IMac 20" graphic card

Hi
I bought an iMac 20" just this summer (about 1 month before the new ones...). When I bought it I noticed that the graphic card might be a bottle neck in the system (cant remember the name for it). Is this a correct observation?
I am therefore evaluating to upgrade the graphic card as much as possible really.
Does anybody have experience with this? Which card should I be looking for, and is this something I should be able to do myself (I'm above average technical).
Thanks

Hi,
sorry to say but the graphics card in the iMac is not upgradeable.
It is either soldered to the logic board or if it is using the so-called MXM (Mobile PCI-Express Module) you are most likely not able to obtain such a module.
And even if you could get your hands on such a module, it is most likely not supported by OSX.
Sorry
Stefan
Message was edited by: Fortuny

Similar Messages

The iMac 2011 graphics card is now separated from the motherboard?

The iMac 2011 graphics card is now separated from the motherboard?

Hi,
Edit: Sorry on the new models you can remove the graphics card if thats what you mean , without changing the whole logic board, this is the same as older iMac models though, this is not new.

Buying new iMac, which graphics card would be best?

I'm getting ready to buy a new iMac. I already have a 2010 27-in with a Radeon HD 5670 512 MB graphics (card? was built in as I remember). I need an additional iMac for my studio space and am deciding between the 21.5-in. w/ Intel Iris Integrated graphics and the NVIDIA GEForce graphics models. I do photography and art related video projects with music (Final Cut, Photoshop CSS, Logic Pro).
The 2010 iMac has worked fine for me. Which of the new iMacs would you recommend? Do I need extra dedicated graphics card or is the Intel Iris pretty comparable to what I've been getting with the Radeon?
I wouldn't mind saving a couple of hundred dollars to use on other things like a back up drive, but if it's going to be a big difference I could spend the extra $ for the NVIDIA.
I'm not a gamer BTW.
thanks for your input, tech-heads!
Christine

Although the processor speed is slower, the i5 is much more efficient
than the i3. In addition, the memory bus speed is faster than your
2010. The result is you will have a faster computer.
Just for some performance numbers, here are the Geekbench
scores for your current computer and the one you are considering.
(64 bit single core test score/64 bit multi core test score)
2010, i3, 3.2 GHz iMac ---> 2086/4491
late 2013, 21.5", i5, 2.7 GHz ---> 3172/10255

My next iMac-- which graphics card; which display size?

Hi all,
I'd like some advice in choosing my next iMac, specifically regarding the graphics card and the display size.
Graphics Card:
I'm not a gamer nor am I doing any 3D animation. Is there any other reason to upgrade the graphics card? I DO want the best possible video playback (QT movies), but I don't know if the graphics card has any bearing on video playback quality.
Display size:
Aside from the obvious differences in resolution, do any of the three displays sizes (17,20,24) have any history of being better or more reliable?
Thanks in advance for any tips

Your needs will better dictate which model is best.
Video playback of QuickTine movies will not be affected by upgrading to the 24" with the nVidia chip.
No 3D gaming or animation means no need for a higher end graphics card. In my case, the x1600 ATi in the original Core Duo 20" is more than sufficient for everything I've thrown at it so far including full resolution "Call of Duty".
For your use, you may not need the extra VRAM but I personally would bump it up to 256MB though. Adding an external monitor will split the total VRAM between the two monitors and with Apple continually moving a lot of Mac OS X's graphical features to the GPU, the extra memory may be a blessing.
Display Size:
I believe that reliability between the three models is pretty much the same.
The advantage to the 24" is, of course, the extra screen real estate and resolution. However The price difference between the 20" and 24" could allow you to go with the 20" model and add an external LCD for a dual screen setup (if space permits).
Weigh your needs - now and the immediate future - and then look at both models in person if possible.

IMac - what graphic card best suited for Aperture???

