Video card problems on 2010 Mac Pros?

[VideoFreek]

Hey Guys;

Having just ordered a new 2010 MP, I was disturbed to read this post (http://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2010/20100909_MacProVideo--macpro.html) by Lloyd Chambers over at diglloyd. I've searched this forum and have not found too many complaints about the problems Lloyd is describing; most often such problems are dismissed as "cable issues." Is anyone with a 5770 or 5870 seeing the "flakiness" that Lloyd describes?

Video Card Problems with 2010 Mac Pro

Yesterday evening, my Radeon HD 5870 refused to light up either screen (one 30" display and one 27" display). I thought the card had failed outright, and had to swap video cards, then swap back. The same video card is now working flawlessly again. The problem is, it’s flaky. And not just one Mac Pro. And not just one video card.

Plugging/unplugging and swapping cards leads to one inescapable conclusion, especially since the 5770 card in my other Mac Pro has also shown some flakiness problems: there is something wrong with the 2010 Mac Pro video cards that makes them just not work at times, with no apparent rhyme or reasons. I had better luck with one screen than two, but there is no apparent hard and fast rule.

Rob-Art over at barefeats.com had reported this to me some weeks ago, but I figured it was a cable problem, since I saw it only sporadically with my two systems, and swapping cables appeared to fix the problem. But that was apparently just dumb luck.

In short, there is something broken with the Radeon HD 5700 and 5870. Having torn apart my machine yesterday, and seeing no problems with the old NVidia GT120 card, I sure hope Apple gets its act together on this problem.

Letting the screen sleep in sleep mode also shows a failure to wake up the 2nd screen at times. Dual-display systems seem particularly affected. A trend in motion stays in motion: when working, the cards seem to keep working, but once they flake out, it can be a frustrating experience trying to get the card to light up the displays again.

A client of mine reports a similar problem with her hexacore Mac Pro today.

[ovrlrd]

Sounds like something a firmware fix or driver update could fix I think, if it turns out to be widespread (which it doesn't seem like it is).

[BigAl55]

Same thing. My two NEC monitors each attached to a 5770 card wouldn't wake from sleep earlier today. Had to re-boot. First time this has happened in the last month...

[Schismz]

Mac Pro, dodeca-core, dual 24" cinema displays using mini displayport on 5870, upgrading both to the 27" whenever they release 'em, no problems at all. Took delivery on, lessee, Aug 24.

Know 3 people with 2010 Mac Pros, also no problems, but, and here's the but... all are using dual hex's with 24" cinema displays.

There may be some kinda glitch with the radeon and non-Apple displays, and mix and matching displayport and dual-link DVI. Dunno. The Radeon is not cutting-edge new, but Apple has given it the typical Apple treatment, removed every port -- including the HDMI-out it comes with, why for God's sake? They wedged it into the mini, do they not think anybody may be using the Pro for video and wanna output to a big TV? The card HAS that port and they chuck it??? WTF??? -- and I'm sure tested it by plugging in Cinema Displays and nothing else.

Short summary: no problems here so far <knock on metal>.

Lloyd is also doing his thing, ripping out his CPU, installing dual 3.33GHz one's from a third-party and probably 25 other crazy things, so I'd consider it a miracle that his machines work as often as they do. In his case, "Wahhhhh, it's broken!" leads to: "well, you broke it!" But I'm somehow guessing it's gonna wind up being more prelevant than that and affect anything that's not a recent Cinema Display (in other words, they did a half-assed job of testing out possible monitor permutations perhaps).

Everything that Apple claims should work, well, they're ultimately responsible for and if a firmware update doesn't fix it, they're unfortunately gonna be responsible for sending out new cards. Also on the positive side, if there is a problem, and you're having the same problem Lloyd is having, that's really good, because lately barefeats has become kinda ehhh and seemingly I don't know what, semi-retired, switched his meds, whatever; but Lloyd is gaining a bigger audience share and you can be pretty sure he's gonna rant and rave and test and storm around and generally make a lot of noise about it, until the issue gets resolved in some way.

Having said that, one more variable/thing to try: it's a workstation, I don't ever let it sleep, I let the displays sleep, but not the computer itself, I don't need to slam shut the lid and throw it into my backpack. Do any of the symptoms with the screens not coming back to life happen at any time other than the computer waking from sleep?

