iM 4,1-14,4 iMac 2011 Maxwell and Pascal GPU upgrade

[m0bil]

Hm. Unfortunately my card has error 43. Its probably dead. I want to try a bios reflash first but am very hesitant to dissamble the iMac because I simply did it almost 1000 times in the last year. Is it possible to flash the bios using a modified version of nvflash with bypassed signature check?

https://www.techpowerup.com/download/nvidia-nvflash-with-certificate-checks-bypassed/

It is not working for me, but I'm not sure if that is related to a problem with my possibly defective card or a problem with nvflash.

Sorry to hear that

Unfortunately the modded nvflash will only work up to Maxwell cards, for all Pascal cards a hardware programmer is needed. What you can try before disassembling the iMac:

- use DDU to fully remove previous driver installations and then try to reinstall it again.

- if that does not work, you can use the standard nvflash to program a non modded vbios like this with GOP. Internal display will not work, so you'll need remote access to windows and from there use nvcleanstall to install nvidia drivers (choose manual install and then select option to add hardware support and add your card there). Then you can test the card on an external display using the minidisplayport closest to the USB ports. If card has no hardware problems you should be able to test it fully on the external display.

good luck!

 

[hashbot]

@m0bil If you need a volunteer to test modded M3000M roms, I’m your huckleberry.

I’ve been messing around with @jay508 ’s original rom which is actually great. His rom has backlight at emulated bootpicker and backlight brightness control without registry mods when OCLP is spoofing shiki board ID. I also believe external displays works with out the glitches that come with some of the other roms. The only problem is getting around the Perfcapped choppy clocks and 36w TDP issue. Raising the TDP with MaxwellBiosTweaker has no effect without also running NVSMI command to temporarily increase the TDP. I also haven't found anything to solve the choppy clock throttling.

In experimental tests the performance is better when cross flashing a M4000M rom and having the right driver. After much trial and error, I got pretty close, but it was impossible to control brightness level. I didn’t take good notes on which BIOS and driver version avoided error 43 and now I’ve messed with it too much to get back to the right combination to perform any more benchmarks in Windows10. The cross flash still performs very well in OSX. As many of you suggested, there must be hardstraps outside the BIOS because it still knows it’s a M3000M when flashed with a M4000M rom. This identity crisis is what I suspect is causing error 43 and a brightness control problem even when modding the registry.

If anyone knows how to make a M3000M version of @Santa's Little Helper ‘s M4000M rom -OR- fix the Perfcap on @jay508 ’s rom, then we’ll have a decent little brother to the M4000M.

 

[m0bil]

@m0bil If you need a volunteer to test modded M3000M roms, I’m your huckleberry.

I’ve been messing around with @jay508 ’s original rom which is actually great. His rom has backlight at emulated bootpicker and backlight brightness control without registry mods when OCLP is spoofing shiki board ID. I also believe external displays works with out the glitches that come with some of the other roms. The only problem is getting around the Perfcapped choppy clocks and 36w TDP issue. Raising the TDP with MaxwellBiosTweaker has no effect without also running NVSMI command to temporarily increase the TDP. I also haven't found anything to solve the choppy clock throttling.

In experimental tests the performance is better when cross flashing a M4000M rom and having the right driver. After much trial and error, I got pretty close, but it was impossible to control brightness level. I didn’t take good notes on which BIOS and driver version avoided error 43 and now I’ve messed with it too much to get back to the right combination to perform any more benchmarks in Windows10. The cross flash still performs very well in OSX. As many of you suggested, there must be hardstraps outside the BIOS because it still knows it’s a M3000M when flashed with a M4000M rom. This identity crisis is what I suspect is causing error 43 and a brightness control problem even when modding the registry.

If anyone knows how to make a M3000M version of @Santa's Little Helper ‘s M4000M rom -OR- fix the Perfcap on @jay508 ’s rom, then we’ll have a decent little brother to the M4000M.

