dakman8417

Q: AMD Radeon HD 6970M with 2GB GDDR5 available for upgrade?

I bought my iMac in store and it came with AMD Radeon HD 6970M with 1GB. Then I saw that the 2GB version of this card is availble online only. I want the 2GB card bad. I see that apple sells video cards for older verions of the iMac. Does anyone know if there is a way to order the 2GB card for the mid-2011 i7 iMac?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3), | 3.4G i7 | HD 6970M 1G | 20G DDR3

Posted on Mar 17, 2012 7:51 PM

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Q: AMD Radeon HD 6970M with 2GB GDDR5 available for upgrade?

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  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jul 14, 2012 4:07 PM in response to dakman8417
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Jul 14, 2012 4:07 PM in response to dakman8417

    I'd seriously suggest you wait until after the other poster reports back on his efforts; you might want to read his thread here:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/message/18918629#18918629

  • by kennyap,

    kennyap kennyap Jul 14, 2012 4:44 PM in response to babowa
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 14, 2012 4:44 PM in response to babowa

    Hey babowa,

     

    The Radeon HD 6970M 2GB will work in the 2011 iMac 27", not the 21" though.  The Card must be a replacement part specifically for the 2011 iMac 27" so it has the apple firmware pre-loaded.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jul 14, 2012 4:47 PM in response to kennyap
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Jul 14, 2012 4:47 PM in response to kennyap

    Did you inform the OP that s/he will be voiding their warranty?

  • by kennyap,

    kennyap kennyap Jul 14, 2012 5:05 PM in response to babowa
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 14, 2012 5:05 PM in response to babowa

    babowa:

     

    Changing out the Radeon 6970M 1GB for a 2GB card will not void the warranty.  Changing the cpu will. 

     

    You are obviously very concerned with any warranty-voiding upgrade to your machine, if you're not used to this sort of thing then I understand.  But if you take the proper precaution (wear anti-static wristband, proper tools, read & re-read the teardown), then there is less concern for this.  This is done by apple techs everyday, if you see firsthand their work (and the simple workbenches they use) you'll realize this is not rocket science.

     

    If you haven't done a teardown or upgrades like this, then I agree don't mess with it.

     

    Cheers,

    Kenny

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jul 14, 2012 5:23 PM in response to kennyap
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Jul 14, 2012 5:23 PM in response to kennyap

    Changing out the Radeon 6970M 1GB for a 2GB card will not void the warranty.  Changing the cpu will.

     

    Really.

     

    Have you read the warranty? Specifically, check (g) which appears to be applicable to a different graphics card (as well as (f)  and (d) which may also be applicable):

     

    (This is an excerpt from an iMac hardware warranty for the US):

     

    This warranty does not apply: (a) to consumable parts, such as batteries, unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; (b) to cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports; (c) to damage caused by use with another product; (d) to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, liquid contact, fire, earthquake or other external cause; (e) to damage caused by operating the Apple Product outside Apple’s published guidelines; (f) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (“AASP”); (g) to an Apple Product that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple; (h) to defects caused by normal wear and tear or otherwise due to the normal aging of the Apple Product, or if any serial number has been removed or defaced from the Apple Product.

     

    It is irrelevant whether or not I've done a teardown. What is important is that the OP now has the information necessary to make an informed decision. With that, I am done here.

  • by kennyap,

    kennyap kennyap Jul 14, 2012 7:40 PM in response to babowa
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 14, 2012 7:40 PM in response to babowa

    babowa,

     

    You're cute.  Yes I read the warranty, it is well publicised.  I think everyone who buys a mac hears about being careful not to void it, so I'm pretty sure the OP was also aware of this.  With your repeated warnings I'm positive he knows.  You don't have to upgrade your machine, but let others be aware that it is very possible, with a very high rate of success when done using correct methods.  Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe there's a high number of people who thought these upgrades were not even possible when I posted the opening thread.

     

    cheers,

    Kenny

  • by mklugo,

    mklugo mklugo May 21, 2014 7:16 AM in response to kennyap
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 21, 2014 7:16 AM in response to kennyap

    Kennyap,

     

    Was it difficult to install the AMD Radeon HD 6970M 2GB for iMac 27" Mid 2011?  What were the changes?  Also, you mentioned that you were not able to update the OS.  I'm looking to install Mavericks.  Is this an issue?