MP 7,1 Non-Apple Video Card Boot Screens?

[ZombiePhysicist]

So I'm using an AMD Radeon Pro WX 9100 card instead of the 580x that came with my Mac Pro. In fact, I pulled out the 580x (it was using 26w doing nothing, while the 9100 was using only 10w driving 6 30" cinema displays). It *seems* to provide all the boot screens. For example, my boot drive is APFS encrypted, so I need to first put in the password to unlock it before the macOS boot can really get going. I also seem to see all the boot progress bars from start to finish. Stuff I couldn't see before on my 5,1 Mac Pro when booting with a non-apple card.

But I noticed this in the latest BareFeets tests:

The really big news is that the non-Apple supplied GPUs are a fast and affordable alternative to the Apple GPUs like the Pro Vega II. But there are a few downsides. First, they don't provide an Apple Startup or Boot screen.

2019 Mac Pro - GPU options

real world speed test results for performance minded Macintosh users

barefeats.com

I'm not sure what they mean. Am I just lucky in that the 9100 for some reason supports boot screens? Or is there some other boot screens that I'm not seeing.

 

[bsbeamer]

When in boot do you see the Apple logo? Posting a video of boot might be easiest ID at this point.

 

[tsialex]

Enable verbose boot, if you see the text on your screen as your Mac Pro boots, you have full pre-boot configuration support:

To enable:

sudo nvram boot-args="-v"

To disable:

sudo nvram boot-args=""

 

[ZombiePhysicist]

When in boot do you see the Apple logo? Posting a video of boot might be easiest ID at this point.

I do, I instantly see the Apple logo. Then at some point the apple logo kind of 'shrinks' and then I see the progress bar appear below the apple logo.
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Enable verbose boot, if you see the text on your screen as your Mac Pro boots, you have full pre-boot configuration support:

To enable:

sudo nvram boot-args="-v"

To disable:

sudo nvram boot-args=""

Yes, I saw all the verbose boot text.

 

[tsialex]

I do, I instantly see the Apple logo. Then at some point the apple logo kind of 'shrinks' and then I see the progress bar appear below the apple logo.
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Yes, I saw all the verbose boot text.

Weird Barefeats allegation, no?

 

[ZombiePhysicist]

Weird Barefeats allegation, no?

Yea. Perhaps they are just assuming carry over from the 5,1 days. Or perhaps some cards work and some don't? And if that's the case. I wonder what the difference is that makes some work?

 

[bsbeamer]

What port(s) and adapters are you using?
What monitor resolutions are set?
6x 30” ACD as mentioned in first post?

 

[tsialex]

Yea. Perhaps they are just assuming carry over from the 5,1 days. Or perhaps some cards work and some don't? And if that's the case. I wonder what the difference is that makes some work?

At least some Asus cards that have an old GOP UEFI driver are know to have problems showing boot screens with eGPU and Mac mini 2018, the first ever Mac to have pre-boot configuration support working with standard PC GPUs. A lot more people have Mac minis 2018 than 2019 Mac Pros, reports of what work or not are most from the former.

 

[ZombiePhysicist]

What port(s) and adapters are you using?
What monitor resolutions are set?
6x 30” ACD as mentioned in first post?

Im using all 6 ports on the 9100. It comes with 6 mini display ports. Resolution is the full 2560x1600 resolution. My 30" displays use the Apple DVI Dual Link to mini display port active adapters. Works perfectly.

Here is the card:

Radeon Pro Wx 9100 Retail

Radeon Pro WX 9100 Retail

www.amazon.com

Here is the adapter

Mini DisplayPort to Dual Link DVI Adapter - Business - Apple (SG)

Apple Store Search Results

www.apple.com

 

[bsbeamer]

Do wonder if they were using HDMI instead of DP on their GPU(s) during testing to make the assessment, or if it was 4K/UHD resolution(s). Both have made a difference in the past, even on some MVC hacked AMD cards.

My patience is running thin with AMD 5XXX series drivers in Catalina 10.15.2 and wouldn’t be shocked if somehow their RX 5700 XT tests were impacted by driver issues in some capacity, though boot screen support shouldn’t really be fixed by drivers...

 

[JeDiGM]

Im using all 6 ports on the 9100. It comes with 6 mini display ports. Resolution is the full 2560x1600 resolution. My 30" displays use the Apple DVI Dual Link to mini display port active adapters. Works perfectly.

