MP 1,1-5,1 Modify a card's ROM to allow a screen boot under MP3.1 El Capitan?

[chambrial]

Hello everyone,
Here I am on Mac Pro 3.1 (MP31-006C-B05) with El Capitan 10.11.6, I use this machine for video editing, photo editing and demanding applications.
Like many of us I find that this one is still powerful for its age.
My graphics card is an ATI HD 5870. That's enough for me. I might switch to a metal one but for now it's fine.
I'm just looking to be able to get the boot screen that I don't have because my HD5870 works under Mac but is not native so no boot screen if I want to choose another OS at startup and/or reinstall El Capitan via a bootable key.

I've been looking for a solution to this problem for a few weeks.I saw that it was possible to flash or replace the ROM of my card with another one that would allow it to be recognized as native by my MP. (Via Rom files found on forums But this solution requires having a Windows machine next to it to flash via the AMDVBFlash application. But I don't have a Windows machine.

On the other hand, my MP only has the HD 5870 as a graphics card. I no longer have the native one. And I only have a MacBook Air M1 2020 as a secondary machine.

So I scratched around a bit to try to find another solution. A little disappointed that the old Oskar Growth application, Zeus (GPU Tweaking Tool) is no longer developed.
It would have taken a thorn out of my side.Here is the link for what it can help:https://www.macintoshrepository.org/39682-zeus-gpu-tweaking-tool-

So by hanging around on the net I came across some software that seem to me to be possible solutions except that they are bazookas to shoot a fly🤪. Let me explain. The software I'm thinking of is OpenCore, Clover, Chameleon. Their possibilities are vast and without being a computer noob I don't have a high enough level to understand these little gems of customization of our machines.

I searched and I didn't find a tutorial anywhere to simply understand what their possibilities and settings are used for in practice. Many things remain hermetic for me, perhaps due to the vocabulary.

So I might as well go simply, here is my question after this long preamble:OC, Clover, Chameleon or other... can they (like AMDVBFlash or Zeus at one time) allow you to modify the ROM of a graphics card in place or not? This is to obtain the boot screen under my configuration.

Thank you
Best regards

NB: sorry for grammaticals error, i'm french and use google trad for this post

 

[ErCe75]

1. Using OpenCore EFI​

Creating an OpenCore EFI configuration is the most direct way to achieve a workaround for the boot screen without flashing the card. However, OpenCore only bypasses the need for a native boot screen rather than making the graphics card truly native to macOS. It does not modify the card itself, so the functionality may remain limited in certain cases.

If OpenCore doesn't fully meet the user's needs, they must explore other approaches, but each of these involves access to a Windows machine.

---

2. Borrowing a Friend's Windows PC​

The most practical option is to borrow a Windows PC from a friend to flash the graphics card. Using a utility like AMDVBFlash, the process of flashing can be completed in minutes. This would solve the problem once and for all, making the card natively compatible and enabling the boot screen on macOS. If this is not possible, the user has alternative routes to consider.

---

3. Buying a Pre-Flashed Graphics Card​

Another option is to purchase a pre-flashed graphics card from platforms like eBay. Many sellers specialize in offering macOS-compatible graphics cards with the appropriate ROM already installed. While this is a straightforward solution, the user has indicated this is not a viable option for them, restricting their choices further.

---

4. Using Windows Temporarily​

If accessing a Windows PC is impossible, the user can turn their Mac Pro into a temporary Windows machine to flash the graphics card. This involves several steps:

1. Erase macOS and Install Windows: Format the Mac Pro’s drive, install Windows, and use AMDVBFlash to flash the card. After completing the flash process, macOS can be reinstalled from a backup or bootable USB installer.
2. Borrowing a Windows Drive: Alternatively, if the user has a friend with a Windows hard drive, they could temporarily install this drive into the Mac Pro. Once Windows boots on the Mac Pro, the graphics card can be flashed. Afterward, the Windows drive is removed, and the macOS drive is reinstalled.

This method is particularly useful for users who don’t want to lose their existing macOS installation or go through the effort of fully erasing and reinstalling macOS.

---

5. Conclusion​

While OpenCore offers a robust software-based workaround, the user is constrained by their lack of access to a Windows machine for a permanent solution. Borrowing a Windows PC or hard drive, temporarily converting the Mac Pro into a Windows machine, or purchasing a pre-flashed card are the most effective solutions. However, OpenCore remains the simplest, non-invasive method for achieving their current goal without modifying hardware.

