred While Preparing the Software Update" Just shutdown, reboot, and continue installation from the internal drive. Once restarted, installation will progress to the ~30min count down phase.

2 Unique Installation Bugs

• Installation will hang somewhere between the two installation reboot phases (30min countdown phase and 1-100% phase, there are 3-4 short reboot phases in between these 2 longer ones). For Sonoma, power off the iMac, press and hold shift key and restart to boot safe mode ( link ) and the installation continued to the 1% -> 100% phase and completed without further issues. For Sequoia. safe mode workaround did not work so easily (UPDATE: 2 additional 12,2/11,3+wx3200 Sequoia install succeeded with same workaround as Sonoma). However, eventually worked by try safe mode on every installation phase reboot AFTER the 30min count down phase. There are 3-4 reboots before the 1-100% phase. Unsure which one solved it. If installation is stalled by safemode, shutdown and reboot and avoid safe mode for that install phase and do safe mode on the next reboot to next installation phase. Eventually, was able to progress to the 1-100% phase and completed install without further problems.
• After install and first setup. OCLP will do the usual prompt to build OC and install into internal SSD. Avoid this as OCLP will not automatically set AMD GOP Injection + Lexa. If this is installed, iMac will boot loop. VBIOS is not EC so only way to fix is extract the SSD (LCD screen off again), SATA<->USB connect to a Mac with OCLP and install OC again properly set AMD GOP Injection + Lexa (and set the correct target of course) Anyway, best workaround is just not let OCLP to auto generate and install OC into internal SSD. Do it manually properly setting GOP injection and Lexa. Look at the OC build log to be sure. UPDATE : OCLP 2.0.2 still has this problem.

View attachment 2425999

WARNING : Note that OCLP as of 2.0.1 will not automatically add Lexa patches on wx3200 and bricks iMac boot. Until this is fixed, must be vigilant whenever install/reinstall OC into internal SSD. Do it manually and with Lexa GOP injection. This will occur on every OCLP version change and automatic updates. Look at info below on making a rescue CD just in case.

If the setup iMac will be used by a OCLP novice, it maybe advisable to remove OCLP from the system (assuming its working well for them) so it doesn't auto update and automatically prompt for EFI update. Just remove OCLP app and all its background daemons ( remove /Library/Application Support/Dortania , shortcut in /Applications, and daemons ( link )) Of course if they want to update OCLP and driver patches later, need to install OCLP again and know all the pitfalls like this one.

GPU Card Modification

Mine wx3200 is an HP and require modification. Followed the recommended mod from post #18295 ( link )

• 2x jumper wires instead of 2x 0 ohm resistor (didn't have on hand)
• Removed 2 resistors (Probably unnecessary for 12,2 but decided to make the GPU more useful in future for 12,1 etc) Have hot air station which made the task quite easy. Hot scissors would work too but these are advanced micro-soldering tools. Using a single soldering iron is likely quite difficult. Probably want to have low melting temperature solder if using a soldering iron.

VBIOS

Chose github one ( link ) with later date instead of post #18295. No EG VBIOS available. Flash ROM is 512KB ( IS25LQ040 link ) Physical ROM size is the larger one so can use CH341A. I didn't choose GRML flash method since I'm making GPU hardware modifications for the first time and uncertain it will POST.

UPDATE : These cards have different height IS24LQ040 packages. Cheap CH341A clip can't grab on to the lower profile package so will have to be GRML flashed.

Heat Sink Shim

wx3200 GPU die is really low compared to other components on the card (inductors, diodes) Larger MXM-B heat sinks require 1.5mm (used 1mm+0.5mm) shim to get clearance. So have some thick shim on hand. Note the pictures below showing 70C+ on Valley. After properly shimming. About 15-20C cooler on the die and much closer to the heat sink temp. On a MXM-A heat sink install. 0.8mm.

Remainder Installation Follows like All others

For example, the M5100 install guide in post #21491 OCLP 2.0.1 seems to not need post install patch phase anymore in my recent installation experiences.

I did encounter the "Preparing Update" failure repeatedly during 2 Sequoia installation attempt but not 3rd. This has occurred before with other OCLP macOS installs. Did not encounter in Sonoma install.

Proof of Life

Sonoma

View attachment 2426000
Sequoia

View attachment 2426802

Visual Anomalies

Sonoma

There are some but so far no show stoppers.

1. Sometimes wake from sleep into lock screen has no wall paper. Started working properly after awhile.
2. Control center brightness slider didn't work for awhile but then fixed itself
3. System Settings didn't show Apple magic trackpad2 despite connected and working. Eventually fixed itself

Last 2 seems quite common in these OCLP + metal gfx upgrade installs. Perhaps since the change to iOS style system settings since Ventura? Would have liked to try Sequoia to see if improve but unable to to a clean install currently with the hang without workaround.

