Firmware update required for HighSierra BUT...

[tampano]

...it seems not to apply it (even if the light flashes and the tone beeps) with a Nvidia GTX 970 installed.

Is it because there's no support for EFI and the presence of the Nvidia blocks the firmware update?

Do I need to put back the old ATI to install the firmware update?

Thanks in advance

T.

 

[tsialex]

Yes, with a unflashed PC GPU you can't upgrade the BootROM on a Mac Pro. You will need to install the original Mac GPU or a EFI flashed one.

 

[h9826790]

...it seems not to apply it (even if the light flashes and the tone beeps) with a Nvidia GTX 970 installed.

Is it because there's no support for EFI and the presence of the Nvidia blocks the firmware update?

Do I need to put back the old ATI to install the firmware update?

Thanks in advance

T.

Correct, your 970 CANNOT perform the cMP firmware update. You MUST put the original card back in (or any other GPU that has Mac EFI).

 

[tampano]

Thanks everyone...I strongly suspected it.

Can I ask you what's the best sequence, let's say driver-wise, as I've never done that? Or am I overthinking?

I mean, do I need to "enable" the stock drivers BEFORE putting the old ATI in, or will the system recognise it on its own?

Thanks.

T.

 

[h9826790]

Thanks everyone...I strongly suspected it.

Can I ask you what's the best sequence, let's say driver-wise, as I've never done that? Or am I overthinking?

I mean, do I need to "enable" the stock drivers BEFORE putting the old ATI in, or will the system recognise it on its own?

Thanks.

T.

No, just swap the original card back in, no need to touch any setting. Then your Mac will able to perform the firmware upgrade.

 

[Earl Urley]

The other day, I couldn't locate my GT120, so I used an ATI 2600XT to do the flash for a customer.. As long as it shipped -with- a Mac Pro at some point, the graphics card should work.

 

[tampano]

No, just swap the original card back in, no need to touch any setting. Then your Mac will able to perform the firmware upgrade.

And just to be sure, what do you think about this sequence?

1. put original card
2. reboot
3. update firmware
4. install HighSierra
5. install new Nvidia driver for GTX970
6. shutdown
7. install GTX back

It should work, right? Or am I missing some step?

Btw...I always have access through RemoteDesktop to this machine from another laptop...but I'm always scaried to completely lose access (I know, worst case scenario I have to put the ATI back)

 

[tsialex]

And just to be sure, what do you think about this sequence?

1. put original card
2. reboot
3. update firmware
4. install HighSierra
5. install new Nvidia driver for GTX970
6. shutdown
7. install GTX back

It should work, right? Or am I missing some step?

Btw...I always have access through RemoteDesktop to this machine from another laptop...but I'm always scaried to completely lose access (I know, worst case scenario I have to put the ATI back)

4.a Update High Sierra, reboot, check for updates again