[jenzjen]

I have 3 Dell U2410s hooked up to my 5870, and I have not experienced this issue running either SL or Boot Camp.

I do have one issue, though, that only occurs on the Boot Camp side. Whenever I visit a site with an embedded video and play the video and/or "back" away from this page that has the video to the prior page, I get a glitch / flicker that always affects the same 2 monitors (the ones connected with the dual DVI and 1 of the MDP ones). This doesn't happen on the Mac side, so I downloaded and installed the latest ATI driver on the Boot Camp side, and the problem still persists.

[ahavriluk]

I had similar problems with my MacBook Pro display not waking up from sleep. I have figures out that I could have that issue if I had my bluetooth mouse on before I closed the laptop. So, I started to turn the mouse off before closing. Seems that helped. Looks like they fixed something with the next OS update, since I keep my mouse on all the time now and don't have that issue anymore.

[advres]

2.8 quad, 5770, Dell U2711 = problem free for me.

[jedijoe]

5870 with 30-inch apple display connected via DVI port no problems.

[MarsProductions]

We bought 3 Mac Pro’s 2.4 GHz with the ATI Radeon HD 5870. Also bought 6 NEC MultiSync PA241W displays and connected all of them with a DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable – each setup uses dual-display. We have exactly the same trouble which Lloyd Chambers is describing. We really need a fix for this as soon as possible. A huge nightmare for studio shooting :eek:

[ahavriluk]

We bought 3 Mac Pro’s 2.4 GHz with the ATI Radeon HD 5870. Also bought 6 NEC MultiSync PA241W displays and connected all of them with a DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable – each setup uses dual-display. We have exactly the same trouble which Lloyd Chambers is describing. We really need a fix for this as soon as possible. A huge nightmare for studio shooting :eek:

Looks like the problem is with dual display configurations.

[scottsjack]

Looks like the problem is with dual display configurations.

Might be, I'm using an older Samsung 24 in with a MP 3.2GHz quad + HD 5870 connected as DVI to DVI. No problems at all.

[milbournosphere]

My 2.8 quad with 5770 has had only one issue so far, but I think it was a loose cable. One day, after rearranging my desk, the screen kept cycling a red-green-blue pattern. I turned the monitor off, re-connected the cable at both ends, and the problem disappeared. I don't know if that was the video card's fault or not, but the issue has yet to repeat itself.

[xgman]

No problems here yet with a 5870 and single Dell 3007 on the DVI.

[darlenea]

New NEc 27 inch monitor hooked via dual link dv1 - one time has gone black and occasionally whole screen gets fuzzy - like an old time tv.

My second moniter on a miniport addapter to dvi cable is not recognized and has never connected with the computer.

I need to try different cables - but I doubt that is the problem. Darlenea
Mac pro hex core 3.33, 24 gb ram, 5870 video card

[Schismz]

Workaround for screen issues from Lloyd:

http://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2010/20100910_HotCorners--macpro.html

[MarsProductions]

Workaround for screen issues from Lloyd:

http://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2010/20100910_HotCorners--macpro.html

This solution does not help for the sleep issue I am having with 3 workstations. Once I put the Mac Pro (mid 2010) to sleep I have no way to wake up the screens anymore. The buttons on display wont react either (except if I unplug the display cable).

I have also noticed that once I loose the signal (sleep mode) and get it back to work (power down the machine/unplug the display cable several times) the desktop picture often resets to the default desktop picture on the 2nd display. The desktop picture can not be changed – but logging out and back in cures the issue and sets back original selected desktop.

Has anyone else experienced this sleep problem with the new NEC PA-series screens?
Which brand of cables are you using?

[darlenea]

I am using the Nec 27' PA271w - I love the monitor. It goes to sleep but it is just the monitor for me - so Lloyd work around works well - I have the bottom left corner set up at a hot corner and soon as the screen loses the signal I bring it down to that corner - I am always just guessing but I pull the mouse down and to the left and then click and it wakes up immediately. It has already blacked out twice this morning for me but within a couple seconds was up and going again? Darlene

[MarsProductions]

I am using the Nec 27' PA271w - I love the monitor. It goes to sleep but it is just the monitor for me - so Lloyd work around works well - I have the bottom left corner set up at a hot corner and soon as the screen loses the signal I bring it down to that corner - I am always just guessing but I pull the mouse down and to the left and then click and it wakes up immediately. It has already blacked out twice this morning for me but within a couple seconds was up and going again? Darlene

What I meant is putting the Computer (Mac Pro) to sleep and not being able to wake up the displays anymore.

