iM 4,1-14,4 2011 iMac Graphics Card Upgrade

[howardc64]

Why do you have to use stock gpu first?

First step to install OCLP macOS on these iMacs with replacement metal GPU is to get starting iMac to latest firmware. Best way is to start with original everything in iMac and install High Sierra. Sometimes I get iMac with HDD wiped so no idea what macOS is previously ran and what firmware level on the logic board. So I typically just boot El Capitan (via external USB SATA SSD) guessing the iMac was surely upgaded to >= El Capitan in the past and install High Sierra. Maybe there are other safe paths but this is the safest I know.

If get a broken iMac such as failed GPU, then this process would be harder. Not sure vBIOS flashed Kepler will boot in El Capitan to do the High Sierra upgrade.

Does this mean I must put the old graphics card back in and update to high sierra? I am having trouble getting the mac to boot into el capitan

I booted El Capitan on my 12,2 + vBIOS flashed K2000M. I guess El Capitan was released (9/30/2015) after iMacs with Kepler GPU (2013 iMacs has Kepler GPU) so El Capitan has Kepler drivers. I did lose brightness control. So you can try this to install HS. Or I suppose if you built an USB HS installer, can also try that with the vBIOS flashed Kepler. Obviously save a bunch of time if can skip reinstalling the original GPU.

Here is how I booted El Capitan bypassing OC EFI boot picker. The picture shows an external USB connected SATA SSD that contains several partitions (El Capitan, High Sierra, Catalina) I use this SSD for various installation efforts. For example, boot El Cap, install HS for these iMacs to update logic board firmware before metal GPU upgrade + OCLP newer macOS. Note I select El Capitan partition directly. This bypasses OC boot picker (EFI boot / left most icon)

Also always used a wired Apple keyboard to make sure you can use option key. When booting different macOSes and OCLP macOSes and OC EFI boot picker. I just avoid the question "is bluetooth connected?". OC EFI boot picker for example can't talk to BT Apple keyboard. My picture shows an Apple rechargeable BT keyboard with a lightning cord connected to iMac's USB. Basically becomes a USB wired Apple keyboard.



With El Capitan booted, here is my System Info. Do note the iMac 12,2 already went through HS install to update logic board firmware followed by OCLP Sequoia install.

 

[ethanstiles]

First step to install OCLP macOS on these iMacs with replacement metal GPU is to get starting iMac to latest firmware. Best way is to start with original everything in iMac and install High Sierra. Sometimes I get iMac with HDD wiped so no idea what macOS is previously ran and what firmware level on the logic board. So I typically just boot El Capitan (via external USB SATA SSD) guessing the iMac was surely upgaded to >= El Capitan in the past and install High Sierra. Maybe there are other safe paths but this is the safest I know.

If get a broken iMac such as failed GPU, then this process would be harder. Not sure vBIOS flashed Kepler will boot in El Capitan to do the High Sierra upgrade.



I booted El Capitan on my 12,2 + vBIOS flashed K2000M. I guess El Capitan was released (9/30/2015) after iMacs with Kepler GPU (2013 iMacs has Kepler GPU) so El Capitan has Kepler drivers. I did lose brightness control. So you can try this to install HS. Or I suppose if you built an USB HS installer, can also try that with the vBIOS flashed Kepler. Obviously save a bunch of time if can skip reinstalling the original GPU.

Here is how I booted El Capitan bypassing OC EFI boot picker. The picture shows an external USB connected SATA SSD that contains several partitions (El Capitan, High Sierra, Catalina) I use this SSD for various installation efforts. For example, boot El Cap, install HS for these iMacs to update logic board firmware before metal GPU upgrade + OCLP newer macOS. Note I select El Capitan partition directly. This bypasses OC boot picker (EFI boot / left most icon)

Also always used a wired Apple keyboard to make sure you can use option key. When booting different macOSes and OCLP macOSes and OC EFI boot picker. I just avoid the question "is bluetooth connected?". OC EFI boot picker for example can't talk to BT Apple keyboard. My picture shows an Apple rechargeable BT keyboard with a lightning cord connected to iMac's USB. Basically becomes a USB wired Apple keyboard.

View attachment 2585140

With El Capitan booted, here is my System Info. Do note the iMac 12,2 already went through HS install to update logic board firmware followed by OCLP Sequoia install.

View attachment 2585141

I am going to have to reinstall the old graphics card and do the firmware update process and reinstall new card unfortunately. Doesn’t seem like there is another option as I do not get native boot picker or ability to boot in el capitan. Interestingly, I can still see the high sierra os after choosing it from the OC boot picker and using a VGA cable to external monitor.

I am going to do this process later on as it will take awhile to completely open and close up the computer two times. Currently the iMac works fine on sequoia but struggles very badly when put in sleep mode and always requires a force reboot to get out of sleep.

