Mac Pro Will Not Power Up

[pl1984]

If that's the case then my CPU is probably dead also. The seller told me to get the 4 core 8 core tray so I could change the firmware... I have no idea what to do.

Right now the fans just spin slow speed (the case fan close to the PSU will start up for a second, then stops (I was told that fan only runs if the temp requires it)

The seller appears to be confused as there are only single and dual CPU trays. I suspect he is using "4 core" to refer to the single CPU tray and "8 core" to refer to the dual CPU tray.

Your original posts implies a single CPU tray is installed however I'm wondering if you have a dual CPU tray installed and one of the CPUs is giving you an issue. We know the CPU has been changed as no cMP was sold by Apple with a 3.46GHz CPU. If the CPU tray is a dual CPU tray the upgrade may have gone wrong thus resulting in your issue.

The 2009 dual CPU tray is unique in that it require a lidless CPU which makes them more difficult to upgrade. It is not uncommon for someone who has upgraded the CPUs in this tray to have flaky results.

Can you let us know if it is a single or dual CPU tray? You can easily tell because the single CPU tray has four RAM slots whereas the dual CPU tray has eight RAM slots.

Regarding using a 4,1 CPU tray with a 5,1 system (and vice-versa). It's my understanding the only issue one encounters by mixing the two is a lack of fan control (i.e. the fans run at full speed). Other than that the system should boot and operate as expected. Therefore if you are using mixed parts I see no reason why the mismatch would cause the system to fail to boot.

 

[Squuiid]

Hi all, I am new to this forum,. Thank you an advance for taking the time to help out.

Apple Mac Pro 2009 3.46GHz Xeon 6-Core Westmere

My studio computer arrived DEAD,... I am building my new Christian music recording studio in the Philippines,.. so shipping the machine back to the USA is not really an option.. shipping will cost about the same as a new machine.


I will try to describe the symptoms.

- It will only start 1 or 2 times a day and will shut off on its own after about 3 minutes.
- When it starts it boots perfect and performs fast and smooth. I am able to open and navigate through the software. Then shuts off after about 3 minutes or less.
- Even with no mouse, keyboard or monitor plugged in it shut off after 3 min.
- When plugging in the machine,. and on start up 2 Red LEDs flash on the top left motherboard. also 1 Red LED flash on the CPU board.
- A couple times it started up when I plugged in the power cord (I did not push the power button)

Every day for the last 4 days it starts fewer times,. today and Yesterday it would only start one time after sitting overnight.
Today it tried to start then clicked off instantly.

I re-seated the HDDs, Memory, Video card, CPU, PSU connector, and checked all the other connectors.


I tried each memory stick in slot 1 (only 1 stick installed at a time)
I tried with 2 separate Hard drives.

Maybe a bad PSU ?

Thanks in advance,

Steve Perkins
.

What video card are you using?

 

[Steve.P]

The seller appears to be confused as there are only single and dual CPU trays. I suspect he is using "4 core" to refer to the single CPU tray and "8 core" to refer to the dual CPU tray.

Your original posts implies a single CPU tray is installed however I'm wondering if you have a dual CPU tray installed and one of the CPUs is giving you an issue. We know the CPU has been changed as no cMP was sold by Apple with a 3.46GHz CPU. If the CPU tray is a dual CPU tray the upgrade may have gone wrong thus resulting in your issue.

The 2009 dual CPU tray is unique in that it require a lidless CPU which makes them more difficult to upgrade. It is not uncommon for someone who has upgraded the CPUs in this tray to have flaky results.

Can you let us know if it is a single or dual CPU tray? You can easily tell because the single CPU tray has four RAM slots whereas the dual CPU tray has eight RAM slots.

Regarding using a 4,1 CPU tray with a 5,1 system (and vice-versa). It's my understanding the only issue one encounters by mixing the two is a lack of fan control (i.e. the fans run at full speed). Other than that the system should boot and operate as expected. Therefore if you are using mixed parts I see no reason why the mismatch would cause the system to fail to boot.

Hi, Thank you for the help. I have a Single CPU Tray.
[doublepost=1518394011][/doublepost]

What video card are you using?

Hi, I have the Stock card,.. a Nvidia GeForce GT120

 

[Dr. Stealth]

My guess is that you have a flaky power supply. Older Mac Pros are famous for eating power supplies.

I agree..... Replace the PSU and you should be golden......

 

[Steve.P]

.
From the reading I have done on the 5.1 Firmware Update my understanding is... If I have 5.1 firmware then any CPU tray will work. But, if I have a 4.1 only the 4.1 CPU will boot.


So it would make sense that the new MB I have is 4.1 As my CPU was booting fine with the original 5.1 MB. (even though it would turn off it would still boot)

I find it hard to believe the CPU and Tray just died sitting here the last few weeks. (but with my luck... who knows.. hahha


So here is a Question.... Is the CPU Tray the same for the 4.1 and the 5.1 CPUs ? Can I just get an old 4 core CPU to boot from and then update the Firmware to 5.1 ?

