iMac 27 inch mid-2011 screen issues - GPU issue?

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zubinm2000 Author

Level 1

14 points

iMac 27 inch mid-2011 screen issues - GPU issue?

Hi there,

I currently have an iMac mid 2011 27-inch. Back in January while I was using it, I happened to be closing iMovie (I think it was) when my screen suddenly blacked out, then appeared distorted. The computer then restarted itself and 5 green lines appeared on the screen. Unfortunately, the computer is now unable to start up properly without entering a boot loop where these lines appear. On the day it happened I contacted Apple Support to try and figure out what happened but this came to no avail. I've held off booking the computer in due to the current lockdown situation until recently. I tried to book the computer in with my local Apple Authorised service provider however since my Mac is considered "vintage" they were unable to offer any service.

From what I've read from others experiencing the same issue, it points towards an issue with the GPU and I remember seeing that Apple have a GPU replacement programme for the AMD one used for my iMac, would this still be valid? If not, are there any other solutions I can try to fix this issue? I saw on YouTube that someone fixed the issue by taking their Mac apart and putting the graphics card in the oven...no chance I'm trying that though!! I don't even have the tools to remove the Mac screen to begin with!

iMac 27″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jun 21, 2020 7:43 AM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Jun 21, 2020 8:07 AM in response to zubinm2000

Sadly it us the GPU, due to heat & age. Apple, if they look at it will just tell you they don't work on ones that old & to buy a new one

Safe Boot from the HD, (holding Shift key down at startup), does the problem occur in Safe Mode?

Have you blown the dust out of the intakes lately?

What temperatures does this App report? Especially the GPU if you van boot it

This App can be used to speed up the fans, all my iMacs would be dead without it.

Never ever ever drop fan speeds below the speed that the Mac itself is calling for.

MacFansControl…

https://www.crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,594 points

Jun 21, 2020 12:37 PM in response to zubinm2000

No it cannot, please backup the computer and then plan on getting it's replacement. When the replacement arrives, connect the Time Machine External Hard Disk from the old iMac to the new one using a USB cable. Then start the new one and you can migrate your data, apps and even settings to the new machine.

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Jun 21, 2020 3:37 PM in response to zubinm2000

Backup GPU was only for some Mac Laptops, MBPs I believe.

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Answer 4

zubinm2000 Author

Level 1

14 points

Jun 21, 2020 11:14 AM in response to BDAqua

I don't think I've tried restarting it in safe mode before, so could be worth a shot.

I've also heard something about trying to make the Mac switch to a "backup GPU", can this be done?

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Answer 5

zubinm2000 Author

Level 1

14 points

Jun 22, 2020 9:39 AM in response to BDAqua

That's rather surprising considering the size of the iMac's, you would have thought they'd easily fit one in there!

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Answer 6

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Jun 22, 2020 10:00 AM in response to zubinm2000

Yes, but the Laptops had lackluster Intel Graphics built-in, so a 2nd real card was needed for pro work, on iMacs they split the difference & included an underwhelming Mobile Graphics Card.

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Answer 7

den.thed

Level 10

92,560 points

Jun 21, 2020 8:21 AM in response to zubinm2000

That extended warranty program ended around 4+ years ago.

Cooking the graphics card if it works, will most likely only give it a temporary fix at best.

If you check with other AASP’s in your area, you might be able to find one that is willing to replace the GPU with a used or reconditioned GPU, but it going to probably cost as much or more than that model iMac is worth.

Sadly, it sounds like it’s time to replace it with a new or newer Mac.

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iMac 27 inch mid-2011 screen issues - GPU issue?

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