Here is the card:

Radeon Pro Wx 9100 Retail

Radeon Pro WX 9100 Retail

www.amazon.com

Here is the adapter

Mini DisplayPort to Dual Link DVI Adapter - Business - Apple (SG)

Apple Store Search Results

www.apple.com

Think you could post a video of it booting ZombiePhysicist? I tried today with a WX 9100 and i didn't get a boot screen. Plugged a mini DP to DP adapter in to test and got nothing. Tried it in the first port and the last port. It wasn't a consumer version though so that might've been the issue. Also, would you be willing to post your GPU bios somewhere? Maybe we can reproduce it if it's working? Would be great to get this working on this card being that it's 16GB and only 230W.

 

[DearthnVader]

Think you could post a video of it booting ZombiePhysicist? I tried today with a WX 9100 and i didn't get a boot screen. Plugged a mini DP to DP adapter in to test and got nothing. Tried it in the first port and the last port. It wasn't a consumer version though so that might've been the issue. Also, would you be willing to post your GPU bios somewhere? Maybe we can reproduce it if it's working? Would be great to get this working on this card being that it's 16GB and only 230W.

What Mac Pro are you using?

2019 should support boot screens with AMD cards that have a valid GOP ROM.

One thing to note, if you, or someone else before you edited the protected tables in the legacy Video Bios of the card, it will fail the validation test for GOP, and you won't get any boot screen unless you are using CSM mode.

 

[JeDiGM]

What Mac Pro are you using?

2019 should support boot screens with AMD cards that have a valid GOP ROM.

One thing to note, if you, or someone else before you edited the protected tables in the legacy Video Bios of the card, it will fail the validation test for GOP, and you won't get any boot screen unless you are using CSM mode.

Using a 5,1 like ZombiePhysicist is. That's why I'm asking. I wasn't aware of the tables.

 

[DearthnVader]

Using a 5,1 like ZombiePhysicist is. That's why I'm asking. I wasn't aware of the tables.

I could be wrong, I didn't read every word of the thread, but I took it @ZombiePhysicist was using a 2019 Mac Pro?

At any rate, for the 5,1 you need a newer build of Opencore to enable GOP boot screen. I made a few threads about making GOP boot screens work on my 3,1 with the rEFInd boot loader, but we never got it to work with the 4,1/5,1.

Only recently have the developers of Opencore enabled it for 5,1 users.

 

[JeDiGM]

I could be wrong, I didn't read every word of the thread, but I took it @ZombiePhysicist was using a 2019 Mac Pro?

At any rate, for the 5,1 you need a newer build of Opencore to enable GOP boot screen. I made a few threads about making GOP boot screens work on my 3,1 with the rEFInd boot loader, but we never got it to work with the 4,1/5,1.

Only recently have the developers of Opencore enabled it for 5,1 users.

Sucks you guys couldn't get it working. Sucks MVC don't put more cards and options out! Hoping for a little luck with this and that ZombiePhysicist stumbled upon something awesome.

 

[tsialex]

Using a 5,1 like ZombiePhysicist is. That's why I'm asking. I wasn't aware of the tables.

Only Mac Mini 2018 (via eGPU and with current BootROM) and 2019 Mac Pro support GOP pre-boot configuration support. Btw, iMac don’t support it when using eGPUs.

MP5,1 don’t support pre-boot configuration with GOP GPUs at all. Your only alternative is OpenCore.

 

[DearthnVader]

Sucks you guys couldn't get it working. Sucks MVC don't put more cards and options out! Hoping for a little luck with this and that ZombiePhysicist stumbled upon something awesome.

I think you need to reread the title post, he is clearly using a 7,1.

The only way to enable boot screens for GOP on a 5,1 is to use Opencore.

 

[JeDiGM]

I see what you 2 are saying. I read it wrong. My mistake. Thanks. I will check out Opencore.

 

[ZombiePhysicist]

I could be wrong, I didn't read every word of the thread, but I took it @ZombiePhysicist was using a 2019 Mac Pro?

At any rate, for the 5,1 you need a newer build of Opencore to enable GOP boot screen. I made a few threads about making GOP boot screens work on my 3,1 with the rEFInd boot loader, but we never got it to work with the 4,1/5,1.

