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HDD died, Internet recovery not working.... HELP!
- Thread starter IMYB
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ok thanks... What is a GPU (graphic card of some sort)? can I replace that? How much about? Is there a part number for those so I know what to look for?
Silly question, I looked online quickly and saw something called heat sensor for the GPU. How do I know it's the GPU and not the heat sensor on the GPU. If that makes sense. Sorry newbie here, pretty handy but anything with chips is not my strong point. I can follow instructions so I think I can change that if it's reasonable.
Thanks again for your info, greatly appreciated!
a suggestion for something to consider before you proceed with trying to find and replace the GPU.
Remove the new HD you installed in the ailing iMac, put it in an external enclosure (cheap from Amazon for example) and then connect it to one of the other iMacs you have access to. Then format the new drive using that other computer.
Then download the installer for the version of Mac OS you want. Use that installer to install the OS on to the new drive while it's still connected as an external drive. (you could also clone a copy from the functioning Mac).
Then after you have the OS on the new HD, go thru the process of booting the "other" computer from the external new HD to make sure it works, then use the new HD as an external to to try to boot the ailing iMac.
If it works, then reinstall the new HD back into the ailing iMac to see what happens.
Remove the new HD you installed in the ailing iMac, put it in an external enclosure (cheap from Amazon for example) and then connect it to one of the other iMacs you have access to. Then format the new drive using that other computer.
Then download the installer for the version of Mac OS you want. Use that installer to install the OS on to the new drive while it's still connected as an external drive. (you could also clone a copy from the functioning Mac).
Then after you have the OS on the new HD, go thru the process of booting the "other" computer from the external new HD to make sure it works, then use the new HD as an external to to try to boot the ailing iMac.
If it works, then reinstall the new HD back into the ailing iMac to see what happens.
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ok, just a question.... because it's a lot of work and getting the extra part.
Thinking ahead... it seems that if I can't boot from a flash drive OR my os 10.9 install cd OR the Online recovery system from Apple... I shouldn't be able to booth from the external HD either? I might be wrong but isn't it the same thing?
I know that the external HHD with all my data on it would be a functionning HDD and a FLASH BOOT is just that to boot and format the HDD. But it would seem that if it can't boot a little flash how is a HDD will load? Hope I am making sense. Thanks
I suggested it because a friend with a similar problem to yours had success using the route I described. The enclosure he bought was around $15......but don't try it if you think it's too much work.
The CD drive might have failed on its own, completely without anything to do with your current problem. There could be various reasons why the ailing iMac isn't reading the flash drive......at this point, nobody knows.
You were inquiring about moving on to GPU purchases and installation, so I assumed you were prepared to spend a little more time and money anyway.......but again, I can understand if you're frustrated and prepared to stop fussing with it yourself.......so just ignore my suggestion
Still, if you continue on trying to fix your problem, I hope you're successful!
Was just asking so I understand what I am doing and why. Trying to learn.
Let go crazy and think the CD drive is bad, there is a crazy reason a flash drive wouldn't load and how do we explain that trying to recover from the internet on apple also doesn't work? Those are 3 different ways that are not working and also all do the same...
Apple logo, progress bar, 2/3 of the way done... screen just goes grey
I don't want to ignore anything said by anyone. Trust me I don't know enough to dismiss anything. But, I do like to ask questions before I do anything so I know why and what we are trying to figure out. My husband without a computer for 2 days and he's making me crazy...LOL
So, I do want to fix it in any way possible as long as it's financially reasonable. I asked about GPU changes because I found some for $40-$100 on ebay but I have no idea how to know which one I need. For $40 if it's a sure fix I am willing to do it.
I greatly appreciate your time and input and was not trying to dismiss you in any way. My dad always said to ask questions until I understand what we are doing. It has served me right for years and that is all I was doing.
Thanks again!
1. GPU = Graphic Processing Unit.
2. Yes, you can change that, if you are comfortable with opening your iMac and work inside. There are several Youtube videos giving instruction on how to do. Ifixit also have a full article with photos on this.
3. "How much does it cost" is depend on the seller and the time. Check the link below for one I found at this moment on ebay.
AMD Radeon HD 6770M 512MB GPU from 2011 iMac 4943813139757 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for AMD Radeon HD 6770M 512MB GPU from 2011 iMac at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
4. Similar to yours, it will definitely fail again very soon.
you were certain you'd made the bootable installer flash drive correctly, but it only worked on one of your other iMacs after you tried making it a second time.....maybe it's not working on the ailing iMac because you failed to install the HD correctly.
if the HD wasn't installed properly, then you wouldn't be able to use internet recovery to install the OS on it either.
Maybe when you were installing the new HD you accidentally messed up the CD drive somehow.
You installed the new HD, and then afterwards three things didn't work even though they should have worked......coincidence?
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Well, I followed the instructions. I didn't know to use GUID and I was afraid to boot on the flash from my good computer in case it could hurt something. Now I know how to do it. We can't all know everything. I know when to ask for help.
Humm...
remove 2 screws, disconnect 2 wires... This is not rocket science. I am nowhere near the cd drive. I have opened computers before. I am gentle, I have small hands so I can disconnect wires without pulling on others. We can eliminate the "tried to install a HDD with a jack hammer theory" lol
Your logic, I would have had to install the HDD with a hammer, while I was in there pry the CD drive with a screw driver for fun and then for good measures I would have to use some pliers on my 4 USB PORT oh and lets not forget maybe my airport card to stop the internet install from working. I think I will go with the GPU failure. Thanks
1. GPU = Graphic Processing Unit.
2. Yes, you can change that, if you are comfortable with opening your iMac and work inside. There are several Youtube videos giving instruction on how to do. Ifixit also have a full article with photos on this.
