Late 2009 iMac 27 graphics card gone?

[-MB-]

Hello all,

Over the last four days I have been trying to figure out what has gone wrong on my late 2009 iMac. This is my only intel Mac, all others are PowerPC Macintosh.

These are all the specs of my iMac as seen on Mactracker app:
Model Identifier: iMac11,1
Model Number: A1312
EMC:2374
Order Number: MB953LL/A (2.66 GHz)
Processor: Core i5 (750) "Wolfdale"
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Architecture: 64-bit
Number of Cores: 4
Cache: 8 MB L3
System Bus: Intel Direct Media Interface (DMI) at 2.5 GT/s
Storage: 1 TB (7200-rpm) faulty and replaced by Apple hard drive replacement program
Media: Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Graphics Card: ATI Radeon Radeon HD 4850
Graphics Memory: 512 MB (Radeon HD 4850) GDDR3
Memory: 8GB RAM (replaced with 4GB RAM for more checking purposes) 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

Apple Hardware test reports no problems although I am not sure if it has done any test to the graphics card as I failed to find any mention to a graphic card?

This iMac was running macOS Sierra 10.12.6

First symptoms where random artifacts twice seen on the iMac screen while running Photoshop that resulted in a full lock of macOS, I had to make a 'brute force' restart by pressing the iMac power button to shut down and turn it on again.

Things worsened later as it was impossible to log in to the Finder. This, log in to the Finder, was only achievable booting on safe mode (Shift key pressed while booting the iMac). I could do it to the Finder but as expected (this was expected, right?) video acceleration was awful or non-existing.

I have done fresh installs of OSX 10.7, OSX 10.8 and macOS Sierra. Also tried Internet Recovery and using the Partition Recovery HD.

Most of these installations failed resulting on the iMac looping into kernel panics. It starts to boot, you can saw the Apple logo while the OS loads, then the kernel message appears and the iMac reboots itself to do the same thing again. macOS Sierra installed successfully, was done with an USB stick, but Sierra crashed after login, artifacts and weird graphics on screen.

Here are several picts I took while trying to solve this issue.

Installing via Internet Recovery Mode

Full Apple Hardware Test passed. Done more non-full tests.

macOS Sierra installed. Tried to launch Activity Monitor, iMac instantly hangs.

Mountain Lion crash after install.

macOS Sierra install

iMac Memory

iMac graphics card

Booting macOS Sierra

Booting going weird

Booting gone weird

What do you think? Is this an issue with the Radeon alone? If so, I can replace it with the help of a friend.

Could be anything else wrong with the iMac? What else can I do and check before buying an expensive replacement card?

Thanks you all.

 

[redheeler]

Sure looks like the GPU is at fault.

 

[Significant1]

Try booting into safe mode by holding shift down during boot.

I had 2009 iMac with a 4850 card which broke. It was still able to boot up in safe mode, because it doesn't load graphic-driver and active hardware acceleration.

 

[-MB-]

Thank you redheeler.

Was expecting this to be the fault, lets see if I can fix this without much hassle.

 

[Significant1]

Was expecting this to be the fault, lets see if I can fix this without much hassle.

I replaced mine with a secondhand 5750 1GB. Though performance is about the same as 4850, it runs cooler and has much smoother animation in mission control due to the extra memory.

 

[-MB-]

Try booting into safe mode by holding shift down during boot.

I had 2009 iMac with a 4850 card which broke. It was still able to boot up in safe mode, because it doesn't load graphic-driver and active hardware acceleration.

Yes, I already have done this. The iMac boots to the Finder. As I wrote "This, log in to the Finder, was only achievable booting on safe mode (Shift key pressed while booting the iMac). I could do it to the Finder but as expected (this was expected, right?) video acceleration was awful or non-existing." is what you mean. What can I do after login in on the iMac in safe mode? Any idea?

 

[Significant1]

What can I do after login in on the iMac in safe mode? Any idea?

If it works in safe mode, then it is the gpu.

You could use it to secure a backup, before starting to fix it. In my case I used it to activate Target display mode, so I could use my Macbook Air on the big screen, while waiting for the replacement card (requires a mini displayport cable).

