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iMac graphics card: the right card and the right kit for your model
On iMacs from 2007 to 2011, the graphics card is a separate board that can be replaced. When it fails, the iMac shows lines or colored blotches, freezes, or no longer starts. Here is the card, or adapter kit, that matches each model.
Signs of a failing graphics card
- Lines, checkerboard patterns or colored blotches on screen, sometimes right from the Apple logo at startup.
- Black or frozen screen while the iMac makes noise and the fan is running.
- iMac that restarts or hangs as soon as a graphics-intensive application launches.
First note the year and size of your iMac (Apple menu > About This Mac, or the serial number under the stand), then find your row below.
iMac 2007 to 2010
| Mac | Graphics card or kit |
|---|---|
| 20-inch iMac (2007) | Radeon HD 2400 XT 128 MB or Radeon HD 2600 Pro 256 MB |
| 24-inch iMac (2007) | Radeon HD 2600 Pro 256 MB |
| 21.5-inch iMac, late 2009 (661-5308) | Radeon HD 4670 256 MB |
| 21.5-inch iMac, mid-2010 (A1311, iMac11,2) | Radeon HD 4670 256 MB (661-5314) or Radeon HD 5670 512 MB |
| 27-inch iMac, mid-2010 (A1312, iMac11,3) | Radeon HD 5670 512 MB |
| 27-inch iMac, late 2009 (original HD 4670, HD 4850 or HD 5750) | HD 6770M 512 MB + HD 4850 replacement kit, or kit only, to switch to an HD 6750M or 6770M |
iMac 2011
| Mac | Graphics card or kit |
|---|---|
| 21.5-inch iMac, mid-2011 and late 2011 (A1311, iMac12,1) | Radeon HD 6750M 512 MB, Radeon HD 6750M 256 MB or Radeon HD 6770M 512 MB |
| 27-inch iMac, mid-2011 (A1312, iMac12,2) | Radeon HD 6770M 512 MB |
| 27-inch iMac, mid-2011 with original HD 6970M | HD 6770M 512 MB + HD 6970M replacement kit, HD 6750M 512 MB + HD 6970M replacement kit, or kit only |
Replacing an HD 6970M or an HD 4850: the adapter kit
The HD 6970M (27-inch iMac 2011) and HD 4850 (27-inch iMac 2009) cards can no longer be found. They are replaced with an HD 6770M or HD 6750M, using an adapter kit that lets you fit it in their place. We sell the card and the kit together, or the kit alone if you already have the card.
Mac Pro 2010 and 2012
| Mac | Graphics card or kit |
|---|---|
| Mac Pro, mid-2010 and mid-2012 (A1289, MacPro5,1) | AMD Radeon RX 580 8 GB (boot screen), ATI Radeon HD 5770 1 GB or ATI Radeon HD 5870 1 GB |
The Radeon RX 580 supports Metal: it is what lets you install macOS Mojave on a 2010-2012 Mac Pro, and it displays the boot screen.
- MacBook Pro, Air or iMac that won't start: what to do
- Mac serial number: find the model and year
- Mac running hot, noisy fan, slow Mac: what to do?
- Mac too old to update: OpenCore or SSD
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to take the screen off to replace the graphics card?
Yes: on these iMacs, the graphics card sits behind the display. You have to remove the glass, then the panel, before you can reach it.
Is the HD 6770M more powerful than the HD 6750M?
Yes, slightly. Both are fine for everyday use; the HD 6770M is a little faster in 3D.
What about a 2012 or newer iMac?
No: from 2012 onward, the iMac's graphics chip is soldered to the logic board and can no longer be replaced separately.
