27 inch iMac video card issue

Question

Level 1

8 points

27 inch iMac video card issue

Good morning to all,

I just need some advice on an issue that I'm having with my iMac. I have a mid2011 27 inch iMac that I had the hard drive replaced recently. Shortly after that my video card went bad. I took it to the Apple store but it would be around $500 to fix. I don't really want to plunk down $750 on an old computer. A friend of mine recently told me about the graphics/video card issue that is specific to this model year. There was a graphics card replacement program by Apple and my serial number falls under this. Unfortunately when I called Apple support, they could not verify this program. Does anyone out there know about this replacement program? I know my computer is getting dated. But I would still like to use it for my children. I did recently buy another 27 inch iMac but I would like to salvage the old one. I'm hoping that there would be answers out there for my issue. If I still fall under the replacement program, then great. But if not maybe anyone can help advice on what to do. Maybe Apple can give me a deal on a replacement since it was a known issue. I also cannot find any other numbers to call Apple regarding this issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again in advance for your help. Have a blessed day to all.

iMac, iOS 10.0.1

Posted on Oct 5, 2016 9:54 AM

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Answer 1

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,229 points

Oct 5, 2016 10:02 AM in response to Dondismcoupe

the only active replacement program at this time for iMac is for the hard drive.

https://www.apple.com/support/exchange_repair/

the 2011 iMac features a thunderbolt port and it may be possible to run an aftermarket GPU through the port. While you will need to spend a little more than the Windows counterparts for a flashed Mac card and drivers you can provide the older iMac with a far superior card than anything Apple currently sells in their flagship systems, and many possible replacements would eviscerate the antique Apple offers as a replacement for less than what Apple is asking for.

here's an example

https://bizon-tech.com/us/bizonbox2-egpu.html/

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

207,889 points

Oct 5, 2016 10:23 AM in response to Dondismcoupe

There was a program for that model iMac: iMac (27-inch): AMD Radeon 6970M Video Card Replacement Program - Apple Support. However, there is a 4 year from date of purchase limit on the replacement. Unless your iMac was purchased in October, 2012 it's beyond the replacement date.

If it's close I'd make an appointment at the nearest Genius bar for a diagnostic and try to talk them into replacement.

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Answer 3

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,229 points

Oct 5, 2016 10:55 AM in response to Old Toad

if the OP went back to the store and they quoted him a price shouldn't they have told it was eligible for the repair program?

I'm not being snippy, I'm asking; does Apple tell you the device is covered or do you need to ask?

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Answer 4

Old Toad

Level 10

207,889 points

Oct 5, 2016 11:39 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

You need to ask. Got to be proactive. My philosophy is if you don't ask you'll never know. It would depend on how far out of the 4 year time frame it is.

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Answer 5

Oct 5, 2016 1:30 PM in response to Dondismcoupe

I also cannot find any other numbers to call Apple regarding this issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Call Apple Customer Relations - 1-800-275-2273. Ask politely & firmly that you want to be transferred to Customer Relations. Tell them exactly what you stated in your post. See what they can do for you!

GOOD LUCK!

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Answer 6

Dondismcoupe Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 6, 2016 6:29 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

Thank you for your reply. I contacted Apple again and spoke with an administrator and they will help me out. I truly appreciate your reply and feedback. Have a great day.

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Answer 7

Dondismcoupe Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 6, 2016 6:31 AM in response to Baby-Boomer-USofA

I do want to thank you for your advice. I was on the phone with them yesterday. I spoke with an administrator and they will help me with my issue. They will replace my video card and apply a one time extension for the expired video replacement program. They said that if it was an issue before, it will still be an issue now. I appreciate your time and advice. Thank you very much.

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Answer 8

Dondismcoupe Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 6, 2016 6:35 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

Good morning,

Thank you for replying to my post. I do agree that a company would be more proactive to do that but again business is business. I did make contact with Apple again yesterday and spoke with an administrator. They agreed to do an extension to the expired program and will fix my issue. I get my computer fixed next Monday. Apple support is amazing. I love that a company backs up their products and values their customers. Have a wonderful day.

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Answer 9

Dondismcoupe Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 6, 2016 6:38 AM in response to Old Toad

Thank you for replying. I was in contact with Apple support yesterday and spoke with an administrator. Long story short, they did a one time extension to the expired program and will fix my issue. Thank you again and have a wonderful day.

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Answer 10

Oct 6, 2016 10:50 AM in response to Dondismcoupe

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Answer 11

Oct 9, 2016 6:28 AM in response to Dondismcoupe

Glad you were able to get the extension. I had the exact same issue (Tech article HT203787) and was NOT successful in getting an extension. I'm out $650 for the fix. Seems ridiculous to me to put a time limit on the repair, but that's my opinion.

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