Mid-2010 iMac GPU upgrade

[Nihilius]

I searched for some topics about upgrading GPUs in iMacs and I'm pretty confused.

First of all can I even upgrade/replace GPU in mid-2010 iMac with HD5750 at all? Or can I have it replaced in Apple Store at reasonable cost? I used to think that GPUs were soldered to motherboard but when I browsed some forums I noticed some people have actually replaced them.

I'm thinking about upgrading to 6970 if it's possible. Preferably the 2GB version. Anyone have experience about 5750 to 6970?

 

[ivoruest]

I'm not sure because the 5750 as Apple merchandises it is supposed to be a "desktop GPU" and the 6970M is clearly marketed as mobile, which is true. There might be some different type of connections or something.

I never heard of someone removing the 6970M out of the 2011 iMac. Good luck with your findings.

 

[Nihilius]

I already got excited because I thought I had found the information I need put when I read more carefully it said that you can upgrade GPU of 2009 model to 6970M. I still don't know if I can upgrade 5750 in 2010 model.

Anyone?

 

[iSayuSay]

Should be doable. But you still need to contact Apple technician to do the job. And you have to pay them for it. It's not exactly on-the-book job.

But it could be costly, really really costly. 6970M 2GB for 2011 iMac costs $400 - 600 for the card alone. Much more expensive than 1GB version. Don't understand why, but I guess because they're simply rarer. You'll end up $500 - 700 or so after shipping and installation.

Food for thoughts .. click here

 

[Nihilius]

Okay I contacted a company which repairs Macs and other Apple products. I was told they could install the new GPU for 50-75 euros but they won't guarantee it works.

I was actually prepared to do the installation myself but that price isn't too bad actually.

However, I'm still not 100% sure that 6970M will work on my 2010 iMac. I have read that it work in 2009 models for certain so I would assume it also works with more recent versions. Could someone confirm this? I wouldn't really like to spend 500 euros unless I'm 100% certain the upgrade will work.

 

[kennyap]

Okay I contacted a company which repairs Macs and other Apple products. I was told they could install the new GPU for 50-75 euros but they won't guarantee it works.

I was actually prepared to do the installation myself but that price isn't too bad actually.

However, I'm still not 100% sure that 6970M will work on my 2010 iMac. I have read that it work in 2009 models for certain so I would assume it also works with more recent versions. Could someone confirm this? I wouldn't really like to spend 500 euros unless I'm 100% certain the upgrade will work.

Hi Nihilius,
I can understand your confusion, though posts on successful gpu upgrades on 2009 iMacs are readily available, I haven't found one yet regarding 2010 iMacs. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, keep searching. Good luck.

 

[Wreckie]

I am curious if 6970m could be replaced with something in future, for instance 7970m ?