[ahavriluk]

Is it possible that it is a monitor problem?

[freedom42]

Is it possible that it is a monitor problem?

To be honest I have simply purchased ACDs to eliminate compatibility issues in the past. I had this same issue with an older Mac Pro video card and a third party display.

Should this happen? No. But my experience is that Apple doesn't support operation with arbitrary displays.

[VideoFreek]

I am using the Nec 27' PA271w - I love the monitor. It goes to sleep but it is just the monitor for me - so Lloyd work around works well - I have the bottom left corner set up at a hot corner and soon as the screen loses the signal I bring it down to that corner - I am always just guessing but I pull the mouse down and to the left and then click and it wakes up immediately. It has already blacked out twice this morning for me but within a couple seconds was up and going again? DarleneDarlene, have you tried hooking up the PA271W via Displayport? I'm curious because I have ordered a configuration very similar to yours--a hexacore with a 5770 card hooked up to a PA271W--and I plan to use the DP connection.

[darlenea]

I have not tried that yet, but will this next week. I took an on line retouching class today and my screen blacked out 5 times durning the 2 hours. But using Lloyd's work around my screen was up with one to two seconds every time.

I will post when I try the miniport. Darlene

[calderone]

Got a base quad at work. If my displays go to sleep and are then woken up, they will sometimes come back as pure static. Unplugging and replugging in the cable fixes.

All non-Apple displays. We have had this same issue with the Mini's as well, on mini-DVI, mini-DP and HDMI. Is Apple trying to get us to buy their displays?

[Schismz]

Got a base quad at work. If my displays go to sleep and are then woken up, they will sometimes come back as pure static. Unplugging and replugging in the cable fixes.

All non-Apple displays. We have had this same issue with the Mini's as well, on mini-DVI, mini-DP and HDMI. Is Apple trying to get us to buy their displays?

Possibly, since there are no issues I'm aware of using only Cinema Displays :eek: But far more likely, they just didn't really bother to test it much and kicked the Mac Pro out the door with a very very late update, because the high-end iMacs were catching the old one and they needed to get the 6 core chips out there.

I again have no issues at all with Apple's displays, or know anybody else having problems with an Apple Display, so it does seem to affect only 3rd party displays so far.

[VideoFreek]

I have not tried that yet, but will this next week. I took an on line retouching class today and my screen blacked out 5 times durning the 2 hours. But using Lloyd's work around my screen was up with one to two seconds every time.

I will post when I try the miniport. DarleneJeez, Darlene, that's pretty bad--now you're scaring me! Frankly, having the display black out while you are working is totally unacceptable. Have you contacted Apple about this?

Actually, I'm beginning to wonder if the problem is with NEC monitors? It seems to be a common element among all people who've reported problems in this thread, and I suspect that the monitors Lloyd mentioned in his post are also NECs, since he seems to be quite fond of them (http://macperformanceguide.com/RecommendedDisplays.html). There is for sure not enough evidence at this point to be certain, but this one bears watching.

[b.lam]

Got a base quad at work. If my displays go to sleep and are then woken up, they will sometimes come back as pure static. Unplugging and replugging in the cable fixes.

All non-Apple displays. We have had this same issue with the Mini's as well, on mini-DVI, mini-DP and HDMI. Is Apple trying to get us to buy their displays?

From time to time, I'm having the same issue. I have the 3,2GHz with the 5870 and a single NEC MultiSync EA231WMi connected via DVI.

I also have a MDP2DP cable but it does not work correct. Somehow the MDP plug is very sensitive to any motion. I have to squeeze it in a certain direction to even get a signal via DP. Therefore I stayed with DVI since it is more stable.

[calderone]

I have three displays hanging off the 5770.

The only ones with issues are the ones on the mini-DP. Both of those are running through the dual link adapter though. Which Apple gave me for free since they initially told me that three displays would work out of the box.