That is very nice that you work on a lot of these iMacs. How many iMac 10,x-12,x models do you have?

 

[howardc64]

I am going to have to reinstall the old graphics card and do the firmware update process and reinstall new card unfortunately. Doesn’t seem like there is another option as I do not get native boot picker or ability to boot in el capitan. Interestingly, I can still see the high sierra os after choosing it from the OC boot picker and using a VGA cable to external monitor.

Ah forgot you have wx4150. First GCN4 GPU was introduced in 2017 27" iMac on 6/5/2017. High Sierra was released on 9/25/2017 so GCN4 drivers should be on High Sierra.

I guess others with wx4150 can verify if they get the same you see : native boot picker doesn't show with wx4150 installed etc.

I am going to do this process later on as it will take awhile to completely open and close up the computer two times. Currently the iMac works fine on sequoia but struggles very badly when put in sleep mode and always requires a force reboot to get out of sleep.

Don't really know going back to old card + HS install followed by wx4150 + OCLP newer macOS will solve your problem. But I guess at least go through the proper sequence.

That is very nice that you work on a lot of these iMacs. How many iMac 10,x-12,x models do you have?

I think I've done like 20-30 now. Mostly I get the iMacs for nearly free and add used DRAM SSD + metal GPU to keep them alive and useful to sell for use rather than go to recycling/trash. Also upgrade 2012+ iMacs. Biggest challenge on those are cutting the screen open from the double sided foam tape without damage to replace the HDD models and sourcing good tape and proper technique to align and reseal well. In US, these aren't worth anything before upgrades and don't sell for much even with 4-5 hour + $40 of used SSD+metal GPU upgrades. Hence can only put in cheap GPU cards.

For personal use, I've avoided OCLP upgraded iMacs due to lacking Time Machine backup so have to use 2017-2020 iMacs with natively supported newer macOS.

 

[internetzel]

I am going to have to reinstall the old graphics card and do the firmware update process and reinstall new card unfortunately. Doesn’t seem like there is another option as I do not get native boot picker or ability to boot in el capitan. Interestingly, I can still see the high sierra os after choosing it from the OC boot picker and using a VGA cable to external monitor.

I am going to do this process later on as it will take awhile to completely open and close up the computer two times. Currently the iMac works fine on sequoia but struggles very badly when put in sleep mode and always requires a force reboot to get out of sleep.

That is very nice that you work on a lot of these iMacs. How many iMac 10,x-12,x models do you have?

Hi, without researching whether you already mentioned it, but the VBIOSes from here do provide native boot picker, also for WX41x0 cards in our old iMacs. Did you try those already?
BUT, without the latest firmware on the iMac they might or might not work.

 

[ethanstiles]

I think I used "WX4150_EnableGop_ALT.rom" (I am not sure it is quite a while back). Anyway, you have to set "AMD GOP Injection" in the advanced tab of OCLP to get a boot screen.

Do you have native screen? And are you running sonoma or sequoia with no issues? I believe I will have a working mac when I update all the bios things.

Also your card was a green dell wx4150 with samsung ram, correct? because I have that card and believe I must use the same vbios you stated.

Can anyone inform me if the wx4150 works with no sleep and boot issues on newer versions?

 

[ethanstiles]

Hello I tried to update the logic board bios right now, after going from mountain lion to el captain then going though the high sierra install I was able to get the correct firmware versions for rom and smc. The problem is now when I check the version with my sequoia drive it says 9999.999.999.999.999 and 9.9999

What do I need to do to get the firmware version to appear in sequoia?

 

[ethanstiles]

Ah forgot you have wx4150. First GCN4 GPU was introduced in 2017 27" iMac on 6/5/2017. High Sierra was released on 9/25/2017 so GCN4 drivers should be on High Sierra.

I guess others with wx4150 can verify if they get the same you see : native boot picker doesn't show with wx4150 installed etc.



Don't really know going back to old card + HS install followed by wx4150 + OCLP newer macOS will solve your problem. But I guess at least go through the proper sequence.



I think I've done like 20-30 now. Mostly I get the iMacs for nearly free and add used DRAM SSD + metal GPU to keep them alive and useful to sell for use rather than go to recycling/trash. Also upgrade 2012+ iMacs. Biggest challenge on those are cutting the screen open from the double sided foam tape without damage to replace the HDD models and sourcing good tape and proper technique to align and reseal well. In US, these aren't worth anything before upgrades and don't sell for much even with 4-5 hour + $40 of used SSD+metal GPU upgrades. Hence can only put in cheap GPU cards.

For personal use, I've avoided OCLP upgraded iMacs due to lacking Time Machine backup so have to use 2017-2020 iMacs with natively supported newer macOS.

