MP 1,1-5,1 HELP! My mac Pro is too old to update! What can i do?!

[Luna Murasaki]

Is Mactracker wrong about the Mac Pro 1,1s? It says Apple claims they can have 16GB of RAM, but can have up to 32GB.

I'd never heard of MacTracker. Thank you for letting me know about it!

From what I can see, MacTracker says, under "Maximum Memory", "32 GB (Actual) 16 GB (Apple)", which is consistent with what I found on my web search. I was more concerned though with how little memory he might have rather than how much - hope for the best but plan for the worst as they say - so I was searching for what the base RAM might have been for this model back when it was sold. What I'd read was that this was either 1GB or 2GB, depending on the model. If that's all he has, then the experience of running Windows 10 would be miserable, and with 1GB he wouldn't even be able to install x86-64 Windows 10 at all. I thought that was worth adding.

But I agree with you though. Getting any basic Windows machine for about $200 USD would be much better than doing anything with that Mac Pro. A quick search on Amazon brings up a Dell OptiPlex 705 with 16GB of RAM, Core i5-6500t, Windows 10 Pro mini PC for $150 USD (https://www.amazon.com/Dell-OptiPlex-7050-Micro-Bit-Multi-Language/dp/B08GCX4JKJ/) . It'll run circles around the MacPro, and it'll be cheaper to operate, and it looks like it'll take up almost no space because of how small it is. They have even cheaper options too.

For the battery (if that's what's wrong with it), it's easy to replace. It's a common CR2032 coin cell battery, and takes about 3 minutes to replace. https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/128046/Changing+a+Battery+in+mac+pro+3.1

Nice to know on the battery, and it looks like it's super cheap to get one. It also looks considerably easier to work with than when I had to replace the clock battery on my iMac G3. 🫣

I still don't think it's worth the cost and hassle though to purchase and replace the clock battery, hard drive, and possibly get a RAM upgrade as well. All that together would likely cost more than an entirely new machine. It looks like he's simply bought himself the wrong computer for what he needs it for and it seems we're in agreement that he's better off getting an entirely different Windows PC.

It's probably also worth adding - relevant to both trying to install Windows on this Mac Pro and getting a new PC - that most of the additional requirements for Windows 11 are artificial and most machines that can run Windows 10 can also run Windows 11 just fine if you disable the additional hardware checks in the installer. But Windows 11 no longer comes in a x86-32 build, and the x86-64 build now officially requires 4GB of RAM. Windows 10 will get security patches until October of 2025.

 

[BeatCrazy]

An MP31 can run everything up to Sonoma. So, if his A1186 is an MP31, then he can do a lot and as someone correctly said, the OP needs to provide what model it is he is running exactly before providing advice on what can be done or not done (hopefully based on facts).

The screenshot below from here on Macrumors should tell you what you need to know:
View attachment 2308650

Let's get real for a minute. Even if he has a 3,1 he'll still need a Metal GPU. Given the OP's unfamiliarity with (most?) things, getting a proper GPU and OCLP support is about 16 steps to far for this fellow.

 

[Dayo]

Getting a proper GPU and OCLP support is about 16 steps to far for this fellow.

Probably the case indeed but does that therefore mean they might as well be given inaccurate information ... or that someone else that comes across the thread later, that might be positioned to act as needed, get such?

 

[Mysticdrummer]

Is Mactracker wrong about the Mac Pro 1,1s? It says Apple claims they can have 16GB of RAM, but can have up to 32GB.

But I agree with you though. Getting any basic Windows machine for about $200 USD would be much better than doing anything with that Mac Pro. A quick search on Amazon brings up a Dell OptiPlex 705 with 16GB of RAM, Core i5-6500t, Windows 10 Pro mini PC for $150 USD (https://www.amazon.com/Dell-OptiPlex-7050-Micro-Bit-Multi-Language/dp/B08GCX4JKJ/) . It'll run circles around the MacPro, and it'll be cheaper to operate, and it looks like it'll take up almost no space because of how small it is. They have even cheaper options too.

For the battery (if that's what's wrong with it), it's easy to replace. It's a common CR2032 coin cell battery, and takes about 3 minutes to replace. https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/128046/Changing+a+Battery+in+mac+pro+3.1

Ive already replaced the battery. The size of the machine is inconsequential as i ha e plenty of space in my studio..and i will never use Dell, they sucks which is why my pc's are linux.

 

[JustAnExpat]

I'd never heard of MacTracker. Thank you for letting me know about it!

