What GPU's are compatible with iMac 27" 2011?
I have an iMac 27" mid-2011 with a semi-dead 6970M, 1gb GPU - I only got the system to boot by disabling the GPU kernel extensions(moving /System/Library/Extensions/AMD* to a backup location = weird and slow graphics, but better than just a gray screen) and Apple has refused to fix the problem because it's more than four years old - even though it's a recognized issue.
So, I need a new card.
- Are all MXM 3.0 B cards compatible or does the card need Apple firmware?
- Would a 6970M card for a Dell Alienware laptop or another card with the same chip as one of the iMac 2011 models work?
- Where can I get a card that works? (<400$)
I've see a lot of questions and answers that dance around these questions but none that actually answers them specifically so ANY help will be greatly appreciated.
Update (03/17/2016)
- ''Are all MXM 3.0 B cards compatible or does the card need Apple firmware?"
- "Would a 6970M card for a Dell Alienware laptop or another card with the same chip as one of the iMac 2011 models work?'
I found out Apple uses special firmware and for a card to work it needs an EFI flash with Apple firmware.
A card without Apple firmware will simply result in a black screen.
A friend of mine did suggest I could remove the BIOS/EFI-chip from the original board and reflow it onto a cheaper card - but that will probably be too complicated for a lot of people and I already had a new card on the way.
Cards that already have Apple firmware (pulled from iMacs) are interchangeable though - I upgraded from the 1GB 6970M to the 2GB version.
- "Where can I get a card that works? (<400$)"
You can get a working card on Ebay or Aliexpress - any MXM 3.0 card pulled from an iMac should be fine. I paid ~300$.
Lastly, as @mayer pointed out, if you have an iMac 27" Mid 2011 with issues, the GPU is most likely the cause and Apple will fix it if it's no older than four years, because it's a recognized issue.
Apple refused to fix this one because it was sold in 2011 but if you want to fight Apple, maybe that'll work too - I chose to fix it myself instead.
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41 comentários
try to reflux or reflow the gpu
por mismac
reflux or reflow is not working you need a new chip
por theo1707
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AcEt073...
por theo1707
I can find a $400 HD6970m 109-C29657-10 part for your replacement. Let me know if you need it.
por lopero0623
I think I'm in the same boat here. I was thinking of fitting a Radeon 6970M into a 2009 iMac.
My questions are:
Can I use a Windows Laptop (alienware etc) 6970M GPU card and reflow the firmware chip.
What are the model numbers of these cards (e,g. 1GB & 2gb versions)?
What is the name of the GPU chipset used on the iMac 6970M? This is incase I were to have a new GPU chip reflowed to the existing video card i have.
por brian_o_moran
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