Missing manual for Replacing GPU

Question

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2429

Model A1312 / Mid 2011 / 2.7 & 3.1 GHz Core i5 or 3.4 GHz Core i7 Processor, ID iMac12,2

709 Questions View all

Roman78 @roman78

Rep: 37

2

1

Posted: Jul 16, 2019

Options

Missing manual for Replacing GPU

First of all, thanks to iFixit for all the information of replacing and repairing hardware. But i’m missing a Manual for replacing the GPU for the iMac12.2.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No

Score 0

Add a comment

2 Answers

Chosen Solution

Dan @danj

Rep: 479.9k

Self employed contract worker

35

329

971

Posted: Jul 16, 2019

Options

We don’t have a Mid 2011 iMac GPU board guide. But this guide will get you mostly there Installing iMac Intel 27" EMC 2429 Dual Drive Kit (HDD or SSD) Follow it to Step 33. Finish removing the logic board out noting the cables you still need to disconnect from the backside. With the logic board out you can then remove the GPU and its heat sink.

Do make sure you apply a fresh coat of thermal paste on the GPU and replace the thermal pads on the V-RAM chips. Don’t use thermal paste on them as you need a special gapping paste which is not as good as the pads.

@roman78 - With the system back together what does the onboard diagnostic LED’s telling you? Locate in the upper right corner the LED’s

Here's a breakdown of the onboard diagnostic LED's:

LED 1 - Indicates that the trickle voltage from the power supply is detected by the main logic board. This LED will remain ON while the iMac is connected to the AC power. The LED will remain on even when the computer has been shut down or put to sleep. The LED will turn off only if the AC power is disconnected or the power supply is faulty.
LED 2 - Indicates that the main logic board has detected proper power from the power supply when the computer is turned on. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned on and the power supply is working correctly.
LED 3 - Indicates that the computer and the video card are communicating. This LED will be ON when the computer is communicating properly with the video card. If LEDs 1 and 2 are ON and you heard the startup sound, but LED 3 is OFF, then the video card might be installed incorrectly or need replacement.
LED 4 - Indicates that the computer and the LCD display panel are communicating. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned on and video signal is being generated. If the LED is ON and there is no image on the LCD display panel, the LCD display panel or inverter might be installed incorrectly or need replacement.

So what did you see?

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No

Score 2

4 Comments:

After step 33 will the logic board and gpu come free away far enough to use a screw driver or do you need a small socket?

Dec 11, 2019 by Josh Vamos

@Josh Vamos - To clarify: I fully remove the logic board from the case and with the logic board on my desk I finish removing the GPU board as well as remove both heatsinks.

Dec 11, 2019 by Dan

Thank you Dan, I now have the whole board on my desk. Appreciate the quick clarification!

Dec 12, 2019 by Josh Vamos

Still a black screen after replacing. Not sure how to diagnose correctly. connections all seem fine. The motherboard PSU seems fine. What other failures can lead to a black screen?

Dec 12, 2019 by Josh Vamos

Add a comment

After step 33 will the logic board and gpu come free away far enough to use a screw driver or do you need a small socket? — Josh Vamos
@Josh Vamos - To clarify: I fully remove the logic board from the case and with the logic board on my desk I finish removing the GPU board as well as remove both heatsinks. — Dan
Thank you Dan, I now have the whole board on my desk. Appreciate the quick clarification! — Josh Vamos
Still a black screen after replacing. Not sure how to diagnose correctly. connections all seem fine. The motherboard PSU seems fine. What other failures can lead to a black screen? — Josh Vamos