Sure. You mean this rom from @jay508 ? I thought it did not enable internal screen on boot, but maybe it does now that OCLP can use non modified EFI vbios. If so I can take a look at fixing performance throttling, I have some notes on how to fix it on other Maxwell cards, so let's hope it's the same problem.

Cross flashing will certainly cause problems as there are straps on card with device ID that are recognized by windows drivers and cause error 43.

As usual, be warned that bios modding can cause bricking of card (can be restored by hardware flashing, but you need the skills).

 

[hashbot]

Sure. You mean this rom from @jay508 ? I thought it did not enable internal screen on boot, but maybe it does now that OCLP can use non modified EFI vbios. If so I can take a look at fixing performance throttling, I have some notes on how to fix it on other Maxwell cards, so let's hope it's the same problem.

Cross flashing will certainly cause problems as there are straps on card with device ID that are recognized by windows drivers and cause error 43.

As usual, be warned that bios modding can cause bricking of card (can be restored by hardware flashing, but you need the skills).

Yes. The OCLP config.plist mods with that M3000M.Dell.iMac.rom activate the internal screen before drivers load. I tried manually swapping around boardID E911/E912, subsystemID 16DA/06DA, and deviceID 13FA/13F9 in many combinations without successfully making Windows drivers load. Fortunately I have not bricked so far, probably because the starting ingredients of both M3000M and M4000M roms activate internal screen with OCLP.

Does anybody know if the DCH or regular WHQL drivers are more tolerant of modified BIOS?

 

[m0bil]

Yes. The OCLP config.plist mods with that M3000M.Dell.iMac.rom activate the internal screen before drivers load. I tried manually swapping around boardID E911/E912, subsystemID 16DA/06DA, and deviceID 13FA/13F9 in many combinations without successfully making Windows drivers load. Fortunately I have not bricked so far, probably because the starting ingredients of both M3000M and M4000M roms activate internal screen with OCLP.

Does anybody know if the DCH or regular WHQL drivers are more tolerant of modified BIOS?

DCH or WHQL will make no difference. Will write you PM about possible options to try.

 

[nolikeee]

Hello guys. M3000M\M4000M works with bootscreen and brightnes control?

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Hello guys. M3000M\M4000M works with bootscreen and brightnes control?

No, they will not work without some serious adjustments which I think you are not capable to do.

 

[nolikeee]

No, they will not work without some serious adjustments which I think you are not capable to do.

What i need to do for enable bootscreen? i can flash\mod\inf mod\ no problem for me.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

What i need to do for enable bootscreen? i can flash\mod\inf mod\ no problem for me.

Check this forum and all the posted vBIOS versions on the very few pages here and most importantly the link in my signature, check all NVIDIA vBIOS versions there and try to mod. There is no public documentation and no guide how to mod it, it is reverse engineering.

 

[Ilikepancakes]

@m0bil If you need a volunteer to test modded M3000M roms, I’m your huckleberry.

I’ve been messing around with @jay508 ’s original rom which is actually great. His rom has backlight at emulated bootpicker and backlight brightness control without registry mods when OCLP is spoofing shiki board ID. I also believe external displays works with out the glitches that come with some of the other roms. The only problem is getting around the Perfcapped choppy clocks and 36w TDP issue. Raising the TDP with MaxwellBiosTweaker has no effect without also running NVSMI command to temporarily increase the TDP. I also haven't found anything to solve the choppy clock throttling.

In experimental tests the performance is better when cross flashing a M4000M rom and having the right driver. After much trial and error, I got pretty close, but it was impossible to control brightness level. I didn’t take good notes on which BIOS and driver version avoided error 43 and now I’ve messed with it too much to get back to the right combination to perform any more benchmarks in Windows10. The cross flash still performs very well in OSX. As many of you suggested, there must be hardstraps outside the BIOS because it still knows it’s a M3000M when flashed with a M4000M rom. This identity crisis is what I suspect is causing error 43 and a brightness control problem even when modding the registry.

