MP 1,1-5,1 MacPro5,1: What you have to do to upgrade to Mojave (10.13/10.14 BootROM upgrades instructions thread)

[wonderspark]

MP51.0085.B00 is the third worst ever released Mac Pro firmware version. Riddled with APFS bugs and vulnerable to Spectre and Meltdown, it's only the third worst because the worst of all, 142.0.0.0, bricked W3xxx Xeons and the second worst, MP51.0087.B00, didn't even had Intel microcodes inside bricking people that had Windows UEFI installed. Don't use superseded firmware versions.

Follow the first post instructions on how to update to the current BootROM release, 144.0.0.0.0.

I tried this, but now when I go to the High Sierra download link, it just takes me to the App Store in the wrong place. It used to take me there for a split-second, then show the High Sierra installer under "Open", but now it just leaves me in nowhere-land App Store.

 

[tsialex]

I tried this, but now when I go to the High Sierra download link, it just takes me to the App Store in the wrong place. It used to take me there for a split-second, then show the High Sierra installer under "Open", but now it just leaves me in nowhere-land App Store.

Link on the first post still works:

Btw, I warned on the first post that you need to delete any previous macOS High Sierra from *ANY* disk, even USB connected to the Mac Pro.

If you ever downloaded any previous version of High Sierra, have it saved in any of Mac Pro external drives, you have to delete it/move to a offline disk and then restart your Mac. You need the current High Sierra 10.13.6 full installer from the Mac App Store, no previous version have the needed MP51.0089.B00 BootROM.​

 

[wonderspark]

That might be the issue, but I have deleted what installers for HS I can find. I'll keep trying to find it.
[automerge]1586486514[/automerge]
Cool, I deleted a log file created today when I installed HS, and I also deleted an installer for Mavericks, and and installer for El Capitan... then rebooted, and now the link works! Trying again!

SUCCESS. I think I may have forgotten to reboot after deleting the actual HS file I did find. Probably didn't need to delete the other ones, hahaha.

Anyway, now that I'm on MP51.0089.B00, and 10.13.6, I think I'll just stay here for a while before updating further. The whole goal was to use the latest version of Adobe CC 2020.

THANK YOU for the help!

 

[wonderspark]

Updated to 144.0.0.0 just now, using my Nvidia GTX980Ti card. Was running with the latest Nvidia web driver for 10.13.6. Just had to unplug one monitor that was using DisplayPort. The other uses DVI. Everything works! -happy-
Thank you again for the awesome information!

 

[cdiepenheim]

hey Tsialex, well I am testing now with my older 7970 and sofa still no reboots, using same slot (I checked them all) can boot in Catalina too (Dosdude) and I testing it long now. boot at every boot part I have for checking if thats the reason. Ok these have diff cables then the 580 8GB Pulse.
I come back on it.

Dear all, i am a bit confused now. I have still big problems with my 580 card . Reboots even strange colors on screen. red Orange or Green.

So I did go back to my old 7970 Card and he is running smooth no reboots or strange things and powered with the normal 6 and 8 pins. I can do anything. So weird . I even managed to update all boot partitions to Mojave and some to Catalina and all working pretty good. But going further with Catalina is not always working . I don't why.

But question about my flashed 580 you think its possible to check him in a PC? even flashed?
i like to checkout there first for going back to the seller.

 

[tsialex]

But question about my flashed 580 you think its possible to check him in a PC? even flashed?

Yes.

 

[cdiepenheim]

Go back to the basics, test your GPU with a PC, then test it with another Mac Pro. Test another GPU, with similar power draw, with your Mac Pro.

144.0.0.0.0 EFI version has nothing to do with your restarts or everyone that have a RX 580 would have it too.

You problem is one of or more than one below:

• defective GPU,
• Mac Pro slot problem (check with another slot),
• Mac Pro defective PSU,
• Mac Pro backplane problem,
• unlike, but possible, defective power cables.

Hi Tsialex,

Thx again. Well still busy with this.

I checked slot 1, 2 with my 7970 (Unf i broke one power cable so I bought a new one and delayed my research), ok
Checking PSU backplane, how can I do that?
Bought also another set power cables for the 580. No change.

Can i put the flashed 580in a regular Windows 10 PC? you think?

 

[tsialex]

Hi Tsialex,

Thx again. Well still busy with this.

