iMac Pro Do iMac Pro really work - nightmare with support

[KonaBlend]

Try limiting your physical ram usage with boot args (it's not perfect but maybe it catches a hw issue). To show if you have any boot args (you probably shouldn't if everything is stock), from command-line (this is a read-only operation):

nvram boot-args

it should show the value if any, or more than likely no boot-args are set like follows:

nvram: Error getting variable - 'boot-args': (iokit/common) data was not found

limit macos kernel use of RAM to something relatively safe, like 16GB (16384) or even 8GB (8192) and reboot (this is a write operation):

sudo nvram boot-args="maxmem=16384"
reboot

after reboot, confirm kernel is running with 16GB max; should be 17179869184 bytes (this is a read-only operation):

sysctl hw.memsize

and to undo your nvram setting, assuming you did not have any previous boot-args, simply delete it and reboot (this is a write operation):

sudo nvram -d boot-args
reboot

 

[mikehalloran]

Try limiting your physical ram usage with boot args...

Whoa! You're getting into the Secret Sauce there.

 

[Boesewicht]

This is still ongoing. A broken computer since five months now.
The "premium support partner" forgot to have it picked up for a week, and returned it a few days ago with a message in the box saying "logs in ilog produced in all partitions forwarded to SSE for isolation. No fault found."
Needless to say, I unboxed everything yesterday, and the Mac crashed five times, till I gave up and shut it down again.

I replied to my open ticket at Apple and asked to reply in email instead of ringing me, so I have written communication.
The lady replied that she is going to ring their partner tomorrow.

I bought a Windows machine in the meantime so at least there's one working computer at home.

 

[AnonMac50]

Wow, I can’t believe they still haven’t decided to just replace the computer flat out. It’s unacceptable at this point.

 

[J.Gallardo]

...This is crazy.
Big companies have developed an obstacle race for unsatisfied clients, just to save money. If formula doesn't work (no money save), they change behaviour. If you were a famous youtuber or influencer... if you were famous in TV...
Just rent a lawyer. Should be cheaper than a windows machine, just for such an easy case: you didn't get what you bought.
When I have to worry about a heavy money loss in my business due to a clear law violation, I look for a lawyer. And I use to get what I lost and more. Is nice also for my spirit, 'cause I feel rewarded somehow.
This is a swindle!!
(Well... just ask for your rights, but let someone who knows do it. I wouldn't go into police & lawyer for a faulty memory-key, but this is something bigger...!). The intention isn't to go to trial... Usually they (related company) phone back kindly and everything goes smooth after that.
Sorry; (just telling about my personal experience with money and expensive acquisitions. I know their game, I play it).

 

[xgman]

I had a case with Apple on my imac pro bridge os errors. I have since given up. They are not interested in helping. I have come to believe that the only way to get any help is if your mac is simple dead period and you bring it in to an apple store while under warranty. Short of that I have no hope they would ever be any help at all. At least that is my experience. Then again, the whole world seems to be moving in the direction of self help or s out of luck.

 

[bcomer]

I am getting tired of waiting for a new Mac Pro and there is no way I am going back to Windows.

The iMac Pro has been on my radar but I find it hard to jump onboard when I read threads like this.
I guess my 2013 "Trash Can" will need to hang in there a little longer.

A Hackintosh is not an option as I do not have time to support a box of this nature.

 

[AnonMac50]

I am getting tired of waiting for a new Mac Pro and there is no way I am going back to Windows.

The iMac Pro has been on my radar but I find it hard to jump onboard when I read threads like this.
I guess my 2013 "Trash Can" will need to hang in there a little longer.

Either that or a Hackintosh

 

[8CoreWhore]

There's an Apple store in Belfast. Do they oppose you dealing with them there? At least there, the manager may be able to take care of you.
https://www.apple.com/uk/retail/victoriasquare/

 

[J.Gallardo]

This is still ongoing. A broken computer since five months now.
The "premium support partner" forgot to have it picked up for a week, and returned it a few days ago with a message in the box saying "logs in ilog produced in all partitions forwarded to SSE for isolation. No fault found."
Needless to say, I unboxed everything yesterday, and the Mac crashed five times, till I gave up and shut it down again.

I replied to my open ticket at Apple and asked to reply in email instead of ringing me, so I have written communication.
The lady replied that she is going to ring their partner tomorrow.

I bought a Windows machine in the meantime so at least there's one working computer at home.