Only recently have the developers of Opencore enabled it for 5,1 users.

I used it on a 5,1 for a little time, and moved it and now use it on the 7,1 so you’re both right! ?
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Think you could post a video of it booting ZombiePhysicist? I tried today with a WX 9100 and i didn't get a boot screen. Plugged a mini DP to DP adapter in to test and got nothing. Tried it in the first port and the last port. It wasn't a consumer version though so that might've been the issue. Also, would you be willing to post your GPU bios somewhere? Maybe we can reproduce it if it's working? Would be great to get this working on this card being that it's 16GB and only 230W.

Are you talking about boot screens on 5,1 (it doesn’t show boot screens) or 7,1 (which does show boot screens).

 

[DinoMP5.1]

Hi ZombiePhysicist
Thank you for your post. I had not considered the WX9100. I was not aware there was a card with 6 display ports. Like you I’m running multiple (4) ACD 30in with a mix of DVI-D and Mini-DP apple powered adaptors. I have done this through 2 GPUs (HD4850 and GT120)....yes it is getting slow and I can’t go above High Sierra.

I have tried a RX580 but I could not get the RX580 to run a ACD 30in screen from the Cinema Display port on the GPU. SO I’m changing it over to a K5000 which has 2 x DVI-D plugs so should support 2 screens! It has been a challenging exercise.

Having read your post and others input, I am pleased to hear the WX9100 will support the ACD 30In display and up to 6 as you have done. I am still reading / searching to confirm the WX9100 will work in the MP 5,1. If K5000 works I could purchase a 2nd K5000 to run all 4 screens. HOWEVER the WX9100 sound like a better solution...If if will work?

I have already spent/waisted money on trying different GPU cards so want to make sure the WX9100 works successfulkly before I spend more money! If any EXPERIENCED knowledgeable people read this, I would appreciate your advice on what I think are the main issues:

1. Will WX9100 definitely work in a 5,1 MP?
2. I have read differing opinion on the WX9100 working on the existing power supply? (Do I need to do Pixlar power mod)?
3. Other discussion on here recommend only going to Mojave with the WX9100?
4. I have seen WX9100 for sale online, but does it need to have the GPU ‘firmware’ flashed to work on apple? IE can I pull out of a PC and will it work on a Mac? Does the Wx9100 come flashed for apple?
5. There is discussion above about GOP and Opencore...sorry beyond my knowledge. Are there Apple expects that can configure the wx9100 GPU to make all this work?
6. I “think“ GOP and opencore just means you can get the boot screen. If I can do without the boot screen will it work? I can keep a older card (GT120) in case I ever need it.

I will keep reading but would appreciate any advice from someone whom has already attempted putting a WX9100 successfully in a MP 5,1.

Kind regards

Dino

 

[OkiRun]

Hi ZombiePhysicist
Thank you for your post. I had not considered the WX9100. I was not aware there was a card with 6 display ports. Like you I’m running multiple (4) ACD 30in with a mix of DVI-D and Mini-DP apple powered adaptors. I have done this through 2 GPUs (HD4850 and GT120)....yes it is getting slow and I can’t go above High Sierra.

I have tried a RX580 but I could not get the RX580 to run a ACD 30in screen from the Cinema Display port on the GPU. SO I’m changing it over to a K5000 which has 2 x DVI-D plugs so should support 2 screens! It has been a challenging exercise.

Having read your post and others input, I am pleased to hear the WX9100 will support the ACD 30In display and up to 6 as you have done. I am still reading / searching to confirm the WX9100 will work in the MP 5,1. If K5000 works I could purchase a 2nd K5000 to run all 4 screens. HOWEVER the WX9100 sound like a better solution...If if will work?

I have already spent/waisted money on trying different GPU cards so want to make sure the WX9100 works successfulkly before I spend more money! If any EXPERIENCED knowledgeable people read this, I would appreciate your advice on what I think are the main issues:

1. Will WX9100 definitely work in a 5,1 MP?
2. I have read differing opinion on the WX9100 working on the existing power supply? (Do I need to do Pixlar power mod)?
3. Other discussion on here recommend only going to Mojave with the WX9100?
4. I have seen WX9100 for sale online, but does it need to have the GPU ‘firmware’ flashed to work on apple? IE can I pull out of a PC and will it work on a Mac? Does the Wx9100 come flashed for apple?
5. There is discussion above about GOP and Opencore...sorry beyond my knowledge. Are there Apple expects that can configure the wx9100 GPU to make all this work?
6. I “think“ GOP and opencore just means you can get the boot screen. If I can do without the boot screen will it work? I can keep a older card (GT120) in case I ever need it.