.

 

[pl1984]

.
From the reading I have done on the 5.1 Firmware Update my understanding is... If I have 5.1 firmware then any CPU tray will work. But, if I have a 4.1 only the 4.1 CPU will boot.


So it would make sense that the new MB I have is 4.1 As my CPU was booting fine with the original 5.1 MB. (even though it would turn off it would still boot)

I find it hard to believe the CPU and Tray just died sitting here the last few weeks. (but with my luck... who knows.. hahha


So here is a Question.... Is the CPU Tray the same for the 4.1 and the 5.1 CPUs ? Can I just get an old 4 core CPU to boot from and then update the Firmware to 5.1 ?

.

I'm still confused. Your original post stated you have a 4,1 for which the firmware was upgraded to the 5,1 firmware (it would have to be in order to use the 3.46GHz processor). In post #17 you stated you received a 2010 (i.e. 5,1) motherboard. If you did receive a 2010 motherboard then you do not need to flash it in order to use your existing processor. However if you did receive a 4,1 motherboard then it will need to be flashed in order to use your existing processor. You can do this by, as you stated, obtaining a CPU which works in the 4,1. The "Mac Pro CPU Compatability List" thread provides a list of these CPUs:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-pro-cpu-compatibility-list.1954766/

Scroll down to the "Mac Pro 5,1 and 4,1 Xserve 3,1" section and select a CPU that doesn't have an asterisk in the MP4,1 column. Or, just to save a lot of headache, purchase the W3520 which is what shipped with the 4,1. It should be dirt cheap.

It would be very helpful if you could provide the part numbers as requested. Then we would be better able to advise you.

 

[Steve.P]

I'm still confused. Your original post stated you have a 4,1 for which the firmware was upgraded to the 5,1 firmware (it would have to be in order to use the 3.46GHz processor). In post #17 you stated you received a 2010 (i.e. 5,1) motherboard. If you did receive a 2010 motherboard then you do not need to flash it in order to use your existing processor. However if you did receive a 4,1 motherboard then it will need to be flashed in order to use your existing processor. You can do this by, as you stated, obtaining a CPU which works in the 4,1. The "Mac Pro CPU Compatability List" thread provides a list of these CPUs:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-pro-cpu-compatibility-list.1954766/

Scroll down to the "Mac Pro 5,1 and 4,1 Xserve 3,1" section and select a CPU that doesn't have an asterisk in the MP4,1 column. Or, just to save a lot of headache, purchase the W3520 which is what shipped with the 4,1. It should be dirt cheap.

It would be very helpful if you could provide the part numbers as requested. Then we would be better able to advise you.

Hi and thank you so much for taking the time to help me,.. Today i will post the part numbers.

- Will I need another Processor Tray or just the W3520 ? Are the 4.1 CPU Processor Trays the same as the 5.1 Trays ?

.....

So Sorry for the confusion,. I didn't and still don't know if the original is 4,1 or 5.1

I think you are Correct in this statement... ""4,1 for which the firmware was upgraded to the 5,1 firmware (it would have to be in order to use the 3.46GHz processor""

 

[pl1984]

Hi and thank you so much for taking the time to help me,.. Today i will post the part numbers.

- Will I need another Processor Tray or just the W3520 ? Are the 4.1 CPU Processor Trays the same as the 5.1 Trays ?

.....

So Sorry for the confusion,. I didn't and still don't know if the original is 4,1 or 5.1

I think you are Correct in this statement... ""4,1 for which the firmware was upgraded to the 5,1 firmware (it would have to be in order to use the 3.46GHz processor""

You're welcome. Hopefully we can get this figured out.

The 4,1 and 5,1 processor trays are physically identical and can be swapped with one another. However there is firmware on each which is different and upgrading the system firmware from 4,1 to 5,1 does not update the firmware on the CPU trays. The rule of thumb is to use a 4,1 processor tray in a 4,1 system and a 5,1 processor tray in a 5,1. As mentioned before you can physically swap them and the system should boot. But fan control will be lost and the fans will spin at maximum speed.

The W3520 should work in either (4,1 or 5,1) tray making it a safe chip to use for troubleshooting.

If you want to know the details of the configuration as shipped from Apple you can use the following site to determine it:

http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php

Enter your serial number into the appropriate field and you should know what model (4,1 or 5,1) it was when shipped. Since we know it's been modified there's the possibility it was converted from a 4,1 to a 5,1 (or vice-versa) but such modifications are rare and, for the time being, we should be able to go off the model provided by this page.

 

[Steve.P]

Here are the part numbers. Both motherboards and both PSUs I have are the same part number.
Also added this to the first post in this thread.