​

OpenCore Configuration Help for Mac Pro 3.1​

Spoiler

With OpenCore, you can create a custom boot environment on your Mac Pro 3.1, allowing you to view the boot screen and choose between multiple operating systems without flashing your graphics card. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

---

1. Prerequisites​

1. Hardware:
   • Mac Pro 3.1 running macOS El Capitan (10.11.6).
   • USB stick (minimum 8 GB, preferably 16 GB).
2. Software:
   • OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP).
   • Gibbed's Mac Resource Library (optional): Contains tools and guides for older Macs.
3. Create a Backup:
   • Use Time Machine or another tool to create a complete backup of your system.
4. Check GPU Compatibility (Optional):
   • Your ATI HD 5870 is sufficient for OpenCore, even though it lacks Metal support. Metal is only necessary if you want to install newer macOS versions like Mojave or Catalina.

---

2. Prepare the USB Stick​

1. Format the USB Stick:
   • Open Disk Utility and select the USB stick.
   • Format settings:
     • Name: BOOT.
     • Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
     • Scheme: GUID Partition Map.
2. Download OpenCore:
   • Download the latest version of OpenCore Legacy Patcher from the official website.
3. Install OpenCore:
   • Open the OpenCore Legacy Patcher.
   • Choose "Create macOS Installer" if you want to install a new macOS version.
   • Select "Build and Install OpenCore" to copy the bootloader files to the USB stick.
4. Configuration File (config.plist):
   • OpenCore will automatically create a config.plist file that you need to customize for your Mac Pro. The file is located in the USB stick’s EFI > OC folder.

---

3. Customize the Configuration File​

1. Open the Editor:
   • Use a plist editor like ProperTree to edit the config.plist.
2. Make Changes:
   • PlatformInfo:
     • Set Model to MacPro3,1.
   • Booter:
     • Ensure that HideSelf and EnableSafeModeSlide are disabled.
   • DeviceProperties:
     • Add your graphics card (ATI HD 5870). You can also set custom boot flags here.
   • Tools:
     • Enable OpenShell to access the UEFI shell.
3. Enable Debugging (Optional):
   • Enable debugging (Misc > Debug) to generate logs in case something goes wrong.

---

4. Boot and Test​

1. Start Your Mac:
   • Restart your Mac and hold the Option (⌥) key to access the boot menu.
   • Select the USB stick as the boot device.
2. OpenCore Menu:
   • You should now see a menu that allows you to choose between operating systems or boot options.
3. Test Run:
   • If the boot screen works and all operating systems are selectable, copy the OpenCore EFI files to your Mac’s internal drive.

---

5. Additional Optimizations​

• Enable Boot Picker:
  • To make the boot screen (picker) always visible, add the ShowPicker value under Misc > Boot in the config.plist and set it to YES.
• Install macOS High Sierra or Mojave:
  • If you need Metal support, consider upgrading to a Metal-capable GPU (e.g., NVIDIA GTX 680) and installing macOS Mojave.
• Install EFI on Internal Drive:
  • Copy the EFI folder from the USB stick to your system drive’s EFI partition.

---

Common Issues and Solutions​

1. No Boot Menu Visible:
   • Ensure ShowPicker is enabled and the config.plist is properly configured.
2. Boot Errors:
   • Check logs in the UEFI shell or enable debugging to identify issues.
3. Boot Screen Not Appearing:
   • This may be a GPU-specific issue. Consider using a native macOS-compatible GPU temporarily.

---

If you need further assistance, I can help you with customizing the config.plist or guiding you through the installation process! 😊

 

[chambrial]

1. Using OpenCore EFI​

Creating an OpenCore EFI configuration is the most direct way to achieve a workaround for the boot screen without flashing the card. However, OpenCore only bypasses the need for a native boot screen rather than making the graphics card truly native to macOS. It does not modify the card itself, so the functionality may remain limited in certain cases.

If OpenCore doesn't fully meet the user's needs, they must explore other approaches, but each of these involves access to a Windows machine.

---

2. Borrowing a Friend's Windows PC​

The most practical option is to borrow a Windows PC from a friend to flash the graphics card. Using a utility like AMDVBFlash, the process of flashing can be completed in minutes. This would solve the problem once and for all, making the card natively compatible and enabling the boot screen on macOS. If this is not possible, the user has alternative routes to consider.

---

3. Buying a Pre-Flashed Graphics Card​

Another option is to purchase a pre-flashed graphics card from platforms like eBay. Many sellers specialize in offering macOS-compatible graphics cards with the appropriate ROM already installed. While this is a straightforward solution, the user has indicated this is not a viable option for them, restricting their choices further.

---

4. Using Windows Temporarily​

If accessing a Windows PC is impossible, the user can turn their Mac Pro into a temporary Windows machine to flash the graphics card. This involves several steps:

1. Erase macOS and Install Windows: Format the Mac Pro’s drive, install Windows, and use AMDVBFlash to flash the card. After completing the flash process, macOS can be reinstalled from a backup or bootable USB installer.
2. Borrowing a Windows Drive: Alternatively, if the user has a friend with a Windows hard drive, they could temporarily install this drive into the Mac Pro. Once Windows boots on the Mac Pro, the graphics card can be flashed. Afterward, the Windows drive is removed, and the macOS drive is reinstalled.