I checked slot 1, 2 with my 7970 (Unf i broke one power cable so I bought a new one and delayed my research), ok
Checking PSU backplane, how can I do that?
Bought also another set power cables for the 580. No change.

Can i put the flashed 580in a regular Windows 10 PC? you think?

You can still use a flashed RX 580 with a PC, test with one.

If you already tested with a HD 7970 and worked fine, seems the RX 580 have some problems.

 

[bosDAW]

Just jumping in here to confirm a few things...
I have read the posts in the thread and I think I understand correctly, for the most part. I just wanted to confirm that I have everything correct and am not missing anything. I do not want to install Mojave at this point; my goal is simply to flash firmware and be able to use NVMe as a boot drive (without bricking my mac!!!).

The basic steps are outlined clearly in the first post. A simple "yes" confirmation is fine for each line if you like, otherwise my specific questions/notes for the forum members are in bold:

1. I need a metal GPU
2. I need to do a fresh install of High Sierra 10.13.6 in APFS on a fully erased, internal SATA2

3. The USB-key install DOES NOT WORK, so do not even try
*since I care only about the firmware flash and not full install, does this still matter?


4. There may be install problems with 3-party wireless peripherals
*I assume this is for the install process itself and not for regular use once flashed and going back to running High Sierra or even trying Mojave, yes? I have a wired keyboard from my G5.


5. I must have a DP1.1 display and no 4k
*I am not familiar with monitor/video specs, but I have an Apple LED Cinema Display (model A 1316) purchased with the 5,1 back in 2011; 2560 x 1440 @ 60Hz resolution; connects with a Mini DisplayPort; OEM 5770 GPU; am I ok here?


6. bootROM 140.0.0.0.0 was first to allow NVMe boot and also worked with old OS down to 10.6.8
*is it exactly the same for 144.0.0.0.0? I have archived data on a cloned drive with Lion 10.7.1; is this still ok? I assume the NVMe support must be the same.


7. clear NVRAM three (x3) time sequentially


8. download full installer for Mojave 10.14.6 (144.0.0.0.0)
*is this latest bootROM still totally safe to use to flash the 2010 Mac Pro 5,1? Or should I try to find an earlier Mojave release with an earlier bootROM? Will it still recognize my old Sonnet Tempo Pro Plus PCIe card and old 5770 GPU?


9. When I updated to High Sierra 10.13.6, the firmware update worked BUT the system never restarted; I tried again (1hr+ waiting) with no luck, so I did a hard shutdown/restart and continued as if there was no problem (holding the power button, etc), which worked. I just wanted to know what to expect with Mojave in case I am tempted to do the same. It sounds like I should leave everything alone, no matter how long it takes; or is it possible I may have to do the same hard shutdown and then wait until the drive opens?


10. Warning about XEON W3xxx CPU
*my system is an Apple Mac Pro "12 core" 2.93GHz. As I understand it, this means I have two 6-core Xeon x5670 (Westmere) processors and have nothing to worry here, correct? Just to be sure!


So, if all my notes look good: install from macOS --> flash, restart, wait until drive tray opens --> quit w/o Mojave install --> swap out install disk with my original SSD with High Sierra in HFS+ and start using computer normally.

Note that I have no patches, no mods, etc. Everything is factory. Is there still a chance I might brick the computer, or is that only a risk if I skip steps or mess with code inserts or whatever else that I would not understand anyway? Thanks to everyone in the forum!

 

[tsialex]

Just jumping in here to confirm a few things...
I have read the posts in the thread and I think I understand correctly, for the most part. I just wanted to confirm that I have everything correct and am not missing anything. I do not want to install Mojave at this point; my goal is simply to flash firmware and be able to use NVMe as a boot drive (without bricking my mac!!!).

The basic steps are outlined clearly in the first post. A simple "yes" confirmation is fine for each line if you like, otherwise my specific questions/notes for the forum members are in bold:

1. I need a metal GPU
2. I need to do a fresh install of High Sierra 10.13.6 in APFS on a fully erased, internal SATA2

3. The USB-key install DOES NOT WORK, so do not even try
*since I care only about the firmware flash and not full install, does this still matter?

Please read again the note. If it's not really clear there please suggest corrections.

4. There may be install problems with 3-party wireless peripherals
*I assume this is for the install process itself and not for regular use once flashed and going back to running High Sierra or even trying Mojave, yes? I have a wired keyboard from my G5.