Hi, I'm considering buying the 24" iMac to use with Aperture 2.1.2, however it comes with the option
of two graphics cards:
ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO w/256MB GDDR3
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS w/512MB GDDR3
I don't play any games, so what I want is the best card for use with Aperture (and I guess core image?).
From what I can see at barefeats.com its not necessarily the biggest card which is the best, since they are often optimized for games and not so much 2d graphics.
Right now I use Aperture on my 2.2Ghz MacBook Pro with 128Mb Nvidia card, and its not the fastest combo at all.
What is your opinion?
Best,
Peter

AFAIK the Barefeats commentary <http://barefeats.com/imp01.html> seems accurate and suggests that the 2600 card is best value.
If one is buying a new desktop box, iMacs are much more limiting to Aperture performance than Mac Pros, even a 2006 MP. So the only reason to consider an iMac is price. Once we acknowledge that the setup build is about accepting lesser Aperture performance to achieve lower price, the significance of the $150 extra for the 8800 card becomes more apparent. IMO if one is price-constrained to buying an iMac then the $150 that might have gone to an 8800 card is better spent on adding the necessary maximum RAM and FW800 external hard drive(s).
-Allen Wicks

IMac G5 Graphic Card Replacement for blue screen problem

When I turn on iMac, I only see blue screen, the apple technician said Need to replace graphic card, Nvidia Gforce 7600GT 256.
1, can it install in IMac? Seem like it work for PC?
2, I had blue screen problem several time, I think I turn on iMac too long, so it burn out graphic card.
3, I have 2007 G5 24" screen model, is any durable and afford graphic card you recommend?
Where to buy for cheaper price?
Do I need to change mother board?
4, can I replace it by myself? Any picture or video for graphic card replacement?
Thank you.

If you look around, you might be able to find someone who will replace just the chip on the graphics card, which is what usually fails. It will take someone highly skilled; they really have to know what they're doing--it's not an ordinary soldering job.
Here's someone who found a non-Apple service to do this, and it proved to be far less expensive than a full logic board replacement. But I think this was in the UK.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4996559?start=0&tstart=0
I have no personal experience with this outfit, but you might check them out.
http://dttservice.com/

Can you add memory to a IMac's graphics card?

I have a 2011 IMac with an AMD Radeon HD 6970M 1GB GDDR5, can I add another 1gb to it?

Greetings,
I have a 2011 IMac with an AMD Radeon HD 6970M 1GB GDDR5, can I add another 1gb to it?
The memory on the AMD Radeon HD 6970M is integrated into the graphics card. It cannot be removed / upgraded.
While not directly related, you can upgrade the RAM of your CPU if you like.
Cheers.

Premiere Pro CC 2014 not optimized for iMac 5K graphics card?

I have the new iMac 5k with the AMD Redeon R9 M295X 4 GB GDDR5 graphics card. In Premiere Pro CC 2014 (updated to the latest version), when I go to "project settings" and select "Mercury Playback Engine GPU Acceleration," I get a pop-up window that reads: "the selected renderer hardware has not been certified." Does this mean that Premiere Pro is not optimized for these video cards? If I still choose to select GPU acceleration, will I see any performance boost?
Thanks in advance for any responses.

It means Adobe has not tested the card.
If you can select the card you are OK.

Upgrade 2009 27" iMac's Graphics Card?

Hello All
I have read many confusing posts about upgrading graphics cards in iMacs but I haven't been able to find a definitive answer yet as to whether i can do this.
I have a Late 2009 27-inch iMac (model iMac10,1) with ATI Radeon HD 4670 256mb graphics.
I just need to know if it is possible before I buy a card and begin the tedious process of taking the computer apart, and which cards will work and are available for purchase.
Any help would be appreciated,
xeni

The processor is integral with and soldered to the logic board. It cannot be changed. You would ahve to get aq new logic boarda nd that is a significant portion of the cost of new uprated iMac with the specs you want.
The word is that Apple will only replace a defective GPU card with the same type and capacity, so I doubt they will help. Also the iMac does not use the common GPU cards as used in tower computers. It is a proprietary format with a crazy heat sink system:
[image source: iFixit.com]
The "card" is under the heat sink plate (lower right)