MacTracker is wonderful! Not only does it have specs on virtually every machine and item Apple made (from Apple 1 to the M2s), but also the startup and fail chimes too. Super cool program, donate to the developer if you like it!

But, that's a great point about the memory that the Mac Pro came with. It looks like it was 2GB of RAM for the 2008 model ( https://www.macworld.com/article/666367/mac-pro-3-2ghz-8-core-review.html ) and 1 GB for the 2006 model (https://www.macworld.com/article/181218/macprorev.html). It also seems like it may have used some unique style RAM.

Getting it up to 8GB of RAM is about $50 for the 1 and 2 (https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/owc/apple-mac-pro/2006-2007) and $80 USD for the 3 (https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/owc/apple-mac-pro/2008)

Or do what you suggest and spend $150 USD and get a used Dell and use that :O

 

[JustAnExpat]

Let's get real for a minute. Even if he has a 3,1 he'll still need a Metal GPU. Given the OP's unfamiliarity with (most?) things, getting a proper GPU and OCLP support is about 16 steps to far for this fellow.

Even IF he has a 3,1, AND even IF it has a Metal GPU, AND even IF it has enough RAM (8 GB), there's still a high risk that if he attempts to install those drivers it'll fail (because it's expecting an i5 processor) AND if the drivers do work then it might not work because the processor is too slow (we are talking about audio drivers and software programs after all).

Honestly, it's a fun project to get a 3,1 to work for this purpose, but it sounds like the guy just wants to make music. If that's the case, just spend the $150 to get a used Dell and use that.

 

[JustAnExpat]

An MP31 can run everything up to Sonoma. So, if his A1186 is an MP31, then he can do a lot and as someone correctly said, the OP needs to provide what model it is he is running exactly before providing advice on what can be done or not done (hopefully based on facts).

The screenshot below from here on Macrumors should tell you what you need to know:
View attachment 2308650

I'm stunned that they can get Mac Pros 3,1 to run with Sonoma. That's 15 years of unofficial support! Didn't know that, thank you

 

[icanhazmac]

What the hell can i do, because im about ready to take this thing out back and unload mulitple magazines into it and say f@$k apple and all their products.

Seriously? You are mad because a 17 year old computer won't do what you want it to do? LULZ!

Im not a mac guy, i prefer windows systems and im considering putting windows on it instead

Then why on Earth do you have this system and why are you wasting your time when there are a multitude of other solutions available? Plenty of PCs or Mac Minis out there on the cheap.

Yeah. Mine is a 2006 i believe. I think im gonna just make it a windows machine and save myself money, time and aggravation. My firat, and definitely last Mac.

 

[Dayo]

it might not work because the processor is too slow.

Honestly, it's a fun project to get a 3,1 to work for this purpose, but it sounds like the guy just wants to make music. If that's the case, just spend the $150 to get a used Dell and use that.

That is a valid point that probably applies to any cMP. However, similar to the point made about the likelihood of the OP not being up to the task, it is a totally different point from the accuracy of stating that 10.13 HiSierra is as high as he can go on that unit. Just wanted to flag that particular item as the MP31 is probably the most maligned unit around with so much inaccuracies expressed as "fact" ... typically by those that have never been near one.

Is Mactracker wrong about the Mac Pro 1,1s? It says Apple claims they can have 16GB of RAM, but can have up to 32GB.

Many cMPs ended up being able to use higher RAM than Apple stated at release. MP31 can go to 64gb for instance but the "official" limit is 32gb.

From MacTracker:

 

[JustAnExpat]

Ive already replaced the battery. The size of the machine is inconsequential as i ha e plenty of space in my studio..and i will never use Dell, they sucks which is why my pc's are linux.

Honestly, getting a Mac 3,1 (assuming that's what you have!) working to the latest Mac OS is going to be a fun project. But there's no way I would want to try using it for production work. Even if we do everything possible to get the machine working, the software you want might not install. Your software wants Intel Core i3 processor. The 3,1 are Intel Xeon 5400 processors. I don't know if this software does a processor check before installing, or if the install will fail when the machine doesn't report that it has an intel processor.

Even if the install is successful, I don't know if it'll run or not because of the processor speed. The Xeon 5400 processor is slower, single core than the Core i3 540 that was in the iMac Mid 2010.

And before I waste my time further, can you check and see if you have a Mac 3,1?

