MP 1,1-5,1 continues red light on processor tray

[avatar1349]

I got a continues red light on the processor tray. Power works, fans turn slowly. This morning (like 20 min ago) changed the processor for the same one (X5670 - 2.93 Ghz - 6 core) but the light still stays on. I'm not that hardware savvy to possibly find out what the problem could be. Read the repair manual (page 30 -40) and the only thing I can find is that the processor isn't there (but it is) or in overtemp state (PROCHOT). Got no video output (which is (I guess), logical. Should I still be able to reset my PRAM with a usb-connected keyboard? I'm sort of lost now, so any suggestion or direction would be very much appriciated

 

[bsbeamer]

Have you checked the RAM in system report?
Are you positive all modules are working and reporting correctly?

 

[avatar1349]

Yes, all the modules worked correctly before this problem. Got a bootable backup on a NVMe in a OWC portable case (checked that on my Macbook Air - early 2015) and that works. I don't hear a chime, so resetting the PRAM is a bit difficult. Bootrom, by the way , is already 144.0.0.0.

 

[Macschrauber]

Make a smc reset (Pull power cable for a while)
Pull all Memory but one.
Pull everything out the mac what is not needed to get at least the mac to post (chime).

 

[avatar1349]

Make a smc reset (Pull power cable for a while)
Pull all Memory but one.
Pull everything out the mac what is not needed to get at least the mac to post (chime).

Did that; no succes As soon as I switch power on light comes on; fans slowly turning
zie screenshot

it really is doing me in; could be the backplane? (or whatever you call it) or logic board?

 

[Macschrauber]

Try to lend another cpu board for test sake. Even a 4.1 cpu board is good for test run, it sets the fans to full speed but its just for identifying the culprit.

 

[avatar1349]

Try to lend another cpu board for test sake. Even a 4.1 cpu board is good for test run, it sets the fans to full speed but its just for identifying the culprit.

I considered that; but its almost impossible here in the Netherlands to find someone in my neighbourhood who has a MacPro .... lol Thanks I still got my Macbook Air ... lol
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I considered that; but its almost impossible here in the Netherlands to find someone in my neighbourhood who has a MacPro .... lol Thanks I still got my Macbook Air ... lol

 

[Snow Tiger]

I just received a DP Mac Pro 4,1 > 5,1 in my shop that had this issue . It was not a failed memory module . It was a little piece of metal in the DIMM slot of the CPU Tray . When I cleaned and let dry the Tray , the light went off .

Clean your CPU Tray with compressed air 60 PSI at 6 inches ( 150 mm ) . Blast everything , including underneath the PCB of the Tray and the fins of both heatsinks . A lot of dust will fly out , so don't be alarmed . It's a ten year old computer . Let dry thoroughly for 12 to 24 hours before installing in the Mac .

 

[avatar1349]

I just received a DP Mac Pro 4,1 > 5,1 in my shop that had this issue . It was not a failed memory module . It was a little piece of metal in the DIMM slot of the CPU Tray . When I cleaned and let dry the Tray , the light went off .

Clean your CPU Tray with compressed air 60 PSI at 6 inches ( 150 mm ) . Blast everything , including underneath the PCB of the Tray and the fins of both heatsinks . A lot of dust will fly out , so don't be alarmed . It's a ten year old computer . Let dry thoroughly for 12 to 24 hours before installing in the Mac .

Wow, thank you sooo much; that'll gives me hope again. I''l get a can of compressed air tomorrow morning and start checking and go about as you descibed it. Or is it better to use some more powerful air blast? Got a friend,who has a computer shop and has an air blaster (as I would call it) that is more powerful than a can of compressed air. Thanks again for the tip!!! (btw, got just 1 cpu in the Mac - 1x X5670, 48 GB RAM)

 

[Snow Tiger]

Wow, thank you sooo much; that'll gives me hope again. I''l get a can of compressed air tomorrow morning and start checking and go about as you descibed it. Or is it better to use some more powerful air blast? Got a friend,who has a computer shop and has an air blaster (as I would call it) that is more powerful than a can of compressed air. Thanks again for the tip!!! (btw, got just 1 cpu in the Mac - 1x X5670, 48 GB RAM)

No , don't use canned air . There are chemicals inside the can and it's not as green . Please obtain access to a real compressor .

Also , remove the memory modules from the Tray first so you have access to the DIMM slot interfaces !

Once your cleaned Mac is up and running again , and hopefully that red LED disappears , run Memtest on your memory configuration . Make a bootable USB thumb drive with Memtest86 as you will be able to test all the memory except 200 MB or so the program requires .

MemTest86 - Download now!

Download your free copy of MemTest86 here for USB.

www.memtest86.com

If you want to run this test in a macOS session , you won't be able to test as much memory . However , you will be able to test for ECC errors in real time . Just close and reopen System Report every time you do . And then hit the memory selection to get that window open . It requires a refresh to update ECC test results .

 

[flaubert]

One caveat about a "real compressor:" sometimes tiny droplets of lubricating oil are in the air stream. To test for this, first spray the compressed air against a white sheet of blank paper. If there is oil in the air stream you'll see it as tiny specks on the paper.

 

[Snow Tiger]

One caveat about a "real compressor:" sometimes tiny droplets of lubricating oil are in the air stream. To test for this, first spray the compressed air against a white sheet of blank paper. If there is oil in the air stream you'll see it as tiny specks on the paper.

Yes , and never point a nozzle at a living creature . Anything solid accidentally in the line could shoot out and hurt someone . People in the industrial sector are warned about these safety concerns . But it's pretty rare . I have used compressors for the last 40 years and I don't recall anything solid shooting out of the hoses I have used .

 

[Macschrauber]

I am used to shoot a few seconds on the floor to avoid water and oil in the hoses when using a compressor. Also it is good to have an oil free compressor or a filter like painters use.