 

[-MB-]

I replaced mine with a secondhand 5750 1GB. Though performance is about the same as 4850, it runs cooler and has much smoother animation in mission control due to the extra memory.

That was good to know. I did a research fearing a graphic card replacement was in due.. I found that, as you did, I could replace with a better graphic card, up to the graphics card of Mid 2011 iMac. The one you used is from Mid 2010 iMac so fits in.

I have only check the MID 2011 Radeon HD 6970M in both 1 and 2 GB versions, actually. The 2 GB version goes by twice the 1GB, and probably way more the 2009 iMac is worth. Do you know if these 2011 Radeon could be also cooler than the original or even the one you successfully used?

[doublepost=1505059672][/doublepost]

If it works in safe mode, then it is the gpu.

You could use it to secure a backup, before starting to fix it. In my case I used it to activate Target display mode, so I could use my Macbook Air on the big screen, while waiting for the replacement card (requires a mini displayport cable).

Ah thanks again. I can confirm the graphic card is the problem.

 

[Significant1]

Do you know if these 2011 Radeon could be also cooler than the original or even the one you successfully used?

I am sure, they will work, but doubt they will run cooler. The 6970 was so problematic, that Apple had to issue a free replacement program for broken graphics adapters. They where also more than twice as expensive, than what I had to pay for the 5750. 6970 surely is much more powerfull if you are a gamer, but I am very happy with 5750 for my needs.

 

[KawaiiAurora]

Hello all,

Over the last four days I have been trying to figure out what has gone wrong on my late 2009 iMac. This is my only intel Mac, all others are PowerPC Macintosh.

These are all the specs of my iMac as seen on Mactracker app:
Model Identifier: iMac11,1
Model Number: A1312
EMC:2374
Order Number: MB953LL/A (2.66 GHz)
Processor: Core i5 (750) "Wolfdale"
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Architecture: 64-bit
Number of Cores: 4
Cache: 8 MB L3
System Bus: Intel Direct Media Interface (DMI) at 2.5 GT/s
Storage: 1 TB (7200-rpm) faulty and replaced by Apple hard drive replacement program
Media: Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Graphics Card: ATI Radeon Radeon HD 4850
Graphics Memory: 512 MB (Radeon HD 4850) GDDR3
Memory: 8GB RAM (replaced with 4GB RAM for more checking purposes) 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

Apple Hardware test reports no problems although I am not sure if it has done any test to the graphics card as I failed to find any mention to a graphic card?

This iMac was running macOS Sierra 10.12.6

First symptoms where random artifacts twice seen on the iMac screen while running Photoshop that resulted in a full lock of macOS, I had to make a 'brute force' restart by pressing the iMac power button to shut down and turn it on again.

Things worsened later as it was impossible to log in to the Finder. This, log in to the Finder, was only achievable booting on safe mode (Shift key pressed while booting the iMac). I could do it to the Finder but as expected (this was expected, right?) video acceleration was awful or non-existing.

I have done fresh installs of OSX 10.7, OSX 10.8 and macOS Sierra. Also tried Internet Recovery and using the Partition Recovery HD.

Most of these installations failed resulting on the iMac looping into kernel panics. It starts to boot, you can saw the Apple logo while the OS loads, then the kernel message appears and the iMac reboots itself to do the same thing again. macOS Sierra installed successfully, was done with an USB stick, but Sierra crashed after login, artifacts and weird graphics on screen.

Here are several picts I took while trying to solve this issue.

Installing via Internet Recovery Mode

View attachment 716714


Full Apple Hardware Test passed. Done more non-full tests.

View attachment 716715


macOS Sierra installed. Tried to launch Activity Monitor, iMac instantly hangs.

View attachment 716718


Mountain Lion crash after install.

View attachment 716719


macOS Sierra install

View attachment 716720


iMac Memory

View attachment 716721


iMac graphics card

View attachment 716722


Booting macOS Sierra

View attachment 716723


Booting going weird

View attachment 716724

Booting gone weird

View attachment 716725

What do you think? Is this an issue with the Radeon alone? If so, I can replace it with the help of a friend.