If anyone knows how to make a M3000M version of @Santa's Little Helper ‘s M4000M rom -OR- fix the Perfcap on @jay508 ’s rom, then we’ll have a decent little brother to the M4000M.

Quick question, as you have been testing M3000m(from what I can read) should temps be a worry, I know that it won't be an issue on a MXM-B 3 pipe heatsink, but will a 3 pipe MXM A, or even a 2 pipe MXM A fulfill the needs to cool the M3000M?

If it wouldn't cool the M3000m, would this heatsink be a good deal? Seems like it could be good for the price. If it isn't, if possible, could a link be sent for a better deal, or a more reliable one?

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Quick question, as you have been testing M3000m(from what I can read) should temps be a worry, I know that it won't be an issue on a MXM-B 3 pipe heatsink, but will a 3 pipe MXM A, or even a 2 pipe MXM A fulfill the needs to cool the M3000M?

If it wouldn't cool the M3000m, would this heatsink be a good deal? Seems like it could be good for the price. If it isn't, if possible, could a link be sent for a better deal, or a more reliable one? View attachment 1980899

Shipping cost for the heatsink is quite an issue.
You need to purchase 5 pcs set to get better average price.

And I would suggest you skip that item, no screws, no X-bracket at that price? Jesus.

original for Apple iMac 27

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com

 

[Ilikepancakes]

Shipping cost for the heatsink is quite an issue.
You need to purchase 5 pcs set to get better average price.

And I would suggest you skip that item, no screws, no X-bracket at that price? Jesus.

original for Apple iMac 27

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com

I see, thanks for the links

 

[hashbot]

Quick question, as you have been testing M3000m(from what I can read) should temps be a worry, I know that it won't be an issue on a MXM-B 3 pipe heatsink, but will a 3 pipe MXM A, or even a 2 pipe MXM A fulfill the needs to cool the M3000M?

If it wouldn't cool the M3000m, would this heatsink be a good deal? Seems like it could be good for the price. If it isn't, if possible, could a link be sent for a better deal, or a more reliable one?

I recommend a MXM-B (long card) 3pipe or MXM-B 2pipe heatsink (from iMac 2009/2010). I have not seen mxm-A heatsinks that will cover the VRAM and large coils on these cards.

Also, avoid the headache and buy the M4000M as others have recommended. The M3000M is unstable and the drivers cripple the power output to 40w TDP or less. You will be happier with the M4000M.

 

[Ilikepancakes]

I recommend a MXM-B (long card) 3pipe or MXM-B 2pipe heatsink (from iMac 2009/2010). I have not seen mxm-A heatsinks that will cover the VRAM and large coils on these cards.

Also, avoid the headache and buy the M4000M as others have recommended. The M3000M is unstable and the drivers cripple the power output to 40w TDP or less. You will be happier with the M4000M.

Ok, if you do manage or who ever here who wants to try and manages to make the m3000m work let me know. (main reason for wanting to use the m3000m is because I'm still a school student and money is a pain to get), If not then I'll just buy the m400m. And thanks for the info regarding the heatpipes

 

[Retromac2008]

beautifullthread

 

[G3llings]

What i need to do for enable bootscreen? i can flash\mod\inf mod\ no problem for me.

Use opencore to get boot screen and brightness control.

 

[ndntien]

I used the p3000 mod here to flash my dell m6800 and it didn't work. =)) so crazy
Can anyone help me compile for dell? I used TDP pascal tweaker to modify but it didn't change. Sometimes the system even detects it as p4000
Sorry for my english, I'm learning more

 

[ndntien]

I tried the Mobile Pascal TDP Tweaker tool and couldn't modify anything very limited. I can only edit the hex code by myself to work.

how did you edit the p3000 with hex code? Are there any references? Or what program do you use to edit ? I want to try editing my P3000, I have a dell machine. Thank you so much !!
I also want to replace the shunts r005 to r003 on the p3000. And I found 4 resistors, which one should I replace or replace all of them? sorry for my english, im learning more.