PSU - Delta DPS-980BB-2A Rev :00F

Motherboard - Year 2009 820-2337-A

CPU Tray PCB - Year 2009 820-2482-A (single processor tray)

CPU - 3.46GHz Xeon 6-Core Westmere

GPU - Nivida GeForce GT-120

Memory - Four 8gig sticks.
Samsung 8GB 2Rx4 PC3-10600R-09-10-E1-P1

 

[Squuiid]

Hi all, I am new to this forum,. Thank you an advance for taking the time to help out.

Apple Mac Pro 2009 or 2010 3.46GHz Xeon 6-Core Westmere
PSU - Delta DPS-980BB-2A Rev :00F
Motherboard - Year 2009 820-2337-A
CPU Tray PCB - Year 2009 820-2482-A
CPU - 3.46GHz Xeon 6-Core Westmere
GPU - Nivida GeForce GT-120
Memory - Four 8gig sticks.
Samsung 8GB 2Rx4 PC3-10600R-09-10-E1-P1


My studio computer arrived DEAD,... I am building my new Christian music recording studio in the Philippines,.. so shipping the machine back to the USA is not really an option.. shipping will cost about the same as a new machine.


I will try to describe the symptoms.

- It will only start 1 or 2 times a day and will shut off on its own after about 3 minutes.
- When it starts it boots perfect and performs fast and smooth. I am able to open and navigate through the software. Then shuts off after about 3 minutes or less.
- Even with no mouse, keyboard or monitor plugged in it shut off after 3 min.
- When plugging in the machine,. and on start up 2 Red LEDs flash on the top left motherboard. also 1 Red LED flash on the CPU board.
- A couple times it started up when I plugged in the power cord (I did not push the power button)

Every day for the last 4 days it starts fewer times,. today and Yesterday it would only start one time after sitting overnight.
Today it tried to start then clicked off instantly.

I re-seated the HDDs, Memory, Video card, CPU, PSU connector, and checked all the other connectors.


I tried each memory stick in slot 1 (only 1 stick installed at a time)
I tried with 2 separate Hard drives.

Maybe a bad PSU ?

Thanks in advance,

Steve Perkins
.

Ugh. It really sounds like the vendor sold you a 2009 Mac Pro and threw in an upgraded CPU without first upgrading the firmware to a 5,1!

You will need to get an older Xeon CPU (eBay is usually best), then upgrade the Mac Pro firmware to make it a 5,1 (find how to in these forums) and then put the 3.46GHz CPU back in.
There's a sticky in this forum showing which CPUs will work fine in your 4,1 2009 Mac Pro. Buy the cheapest one you can find.

 

[Steve.P]

Ugh. It really sounds like the vendor sold you a 2009 Mac Pro and threw in an upgraded CPU without first upgrading the firmware to a 5,1!

You will need to get an older Xeon CPU (eBay is usually best), then upgrade the Mac Pro firmware to make it a 5,1 (find how to in these forums) and then put the 3.46GHz CPU back in.
There's a sticky in this forum showing which CPUs will work fine in your 4,1 2009 Mac Pro. Buy the cheapest one you can find.

Yea, that sounds like what I have to do. wont hurt to have a 4.1 cpu laying around for future use.

Actually this machine would boot when I first tried,.. (then shutdown in about 10 sec) the original MB was toast.... so he sent me another one,. and now it wont boot,.. that's what makes me think the new MB is a 4.1. (or my CPU/Tray is also dead.

 

[pl1984]

Here are the part numbers. Both motherboards and both PSUs I have are the same part number.
Also added this to the first post in this thread.

PSU - Delta DPS-980BB-2A Rev :00F

Motherboard - Year 2009 820-2337-A

CPU Tray PCB - Year 2009 820-2482-A (single processor tray)

CPU - 3.46GHz Xeon 6-Core Westmere

GPU - Nivida GeForce GT-120

Memory - Four 8gig sticks.
Samsung 8GB 2Rx4 PC3-10600R-09-10-E1-P1

It appears as if you've got a 4,1. Did you get a chance to enter your serial number into the link I provided (just to confirm)?

I think the best course of action would be to get a new CPU to see if you can get it to boot with the new motherboard (and so you can upgrade the firmware in order to use the six core CPU). The CPU I recommended should be easy to find and for little cost.

You may also want to pull the CPU tray and see if the processor was installed correctly. It will also get you familiar with the processor swapping out the CPU. A lot of information on how to do this on the web (it's fairly easy but can be intimidating if one is unfamiliar with working on computers). Before doing so make sure you have some thermal grease (you'll also need it to install the new CPU).

 

[Steve.P]

It appears as if you've got a 4,1. Did you get a chance to enter your serial number into the link I provided (just to confirm)?