I have 2 ssds in my iMac to use as a raid boot drive and 1 physical hard drive for time machine.

Once I get the rom firmware and smc firmware versions up to date would I be good to go with reinstalling sequoia and restoring from time machine given anything goes wrong and the drive had to be wiped. I wouldn’t have to update the boot rom firmware ever again basically, correct?

 

[howardc64]

Hello I tried to update the logic board bios right now, after going from mountain lion to el captain then going though the high sierra install I was able to get the correct firmware versions for rom and smc. The problem is now when I check the version with my sequoia drive it says 9999.999.999.999.999 and 9.9999

What do I need to do to get the firmware version to appear in sequoia?

I assume running HS+stock GPU, firmware and smc versions matched mine on post #22671?

Then you changed GPU to wx4150 and just boot previoiusly installed Sequoia? Or a completely new install from a wiped drive to reinstall OC EFI and OCLP Sequoia?

 

[ethanstiles]

I assume running HS+stock GPU, firmware and smc versions matched mine on post #22671?

Then you changed GPU to wx4150 and just boot previoiusly installed Sequoia? Or a completely new install from a wiped drive to reinstall OC EFI and OCLP Sequoia?

Yes, my firmware matched your post. Then, on stock gpu, I used a previously installed sequoia drive to boot from. I see the 9.999 version number image I posted.

I am trying to install on the stock hard drive now, So do I need to wipe the original ssd?

 

[ethanstiles]

I assume running HS+stock GPU, firmware and smc versions matched mine on post #22671?

Then you changed GPU to wx4150 and just boot previoiusly installed Sequoia? Or a completely new install from a wiped drive to reinstall OC EFI and OCLP Sequoia?

I still see the 9.999 versions on sequoia after updating the HS HDD. On the internal hard drive that had the correct firmware at first? What do I need to do to get the correct firmware in sequoia?

 

[ethanstiles]

I tried a fresh install of sequoia too, wiping the hard drive first. I am on the old gpu. I really don’t understand how to fix this, please help.

 

[dorninko]

You don't have to fix this. This is intentionally by OCLP. The fake firmware version is on purpose in order to avoid any changes by any newer version from apple. This is stated in the OCLP documentation.

 

[dorninko]

Another suggestion: do not use the migration assistant, it failed mostly on my iMacs, I think this has to do with OCLP but I am not sure. Anyway it is much more efficient to just copy your user folder from the old HDD to the new system.

 

[imacker2011]

I have 2 ssds in my iMac to use as a raid boot drive and 1 physical hard drive for time machine.

Just a short side question: How did you manage to set this up? AFAIK hardware RAID is not possible on 12,X iMacs and I remember software RAID being difficult on post High Sierra (having to do with the file systems/ HFS+ vs APFS somehow). Just curious...

 

[howardc64]

I still see the 9.999 versions on sequoia after updating the HS HDD. On the internal hard drive that had the correct firmware at first? What do I need to do to get the correct firmware in sequoia?

You don't have to fix this. This is intentionally by OCLP. The fake firmware version is on purpose in order to avoid any changes by any newer version from apple. This is stated in the OCLP documentation.

Didn't know he 999.. firmware and smc version was related to spoofing. Googled for answers and got this explanation ( link )

I guess my 12,2 + K2000M isn't spoofed and somehow your 12,2 + wx4150 is.

 

[NSteven]

Hi,

I'm running a WX4130 GPU in my iMac 27" 2011. Got macOS Sonoma via OCLP, dual-booting with Windows installed in UEFI mode.(Windows doesn't show in Startup Manager, so I use the OCLP picker to boot it.)

Issue: Using a Belkin Thunderbolt 2 Dock for USB 3.0. Works perfectly in macOS. But in Windows, with the dock connected and AMD GPU drivers loaded, I get a rainbow pattern on screen that fades to black. System is alive (keyboard/mouse make sounds), but no video output.

- Unplug dock -> Boots fine.
- Dock connected + default Microsoft Basic Display Adapter -> Boots fine.
- Only happens with dock + AMD driver.

Anyone seen this or know the cause?

 

[ethanstiles]

Another suggestion: do not use the migration assistant, it failed mostly on my iMacs, I think this has to do with OCLP but I am not sure. Anyway it is much more efficient to just copy your user folder from the old HDD to the new system.

Ok thank you, so now my boot rom is updated even with the custom open core given value being different. This means I am good to put the new gpu back in and run from my old boot drive, then when I want to put in raid drives I can restore the raid drives from time machine and maintain this boot rom version?

 

[ethanstiles]

Didn't know he 999.. firmware and smc version was related to spoofing. Googled for answers and got this explanation ( link )

I guess my 12,2 + K2000M isn't spoofed and somehow your 12,2 + wx4150 is.