I will keep reading but would appreciate any advice from someone whom has already attempted putting a WX9100 successfully in a MP 5,1.

Kind regards

Dino

You might think about posting your questions on a new 5,1 thread ~ I'm sure there will be more responses than on the 7,1 thread.

 

[JeDiGM]

Hi ZombiePhysicist
Thank you for your post. I had not considered the WX9100. I was not aware there was a card with 6 display ports. Like you I’m running multiple (4) ACD 30in with a mix of DVI-D and Mini-DP apple powered adaptors. I have done this through 2 GPUs (HD4850 and GT120)....yes it is getting slow and I can’t go above High Sierra.

I have tried a RX580 but I could not get the RX580 to run a ACD 30in screen from the Cinema Display port on the GPU. SO I’m changing it over to a K5000 which has 2 x DVI-D plugs so should support 2 screens! It has been a challenging exercise.

Having read your post and others input, I am pleased to hear the WX9100 will support the ACD 30In display and up to 6 as you have done. I am still reading / searching to confirm the WX9100 will work in the MP 5,1. If K5000 works I could purchase a 2nd K5000 to run all 4 screens. HOWEVER the WX9100 sound like a better solution...If if will work?

I have already spent/waisted money on trying different GPU cards so want to make sure the WX9100 works successfulkly before I spend more money! If any EXPERIENCED knowledgeable people read this, I would appreciate your advice on what I think are the main issues:

1. Will WX9100 definitely work in a 5,1 MP?
2. I have read differing opinion on the WX9100 working on the existing power supply? (Do I need to do Pixlar power mod)?
3. Other discussion on here recommend only going to Mojave with the WX9100?
4. I have seen WX9100 for sale online, but does it need to have the GPU ‘firmware’ flashed to work on apple? IE can I pull out of a PC and will it work on a Mac? Does the Wx9100 come flashed for apple?
5. There is discussion above about GOP and Opencore...sorry beyond my knowledge. Are there Apple expects that can configure the wx9100 GPU to make all this work?
6. I “think“ GOP and opencore just means you can get the boot screen. If I can do without the boot screen will it work? I can keep a older card (GT120) in case I ever need it.

I will keep reading but would appreciate any advice from someone whom has already attempted putting a WX9100 successfully in a MP 5,1.

Kind regards

Dino

1. Works up to Catalina so far. Haven’t gone up to Big Sur yet.
2. No mod needed. This is one of the reasons I purchased. I do run EVGA powerlink.
3. See no. 1.
4. No. Don’t need flashing. Works OOB.
5. I don’t understand the question. Opencore works beautifully with it on the first mini DP port.
6. Yes. Opencore for boot screen. Lets you install OS higher than Mojave, use HW Acceleration and FV on MP 5,1 because you have boot screen as well. Will work without Opencore and without boot screen up to Mojave. I think you can still use GT120 if you have the WX9100 installed. But it won’t display anything passed the boot screen because it’s not a metal card. I may be forgetting something because I removed GT120.

Okirun is correct. Mod may want to move this to another thread.

 

[DinoMP5.1]

1. Works up to Catalina so far. Haven’t gone up to Big Sur yet.
2. No mod needed. This is one of the reasons I purchased. I do run EVGA powerlink.
3. See no. 1.
4. No. Don’t need flashing. Works OOB.
5. I don’t understand the question. Opencore works beautifully with it on the first mini DP.
6. Yes. Opencore for boot screen. Lets you install OS higher than Mojave, use HW Acceleration and FV on MP 5,1 because you have boot screen as well. Will work without Opencore and without boot screen up to Mojave. I think you can still use GT120 if you have the WX9100 installed. But it won’t display anything passed the boot screen because it’s not a metal card. I may be forgetting something because I removed GT120.

Okirun is correct. Mod may want to move this to another thread.