Sequoia

• Setting wallpaper didn't show until logout and back in
• Photos launching preview to edit images is sluggish/hang. True on wx4130 also so not wx3200 only. If photos export an image (example jpg) and preview edit that, its fine. UPDATE : seems fixed in OCLP 2.0.2
• Been using it for a few days as daily driver. Completely stable and usable for me. No difference than my 12,2+wx4130

wx3200 Limitations

Doesn't have VA (Virtual Address?) Per post #1, editing apps like FinalCut and DaVinci use this feature and will not work. Maybe safe for most non graphics artists.

Make a Rescue CD

Since wx3200 has no EG vBIOS and current OCLP will auto generate a broken EFI. Best to make a rescue CD just in case. See post #22013

Hello all,

finally I can report back about my experiences with WX4150, GTX880, GTX870:
- in my wife's 12,1 iMac I replaced the GTX870 with a WX4150 and installed Sonoma, no more video-artefacts (wired collars in Photo Booth and Skype; cross-lines in some videos in safari, infrequent hangs), everything works fine now.
- just out of curiosity, I put the GTX870 into another iMac 12,1 and installed Sequoia using OCLP 2.02. Surprisingly, this works also fine, no video problems! I guess OCLP made some significant improvements for these GTX cards.
- I also replaced the GTX880 in my 12,2 iMac with a WX4150. I had a lot of problems installing any OS (no idea why, but I guess my iMac is not quite ok, I tried several different ways, internal update from High Sierra, fresh installation from USB Boot stick, nothing worked), finally I succeeded by installing Sequoia on the ssd using my wife's iMac (ssd connected per USB) and then plugging the ssd into my iMac. Now I have a working iMac 12,2 with Sequoia! I am curious if the next OS update will work or if I have to use my wife's iMac again...

Next project will be upgrades of 2 12,2 iMacs with WX3200! But I hope with howardc64 help it will be manageable.

The people in this group and the OCLP developers are a great bunch, they are really wizards and can do magic! BIG Thanks to them all!

 

[howardc64]

I had a lot of problems installing any OS (no idea why, but I guess my iMac is not quite ok, I tried several different ways, internal update from High Sierra, fresh installation from USB Boot stick, nothing worked), finally I succeeded by installing Sequoia on the ssd using my wife's iMac (ssd connected per USB) and then plugging the ssd into my iMac. Now I have a working iMac 12,2 with Sequoia! I am curious if the next OS update will work or if I have to use my wife's iMac again...

If doing many of these upgrades, a good trick is to install OCLP macOS on a Mac with easily removable 2.5" drive (eg 2.5" drive macbooks), then remove the post install patch, configure and install OC into 2.5" drive EFI with correct Mac model ID + GPU settings. Then the 2.5" SSD is plug and play ready into the target Mac (assuming correctly flashed vBIOS of course)

This would reduce the iMac opening to just 1x IF can CH341A flash the GPU (not always possible). GRML will require 2 openings (On fiirst opening, leave SATA to drive disconnected to GRML flash GPU, second opening (probably can be done with only disconnecting vsync cable and lay LCD on a 3" tall box) just reconnect SATA.

Next project will be upgrades of 2 12,2 iMacs with WX3200! But I hope with howardc64 help it will be manageable.

I've done 3x wx3200+Sequoia now. 2x 12,2 and 1x 11,3. The install hang is deterministic but easy workaround per my post. Another way to avoid install hang is to use the above directions to install the OCLP macOS drive on another Mac

 

[dorninko]

If doing many of these upgrades, a good trick is to install OCLP macOS on a Mac with easily removable 2.5" drive (eg 2.5" drive macbooks), then remove the post install patch, configure and install OC into 2.5" drive EFI with correct Mac model ID + GPU settings. Then the 2.5" SSD is plug and play ready into the target Mac (assuming correctly flashed vBIOS of course)

This would reduce the iMac opening to just 1x IF can CH341A flash the GPU (not always possible). GRML will require 2 openings (On fiirst opening, leave SATA to drive disconnected to GRML flash GPU, second opening (probably can be done with only disconnecting vsync cable and lay LCD on a 3" tall box) just reconnect SATA.



I've done 3x wx3200+Sequoia now. 2x 12,2 and 1x 11,3. The install hang is deterministic but easy workaround per my post. Another way to avoid install hang is to use the above directions to install the OCLP macOS drive on another Mac

I directly installed the OS on the iMacs using the USB Installer many many times without a problem, only on my iMac it did not work, during installation an error message occurs (something about error in the installation file - but the same usb stick works on all other iMacs) regardless of the OS (Monterey, Sonoma, Sequoia).
I don't mind opening the iMac, I have done this so many times....

 

[johnrak]

I want to use an external monitor as my main display. I tried an app called switchresx but it couldn't turn off completely the iMac display. It can deactivate it, it becomes black but there is a little light coming out.
I remove the display lvds cable to disable it. The external display start with the oclp boot screen in pink color and then it's working fine. Is there any way to fix that pink color?

