Mac Pro (Late 2013) GPU (Driver) Issues

[ColdCase]

Well I have joined the freezing nMP club, but only when running compressor to generate HTTP live streams under certain circumstances (a project that contains two large photos with customized Ken Burns effects). This project freezes the nMP repeatable, usually mid way. Some HTTP segments are processed successfully and some fail. Its like the computer is working hard, heats up, and freezes. There is very little CPU activity, but the nMP gets very warm. Maybe the processes are running on the graphics card. Doesn't Compressor use the graphics card(s) differently than FCPX?

It is just a year old; 3GHz 8core, dual D700 (6GB VRAM), 32GB RAM, 1TB flash storage machine running El Capitan 10.11.6. The machine came with El Capitan, perhaps its time to update the OS . I just hate to fix something not broken. The console seems to continue to record log entries, but everything else is frozen. Compressor says it failed because the export archive is not found. Hard drives are all at less than 50% capacity.

Note that exporting the master file directly from FCPX is no problem.

 

[filmak]

Well I have joined the freezing nMP club, but only when running compressor to generate HTTP live streams under certain circumstances (a project that contains two large photos with customized Ken Burns effects). This project freezes the nMP repeatable, usually mid way. Some HTTP segments are processed successfully and some fail. Its like the computer is working hard, heats up, and freezes. There is very little CPU activity, but the nMP gets very warm. May be processes running on the graphics card perhaps. Doesn't FCPX and Compressor use the graphics card(s) differently?

It is just a year old; 3GHz 8core, dual D700 (6GB VRAM), 32GB RAM, 1TB flash storage machine running El Capitan 10.11.6. The machine came with El Capitan, perhaps its time to update the OS . I just hatee to fix something not broken. The console seems to continue to record log entries, but everything else is frozen. Compressor says it failed because export archive is not found. Hard drives are all at less than 50% capacity.

Note that exporting the master file from FCPX is no problem.

It's an awful situation. These systems cost a lot of money, and as swapping components is not a real option, troubleshooting is difficult. It is a real pain when we can't have our work done for such mysterious* (?) reasons.
Of course there's always the chance the there is a software bug (in Compressor?)...

I think that you should try Sierra (you can also try it on a cloned external disk) as the latest updates have new firmware and improvements for the GPUs.


* I think it is a well known issue that these D700 GPUs are overheating under load...
Good luck!

 

[CC88]

What about things like Mocha?

Can you explain? Are you talking about javascript framework?
[doublepost=1500036729][/doublepost]

Note that exporting the master file directly from FCPX is no problem.

Maybe it's a compressor problem. Would be nice to share the project (if possible of course) so another nMP can try to work with compressor on it.

Do you have the WindowServer GPU log in diagnostic report or not?

 

[adonis3k]

No i mean tracking in Mocha Pro 5

 

[CC88]

No i mean tracking in Mocha Pro 5

Ah I'm sorry. In spec I read it's a premiere plugin. So the best option is a machine with nvidia gpu. Not a nMp.

 

[ColdCase]

Maybe it's a compressor problem. Would be nice to share the project (if possible of course) so another nMP can try to work with compressor on it.

Do you have the WindowServer GPU log in diagnostic report or not?

There are nine large "WindowServer_2017 .. ... watchdog_timeout.spin" diagnostics reports (1MB each). I don't see any reports with GPU in the title.

There are a dozen smaller ProMSRenderer tool wakeups diagnostic reports about the same time. These were processes that activity monitor listed as heavier users just before the stall, I think there were 4 running. But there was not much CPU load.

The video and photos are not private or sensitive in nature, but like 10G in media. The project is 15 minutes cut from 3 hours of video and a half dozen photos. Pretty simple. I should try to create something smaller that still reveals the problem for experimentation if thats the way we should go and if there is interest.

I noticed that two of the original images for the slide show are 38 MB each. When I reduce the image size to about 500k each, there are no issues. I usually reduce the resolution/size of images before using them in video, but these two sneaked through. Given that FCPX didn't blink, I completely missed it.

So the problem is not holding me up, it just may be interesting.

 

[CC88]

Yeah. I'm interested to test if possible. I'm courious about.

 

[rnb2]

So, with the model reshuffling (and B&H currently clearing out 4-core machines for $1999), prices on used low-end nMPs have dropped enough to make me curious. I'm a photographer by trade these days, but don't do anything terribly strenuous - most of my work ends up on the web at reasonable sizes, and I rarely even use Photoshop these days (mostly just Lightroom and a few plugins).

