Need to resurrect an old Mac Pro

[riversr54]

I work at a small college. I have an old Mac Pro that I would like to get a little use out of. It is a Mac Pro 2, Model A1186, EMC 2113. It currently does not boot and I would like to re-install OSX but I'm not sure which version I need to order for this hardware. So here are a few questions:

What is the specific version of OSX that should work on this model?

What is the latest version of OSX that it will upgrade to?

Am I Totally wasting my time with this thing?

Thanks for any help.

rivers

 

[128keaton]

I work at a small college. I have an old Mac Pro that I would like to get a little use out of. It is a Mac Pro 2, Model A1186, EMC 2113. It currently does not boot and I would like to re-install OSX but I'm not sure which version I need to order for this hardware. So here are a few questions:

What is the specific version of OSX that should work on this model?

What is the latest version of OSX that it will upgrade to?

Am I Totally wasting my time with this thing?

Thanks for any help.

rivers

It really depends on whats wrong. Your MacPro1,2 is a capable machine, and its capable of running Yosemite with some shoehorning, but as for wasting time, like I said, it depends on whats wrong.

 

[riversr54]

Additional help

It attempts to boot the OSX install DVD that I have, but after I select the language, it tells me it can't install OSX on this computer. I don't really think there is anything major wrong with the hardware, just needs to have OSX installed but I haven't been able to determine an appropriate version for that.

Can you recommend troubleshooting tips and/or web sites, keeping in mind that I am an absolute novice in the Apple world.

Thx

BTW...I love the truck in your picture, I have a 1950 3100. Great old trucks!

 

[goMac]

It attempts to boot the OSX install DVD that I have, but after I select the language, it tells me it can't install OSX on this computer. I don't really think there is anything major wrong with the hardware, just needs to have OSX installed but I haven't been able to determine an appropriate version for that.

Can you recommend troubleshooting tips and/or web sites, keeping in mind that I am an absolute novice in the Apple world.

Thx

BTW...I love the truck in your picture, I have a 1950 3100. Great old trucks!

What version of OS X are you trying to install?

 

[macagain]

It attempts to boot the OSX install DVD that I have, but after I select the language, it tells me it can't install OSX on this computer....

EMC2113 is Mac Pro 1,1 (original). The latest OS X version supported is Lion (10.7). The fact that it even tries your dvd is a good sign... you probably just have too new a version.

 

[mcnallym]

If it's a DVD then won't be later then 10.6.x.

The DVD is it a generic OS X install DVD or one that came with a machine.

OS X DVD's that shipped with machines could only be used with the same machine, i.e. my Macbook Pro OS X DVD wouldn't install on my mac mini, yet when I bought the generic 10.6 SL DVD to upgrade them then could use on both.

 

[macagain]

If it's a DVD then won't be later then 10.6.x.

Good point! How quickly we forget!

 

[riversr54]

Wasted time

Just as I'm about to figure out how to get the MacPro re-installed (with help from everyone here), there is a loud "pop" and now it won't even power on. I guess it is time to give up.

Thanks for all your help.

rivers