Can they (Apple technicians) show you a LOG as a proof of "no fault found"??? I remember somewhere in the system "on-time" is measured and registered.
Can't they make a screenshoot of your system saying "12 hours on" or whatever?
It should be an easy task for them!

 

[mrdunderhead]

First this is a common issue let me explain.

are you running a 64 bit application.

Mojave requires all applications to be coded for 64-bit for there 64-bit initiative.

the problem a lot of software isn't being updated to 64 bit and a lot of programs are giving users error codes and crashes the reason for this is the application is 32 bit and the developer can't afford to update the software to 64-bit nor has the time.

this works great for AAA titles but a lot of older titles display this app hasn't been optimized for your Mac check your software manufacture for a update.

which sucks for the open source community right now as well.

 

[Strider64]

I am getting tired of waiting for a new Mac Pro and there is no way I am going back to Windows.

The iMac Pro has been on my radar but I find it hard to jump onboard when I read threads like this.
I guess my 2013 "Trash Can" will need to hang in there a little longer.

A Hackintosh is not an option as I do not have time to support a box of this nature.

First I just want to say I'm not knocking the OP, for I know he's really having problems with his iMac Pro. I just wanted to say that I have thrown practically every kind of application at my iMap pro, some examples FCPX, Capture One 12, OBS, Photoshop, Lightroom, MAMP, Netbeans 8.2 (Which by the way is a resource hog) and a few others I can't remember. I daisy chain external hard drives, connected a Rode Procaster Microphone (with XLR connector) and even a Luna display for the iPad Pro without a single hiccup (knocking on wood as I type this). The only thing I really don't do is play games on it.

I really think it boils down to is that Apple's Quality Control isn't as good as it once was, Apple being indecisive in what to do with the iMac/Mac Pro lineup (at least publicly) and Apple concentrating on makes them the most money that being iPones and iPads. I bought my iMac Pro almost a year ago; however, if I was looking today for a computer I think I would be little hesitant myself in considering an iMac Pro. While I sometimes consider Louis Rossmann a bit of a jerk at times, he does put on a pretty good Youtube podcast on what it's like to repair an Apple product.

 

[J.Gallardo]

See... https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-censoring-my-comments-regarding-a-bug.2168712/

This could explain what's happening with your machine.
No nice support from Apple, in a few words: Some thousand pounds for an iMacPro - It doesn't work, says buyer - It works, says maker (but no proof) - Just eat your pudding!

 

[Boesewicht]

Update:
A few calls later and the same logs which resulted in "no fault found" apparently now told Apple that something is broken (no ****).
The computer is being picked up by them today, for the third time.
Hallelu!

 

[J.Gallardo]

Update:
A few calls later and the same logs which resulted in "no fault found" apparently now told Apple that something is broken (no ****).
The computer is being picked up by them today, for the third time.
Hallelu!

If your problem is a sudden system blockage after some time of use, ask for a sustained time check; this kind of failure seems not to appear in a still photo; they need a prolonged test, I presume.
I hope you also mentioned this forum thread... Make them know it is not JUST your problem, but also becoming theirs.
(Apple even "throw in" some extra in a substitution device -more memory or disk size- when they realise public image is in danger).

 

[Boesewicht]

Actually, Apple says the "logicboard" is broken and needs to be replaced. And you are right, I did mention this thread here but I dont know if it is a coincidence or just someone more knowledgeable had a look at the logs. It doesnt matter to me to be honest, as long as there is some action on the case!

 

[willmtaylor]

Actually, Apple says the "logicboard" is broken and needs to be replaced. And you are right, I did mention this thread here but I dont know if it is a coincidence or just someone more knowledgeable had a look at the logs. It doesnt matter to me to be honest, as long as there is some action on the case!

A broken logic board wouldn’t be my main concern; it would be the time and effort it took to get someone with Apple to deduce as much. SMH.

 

[mikehalloran]

Does this look familiar?

https://appleinsider.com/articles/1...equipped-macs-connected-to-usb-20-connections

If I am reading this right, there’s a $169 piece of hardware that solves this issue.
https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Ca...ocphy=9031936&hvtargid=pla-452545155995&psc=1

 

[J.Gallardo]

Does this look familiar?

https://appleinsider.com/articles/1...equipped-macs-connected-to-usb-20-connections

If I am reading this right, there’s a $169 piece of hardware that solves this issue.
https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Ca...ocphy=9031936&hvtargid=pla-452545155995&psc=1

This is going crazy...
Apple makes nice machines; the ONLY problem is that they are sold with malfunction glitches. The SOLUTION is fixing your new machine with the appropriate added hardware.
???

