I've a macpro early 2008 model and noticed my screen goes completely blank after 10 minutes or so using and have to wait an hour to re use it again. last night my screen was flickering and now it won't budge, I also tested with another monitor and it won't work. Do you guys think the graphic card die on me? Have someone experience this before? before it die on me I did checked the energy savings settings and they were normal.
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Macpro problem
- Thread starter zelaya
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You might want to add some additional information about your machine (CPU, GPU and driver versions and stuff)
Do the different steps below and check if it works after each
• Hold down Ctrl + Alt + P + R while booting.
• Do a SMC reset (Shut duwn, unplug the Power supply, wait at least 30sec, then plug PSU back in and wait another 5sec, then boot as usual)
• Reinstall your OS X (which one do you have anyway?)
• Check if the fans are spinning and everything else works. I would say the GPU is overheating.
Do you have the possibility to try another GPU?
Do the different steps below and check if it works after each
• Hold down Ctrl + Alt + P + R while booting.
• Do a SMC reset (Shut duwn, unplug the Power supply, wait at least 30sec, then plug PSU back in and wait another 5sec, then boot as usual)
• Reinstall your OS X (which one do you have anyway?)
• Check if the fans are spinning and everything else works. I would say the GPU is overheating.
Do you have the possibility to try another GPU?
Since you mentioned that the issue seems to have a timing component (video dies after 10 minutes, cooldown of 1 hour required)did you try cleaning your video card cooler? Search google images for "X1900xt mac pro dust" to see some examples of clogged video cards. The problems does not only affect the x1900xt, but other video cards, too.
Thanks guys for the information. I'll trouble shoot it again tonight and give you guys an update tomorrow.
Check this video, this is a perfect example
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkGjwoR7ivQ
Shut down the Mac, unplug the PSU, open the case, and get as much dust as possible out of it with the use of a vacuum cleaner.
Or get a newer, stronger GPU.
I'm really hoping by dusting out as much as dust should fix the issue but in the event to replace it what graphic card do you recommend without burning my wallet? I normally use the mac mainly for photo editing and web surfing.
I mostly recommend the ATI Radeon 5770.
If you really want to save some money, get a Nvidia GT120.
But you will be way more futureproof with a 5770.
If you really want to save some money, get a Nvidia GT120.
But you will be way more futureproof with a 5770.
You could always buy a better cooler for it and re-apply thermal paste. May cost you $30.00. That's what I would do if all I do is surf etc. But if you also want to save dome electricity get the 5770 as noted by El.
Update
Came home and took the GPU out and got the dust completely even the entire system and it did not work, also I moved it a different insert and nada. All the fans including the graphic card work at start up and during the process. I tried holding the Ctl+alt+R and P at same time and not working. At this point is there any way to test the actual GPU by it self? or should I give up and buy a new one.
Came home and took the GPU out and got the dust completely even the entire system and it did not work, also I moved it a different insert and nada. All the fans including the graphic card work at start up and during the process. I tried holding the Ctl+alt+R and P at same time and not working. At this point is there any way to test the actual GPU by it self? or should I give up and buy a new one.
You still haven't mentioned which graphics card is in your machine. I had problems with the 8800 in my MacPro Early 2008. It is very likely the graphics card is your problem but it is a good idea to clean out the accumulation of dust anyway.
5770 is a good suggestion. GT120 is cheaper and uses less power but is also much weaker which would most likely only be an issue for games.
The key combo to reset PRAM is Command Option P+R not what was stated in an earlier post.
Also, I believe the SMC reset on that MacPro requires a button to be pressed on the motherboard. Removing the power is the way to do it for iMacs.
5770 is a good suggestion. GT120 is cheaper and uses less power but is also much weaker which would most likely only be an issue for games.
The key combo to reset PRAM is Command Option P+R not what was stated in an earlier post.
Also, I believe the SMC reset on that MacPro requires a button to be pressed on the motherboard. Removing the power is the way to do it for iMacs.
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I've the GEforce 8800 GPU for reference. I also noticed the reset button in the motherboard and tried those commands and NADA.
The GT8800 is well known to have a high failure rate, particularly after so many years. Mine failed about a year ago. Symptoms will show up in a variety of ways. I think you need to try out a different (or new) video card to see if that fixes things.