Ok thank you so much, I will try the silentknight app from https://silentknight.macupdate.com/ after I reinstall the wx4150 and apply root patches to see if the firmware is updated when I boot to the sequoia drive.

 

[ethanstiles]

Hi,

I'm running a WX4130 GPU in my iMac 27" 2011. Got macOS Sonoma via OCLP, dual-booting with Windows installed in UEFI mode.(Windows doesn't show in Startup Manager, so I use the OCLP picker to boot it.)

Issue: Using a Belkin Thunderbolt 2 Dock for USB 3.0. Works perfectly in macOS. But in Windows, with the dock connected and AMD GPU drivers loaded, I get a rainbow pattern on screen that fades to black. System is alive (keyboard/mouse make sounds), but no video output.

- Unplug dock -> Boots fine.
- Dock connected + default Microsoft Basic Display Adapter -> Boots fine.
- Only happens with dock + AMD driver.

Anyone seen this or know the cause?View attachment 2585786

It’s possible that windows is confusing the dock for a display and it does not have the proper drivers for the dock. I’m not sure.

 

[ethanstiles]

Just a short side question: How did you manage to set this up? AFAIK hardware RAID is not possible on 12,X iMacs and I remember software RAID being difficult on post High Sierra (having to do with the file systems/ HFS+ vs APFS somehow). Just curious...

I haven’t done the raid drives yet but I will see if it’s even possible. I don’t know what I will do with the extra sata connection if I cannot do raid. I assume it would be possible when I boot into the sequoia recovery, create a raid drive and install the os.

 

[Jani8022]

Hi, i have a iMac 21,5 2011 Model and i installed a RX 560 (TYPE A) from a Sonnet Breakaway Puck. Now it boots with a black screen. External Monitor connected over Thunderbolt works fine. Is there a custom bios wich would work for this card?

Link to my Bios

backup.rom

drive.google.com

 

[ethanstiles]

Hello, I did reinstall the new wx4150 gpu and I am still having the same issue. Silent knight app detects my efi version as 9999.999.999.999.999 and says “expected 87.0.0.0.0” I believe this could just be due to opencore’s spoofing and may not be a concern.

However, I have not had bluetooth this whole time. I am using the BCM943602CS and a usb bluetooth adapter for wifi and bluetooth. Wifi is working fine.

Bluetooth was working fine before switching around the gpus. Please let me know if I need to get a different wifi card or if this is something I can fix in software or by a reinstall of the os, thanks.

 

[dorninko]

Hello, I did reinstall the new wx4150 gpu and I am still having the same issue. Silent knight app detects my efi version as 9999.999.999.999.999 and says “expected 87.0.0.0.0” I believe this could just be due to opencore’s spoofing and may not be a concern.

However, I have not had bluetooth this whole time. I am using the BCM943602CS and a usb bluetooth adapter for wifi and bluetooth. Wifi is working fine.

Bluetooth was working fine before switching around the gpus. Please let me know if I need to get a different wifi card or if this is something I can fix in software or by a reinstall of the os, thanks.

Did you re-install the OCLP? When installing a different WiFi/BT card then you need to reinstall OCLP (EFI and post).
Another cause might be that the +3.3V connection was broken during re-assembly of the iMac? Or that there might be a short somewhere on the WiFi/BT card due to some contact to the GPU, I had this issue once because the position of the card is very close to the GPU.

 

[dorninko]

Hello, I did reinstall the new wx4150 gpu and I am still having the same issue. Silent knight app detects my efi version as 9999.999.999.999.999 and says “expected 87.0.0.0.0” I believe this could just be due to opencore’s spoofing and may not be a concern.

However, I have not had bluetooth this whole time. I am using the BCM943602CS and a usb bluetooth adapter for wifi and bluetooth. Wifi is working fine.

Bluetooth was working fine before switching around the gpus. Please let me know if I need to get a different wifi card or if this is something I can fix in software or by a reinstall of the os, thanks.

I noticed on the picture that the D+ and D- are not connected to any cable?? That means that BT on the new card cannot work. Look at this thread https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...011-802-11ac-bt-4-0-internal-upgrade.1780242/ for details. Do you still have the old BT card active? Maybe that is the problem.

 

[ethanstiles]

I booted into the sequoia installer and tried the raid settings. I’m not sure which chunk size to choose, I assume 128k or 256k would be best.

The smc and boot rom firmware update seems to have fixed my issues as the computer no longer stalls on the screen saver and is able to fully wake from sleep once all the fans turn off.

I still do not have bluetooth after rebooting a few times so I’m not sure why that stopped working. I’ve tried everything I can to fix it. Hopefully there is a better wifi card I should be using that can fix this.