 

[mikehalloran]

Ok... The article I linked to has an inaccuracy. It implies that USB 2 is a slower version of USB 3 or vise versa. This is not correct. They are separate protocols. In fact, only the ground is common in a connector that carries both. It is possible to make a USB 3 cable that does not carry USB 2 since the wiring and cable connections are different.

This has caused a lot of grief for some pro and consumer grade USB 1.1 & 2 audio interfaces. The usual solution is a hub that divorces USB from direct control of the Mac. This issue preceded the T2 chip though T2 equipped Macs have more of an issue it seems. Unlike previous Macs, this one can't be blamed on Intel.

It would be nice if USB 3 audio interfaces were more common. They aren't but that's changing. Many of the ones on this page are.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=usb+3.0+audio+interface

I use a USB 3 interface with my iPad Pro and it's wicked fast — enough so that uncompensated latency is inaudible. I plan to get something similar when I buy my new iMac.

This thread has had me holding off on the iMac Pro that I want. Thanks to that article, I now feel more confident in the decision but there's no way I will buy a used one that doesn't have or is ineligible for AppleCare+.

 

[richinaus]

Actually, Apple says the "logicboard" is broken and needs to be replaced. And you are right, I did mention this thread here but I dont know if it is a coincidence or just someone more knowledgeable had a look at the logs. It doesnt matter to me to be honest, as long as there is some action on the case!

Not sure what the law is in Ireland but I had the same issue on an imac [6 months in from buying it]. This was classed as a major error and as such was entitled to a repair or full refund in Australian law. I insisted on the refund and upgraded to the imac pro [which has been superb and error for me].
Unfortunately you just got a dud like I did - bound to happen sometimes. It is also unfortunate that you dont have a local store, as this is where I get things sorted - never on the phone, but face to face.

 

[Boesewicht]

Oh hardware breaks, software has bugs, it happens. The real problem here is Apple support, and that is what has lost them a customer. I am still waiting for the computer to be returned so I can put it on eBay.
Most of my Apple stuff is easily replaced like the Appletv, my phone and my watch. I am just not sure what would be an acceptable replacement for the iPad. But that's not a discussion for this forum
It's a pity as I really like the IOS devices and they work mostly flawless, but I just can't deal with this company any more.

 

[Peter_M]

Not to be «that guy”, but I recently got fed up with all the limitations with my iMac Pro, and sold it. Instead I bought a much more powerful system for a considerably lower price - 9900k, 2080ti, x34p monitor, along with a high quality motherboard and PC case. So happy I did this, and I’m actually enjoying using Windows 10. Not going back to iMacs again, though I’m still gonna keep using iPhone, iPad and MacBook Pro.

 

[Boesewicht]

The computer arrived on Tuesday and is working fine now - all the stuff that caused crashes before is now actually enjoyable.
In case anyone in Europe is in need of a refurbished iMac, feel free to click here

 

[J.Gallardo]

The computer arrived on Tuesday and is working fine now - all the stuff that caused crashes before is now actually enjoyable.
In case anyone in Europe is in need of a refurbished iMac, feel free to click here

Are you making same move as Apple? Apple says YOUR unit works flawlessly and you support that in your last post.
We've crying for your iMac and now you are in the same ship as Apple?
Blame Apple, don't plea for your rights, throw your iMac to the trash bin... AND, please, don't try to sell a defective unit (your customer could be not as easy as you, and you are not as strong as Apple; be careful).
Will you tell your customer about this forum thread?

EDIT: OK. Sorry. You honestly explain the problem in e-Bay: "Unfortunately I experienced random but frequent reboots so I sent it back to support and Apple finally replaced the logic board to the latest revision a few days ago, and I confirm it is now working fine".

You had very bad luck with Apple Support.
It seems at the end your unit has been repaired by seller. I can't understand how such an expensive product has that terrible support. I don't believe the machine you bought meanwhile is better at that; Apple HAD that "extra" to pay for... (And that's my experience; last problem: my son's 2month-new iPad started to suffer sudden reboots. Apple took the iPad by express-mail and sent a new one in 4 days after talking to them!)