I bought a 13" 2016 MBP (2.9/8GB/512GB) in late December, but have found that the 10.5" iPad Pro w/iOS 11 will handle my portable computer needs, and I find it more pleasurable to use for most things than my Macs. I also have a late 2014 Mac mini 2.8/8GB/2TB Fusion that I've used as a server since I bought it in late 2015. The MBP is starting to feel redundant, and while testing indicates that the mini will handle pretty much anything I throw at it (if a bit slowly), it's clearly not what I would have bought if I'd had the intention of making it my only Mac. I only recently switched from using a 12.9" iPad Pro with Astropad as my only display for the mini to a nifty little 11.6" 1080P IPS display - due to my aging eyes, I'm more comfortable with a small screen positioned closer than a large screen further away because the former falls within the close-focus distance of my progressive lenses.

I could sell the MBP and mini and have more than enough to get either a used or new lower-end nMP, and it would work with all the drives I currently have hooked up to the mini, since even my USB-C drives work with C-to-A cables, and I have a Thunderbolt 2 RAID. The nMP should be able to handle everything I need it for without breaking a sweat, but the ongoing GPU issue gives me more than a little pause.

I have no illusions that any future MP will be anything resembling affordable, and who knows if the mini will get an update anytime soon. Even if it does, would it matter? Unless Intel starts producing quad-core processors that are pin-compatible with dual-cores, nothing earth-shaking can really happen on the CPU front there, as Apple is not going to produce a new logic board specifically for a quad-core CPU for the mini. I don't want an iMac - been there, done that a few times, and don't want to go back, in part because of the aforementioned vision preferences. So, the nMP seems like an obvious option, but the GPU issue makes it seem like I'd be better off just sticking with the mini for the foreseeable future.

Is there anything anyone can do to improve their chances of getting a trouble-free nMP?

 

[ColdCase]

Yeah. I'm interested to test if possible. I'm courious about.

I tried to create a smaller project and reproduce the stall without luck. Early on, compressor complained that the queue was corrupted and to reset it. I'm guessing a computer restart doesn't clear that out. Since that time I'm seeing one ProMSRenderer process in activity monitor instead of the four I was seeing during the stall episodes.

As you can see I just know enough to be dangerous. When I get a chance I'll try to rerun the large project.

 

[Idolum]

Is there anything anyone can do to improve their chances of getting a trouble-free nMP?

Yes - use OS X 10.9.5 and enjoy a MacPro 2013 without ANY issues. Maybe the next macOS update will be trouble free as well but I have tested every OS since then and they all have the same lockup issue. OS X 10.9.5 does not.

Keep in mind that you can only install OS X 10.9.5 if it originally shipped with your MacPro or if you ask the Apple folks at the Genius bar to install it for you.

 

[bax2003]

Yes - use OS X 10.9.5 and enjoy a MacPro 2013 without ANY issues. Maybe the next macOS update will be trouble free as well but I have tested every OS since then and they all have the same lockup issue. OS X 10.9.5 does not.

True, true....unfortunately. I wonder if GPU hangs will stop or be reduced by putting Mavericks skin on Yosemite+. No aggressive transparency everywhere, unnecessary animations and so on.

 

[mikeboss]

True, true....unfortunately. I wonder if GPU hangs will stop or be reduced by putting Mavericks skin on Yosemite+. No aggressive transparency everywhere, unnecessary animations and so on.

System Preferences -> Accessibility -> Display: check "Reduce motion" & "Reduce transparency"

 

[Xde]

Keep in mind that you can only install OS X 10.9.5 if it originally shipped with your MacPro or if you ask the Apple folks at the Genius bar to install it for you.

Please can you explain why? Something to do with Firmware updates?
And Genius bar can reset it?
Thanks!

 

[poematik13]

So this thread isn't really a constructive discussion anymore (too many people complaining just for the sake of it and not taking active steps to alleviate the issue through Apple support)

But 10.12.6 today updated the BIOS/EFI for the 6,1. It's worth checking out.

 

[bax2003]

So this thread isn't really a constructive discussion anymore (too many people complaining just for the sake of it and not taking active steps to alleviate the issue through Apple support)

But 10.12.6 today updated the BIOS/EFI for the 6,1. It's worth checking out.

Every thread starter should be moderator and filter posts, for example in this thread: Is Mac Pro 6.1 still worth buying ?!
I am still waiting for my replacement machine !, and I´ll test 10.12.6. Mavericks is out of the question for me.

Update: I have just been informed that my replacement machine is ready fro pick-up!

 

[CC88]

LOL! Mavericks doesn't support latest fcpx, latest davinci etc...

 

[Xde]

LOL! Mavericks doesn't support latest fcpx, latest davinci etc...

This was a classic unconstructive comment.
I think, you should let people decide themself, what they really need and want.
@Bax2003 2003, I hope your new one will run fine.
@Idolum, you can send me as well a PM, thank you!