 

[Mysticdrummer]

Honestly, getting a Mac 3,1 (assuming that's what you have!) working to the latest Mac OS is going to be a fun project. But there's no way I would want to try using it for production work. Even if we do everything possible to get the machine working, the software you want might not install. Your software wants Intel Core i3 processor. The 3,1 are Intel Xeon 5400 processors. I don't know if this software does a processor check before installing, or if the install will fail when the machine doesn't report that it has an intel processor.

Even if the install is successful, I don't know if it'll run or not because of the processor speed. The Xeon 5400 processor is slower, single core than the Core i3 540 that was in the iMac Mid 2010.

And before I waste my time further, can you check and see if you have a Mac 3,1?

I have a mac 1,1.

 

[JustAnExpat]

I have a mac 1,1.

I'm sorry, but I don't see any way for you to be able to install the software you need on that Mac. There is no way to get a Mac 1,1 to install High Sierra.

If you have enough RAM (I recommend at least 8 GB), try installing Windows 10 on the machine. See https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...allation-no-bootloaders-or-efi-hacks.1905564/ for the instructions. You might (MIGHT) be able to install those drivers and use the machine to make music.

I will let those who make music chime in, but I understand that music making requires a somewhat powerful machine.

 

[MBAir2010]

ignore message
I will stand in the corner for 5 minutes!

 

[MajorFubar]

If your Mac was a human in my country, next year it would be allowed to drink and vote.
It's not Apple's fault you bought an ancient device that's not compatible with modern software and firmware.
When your computer was new Microsoft had just announced Microsoft Vista.
My kids had just started school and now they've got beards and full-time jobs.
I hope you can find a way to use your new purchase.
But with respect it's almost antique.

 

[Mysticdrummer]

I'm sorry, but I don't see any way for you to be able to install the software you need on that Mac. There is no way to get a Mac 1,1 to install High Sierra.

If you have enough RAM (I recommend at least 8 GB), try installing Windows 10 on the machine. See https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...allation-no-bootloaders-or-efi-hacks.1905564/ for the instructions. You might (MIGHT) be able to install those drivers and use the machine to make music.

I will let those who make music chime in, but I understand that music making requires a somewhat powerful machine.

It really doesnt require a fast machine. Up to this point ive been using a 7 year old HP laptop to record, and its junk...but it works. Its just slow and takes an eternity to open any programs. The problem with the Mac is that i cant get it to access most web pages. It has plenty of storage and memory but refuses to connect to the pages i need. It gives me the "your clock is wrong" crap and wont establish a connection. But oddly enough, i can go to any other random webpage i want, just not the Presonus login page to download the software. Aggravating.

 

[JustAnExpat]

Seriously? You are mad because a 17 year old computer won't do what you want it to do? LULZ!



Then why on Earth do you have this system and why are you wasting your time when there are a multitude of other solutions available? Plenty of PCs or Mac Minis out there on the cheap.



View attachment 2308666

I'm skeptical too. The stuff for sale on PreSonus's website is extremely expensive ($200 up to $3,500). So he can buy expensive gear, but is stuck using a 2006 Mac Pro? Something's not adding up

 

[Mysticdrummer]

I'm skeptical too. The stuff for sale on PreSonus's website is extremely expensive ($200 up to $3,500). So he can buy expensive gear, but is stuck using a 2006 Mac Pro? Something's not adding up

I purchased the software previously and would like to use it again. How did this thread turn into a conspiracy theory debate? You apple people have problems. Im not "stuck" on it, i just want to use it rather than throw it in the garbage.

 

[JustAnExpat]

It really doesnt require a fast machine. Up to this point ive been using a 7 year old HP laptop to record, and its junk...but it works. Its just slow and takes an eternity to open any programs. The problem with the Mac is that i cant get it to access most web pages. It has plenty of storage and memory but refuses to connect to the pages i need. It gives me the "your clock is wrong" crap and wont establish a connection. But oddly enough, i can go to any other random webpage i want, just not the Presonus login page to download the software. Aggravating.

That website is not going to load on Snow Leopard. The website is too advance. And if you download the software, it's not going to install because you don't have the right version of the operating system. UNLESS there's some old versions that I can't find.

Interweb is probably the best web browser for Snow Leopard these days. https://randommacstuff.blogspot.com/p/interweb-browser.html

Download that and use it to surf the internet. I don't know if PreSonus website will render correctly though.

I wouldn't bother updating your Mac to Lion (Mac OS X 10.7), but if you want to mess around, update the machine to Mac OS X 10.11.