3. "How much does it cost" is depend on the seller and the time. Check the link below for one I found at this moment on ebay.
AMD Radeon HD 6770M 512MB GPU from 2011 iMac 4943813139757 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for AMD Radeon HD 6770M 512MB GPU from 2011 iMac at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!www.ebay.com
4. Similar to yours, it will definitely fail again very soon.
Thanks, but this says 21.5" imac and I have a 27". I found someone selling one cheap and he checked with my serial number that it is compatible.
The only thing is thay seem to come in 500mb and 1gb ram on those GPU, does it make a difference much? Husband doesn't play video games. He does email, poker, youtube and search the net....
If you want the 2GB, search for Apple's part number for that 2GB graphics card: 661-5969
A bit pricey, but eBay has a couple of offers for what are listed as "new"
Might be worth looking at...
A bit pricey, but eBay has a couple of offers for what are listed as "new"
NEW 661-5969 Video Card AMD Radeon HD 6970M 2GB for iMac 27" Mid 2011 A1312 | eBay
Custom official may open and remove for inspection. Full warranty against any defective product.
www.ebay.com
I found from a friend of a friend one for $40 so I'll take a shot and hope it works and gives me a little time to save for a new one. Thanks everyone for all the great info and advice. I wish getting a new one was in the budget. Not sure what to feel about the new imacs at 24" now, just so much to think about. Thansk again!
Have you taken an iMac apart? Ifixit.com has instructions on how to do it, but it is much more involved (GPU) than swapping out memory. I'd save the $40 bucks and call it a day, personally. Good luck with your efforts!
I just received the chip. I am opening the imac tonight but ran into 2 issues.
1- I have to look for the instructions that remove the entire motherboard on a mid 2011 27" imac because the screws on this model are on the other side... great, but Iknow I can handle that with instructions. Hope iFixit has that.
2- (SEE PHOTO) I saw a loose wire in there. No idea if it's supposed to be lose or not and what it does.
CH0 & CH1 have a wire attached to it. The lose wire looks like maybe it was for CH2?? Maybe not?? Could that be the cause of my problems all along??
I'll just move ahead for now looking for instructions on removing the motherboard and the GPU but will wait until I hear on this wire situation.
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CH2 is the antenna lead for the left Airport antenna (one of the Wifi antennas.) There is also a right antenna, which connects to the CH0.
I think it is unlikely that a disconnected wifi antenna (1 of 2) would cause your boot issues.
You can search for iMac_27_mid11.pdf -- which is Apple's service manual. That can give you a different look at replacing parts.
I think it is unlikely that a disconnected wifi antenna (1 of 2) would cause your boot issues.
You can search for iMac_27_mid11.pdf -- which is Apple's service manual. That can give you a different look at replacing parts.
Thanks for the PDF information. was very helpful!
When taking the motherboard the instructions didn't say anything about those 3 connectors CH0, CH1 & CH2 so they all got disconnected. I noticed on the wires one that had NO LINE, one had 1 LINE and the other 2 LINES. I hope I am correct to assume they indicate where to plug them back??
I took the time to take all the other wires to make sure I plugged them back properly but those didn't get marked
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It's good that you heard the boot chime, that positive. I know you checked the wires, BUT more than likely, the LCD backlight wire was not plugged back into the logic board. I've done that many times even when I swore the cables were put back when I repaired iMacs
Do this when your iMac lay down face up on a table:
Remove all the screws that bolt the LCD panel to the aluminum frame.
Lift up the LCD panel a little bit and peek inside to check whether all the cables from it had been connected to the parts below.
Reseat the cables.
Power it up again to see if this can fix.
There's 4 LEDs on the front of the logic board that can help a lot with what is going on with the video.
Can help you decide if the problem is the power supply, the LCD, or the logic board/graphics card.
You have to be able to see the LEDs, however. That Apple service manual that I suggested shows how to view the LEDs, and what each LED indicates.
Can help you decide if the problem is the power supply, the LCD, or the logic board/graphics card.
You have to be able to see the LEDs, however. That Apple service manual that I suggested shows how to view the LEDs, and what each LED indicates.
View attachment 1983355 Just got done reading this thread to get informed on what's happening! Great work thus far...
It's good that you heard the boot chime, that positive. I know you checked the wires, BUT more than likely, the LCD backlight wire was not plugged back into the logic board. I've done that many times even when I swore the cables were put back when I repaired iMacs
I was so hoping you were right. But, I opened the screen again... an no, it's tight and clicked in there. I heard the click (see picture). I unplugged it and did it again just to make sure.
The chime happened but still black screen. The only good thing that happened is the OS 10.9 CD I had stuck in there came out...lol
I touched the keys on the keyboard (it's plugged in keyboard and mouse so I know it's communicating with the computer) to see if I would hear a WARNING NOISE when you click the wrong thing but didn't hear anything.
So frustrating. Thanks for the help and idea
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I opened it, reconnected all the4 wires that attached it to the computer and no luck
humm, lost me... LOL
Not sure how to find that, can you send me the page # on the PDF manual you sent? Thanks!