MP 1,1-5,1 2023: Adding BT to Mac Pro 5.1 for Magic Mouse Support

[ADDvanced]

So I had a Mac Pro with built in BT, I think it was a 5.1 hex core, and my magic mouse worked perfectly.

Then I found a deal on a dual CPU 4.1, and swapped over to that, but it did not have built in wifi or BT, so I ordered the factory card, and BT works when I first boot up the machine, but at some point it just turns off, I get a squiggle on the top menu bar through the logo, and it will not work again until I reboot.

I've also noticed my magic mouse is just a bit laggy enough now to be unusable; it worked flawlessly with the real 5.1.

Anyway, what's the best/cheapest/easiest way to add BT support in 2023 to a 5.1? I searched but so many posts are almost a decade old now. I just want to use the magic mouse, and maybe my headphones. I have one open PCI slot, and I have a USB3.0 PCI card with plenty of open USB slots.

Let me know!

 

[Macschrauber]

Mojave works with the stock Bluetooth module and a magic mouse.

If it does not then the problem is elsewhere.

Every 4,1 and 5,1 came with a Bluetooth board.

Not every 4,1 has Wifi built in.

 

[ADDvanced]

Yes, I know, I installed the stock BT/Wifi module. It does work, it just cuts out. I am asking for a USB or PCI based solution to BT so I don't have to use this crappy apple version.

 

[Macschrauber]

pull the 4 pin data cable of the bluetooth board and use an USB Bluetooth thumb stick.

Here in Europe an ASUS BT400 dongle is a good choice for Mojave.

 

[ADDvanced]

So a while ago I upgraded to the 'imac' style wifi/bt card, is there a way to disable the BT on the wifi card? I do not have a separate BT card. Also, I ordered the BT500 but it's not showing up. I'd like to disable the existing BT to trouble shoot.

 

[tsialex]

So a while ago I upgraded to the 'imac' style wifi/bt card, is there a way to disable the BT on the wifi card? I do not have a separate BT card. Also, I ordered the BT500 but it's not showing up. I'd like to disable the existing BT to trouble shoot.

Just disconnect the USB cable (D+ and D-) from the adapter/format converter PCB.