This has nothing to do with normal macOS use, but pre-boot usage. Most wireless keyboard can't clear the NVRAM sequentially, most clear just one time and stop working after that. To clear 3-times sequentially, you need a wired keyboard.

5. I read somewhere here (can't find the post now) that I must have a DP1.1 display and no 4k
*I am not familiar with monitor/video specs, but I have an Apple LED Cinema Display (model A 1316) purchased with the 5,1 back in 2011; 2560 x 1440 @ 60Hz resolution; connects with a Mini DisplayPort; OEM 5770 GPU; am I ok here?

Please check the specs of your display.

6. bootROM 140.0.0.0.0 was first to allow NVMe boot and also worked with old OS down to 10.6.8
*is it exactly the same for 144.0.0.0.0? I have archived data on a cloned drive with Lion 10.7.1; is this still ok? I assume the NVMe support must be the same.

NVMe native boot supports starts with 140.0.0.0.0, subsequent releases have it, but only High Sierra support NVMe drives (Sierra if your NVMe drive is a 4KB/sector drive).

You can't install anything earlier than High Sierra (Sierra for a 4KB/sector drive) on a NVMe drive or access the NVMe drive when booted from an earlier macOS release. Earlier macOS releases don't even see the NVMe drives.

7. clear NVRAM three (x3) time sequentially


8. download full installer for Mojave 10.14.6 (144.0.0.0.0)
*is this latest bootROM still totally safe to use to flash the 2010 Mac Pro 5,1? Or should I try to find an earlier Mojave release with an earlier bootROM? Will it still recognize my old Sonnet Tempo Pro Plus PCIe card and old 5770 GPU?

Sonnet Tempo cards have problems when installed with bootable disks, like BootPicker not working anymore, please use the search and find relevant info. I never had one of these since Tempo cards are famous for it's own firmware problems.

GPU support has nothing to do with BootROM releases.

9. When I updated to High Sierra 10.13.6, the firmware update worked BUT the system never restarted; I tried again (1hr+ waiting) with no luck, so I did a hard shutdown/restart and continued as if there was no problem (holding the power button, etc), which worked. I just wanted to know what to expect with Mojave in case I am tempted to do the same. It sounds like I should leave everything alone, no matter how long it takes; or is it possible I may have to do the same hard shutdown and then wait until the drive opens?

Can't answer that, everything is possible. Minimize your chances of anything going wrong using the tips on the first post and using a minimal configuration.

10. Warning about XEON W3xxx CPU
*my system is an Apple Mac Pro "12 core" 2.93GHz. As I understand it, this means I have two 6-core Xeon x5670 (Westmere) processors and have nothing to worry here, correct? Just to be sure!

12-core implies a L5xxx or X5xxx Xeon since W3xxx are single QPI and won't work with dual CPU trays.

Only 142.0.0.0.0, that was never released to users just for developers, didn't work with W3xxx Xeons.

So, if all my notes look good: install from macOS --> flash, restart, wait until drive tray opens --> quit w/o Mojave install --> swap out install disk with my original SSD with High Sierra in HFS+ and start using computer normally.

Note that I have no patches, no mods, etc. Everything is factory. Is there still a chance I might brick the computer, or is that only a risk if I skip steps or mess with code inserts or whatever else that I would not understand anyway? Thanks to everyone in the forum!

All firmware upgrades imply risk, like I said before, it's up to you minimise any chance of problems following the notes on the first post and using a minimal configuration.

 

[bosDAW]

@tsialex, extremely helpful information as always!

For #6: to clarify, I know that I will not be able to use NVMe at all with any OS prior to Sierra; but will a 144.0.0.0.0 flashed mac pro work if booting an old OS (e.g. 10.7.1) on an internal SATA2 SSD?

For #8: the Sonnet Tempo is an old card (and for SATA SSDs) anyway, so it would not be for booting; but do the newer cards like the Sonnet M.2 4x4 PCIe suffer the same problems? I know you recommend HighPoint cards instead, but I thought Sonnet was one of the few companies that specialized in making mac-compatible hardware.

 

[tsialex]

@tsialex, extremely helpful information as always!

For #6: to clarify, I know that I will not be able to use NVMe at all with any OS prior to Sierra; but will a 144.0.0.0.0 flashed mac pro work if booting an old OS (e.g. 10.7.1) on an internal SATA2 SSD?