IMac with graphical card problems

HiRegards to all.
My problem is the following one.
I had problems in my iMac, like flickering, ghosting, but the more serious thing that was remaining hung and on the screen there were appearing stripes of colors, duplicated images, in short an iMac of which they went out with the fault in the motherboard of factory . I received it one week ago and now after two attempts to execute the return of the product they say to me (after saying to me that today it would have my iMac made) that it will be ended on September 8, thing that will lengthen my order in one month.
Apple charged me the iMac one month ago, and it turns out that I am going to be two months (if there is luck) without iMac, now I do not have computer in spite of wich works what leads me to losing money since all this hanging work cannot continue forward. The most graceful thing is that since they charged it from me only they were late 3 days in making it, more three weeks in the sending. But in the service post sale now they say to me that the return has priority to the manufactures as buy. If that is more time I do not see that has priority on the buys.
In short I am very disappointed with apple after so many years adoring these perfect machines I have met plunged in the disappointment. If they me cannot solve this this week I will proceed the case before service to the consumer of my country to do the pertinent thing. I leave this message because I need to be advised before this problem, of which I do not have fault, but I am the maxium harmed.
Regards

If you have ordered an iMac with the 256Mb graphics card then there is going to be a delay. Everyone who is ordering that model is having to wait. I don't know why but can only guess that they either have a shortage of the graphic card from the supplier or they have more orders than they thought they would. I feel certain that Apple would rather be able to build them quicker also, but sometimes things happen that are beyond our control.
At least they were good enough to replace your defective unit. That is something to be thankful for. I really am sorry you have to wait. Maybe the new one will work perfectly though and you won't have any more problems.
By the way I used to live in Barcelona many many years ago. I love the city and the people there and some day I am going to go back and visit. Barcelona is a great place!

Upgrade Mid 2011 iMac 27'' Graphics Card?

Hello all, and thanks in advance. I have a mid 2011 iMac 27'' and for work, I do a lot of film and effects editing. I have currently ordered more RAM but my newly updated programs require an Nvidia card with CUDA drivers for rendering. Is it possible to upgrade the graphics card in my mid 2011 iMac to a newer, faster card?

Thanks for the quick response. I understand they are part of the logic board, and it appears that they weren't designed to be easily accessible, but is it even possible? With some risky work, could it be possible to place a new card in? Or is it designed so other cards won't even fit?

IMac 2011 graphics card replacement program - service says no to me!

Hello everyone,
I have a mac with the exact specifications that are stated here in the graphics card replacement program: iMac (27-inch): AMD Radeon 6970M Video Card Replacement Program
And the exact symptoms as well. Computer was taken to a service that is approved by Apple, but as I'm in a different country, it's not an Apple store itself. After doing diagnostics for a few weeks, they told me that this does not apply to me. They that the serial number doesn't note that Apple covers anything.
I have no receipts or anything, had no Apple care either, but this is a replacement statement by Apple and even after having the serial number and seeing that it is the exact model having the exact symptoms - can they still say no to me? What should I do? There are no Apple stores like in other countries and if I took it to one of the official dealer stores, they're just gonna take the computer to the same official service provider. It is really unfair at the moment and I don't know what to do.
P.s. Should I post my serial number here so maybe someone who works in an official store could help me clear up if it really does not apply?

I had to have my graphic card replaced. I was told that I was under the 3 year from date of purchase time limit so got it for free. How long has it been since you purchased your iMac?