Could be anything else wrong with the iMac? What else can I do and check before buying an expensive replacement card?

Thanks you all.

I'd suggest you try Linux if you wish to get some use out of it as it is much more lenient when it comes to hardware on its way out. Is it worth it to get an expensive replacement card for a computer that's 8 years old?

 

[Significant1]

I'd suggest you try Linux if you wish to get some use out of it as it is much more lenient when it comes to hardware on its way out. Is it worth it to get an expensive replacement card for a computer that's 8 years old?

Linux will not fix the problem. Only a reflow, rechip or replacing the graphics card will. Reflow however is only temporarely, the problem will return in a matter of time.

Even 7-8 years old, mine is still plenty fast with ssd. I see no need to replace and I fully expect to use it for at least three years more. Next macOS will be the last supported version though..

 

[KawaiiAurora]

Linux will not fix the problem. Only a reflow, rechip or replacing the graphics card will. Reflow however is only temporarely, the problem will return in a matter of time.

Even 7-8 years old, mine is still plenty fast with ssd. I see no need to replace and I fully expect to use it for at least three years more. Next macOS will be the last supported version though..

I know however Linux has worked well for me on a semi-defective GPU whereas Mac OS X didn't work at all.

Yes, I'm against not using something because of its age, heck I still use a 14 year old PowerBook G4. That being said, I'd be reluctant to spend a few hundred dollars to fix something that's about 8 years old when you can buy a used computer that performs a tad better for less money.

 

[Razzerman]

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try and reflow your existing card. I have successfully done three 2011 iMacs. Check YouTube for iMac graphics card reflow. Good luck!

 

[-MB-]

I am sure, they will work, but doubt they will run cooler. The 6970 was so problematic, that Apple had to issue a free replacement program for broken graphics adapters. They where also more than twice as expensive, than what I had to pay for the 5750. 6970 surely is much more powerfull if you are a gamer, but I am very happy with 5750 for my needs.

Hello again,

If the 6970 was so problematic better to skip it. I am not a gamer so I don't mind going with a less powerful card. Do you mind if I ask how much should I pay for a 5750? I am looking at ebay right now. Thanks.
[doublepost=1505111127][/doublepost]

I'd suggest you try Linux if you wish to get some use out of it as it is much more lenient when it comes to hardware on its way out. Is it worth it to get an expensive replacement card for a computer that's 8 years old?

Ah, nice one. I had different Linux on several virtual machines, I can test to boot the iMac from a USB linux stick and look what happens, just for testing. Should I try any linux flavour in special?

I don't want to write off the iMac, it is several years old but it's not lacking much for my needs.

Thanks.
[doublepost=1505111358][/doublepost]

I know however Linux has worked well for me on a semi-defective GPU whereas Mac OS X didn't work at all.

Yes, I'm against not using something because of its age, heck I still use a 14 year old PowerBook G4. That being said, I'd be reluctant to spend a few hundred dollars to fix something that's about 8 years old when you can buy a used computer that performs a tad better for less money.

I still have many G3 and G4 around too!

Of course I can buy a used computer, but the one I want is still expensive.. maybe because its a cylinder awesomeness
[doublepost=1505111552][/doublepost]

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try and reflow your existing card. I have successfully done three 2011 iMacs. Check YouTube for iMac graphics card reflow. Good luck!

Hi Razzerman,

I have done that many times to my former Mac Pro nvidia 8800, the card worked again several days and then broke again. Replacing the faulty card with an ATI 5770 was more convenient which is what I did.

 

[Significant1]

Hello again,
If the 6970 was so problematic better to skip it. I am nota gamer so I don't mind going with a less powerful card. Do you mind if I ask how much should I pay for a 5750? I am looking at ebay right now. Thanks..

I am not up to date. I bought mine 2.5 years ago for around 325$.

If you are adventures, people are experimenting with pc mxm cards, which are much cheaper. E.g:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2011-imac-graphics-card-upgrade.1596614/

 

[KawaiiAurora]

Hello again,

If the 6970 was so problematic better to skip it. I am not a gamer so I don't mind going with a less powerful card. Do you mind if I ask how much should I pay for a 5750? I am looking at ebay right now. Thanks.
[doublepost=1505111127][/doublepost]

Ah, nice one. I had different Linux on several virtual machines, I can test to boot the iMac from a USB linux stick and look what happens, just for testing. Should I try any linux flavour in special?

