Mid 2011 iMac Graphics Card

Yes it can but it’s not for the faint of Heart. You need some specialized hardware to flash a Dell Alienware GPU that is identical to the Apple one except for the firmware. Here is a great answer by one of our own. It talks about the chip and how to upgrade it with a Raspberry Pi. Look at the chosen answer. Good luck

What GPU's are compatible with iMac 27" 2011?

There are other who have gotten MXM-A and B cards to work but the above looks like the best solution.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No

Score 2

4 Comments:

Understood and I ask because I suspect the original may be defective but I need to run a few more tests. You offer original equipment replacement for this item?

Feb 4, 2019 by Ryan Bennett

I would stay away from anyone who would a) offer you original equipment replacement or b) Service the GPU by "reflowing" it.

Reason for a) is that I doubt anyone would still have a new GPU for sale and if they did 9times out of 10 it's not. Also you'd be taking the chance of having the same failure.

b) Reflowing a GPU has been proven time and time again to NOT be a solution but only a band-aid for those GPU's that actually only have a solder joint issue under the chip.

*if you feel that I answered your question please feel free to upvote or select as answer

Feb 4, 2019 by iHeartMacs

@iheartmacs I have had a 70% success rate doing a hot air reflow of the GPUs on these machines. Have done about 20 of them. You don't even need a high dollar one. A $65 unit works for me. You just have to keep a good eye on it to see when the solder flows. None of the units I have done over the last five years have yet to fail.

Feb 5, 2019 by mayer

Nice one! Good to hear. Then the issue must really be under the chip and not inside it like the 2011 Macbook pro issue. Thx for that info!

Apr 1, 2019 by iHeartMacs

Add a comment

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2429

Mid 2011 iMac Graphics Card

1 Answer

Add your answer