I think the best course of action would be to get a new CPU to see if you can get it to boot with the new motherboard (and so you can upgrade the firmware in order to use the six core CPU). The CPU I recommended should be easy to find and for little cost.

You may also want to pull the CPU tray and see if the processor was installed correctly. It will also get you familiar with the processor swapping out the CPU. A lot of information on how to do this on the web (it's fairly easy but can be intimidating if one is unfamiliar with working on computers). Before doing so make sure you have some thermal grease (you'll also need it to install the new CPU).

I have pulled the CPU a few times when I was doing the 'Minimum Configuration Testing" Its not too hard,. I know to be careful and not tighten the heatsink to tight.

I will read up on installing the firmware.

I have a W3520 on the way.

I entered my SN# here is the info
Serial Number: H00254GZ4PD
Model: - Mac Pro (Early 2009) (CTO)
Codename: - No codename assigned.
Build Country: - This unit was built in China.
Build Year: - This unit was built in 2010.
Build Week - Your Mac was built in week 25 of that year (June).
Production Nr.: - This unit was number 849 to be built that week.

Model ID: - MacPro 4,1


.

 

[pl1984]

I have pulled the CPU a few times when I was doing the 'Minimum Configuration Testing" Its not too hard,. I know to be careful and not tighten the heatsink to tight.

I will read up on installing the firmware.

I have a W3520 on the way.

I entered my SN# here is the info
Serial Number: H00254GZ4PD
Model: - Mac Pro (Early 2009) (CTO)
Codename: - No codename assigned.
Build Country: - This unit was built in China.
Build Year: - This unit was built in 2010.
Build Week - Your Mac was built in week 25 of that year (June).
Production Nr.: - This unit was number 849 to be built that week.

Model ID: - MacPro 4,1

Everything looks as if it matches. If the CPU doesn't resolve the problem then you may be right about the processor tray. Hopefully all it will take is to pop in the new CPU and watch it boot.

 

[Steve.P]

Everything looks as if it matches. If the CPU doesn't resolve the problem then you may be right about the processor tray. Hopefully all it will take is to pop in the new CPU and watch it boot.

Fingers crossed and praying it gets here soon and works. The old tray and CPU booted fine.. so... we will see... hahaha

Thank you so much for your time and help, I am learning as I go and learning a lot. So that's a good thing since there are no mac techs or stores in here in the Philippines.

 

[Steve.P]

Can someone please tell me where I get the Firmware and all the files or Updater needed to do the update ?

I go to this page.. https://support.apple.com/kb/DL989?locale=en_US

But I can not see a link to download the firmware. I am on a windows machine.. is that why I cant see the link ?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[bsbeamer]

http://support.apple.com/downloads/DL989/en_US/MacProEFIUpdate.dmg

Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.4

This update addresses the following issues for Mac Pro (Early 2009) computers:

• Improves compatibility with virtualization products utilizing VT-d
• Improves storage performance under Windows XP for Boot Camp users
• Improves system reliability during the boot process

To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/MacPro EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the installation is complete.

 

[Steve.P]

http://support.apple.com/downloads/DL989/en_US/MacProEFIUpdate.dmg

Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.4

This update addresses the following issues for Mac Pro (Early 2009) computers:

• Improves compatibility with virtualization products utilizing VT-d
• Improves storage performance under Windows XP for Boot Camp users
• Improves system reliability during the boot process

To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/MacPro EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the installation is complete.

HI, Thank you SO much !!

Do I need the Updater tool also ? or is that file in your link all I need ?

 

[bsbeamer]

Not sure. You said you couldn't find the link to download the firmware, so provided since it loaded on my end. Good luck.

 

[Steve.P]

Update....

I got the W3520 CPU chip today and tested... Still the same problem.... No booting, No startup sound,. all fans spin slowly Bummer

I think the only thing left to replace is the CPU Tray and Video card. (although the video card would not keep it from booting,.. I don't think. Also I will get a couple backup sticks of RAM. (the power switch light is not blinking )

 

[Steve.P]

It feels like I am missing something really simple here... Should the Mac Pro produce a startup sound or try to boot even with no Hard Drive or Video Card installed ? (or bad HDD or video card)

I am thinking maybe my Hard Drive or Video card might be causing these problems...

 

[bsbeamer]

Do you have a cloned system drive you can throw in there to test?

 

[Steve.P]

Do you have a cloned system drive you can throw in there to test?

I have 2 system drives,,, and during my testing they are both installed,. Also I removed all the drives and the video card and no change.

 

[Steve.P]

Wow;.... So today the Mac booted... All i did was test my HD in another Mac (G5) and put it back in my machine and it starts up..

BUT..... I can not update the firmware to 5.1 with the firmware tool. I get error 5530.

i have the efi update dmg open on the desktop, and run the tool and get error 5530.

Any ideas ?

Thanks guys.