Replacing graphics card in iMac 27" (Mid 2011) with a AMD 6770M (1GB)

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Replacing graphics card in iMac 27" (Mid 2011) with a AMD 6770M (1GB)

Hi,

The graphic card in my iMac 27" (Mid 2011) failed and now I am looking to replace it. The original one (AMD 6770M with 512mb) on eBay is very expensive. However, there is the same Model with 1gb that is much cheaper. Is it still compatible with my iMac? I can't find anywhere that it is compatible but it looks exactly the same just with double the speed.

Here is the link for the cheaper graphics card: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/252335318832

Thanks for you help.

iMac 27", macOS 10.13

Posted on Apr 19, 2020 10:57 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 20, 2020 4:51 AM in response to Snooby-92

The link you posted was for an HP and will not work.

All iMacs use a specialized configuration and can

only be replaced by the exact model for a particular

year/model iMac. They are not generic.

Being a 9 year old computer you may seriously want to

consider a new computer since the graphics card may

just be the first in a never ending fix mode.

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Answer 2

Jeff Donald

Level 8

45,660 points

Apr 20, 2020 4:59 AM in response to Snooby-92

It might be able to be done, but the EPROM would need to be flashed with new/custom firmware. If the flashing fails the card is junk, because it can’t be reflashed. You also need to find the firmware somewhere. It’s a real hack, not sure it’s worth the time, effort or risk.

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Apr 20, 2020 1:55 PM in response to Snooby-92

2011 iMac GPU PC fix…

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251187656?answerId=252480770022#252480770022

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Answer 4

Apr 22, 2020 1:31 AM in response to Snooby-92

Go to a reconditioned one and then sell your model as spare parts.

In some cases you can change the video card but the trouble is extended also to logic board (burned, in my case) and the total cost of the recharge parts is more than buying a reconditioned Mac.

Best regards

Marco

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Answer 5

Snooby-92 Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 21, 2020 8:20 PM in response to BDAqua

Thanks for the link BDAqua. Does this apply if I change the GPU card with a non-original one? Cause I ordered a replacement GPU that came from the same machine as mine. I though I don't have to flash or do anything with it.

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Answer 6

Snooby-92 Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 20, 2020 5:01 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Ok thanks for that. This pretty much answers my question. Will look for an original graphic card from that model. Don't really want to buy a new one.

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Answer 7

Jeff Donald

Level 8

45,660 points

Apr 20, 2020 5:07 AM in response to Snooby-92

Sorry I didn’t have better news. Good luck with your iMac.

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Answer 8

Snooby-92 Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 20, 2020 4:53 AM in response to woodmeister50

Thanks for the reply. I did read in some forums that you can install the apple software/firmware on these graphic cards. Not sure how easy or hard it is and if it's worth it.

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Replacing graphics card in iMac 27" (Mid 2011) with a AMD 6770M (1GB)

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