Now they are shipping me a second 5770. So at worst, only one of my displays will shut off. I am hoping that dropping the dual link adapters will help, but given what I have seen with the hundreds of Minis we are deploying, I doubt the one will work fine.

Jeez, Darlene, that's pretty bad--now you're scaring me! Frankly, having the display black out while you are working is totally unacceptable. Have you contacted Apple about this?

Actually, I'm beginning to wonder if the problem is with NEC monitors? It seems to be a common element among all people who've reported problems in this thread, and I suspect that the monitors Lloyd mentioned in his post are also NECs, since he seems to be quite fond of them (http://macperformanceguide.com/RecommendedDisplays.html). There is for sure not enough evidence at this point to be certain, but this one bears watching.

Doubtful. The common element here is Apple and the Mini-DP. I am having problems with Dell and Viewsonic monitors.

[serrada]

Got a base quad at work. If my displays go to sleep and are then woken up, they will sometimes come back as pure static. Unplugging and replugging in the cable fixes.

All non-Apple displays. We have had this same issue with the Mini's as well, on mini-DVI, mini-DP and HDMI. Is Apple trying to get us to buy their displays?

Also have the base quad and am seeing this issue. I have 2 HP 2207 displays that are HDMI in. On my 5770 I go from DVI>HDMI and have no issues. On the MDP>HDMI sometimes when the displays wake up, I get static. It is fixed when I unplug and plug it back in. I don't sleep the computer, only the displays.

[Wild-Bill]

The common element here is Apple and the Mini-DP.

I would tend to agree. And if proven conclusively, it will take another few months for Apple to actually acknowledge it, and yet another few for them to fix it. :rolleyes:

[Ianska]

I'm getting an undetected monitor with a 5870 using a Mini DisplayPort to DVI connected to either one of my 23" Cinema Displays. They both work fine on the DVI connection.

I'm wondering if the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter will fix things or if it's a dud card.

[odinsride]

I have 3 Dell U2410s hooked up to my 5870, and I have not experienced this issue running either SL or Boot Camp.

I do have one issue, though, that only occurs on the Boot Camp side. Whenever I visit a site with an embedded video and play the video and/or "back" away from this page that has the video to the prior page, I get a glitch / flicker that always affects the same 2 monitors (the ones connected with the dual DVI and 1 of the MDP ones). This doesn't happen on the Mac side, so I downloaded and installed the latest ATI driver on the Boot Camp side, and the problem still persists.

That's a problem in the ATI drivers in Windows. I had an XFX 5870 in my old PC before the Mac Pro and had the same issue under Windows 7 with flash object causing the screen to flicker - it's related to the ATI Driver + Multi Display setups.

[marcgrue]

My second (of two) Apple 30" cinema display stays black with the 5770. So I can confirm that the problems are not related to Mac/third party screens.

The mini display to dual-link DVI adapter works fine from a laptop to a 30" and both screens work fine. It all seems to come down to the graphics card...

Some know issues + specs:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3477
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4279

And Bryan Dukes round up on connecting 3 screens:
http://blog.acceleroto.com/2010/08/28/buying-and-setting-up-a-2010-mac-pro-with-3-monitors-read-this-first/

I'm bringing my computer into the mac shop tomorrow. Maybe taking out the graphics card and putting it back again can fix it - if Lloyd is right about the flaky problems. Someone else on the Mac support forums also suggested to ensure that the graphics card is fully pressed into place (I'm letting the apple guys do this - on their risk :)

[jenzjen]

That's a problem in the ATI drivers in Windows. I had an XFX 5870 in my old PC before the Mac Pro and had the same issue under Windows 7 with flash object causing the screen to flicker - it's related to the ATI Driver + Multi Display setups.

I didn't know that; thank you. Glad to know I'm not alone.