 

[Ausdauersportler]

I used the p3000 mod here to flash my dell m6800 and it didn't work. =)) so crazy
Can anyone help me compile for dell? I used TDP pascal tweaker to modify but it didn't change. Sometimes the system even detects it as p4000
Sorry for my english, I'm learning more

This is about Apple iMacs (Mid 2011 model iMac12,2) and most if not all of the mods mentioned will unlikely work on a normal PC laptop. I think you are completely lost here...

 

[ndntien]

This is about Apple iMacs (Mid 2011 model iMac12,2) and most if not all of the mods mentioned will unlikely work on a normal PC laptop. I think you are completely lost here...

Yes I know it. I just want to ask jay508 what program did he use to compile the hex code for his p3000. And I also know that 2 cards with the same bios ic chip will not affect anything. I also
Thank you for your reply. I hope you have a good day.

 

[m0bil]

how did you edit the p3000 with hex code? Are there any references? Or what program do you use to edit ? I want to try editing my P3000, I have a dell machine. Thank you so much !!
I also want to replace the shunts r005 to r003 on the p3000. And I found 4 resistors, which one should I replace or replace all of them? sorry for my english, im learning more.

I'm sorry I cannot help you with a dell vbios, and is off-topic here. The main reason for the p3000 underperformance is that max clocks are limited by nvidia on the vbios. I managed to overclock it by 20% to 30% by copying the max clocks table from the P5000 vbios.
There is nothing to gain by replacing the shunts, don't do it, if you look at gpu-z perfcap the card never reaches max power using the standard clocks. For the same reason Pascal TDP tweaker won't help you.
You can use envytools to gain insight into vbios internal tables. For editing I use a simple hex editor like Hex Fiend.

 

[m0bil]

iMac Quadro P4000M Overclocked & Power modded rom:

- Unlocked clocks up to 1657 MHz and 0.9V
- Power throttle steps slightly increased.
- Temperature throttle steps increased from 54ºC/65ºC/91ºC to 70ºC/80ºC/91ºC
- Power Limit (%) slider unlocked in Afterburner, to decrease Max TDP if desired.
- Additional experimental version with Max TDP increased to 115W and clocks to 1708 MHz

I used @Santa's Little Helper iMac Quadro P4000M vbios as a base for modding. All iMac adaptation work was done by him.

Performance is expected to be at least 20% higher than the standard clocked rom.

GPU clock can be locked to a specific value using the voltage-frequency curve in Afterburner. The curve itself can't be edited (no undervolting possible).

Memory overclock not tested, probably not worth it, but if you wish you can overclock memory using Nvidia Thermspy.

Max TDP can be lowered, if desired, using the Power Limit (%) slider in Afterburner. If you move it down to 90% then Max TDP is adjusted to 90W. Clocks will then be lowered by GPU Boost to account for new Max. TDP.

Thanks to @jay508 for testing this vbios on a P4000 card:

The experimental version "P4000M_OC3.ROM" with max TDP of 115W and max clock of 1708 MHz has not been tested so it may not work, but if it does it should be safe to use (changes based on a gtx1070 card with same chip and vrm). If you have a P4000M you're very welcome to test this and report.

You must use a hardware programmer to flash the eeprom chip at 1.8v (nvflash will not work, as digital signature is invalid).

 

[ndntien]

Thanks "roots" from hddguru.com for this guide
i maked the 1.8v converter working properly, i rotated the IC, raise up the 2 pins and soldered the 2 wires and it detected automatically.
I guess there will be many people having problem with this 1.8v adapter, I hope it helps someone.

 

[ndntien]

 

[G3llings]

Any chance of getting an m2000m GOP vBIOS? I have 2 lying around from another failed project. Trying to get my hands on another 2010-2011 to test one of these in. I feel like at 55w stock it should overclock well. They are Dell M2000M, stock vBIOS below.

Dell Quadro M2000M VBIOS

4 GB GDDR5, 1098 MHz GPU, 1253 MHz Memory

www.techpowerup.com