 

[adonis3k]

Ah I'm sorry. In spec I read it's a premiere plugin. So the best option is a machine with nvidia gpu. Not a nMp.

what about the older 5.1 macs?

 

[bax2003]

I picked up new machine today, it came with macOS 10.12.5. Faulty Quad-Core Mac is replaced with 6-core due to Quad-Core unavailability.
I am not going to perform any software upgrades until I get full confidence in Mac´s stability.

Everything is ok for good 5 hours

Model Name: Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro6,1
Processor Name: 6-Core Intel Xeon E5
Processor Speed: 3.5 GHz
Memory: 16 GB
Boot ROM Version: MP61.0116.B25
SMC Version (system): 2.20f18
Illumination Version: 1.4a6

Connected displays:
- Thunderbolt Display
- 27-inch LED Cinema Display
- 24-inch LED Cinema Display

Peripherals:
- Apple ALU Wired Keyboard (to 27" LED USB hub )
- Genius Mouse G300 (27" LED USB hub)
- Logitech Z906 connected via Toslink
- USB 3.0 Orico 3-port hub

Network:
1GbE connected to NETGEAR GS116 switch -> Internet Provider Router

....Fingers crossed....

 

[filmak]

I really wish that you 're going to have a fully working Mac for a long time...
The 4c to 6c upgrade is nice bonus, I hope.

 

[voyager77]

So this thread isn't really a constructive discussion anymore (too many people complaining just for the sake of it and not taking active steps to alleviate the issue through Apple support)

If apple support would be supportive and fix things we wouldn't need to complain here.

The only reason this thread is going so long, is that apple isn't offering any real solutions. (Except to a lucky few and only after pestering them for a long time.)

 

[Idolum]

Please can you explain why? Something to do with Firmware updates?
And Genius bar can reset it?
Thanks!

You can run Mavericks with the latest firmware updates. However, the only way to install the OSX partition as well as the hidden 'recovery' partition is to use Internet Recovery:
http://osxdaily.com/2014/12/14/reinstall-os-x-mac-internet-recovery/

 

[Xde]

OK, thanks Idolum. I thought, you really mean install from an Installer app/ USB installer.

 

[pianodemon109]

I picked up new machine today, it came with macOS 10.12.5. Faulty Quad-Core Mac is replaced with 6-core due to Quad-Core unavailability.
I am not going to perform any software upgrades until I get full confidence in Mac´s stability.

Everything is ok for good 5 hours

Model Name: Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro6,1
Processor Name: 6-Core Intel Xeon E5
Processor Speed: 3.5 GHz
Memory: 16 GB
Boot ROM Version: MP61.0116.B25
SMC Version (system): 2.20f18
Illumination Version: 1.4a6

Connected displays:
- Thunderbolt Display
- 27-inch LED Cinema Display
- 24-inch LED Cinema Display

Peripherals:
- Apple ALU Wired Keyboard (to 27" LED USB hub )
- Genius Mouse G300 (27" LED USB hub)
- Logitech Z906 connected via Toslink
- USB 3.0 Orico 3-port hub

Network:
1GbE connected to NETGEAR GS116 switch -> Internet Provider Router

....Fingers crossed....

So i had pretty much the same issues as you with a used quad core d300 mac pro i had bought a couple of weeks ago and they just replaced it with a brand new 6 core d500 mac pro. Essentially, i paid originally paid $2000 for the faulty and used quad base model and i ended up receiving a brand new $3000 model. Although my local Genius Bar was anything but genius and their incompetence only made matters worse with their delays and even negligence when repairing my old machine, i have to say that it might have been worth going through that for a machine that has been working flawlessly for the last week....Cheers to new and upgraded Mac Pros!!
[doublepost=1501091695][/doublepost]I'm loving this 6 core mac pro for Logic <3

 

[bax2003]

So i had pretty much the same issues as you with a used quad core d300 mac pro i had bought a couple of weeks ago and they just replaced it with a brand new 6 core d500 mac pro. Essentially, i paid originally paid $2000 for the faulty and used quad base model and i ended up receiving a brand new $3000 model. Although my local Genius Bar was anything but genius and their incompetence only made matters worse with their delays and even negligence when repairing my old machine, i have to say that it might have been worth going through that for a machine that has been working flawlessly for the last week....Cheers to new and upgraded Mac Pros!!
[doublepost=1501091695][/doublepost]I'm loving this 6 core mac pro for Logic <3

Thats´s great! I wish you years of happy computing on your new nMP 6c
It´s clear that base machine (QC, D300s) did not fade away just in order to make Mac Pro lineup more affordable. If everything was fine with it, Apple could just lower its price for few hundred dollars.....

My humble opinion is that this is silent acknowledgement of a problem, and Apple decided to solve our issues in the best possible way.