This method is particularly useful for users who don’t want to lose their existing macOS installation or go through the effort of fully erasing and reinstalling macOS.

---

5. Conclusion​

While OpenCore offers a robust software-based workaround, the user is constrained by their lack of access to a Windows machine for a permanent solution. Borrowing a Windows PC or hard drive, temporarily converting the Mac Pro into a Windows machine, or purchasing a pre-flashed card are the most effective solutions. However, OpenCore remains the simplest, non-invasive method for achieving their current goal without modifying hardware.

​

OpenCore Configuration Help for Mac Pro 3.1​

Spoiler

With OpenCore, you can create a custom boot environment on your Mac Pro 3.1, allowing you to view the boot screen and choose between multiple operating systems without flashing your graphics card. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

---

1. Prerequisites​

1. Hardware:
   • Mac Pro 3.1 running macOS El Capitan (10.11.6).
   • USB stick (minimum 8 GB, preferably 16 GB).
2. Software:
   • OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP).
   • Gibbed's Mac Resource Library (optional): Contains tools and guides for older Macs.
3. Create a Backup:
   • Use Time Machine or another tool to create a complete backup of your system.
4. Check GPU Compatibility (Optional):
   • Your ATI HD 5870 is sufficient for OpenCore, even though it lacks Metal support. Metal is only necessary if you want to install newer macOS versions like Mojave or Catalina.

---

2. Prepare the USB Stick​

1. Format the USB Stick:
   • Open Disk Utility and select the USB stick.
   • Format settings:
     • Name: BOOT.
     • Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
     • Scheme: GUID Partition Map.
2. Download OpenCore:
   • Download the latest version of OpenCore Legacy Patcher from the official website.
3. Install OpenCore:
   • Open the OpenCore Legacy Patcher.
   • Choose "Create macOS Installer" if you want to install a new macOS version.
   • Select "Build and Install OpenCore" to copy the bootloader files to the USB stick.
4. Configuration File (config.plist):
   • OpenCore will automatically create a config.plist file that you need to customize for your Mac Pro. The file is located in the USB stick’s EFI > OC folder.

---

3. Customize the Configuration File​

1. Open the Editor:
   • Use a plist editor like ProperTree to edit the config.plist.
2. Make Changes:
   • PlatformInfo:
     • Set Model to MacPro3,1.
   • Booter:
     • Ensure that HideSelf and EnableSafeModeSlide are disabled.
   • DeviceProperties:
     • Add your graphics card (ATI HD 5870). You can also set custom boot flags here.
   • Tools:
     • Enable OpenShell to access the UEFI shell.
3. Enable Debugging (Optional):
   • Enable debugging (Misc > Debug) to generate logs in case something goes wrong.

---

4. Boot and Test​

1. Start Your Mac:
   • Restart your Mac and hold the Option (⌥) key to access the boot menu.
   • Select the USB stick as the boot device.
2. OpenCore Menu:
   • You should now see a menu that allows you to choose between operating systems or boot options.
3. Test Run:
   • If the boot screen works and all operating systems are selectable, copy the OpenCore EFI files to your Mac’s internal drive.

---

5. Additional Optimizations​

• Enable Boot Picker:
  • To make the boot screen (picker) always visible, add the ShowPicker value under Misc > Boot in the config.plist and set it to YES.
• Install macOS High Sierra or Mojave:
  • If you need Metal support, consider upgrading to a Metal-capable GPU (e.g., NVIDIA GTX 680) and installing macOS Mojave.
• Install EFI on Internal Drive:
  • Copy the EFI folder from the USB stick to your system drive’s EFI partition.

---

Common Issues and Solutions​

1. No Boot Menu Visible:
   • Ensure ShowPicker is enabled and the config.plist is properly configured.
2. Boot Errors:
   • Check logs in the UEFI shell or enable debugging to identify issues.
3. Boot Screen Not Appearing:
   • This may be a GPU-specific issue. Consider using a native macOS-compatible GPU temporarily.

---

If you need further assistance, I can help you with customizing the config.plist or guiding you through the installation process! 😊

Thanks for this detailed answer ErCe75.
During this few days i tried a solution so simple that I had missed it, which is to change the DVI port and miracle the boot menu appeared.
But obviously this is not enough because my second problem is that I cannot reinstall El Capitan from a bootable USB. It is the same via Recovery. I tried with web connection, without web connection, without connection and by modifying the date via Terminal, no solution works and I always arrive on a window "Unable to verify this copy of the Install OsX El Capitan application. It may have been damaged or altered during installation" or when it connects to Appstore with my identifier an error type 403 forbidden. And it annoys me .....
Thanks help if you have an idea.
Olivier