For #8: the Sonnet Tempo is an old card (and for SATA SSDs) anyway, so it would not be for booting; but do the newer cards like the Sonnet M.2 4x4 PCIe suffer the same problems? I know you recommend HighPoint cards instead, but I thought Sonnet was one of the few companies that specialized in making mac-compatible hardware.

The first post already makes clear that you can boot any previous macOS releases that are MP5,1 compatible with BootROM 144.0.0.0.0 and people tested even 10.6.8, it's your current GPU that have to be compatible with your old macOS releases, not your BootROM.

I'm failing to see why you are thinking that the addition of NVMe bootable support will interfere with your SATA drive? SATA support is not affected at all. NVMe has nothing to do with SATA, besides both being storage interfaces, nothing else is common between SATA and NVMe.

Sonnet M.2 4x4 has nothing to do with Tempo cards, but Sonnet support is atrocious for everything.

 

[bosDAW]

thx!

NB: @tsaialex, I will be sure to do a better job researching old threads before posting. It can be difficult to go through so much information when a thread has 1000+ posts, but neither can I expect you or anyone else to answer the same questions repeatedly. I appreciate all your help and will do my best to be a better forum member!

 

[tsialex]

Yes, you are correct. For anyone else in the same position re questions, I would suggest reading/re-reading the first post as @tsialex does a very good job keeping detailed info up to date!

An ignorance-based question: when people say that "upgrading to XXX bricked my mac", is the reason for the failure always in relation to the bootROM/flashing as opposed to the OS install itself? And technically speaking, is it an electrical failure of some sort, like frying the bios chip? Or is it that the firmware is somehow incompatible with the system hardware, and so the computer is not electronically dead but simply unable to load/execute the bios to start up? Is the age of the computer/whether it is "officially supported" also a risk factor? For example, the risk of flashing to the most current bootROM would be 3,1 >> 4,1 > 5,1, or does this have nothing to do with it?

Also, [for getting NVMe boot drive to work] what is the difference in terms of flashing from an official, full installer for Mojave vs injecting an NVMe driver into the firmware? Is one safer or better vs the other? What are the advantages of doing one instead of the other?

I have no problem answering questions, but your questions were exhaustively answered in the past here, on the BootROM thread and on the OpenCore thread, please use the search since these topics are extensively covered.

If you have new questions that are not answered yet, please make them.

 

[jvlfilms]

Hey everyone, I tried to research this as much as I could beforehand

I’m running a 4,1 cMP which I recently updated to Catalina on my PCIE SSD using dosdude’s tool. If I’m understanding this correctly, I’ll need to be running the latest version of El Capitan in order to use the firmware tool- so basically I’d need to reinstall that OS on a SATA 2 drive and go from there to do the upgrade.

From there, I’d update as normal to Mojave/Catalina.

My goal is to have it so when I get my RX 580, I’ll have full PCIE speeds in Boot Camp when using the drive.

 

[tsialex]

Hey everyone, I tried to research this as much as I could beforehand

I’m running a 4,1 cMP which I recently updated to Catalina on my PCIE SSD using dosdude’s tool. If I’m understanding this correctly, I’ll need to be running the latest version of El Capitan in order to use the firmware tool- so basically I’d need to reinstall that OS on a SATA 2 drive and go from there to do the upgrade.

From there, I’d update as normal to Mojave/Catalina.

My goal is to have it so when I get my RX 580, I’ll have full PCIE speeds in Boot Camp when using the drive.

Sorry, your research is not correct. Please read again the first post of the thread, if you are on a pre MP51.0089.B00 you need to start from Sierra and you need to have an Apple OEM GPU with pre-boot configuration support.

 

[jvlfilms]

Sorry, your research is not correct. Please read again the first post of the thread, if you are on a pre MP51.0089.B00 you need to start from Sierra and you need to have an Apple OEM GPU with pre-boot configuration support.

Isn't Sierra not supported by a 4,1 MacPro? I would have to use a dosdude installer in order to get that on my cMP

 

[tsialex]

Isn't Sierra not supported by a 4,1 MacPro? I would have to use a dosdude installer in order to get that on my cMP

Do you still have a MP4,1 firmware? Sure?

 > About This Mac > System Report > Hardware > BootROM Version:

 

[jvlfilms]

Do you still have a MP4,1 firmware? Sure?

