MP All Models Boot Issue - Chime sounds, but no display or USB

[Slightly_aTpical]

Hi, all.

First, let me apologize up front for my very limited knowledge of Mac devices. I found an old one, but it's turning out to be a bit more of a challenge to get working than I anticipated. Luckily for me, it was free.

So, like I wrote in the subject, the device boots and I hear the chime, but I have no display. Also, I plug in a Logitech KB and it either isn't recognized or the USB ports aren't getting power.

With the side panel off, I can see the LEDs blink on and off quickly, but none remain on as if indicating a problem, which I read in another post will happen if there's something wrong with the CPU.

What I've tried so far:
1. Removing GPU and reseating it.
2. Reseating RAM.
3. New CR2032 battery.

System Info:
Mac Pro
Model: A1289
CPU: 2.6QCX
RAM 4 x 2 GB sticks
HDD: 640 GB

Please let me know if other information is needed.

Thank you,

J

 

[tsialex]

Some Logitech keyboards won't work for pre-boot configuration, same for some MS models.

CR2032 is not the correct RTC battery, but this won't make the Mac Pro to not have a display. The correct RTC battery is a BR2032.

Which GPU? Is an AppleOEM one?

If is a PC GPU, you won't have pre-boot configuration support until macOS loads the drivers - if macOS is corrupt/deleted/etc, you won't have anything on the display.

 

[Slightly_aTpical]

Hi, tsialex. Thank you for the quick reply.

I still have the BR2032 battery so can definitely put that back.

As far as the GPU goes, I don't know what is AppleOEM or not. The installed device is a Sapphire Vapor-X HD44870.

## Edit ##
The sticker on the Mac Pro does show HD4870 so I'm guessing it's the one that came with it.

Regards,

J

 

[tsialex]

The installed device is a Sapphire Vapor-X HD44870.

Not Apple, so, unless if firmware flashed for use in a Mac, you won't have pre-boot configuration support.

If you get a real Apple GPU, like a cheap GT 120, things will be a lot easier.

 

[Slightly_aTpical]

Bummer. I don't have the money right now to get a replacement. Anything else I can try?

 

[tsialex]

Bummer. I don't have the money right now to get a replacement.

A free Mac Pro is never cheap.

Anything else I can try?

Since there are too much unknowns, use another Mac to install 10.6.4 to 10.11.6 to a spare disk, make sure that you can boot it, the install to the Mac Pro.

 

[tsialex]

## Edit ##
The sticker on the Mac Pro does show HD4870 so I'm guessing it's the one that came with it.

Mac Pros only came with AppleOEM GPUs, if is a Sapphire, it's a PC GPU.

Anyway, even if this one is an AppleOEM HD 4870, these are notoriously for dying over time and by now is ~15 years old.