Replacing Graphics Card on an 2011 iMac

[Slapgun]

Hey guys,

I have a 2011 iMac (Model: A1312 (EMC 2429)) and the graphics card is dead on it. I've been researching the cost of replacing it, the same exact OEM card on ebay goes for around >350$ which is too much for me. My local iMac repair centre said a new card would cost 489€ which is as well too much for me
So I was wondering, can I replace the card to something not OEM? Saw some quadros on ebay which go for like 100$, or even the same 6970M LINK, but from a Dell laptop. The price doesn't bite on these ones so that's good for me. Or is there an even better choice? Doesn't have to be the same exact model, I just want it to work. Mainly the iMac is going to be used for programming, some photoshop.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Swiss-G]

Hey guys,

I have a 2011 iMac (Model: A1312 (EMC 2429)) and the graphics card is dead on it. I've been researching the cost of replacing it, the same exact OEM card on ebay goes for around >350$ which is too much for me. My local iMac repair centre said a new card would cost 489€ which is as well too much for me
So I was wondering, can I replace the card to something not OEM? Saw some quadros on ebay which go for like 100$, or even the same 6970M LINK, but from a Dell laptop. The price doesn't bite on these ones so that's good for me. Or is there an even better choice? Doesn't have to be the same exact model, I just want it to work. Mainly the iMthe iMac (27-inch) meets these requirements, Apple will replace the video card free of charge for four years after the first retail sale of the computer.ac is going to be used for programming, some photoshop.

Thanks in advance!

There is/was a replacement programme for that iMac.

If the iMac (27-inch) meets thes programme requirements, Apple will replace the video card free of charge for four years after the first retail sale of the computer.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203787

 

[roberthallin]

If you haven't already, look through this thread. You might find something useful:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2011-imac-graphics-card-upgrade.1596614/

 

[Slapgun]

Thank You guys for the replies

Unfortunately, I know about the replacement programme, which is not going to help me, since not only do I not have the receipt for the purchase, but also the programme is only for 3 years after the purchase (I have it longer than that). And also I have seen that thread.

To clarify, what I want to know is, can I replace with any card, that has been in some iMac already put by Apple (there are drivers for that card), and is the same form factor and connector? Or is there only a couple of cards that's going to work 100%? I know I'm asking much, but I really can't afford buying a graphics card only to find out it won't work...

 

[Swiss-G]

Thank You guys for the replies

Unfortunately, I know about the replacement programme, which is not going to help me, since not only do I not have the receipt for the purchase, but also the programme is only for 3 years after the purchase (I have it longer than that). And also I have seen that thread.

To clarify, what I want to know is, can I replace with any card, that has been in some iMac already put by Apple (there are drivers for that card), and is the same form factor and connector? Or is there only a couple of cards that's going to work 100%? I know I'm asking much, but I really can't afford buying a graphics card only to find out it won't work...

I wouldn't give up too easily.

Apple state the expiry is 4 years after the first retail purchase not 3.

They will also have a record of the date of first retail purchase.

Try them you have nothing to lose.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Thank You guys for the replies

Unfortunately, I know about the replacement programme, which is not going to help me, since not only do I not have the receipt for the purchase, but also the programme is only for 3 years after the purchase (I have it longer than that). And also I have seen that thread.

To clarify, what I want to know is, can I replace with any card, that has been in some iMac already put by Apple (there are drivers for that card), and is the same form factor and connector? Or is there only a couple of cards that's going to work 100%? I know I'm asking much, but I really can't afford buying a graphics card only to find out it won't work...

Well unless someone has tried it before it is an impossible question to answer, if you want to be sure it will work you'll have to replace like for like, anything else is asking for trouble.

 

[macryan1]

I wouldn't give up too easily.

Apple state the expiry is 4 years after the first retail purchase not 3.

They will also have a record of the date of first retail purchase.

Try them you have nothing to lose.

If you login to Apple's website you can check your serial number under support/Applecare and verify a valid purchase date. I have the same iMac bought in 2011 and recently my video card went south. Took it in and they did the job under the replacement program. It's worth checking out.....

 

[madeirabhoy]

Thank You guys for the replies

Unfortunately, I know about the replacement programme, which is not going to help me, since not only do I not have the receipt for the purchase, but also the programme is only for 3 years after the purchase (I have it longer than that). And also I have seen that thread.

To clarify, what I want to know is, can I replace with any card, that has been in some iMac already put by Apple (there are drivers for that card), and is the same form factor and connector? Or is there only a couple of cards that's going to work 100%? I know I'm asking much, but I really can't afford buying a graphics card only to find out it won't work...

mate dont give up, firstly they dont need your receipt, you give them your serial number and they can check the first time your computer conencted to internet, which they'll take as purchase date, and its now 4 years.

my screen went, it ws flickering, i thought it the graphics card, they said it wasnt covered as only the card was, and it was out of warranty, so i phoned apple portugal, got put through to apple ireland, told the guy who answered the phone, had a chat with him, he transferrred me to a manager, he offered to phone the repair centre, rang me back 20 mins later, couldnt get through to the repair centre but said apple would cover it as goodwill. when i got it back, they had replaced the screen, in doing this, the flickering continued, so they replaced the graphics card, all for free.

phone apple, be polite, explain you are unhappy, they'll fix it.