 > About This Mac > System Report > Hardware > BootROM Version:

Hello - my BootROM version is currently MP41.0081.B08. Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

Editing this post to add some additional info:

I downloaded the El Capitan installer, because that's the latest the Mac Pro 4,1 supports (to my knowledge). Regardless, I can't even run the installer from this OS. So I'd have to make a bootable installer through createinstallmedia but I'd rather confirm that's the correct OS I need first.

I have some time during this quarantine to do necessary fixes/changes to this computer. It's not my main computer so reinstalling the OS

 

[fhturner]

Hello - my BootROM version is currently MP41.0081.B08. Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

Editing this post to add some additional info:

I downloaded the El Capitan installer, because that's the latest the Mac Pro 4,1 supports (to my knowledge). Regardless, I can't even run the installer from this OS. So I'd have to make a bootable installer through createinstallmedia but I'd rather confirm that's the correct OS I need first.

I have some time during this quarantine to do necessary fixes/changes to this computer. It's not my main computer so reinstalling the OS

You'll need to get that firmware flashed to 5,1 instead. And I'd do that before you install El Capitan, since doing it under ElCap requires the added step of disabling SIP. Here's where to go for the firmware flashing tool:

Mac Pro Firmware Upgrade Utility Released!

Mac Pro Firmware Upgrade Utility Released!

forum.netkas.org

EDIT: I should add that you'll want to manually download the 2010 Firmware Update installer from Apple and mount the disk image before running the Netkas tool: Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.5

Then you can proceed w/ High Sierra and its firmware updates, then Mojave.

 

[jvlfilms]

You'll need to get that firmware flashed to 5,1 instead. And I'd do that before you install El Capitan, since doing it under ElCap requires the added step of disabling SIP. Here's where to go for the firmware flashing tool:

Mac Pro Firmware Upgrade Utility Released!

Mac Pro Firmware Upgrade Utility Released!

forum.netkas.org

EDIT: I should add that you'll want to manually download the 2010 Firmware Update installer from Apple and mount the disk image before running the Netkas tool: Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.5

Then you can proceed w/ High Sierra and its firmware updates, then Mojave.

Thanks for the response! I ended up wiping my drives and starting from scratch. Started from El Cap (disabled SIP) to flash the firmware, then upgraded to HS. Then I was able to get my firmware to the latest!

 

[fhturner]

Thanks for the response! I ended up wiping my drives and starting from scratch. Started from El Cap (disabled SIP) to flash the firmware, then upgraded to HS. Then I was able to get my firmware to the latest!

Nice! Glad to hear you got it all squared away! ?

 

[macha-one]

hi, i am in need of the most recent expert knowledge and /or confirmation. I am about to upgrade my Mac Pro 5.1 12 core with a 4 tb ssd system drive on a owc pci card. I have High Sierra 10.13.6 Running now. On AFPS. I have a sapphire rx580 installed. Now I want to upgrade to mojave.
I use the dual boot app from Twocanoes On my Mac Pro because I use also windows 10. Windows 10 is on a separate ssd.
Is there anything I should be cautious of or are there any recent changes with the procedure when doing the firmware upgrade and then the upgrade to Mojave? Can I follow the guidelines from the first post from tsailek?
grateful for your advice. Thnx in advance. Macha

 

[tsialex]

hi, i am in need Of the most recent expert knowledge and confirmation. I am about to upgrade my Mac Pro 5.1 12 core with a 4 tb ssd system drive on a owc pci card. Coming from High Sierra 10.13.6. AFPS. I have a sapphire rx580 installed. Now I want to upgrade to mojave.
I use the dual boot app from Twocanoes On my Mac Pro because I use also windows 10. Windows 10 is on a separate ssd.
is there anything I should be cautious of or are there any recent changes with the procedure when doing the firmware upgrade And then upgrade to Mojave’s. Can I follow the guidelines from the first post from tsailek?
grateful for your advice. Thnx in advance. Macha

First post is kept continuously updated, last update was May 4, all info there are valid to the best of my knowledge. Besides that, Mojave is on maintenance mode since Catalina was released and no new versions or changes will be implemented by Apple, only Security Updates.

 

[macha-one]

Great to hear from you tsialek.Thanks. I just noticed to my surprise that I already have bootrom MP5.1.0089.B00
does that mean I am I good to go to Mojave’s installation ? I never did a bootrom firmware upgrade as far a I remember....