Imac 27 graphics card damage / vertical lines

About 2 weeks ago, my iMac 27 "(mid 2011) stayed with vertical lines on the screen as seen in the pictures below.
Someone can help understand why the error is and what would be the solution.
The video card is an ATI Radeon 6970
This pink screen is for yesterday attemp to get my imac back to work, but failure.
Regards

hello all
Apple apparently has a solution to the problem, at least for those living in USA.
Anyone know of a way to benefit me replacement program, I live in Honduras and my iMac is within specifications.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5167?viewlocale=en_US
iMac (27-inch): AMD Radeon 6970M Video Card Replacement Program
Symptoms
Apple has determined that some AMD Radeon HD 6970M video cards used in 27-inch iMac computers with 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 or 3.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processors may fail, causing the computer’s display to appear distorted, white or blue with vertical lines, or to turn black. iMac computers with affected video cards were sold between May 2011 and October 2012.
Resolution
If your iMac has an AMD Radeon HD 6970M video card and is exhibiting any of the issues described above, choose one of the following options to arrange to have your iMac evaluated:
Apple Retail Store: Set up a Genius Bar appointment.
Apple Authorized Service Provider: Find one here.
Apple Technical Support: Contact us for local service options.
Before you go in for service, please back up your data. Learn more about backup options.
If the iMac (27-inch) meets these requirements, Apple will replace the video card free of charge for three years after the first retail sale of the computer.
Additional Information
If you believe you have paid for a repair or replacement due to this issue, contact Apple regarding a refund.
This worldwide Apple program does not extend the standard warranty coverage of the iMac.
Apple will continue to evaluate service data and will provide further updates to this program as needed.
Last Modified: Aug 17, 2013

C2D iMac with graphic card issues

We own a long in the tooth C2D 24inch iMac that has the replacable graphics board in it. It is running Lion and currently having lots of fits and starts all video related and I am expecting the video to be failing in the near future. It has 2 22" screens attached to it for day time business usage running Parallels v7 - the third via a USB to DVI device. I have iStat installed with the fans running and this has definately helped it live day to day with less issues as the internals are certainly cooler running. It has been a warrior and is being pushed way beyond what it was designed for.
My question is for the techies, would moving back to Leopard place less strain on the board once all the current level browsers are brought back to current? Would Mountain Lion help? I have received a cost to replace the board and probably the cost is best spent investing toward a new(er) machine.

Hi Barry,
I have received a cost to replace the board and probably the cost is best spent investing toward a new(er) machine.
Are you willing to share the cost estimate with us. I've seen two other posts this morning where people were in the "repair or replace" quandary and I find myself guessing the cost based on other models, which is shaky logic at best!.
And was the estimate for just the video board or the entire logic board?
Thanks!

2011 iMac 27 graphics card problem?

After updating to Mavericks I have had some sporatic, multicolored, blocks appearing and flashing on my display.
Does anyone have any idea what could be causing it?
<Edited by Host>

Same problem here, mid 2011 27", Radeon 6770, Mavericks, etc.
The problem may be getting worse slowly and mainly appears on medium gray regions windows which have been static for a while, and is particulary strong on the external Dell monitor - typically toward the right sides of the screens. If you move the window, it stops for a while. Checked internal temps, screen saver mode, nearby cellular signal & RF sources (iPad, iPhone), second monitor connected or not.
The pattern of blinking seems to repeat: a period flickering followed by shorter period of very fast flickering, which reminds me of the sound of an audio noise problem I had when a cell phone was near my Mac. So far, the noise problem does not appear when the iPhone (T-Mobile) and iPad (Verizon) are off. The problem appears if I turn on the iPhone, however it does not go away when I turn off the phone, unless I also move or update the afflicted window (iPhoto's gray background is a good example). Only one day of experimentation with this, so it is probably premature to conclude that RF interference is a factor.
This has been going on long enough that I can't associate it with any system changes, however I've had the phone and pod for a while and I don't think it appeared when they did. If it is indeed RF related, then that leaves three possibilites: (1) I changed something, such as an OS level, and didn't associate the problem with it, (2) the RF interference is increasing or, (3) the iMac is becoming increasingly sensitive to the RF interference.
Anybody able to validate this? I'd hate to crack open my iMac and put in a new GPU only to find it wasn't the root cause!

IMac 20" graphic card

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for