JeDiGM
Thanks for your assistance with my questions. Sorry if there was some simple questions but thank you for confirming the WX9100 will work in a 5,1 and alleviating my concerns before trying to but ANOTHER GPU that might work!!. Main goal was to find a GPU that would support 4 ACD 30in, without having to buy 2 GPUs that had DVI-D dual link to support the amazing 30in ACDs. 6 mini DP will be more than I need.

I will look more into how to make the 5,1 opencore. Not something I have experience with. If its easy and gives the boot screen on a wx9100 will definitely do it.

Thanks so much for your reply to my questions.

OkiRun
Sorry may have posted in the wrong spot...first time poster. I have read most of the posts on here about WX9100 and ZombiePhyisict post have the Most informative discussion about the the WX9100. I suspect there are others with the old Apple Cinema Dispaly (ACD) 30in that have battled with the challenges of finding a GPU that will support the dual link DVI requirements of the ACD 30in And multi screens.

If it can be moved happy to do so if it will help others in the same conundrum.

kind regards
Dino

 

[ZombiePhysicist]

Hi ZombiePhysicist
Thank you for your post. I had not considered the WX9100. I was not aware there was a card with 6 display ports. Like you I’m running multiple (4) ACD 30in with a mix of DVI-D and Mini-DP apple powered adaptors. I have done this through 2 GPUs (HD4850 and GT120)....yes it is getting slow and I can’t go above High Sierra.

I have tried a RX580 but I could not get the RX580 to run a ACD 30in screen from the Cinema Display port on the GPU. SO I’m changing it over to a K5000 which has 2 x DVI-D plugs so should support 2 screens! It has been a challenging exercise.

Having read your post and others input, I am pleased to hear the WX9100 will support the ACD 30In display and up to 6 as you have done. I am still reading / searching to confirm the WX9100 will work in the MP 5,1. If K5000 works I could purchase a 2nd K5000 to run all 4 screens. HOWEVER the WX9100 sound like a better solution...If if will work?

I have already spent/waisted money on trying different GPU cards so want to make sure the WX9100 works successfulkly before I spend more money! If any EXPERIENCED knowledgeable people read this, I would appreciate your advice on what I think are the main issues:

1. Will WX9100 definitely work in a 5,1 MP?
2. I have read differing opinion on the WX9100 working on the existing power supply? (Do I need to do Pixlar power mod)?
3. Other discussion on here recommend only going to Mojave with the WX9100?
4. I have seen WX9100 for sale online, but does it need to have the GPU ‘firmware’ flashed to work on apple? IE can I pull out of a PC and will it work on a Mac? Does the Wx9100 come flashed for apple?
5. There is discussion above about GOP and Opencore...sorry beyond my knowledge. Are there Apple expects that can configure the wx9100 GPU to make all this work?
6. I “think“ GOP and opencore just means you can get the boot screen. If I can do without the boot screen will it work? I can keep a older card (GT120) in case I ever need it.

I will keep reading but would appreciate any advice from someone whom has already attempted putting a WX9100 successfully in a MP 5,1.

Kind regards

Dino

Yes it does. I got it to work on my 5,1 before putting in my 7,1. However, to get it to work on the 5,1 you really have to get enough power to the card. Which required some special cables and drawing power from 2 of the SATA ports. At least that's how I got it to work.

You can check out what I did on this thread:

Please Help w/ Video Card Power Connection/AMD Radeon Pro WX 9100 work in cMP 5,1?

It was wired towards the outside of the case. Here are some pics. You can see in the 4th image where the card is seated in the slot, I'm draping the SATA power cables over and through the 2nd drive bay.

forums.macrumors.com

 

[JeDiGM]

Yes it does. I got it to work on my 5,1 before putting in my 7,1. However, to get it to work on the 5,1 you really have to get enough power to the card. Which required some special cables and drawing power from 2 of the SATA ports. At least that's how I got it to work.

You can check out what I did on this thread:

Please Help w/ Video Card Power Connection/AMD Radeon Pro WX 9100 work in cMP 5,1?

It was wired towards the outside of the case. Here are some pics. You can see in the 4th image where the card is seated in the slot, I'm draping the SATA power cables over and through the 2nd drive bay.

forums.macrumors.com

Why'd you do all that? The card is 230 W. All you needed was the EVGA powerlink and a couple of extension cables? Unless I'm missing something? I have hard drives in the bays you took up with the extension cables though. Wanted to use those for that. Maybe you didn't need the other bays?