Another issue is the temp sensor. After removing the lvds cable the monitor temp sensor cannot be read and the cpu/odd fans spinning at full speed. After logging it I start macsfancontrol and they stop but it's a little annoying. Is there any other way to disable the screen without removing the cable and keep the external as main display?

 

[mrbryceguy]

My iMac 2009 works pretty well with Firepro M6100 and Ausdauersportler's vBIOS. Native bootscreen.

I had to follow up with one last question- I came across a website selling MXM cards from China, and this has to be a scam, right? https://www.x-vsion.com/product-category/mxms/

They have all the crazy hard to find cards, and they want payment sent directly to their bank account? NO way that is real-

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

I had to follow up with one last question- I came across a website selling MXM cards from China, and this has to be a scam, right? https://www.x-vsion.com/product-category/mxms/

They have all the crazy hard to find cards, and they want payment sent directly to their bank account? NO way that is real-

If it's real, that's a manufacturer website. That means you have to visit their factory, talk to the salespersons in person before placing any order. Payment by bank transfer is normal for mass volume order.

 

[riolete]

Hello all,

Anyone knows if the following graphic card could be installed as plug&play in the following iMac?

Thank you very much in advance.

 

[dorninko]

It seems at last the 2x jumper mod seem to have no exception. Not hard with microsoldering equip + skill but shouldn't attempt if limited experience. Take it to someone with equip+skill?

I can confirm that for 11,3 you also have to remove the jumpers on WX3200. Otherwise it would not start.

 

[KingCornWallis]

Pardon yet another likely ignorant reply, but I can't seem to figure out what's going on with my Dell V1.1 WX4130 on my iMac12,1 (21.5", Mid 2011).

As usual, I can't really test the MXM card, but it's New from a US seller with good feedback so I am inclined to believe it works. Have a copper shim installed for better die contact and had to kapton tape most of the card to prevent a short. Attached are photos confirming the model and version...can't find that DUFC component on my card, but maybe someone else will.

Upon booting I get the first 2 diagnostic LED's as expected, fans working as expected, a boot chime, and a black screen. iMac stays on and stable...but of course does nothing. I have detached the internal SSD (no secondary drive installed), and left the Optical Drive plugged in (there's no disc inside). Have my 8GB USB 2.0 GRML flash drive plugged in with an working Ethernet Cable directly to my router. Really hoped the device would pop up on my router admin page...but it never does.

I don't know if I need the mod on my card, but I believe it is not supposed to POST without it, which mine does.

The only other related note is that I may have damaged the LVDS cable. One of the pins appears to be damaged, but seems fine and plugs in fine. I would suspect that it would simply prevent the screen from working...not prevent booting. Any ideas are helpful.

 

[howardc64]

Upon booting I get the first 2 diagnostic LED's as expected, fans working as expected, a boot chime, and a black screen. iMac stays on and stable...but of course does nothing. I have detached the internal SSD (no secondary drive installed), and left the Optical Drive plugged in (there's no disc inside). Have my 8GB USB 2.0 GRML flash drive plugged in with an working Ethernet Cable directly to my router. Really hoped the device would pop up on my router admin page...but it never does.

Some have encountered GRML booted iMac not showing up on router. One guy posted a workaround

iMac+Metal GPU - flash GPU GRML/CH341A

Overview There are 2 methods to flash the GPU. For 10,x and 11,x, GRML is probably the easiest path as GPU is easy to remove and install. 12,x GPU is difficult to remove/install so CH341A is desirable IF flashrom is not the low profile version. GRML For end users, this is the easiest path to flash

sites.google.com

I don't know if I need the mod on my card, but I believe it is not supposed to POST without it, which mine does.

wx4130 doesn't need HW mod

The only other related note is that I may have damaged the LVDS cable. One of the pins appears to be damaged, but seems fine and plugs in fine. I would suspect that it would simply prevent the screen from working...not prevent booting. Any ideas are helpful.

ebay has salvaged cable if needed. AliExpress has new aftermarket (Doesn't connect as well as the OEM)

 

[KingCornWallis]

Some have encountered GRML booted iMac not showing up on router. One guy posted a workaround

iMac+Metal GPU - flash GPU GRML/CH341A

Overview There are 2 methods to flash the GPU. For 10,x and 11,x, GRML is probably the easiest path as GPU is easy to remove and install. 12,x GPU is difficult to remove/install so CH341A is desirable IF flashrom is not the low profile version. GRML For end users, this is the easiest path to flash

sites.google.com

wx4130 doesn't need HW mod



ebay has salvaged cable if needed. AliExpress has new aftermarket (Doesn't connect as well as the OEM)

That was it...and display cable appears fine. Installing High Sierra now. Thanks a bunch