I don't want to write off the iMac, it is several years old but it's not lacking much for my needs.

Thanks.
[doublepost=1505111358][/doublepost]

I still have many G3 and G4 around too!

Of course I can buy a used computer, but the one I want is still expensive.. maybe because its a cylinder awesomeness
[doublepost=1505111552][/doublepost]

Hi Razzerman,

I have done that many times to my former Mac Pro nvidia 8800, the card worked again several days and then broke again. Replacing the faulty card with an ATI 5770 was more convenient which is what I did.

You can try Ubuntu MATE as it's always worked for me. I'd also suggest you upgrade the CPU to a faster Core i7 while you're at it.

I'd advise you shop around for a faster CPU and not get one off eBay since $175 for a USED i7-880 is just stupidly expensive in my opinion when newer and much better CPUs cost about the same NEW.

 

[SaSaSushi]

You can try Ubuntu MATE as it's always worked for me. I'd also suggest you upgrade the CPU to a faster Core i7 while you're at it.

I'd advise you shop around for a faster CPU and not get one off eBay since $175 for a USED i7-880 is just stupidly expensive in my opinion when newer and much better CPUs cost about the same NEW.

The i7-880 should work in the Late 2011 iMac since it has the same TDP (95w) as the i7-860 2.8GHz that shipped in the high end of that generation but do be careful though because CPU upgrades will only work in iMacs with CPUs of the same or lower TDP.

 

[-MB-]

I am not up to date. I bought mine 2.5 years ago for around 325$.

If you are adventures, people are experimenting with pc mxm cards, which are much cheaper. E.g:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2011-imac-graphics-card-upgrade.1596614/

Thanks. I'll look that thread but should take a while to check it all.

Do you know which graphics card model should work best with my late 2009 iMac? This iMac will be running macOS Sierra again or High Sierra if feasible.
[doublepost=1505155857][/doublepost]

You can try Ubuntu MATE as it's always worked for me. I'd also suggest you upgrade the CPU to a faster Core i7 while you're at it.

I'd advise you shop around for a faster CPU and not get one off eBay since $175 for a USED i7-880 is just stupidly expensive in my opinion when newer and much better CPUs cost about the same NEW.

Tried several linux, none of them gave me a working screen. I was totally blind in front of my iMac.

Thanks for the advise about getting a faster CPU. But I probably don't need it. Let's see if I can fix the graphics card first. The other upgrade I would like to do is to max the RAM to 32GB

 

[Significant1]

You can try Ubuntu MATE as it's always worked for me. I'd also suggest you upgrade the CPU to a faster Core i7 while you're at it.

I'd advise you shop around for a faster CPU and not get one off eBay since $175 for a USED i7-880 is just stupidly expensive in my opinion when newer and much better CPUs cost about the same NEW.

Would you mind opening your account to PMs (Conversations) as I think I may have a hold on something that could interest you?

Do you know which graphics card model should work best with my late 2009 iMac? This iMac will be running macOS Sierra again or High Sierra if feasible.

No sorry. I don't have any personal experience besides swapping my 4850 out for an 5750. But I guess any Apple made mxm would work.

I did have a chat with the technitian I bought from, about buying an pc 6970, since they are a LOT cheaper. But they need to be flashed with an Apple compatible rom and he had played with the idea.

 

[-MB-]

No sorry. I don't have any personal experience besides swapping my 4850 out for an 5750. But I guess any Apple made mxm would work.

I did have a chat with the technitian I bought from, about buying an pc 6970, since they are a LOT cheaper. But they need to be flashed with an Apple compatible rom and he had played with the idea.

Thanks again. I think I'll go for a MID 2010 Radeon, probably de HD 5750 1 GB to make things work easier.


My PMs (Conversations) are available. I can't check the email account (gmail) used to register here on my PowerPC Mac. I have to do that on the iPhone so probably I am late with the macrumors alerts. Sorry.