 

[JustAnExpat]

I purchased the software previously and would like to use it again. How did this thread turn into a conspiracy theory debate? You apple people have problems. Im not "stuck" on it, i just want to use it rather than throw it in the garbage.

From what I can tell, it's impossible for the software to be installed on a Mac 1,1 because of the age There is no way to get the machine to work for the software - according to the system requirements on the website.

 

[Mysticdrummer]

I'm skeptical too. The stuff for sale on PreSonus's website is extremely expensive ($200 up to $3,500). So he can buy expensive gear, but is stuck using a 2006 Mac Pro? Something's not adding up

Because why buy ANOTHER machine when i have sitting around not being utilized? Why not ask people who know aboit this apple garbage and see if it can be modernized rather than throwing it in the garbage? I know you Apple people are used to them making your expensive equipment useless after a few short years and have been conditiined to just waste money on a pointless new product every year, but i refuse to do that. I like things with longevity. I have an oooold pc running XP that i can still use if i want. Too bad the sane cant be said for apple products, obsoloeted after a few years. Ridiculous. Maybe come down off that high horse of yoirs and understand that not everyone is a sucker who will regularly set their money on fire for absolutely no reason other than to puff out their chest and wave their "new" devices around that arent any different from the last 2 generations.

 

[Mysticdrummer]

That website is not going to load on Snow Leopard. The website is too advance. And if you download the software, it's not going to install because you don't have the right version of the operating system. UNLESS there's some old versions that I can't find.

Interweb is probably the best web browser for Snow Leopard these days. https://randommacstuff.blogspot.com/p/interweb-browser.html

Download that and use it to surf the internet. I don't know if PreSonus website will render correctly though.

I wouldn't bother updating your Mac to Lion (Mac OS X 10.7), but if you want to mess around, update the machine to Mac OS X 10.11.

Heres the rub, the presonus page loads fine. I can scroll and access all areas of it EXCEPT the log in page where all my software downloads are.

 

[JustAnExpat]

wave their "new" devices around that arent any different from the last 2 generations.

The device you're using is 9 generations behind, and was released 17 years ago. The operating system you're currently running, Mac OS X 10.6, is 13 versions behind.

I can't find any Geekbench information about the Mac 1,1, but I found information about the 3,1.

The single core score is 399
The multicore score is 1206

Compare that to my current machine, a MacBook Air M1:

The single core score is 1,702. 400% faster.
The multi core score is 7387. 600% faster

It's technology. It's the march of time. A Mac Pro 1,1 is worthless outside of niche use or hobby toys.

 

[Mysticdrummer]

The device you're using is 9 generations behind, and was released 17 years ago. The operating system you're currently running, Mac OS X 10.6, is 13 versions behind.

I can't find any Geekbench information about the Mac 1,1, but I found information about the 3,1.

The single core score is 399
The multicore score is 1206

Compare that to my current machine, a MacBook Air M1:

The single core score is 1,702. 400% faster.
The multi core score is 7387. 600% faster

It's technology. It's the march of time. A Mac Pro 1,1 is worthless outside of niche use or hobby toys.

Yes ive come to realize the inferiority of apple products with any age on them.

 

[JustAnExpat]

Heres the rub, the presonus page loads fine. I can scroll and access all areas of it EXCEPT the log in page where all my software downloads are.

The log-in page is heavy on security. It won't work with Safari for Snow Leopard. You'll have to use a more modern browser, like the one I gave you.

 

[Dayo]

oddly enough, i can go to any other random webpage i want, just not the Presonus login page to download the software. Aggravating.

Try to avoid installing stuff from random sites. Can you not save to a usb stick from another machine and move it across?

The problem with the Mac is that i cant get it to access most web pages. It has plenty of storage and memory but refuses to connect to the pages i need. It gives me the "your clock is wrong" crap and wont establish a connection. But oddly enough, i can go to any other random webpage i want, just not the Presonus login page to download the software. Aggravating.

That old Mac version does not understand the new https protocols. I use TenFourFox for SnowLeopard: https://sourceforge.net/projects/tenfourfox/ on my 15 year old unit. You probably will not be able to visit the https site on the unit to get it though. I had recent MacOS versions on my MP31 so I was able to download with one of those when I decided to go back to installing old versions.

As others have pointed out though, Your 18 year old MP11 is now just a hobby project thing. You need to move on to something else that supports what you want to use. Perhaps try an 18 year old PC if you can find one.