[mr bojangles]

Same problem here, to be honest i was too busy trying to deal with the other problem my macpro has (loud popping sounds)

within the first hour of installing my macpro i had the following problem:

computer whent to sleep (because i was down stairs for like 30min. wiggled the mouse to wake the computer and all i saw was static snow on my monitor (DELL 24") to be honest i thought it was a cable problem, and didn't think much of it since turning my monitor off/on took care of the problem.

i had this mac replaced because of the loud pops it make...replacement macpro arrived...EXACT same problem again with the monitor showing nothing but static snow, you know the static you see when you're tv isn't plugged in.

again turned the monitor off/on and took care of the problem again.

to make a long story short:

my first 2010 6-core had a dodgy videocard and sound card problems (could be HDD related or motherboard related also)

my replacement also has a dodgy video card and again the audio problem.

this is my first Mac purchase and what a huge mistake it was, its pretty obvious to me that the quality of mac products is laughable. 5000$ machines, i have had a 600$ HP and never ever had these kinds of problems. Now fan boys can brag about how great and stable Macs are but i'm yet to discover it, the thing sometimes freezes for no apparel reason, force quiting don't even seem to work so have to shut down manually. Again never had this with cheap windows systems,well...not 2 times a week like with this MacPro

how overrated can a product be?

And claiming that its no biggie and Apple will sort it out with an update or driver is hilarious they should get it wright before release instead of flooding the market with crap dodgy systems.

[philipma1957]

If you want to see a good thread about apple having a bad product on their own site the yellow tinge iMac thread was hundreds of pages long.

here it is

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2381983&start=0&tstart=0

[philipma1957]

I have been trying to address to sound issue with my 2010 Mac Pro. There is no question my mac pro puts out far more bass then my mac mini. I would say that were it not for my crossover i would have the popping issue. I need to play with sitting more, but with all settings the same the pro sounds like a teenagers car driving by boom boom boom. So next week I will take some measurements. My mac mini puts out a much leaner bass signal compared to the pro.

[VideoFreek]

Lloyd just posted an update:

http://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2010/20100916_MacProVideo--macpro-bugs.html

Not encouraging.


Update on Video Issues with Mac Pro

Please refer to Sept 9 notes on the Mac Pro video problem as well as the hot corner workaround.

I’ve collected feedback from various users, including Rob-Art over at barefeats.com, and it is clear that the problem occurs with all brands of displays: NEC, Dell, Apple, etc. So it seems that Apple has a nasty bug on their hands. Whether or not Apple will do something about it, and when, is another matter.

The problem seems worst with the Mini DisplayPort and a second display, but since my own situation showed that both the DVI and MiniDisplay Port connectors can be involved, there seem to be no hard and fast rules other than a defective video card that has a determination to annoy.

Since I worked with dual displays for 18 months on my 2009 Mac Pro without trouble (indeed one of them the same display), this screwball behavior clearly falls into the camp of design defect, which we can hope that firmware will address.

On the plus side, I’ve had only a few intermittent black-outs on my 2nd display when both displays were blanked (eg for sleep mode), and those are easily dealt with via the hot corner workaround. But the idea of working with this lemon of a video card (the 5870 or 5770) for the next few years does not appeal to me.

[chaosbunny]

Looks like the problem is with dual display configurations.

Seems like so. I have the 2,8 ghz Mac Pro with the 5870 gpu connected to a single 21" Eizo with no problems so far.

[englishman]

I have a base quad and have a dual screen setup. Noticed lately left screen is duller, right brighter.

[mr bojangles]

it has absolutely "NOTHING' to do with dual displays or Dells or NEC, or whatever monitor brand you can come up with. the video card is dodgy and thats that, stop looking for lame excuses, Apple again ******** up bigtime. hooray for quality check!!

i run 1 monitor, no dual displays ...etc.

I'm experiencing the exact same problems, i'm thinking about just getting my money back and try and forget about this Apple adventure soon as possible. To much problems with these computers for that amount of money.

Next time when i hear or read that Apple makes quality products i'll have a good laugh...:rolleyes:

[WardC]

What if you just run ONE display and never sleep your machine? I guess you would be just fine then.

[yoink]

With folks clamouring (and I was one of them until I read this) to stick 5770s (and 5870s) in the 2006-2009 machines, I wonder if they'll be seeing similar issues.

That would effectively limit the issues to graphics cards rather than some more complex issue.

[w00tini]

Running a 6-Core Hex, HD5780 on a Samsung monitor.

No issues at all in either Windows or OS X. I have not run dual monitors, which is where it seems to be an issue more often than not, but I will report back once my 27" ACD arrives and I run it in dual mode with the Sammy

[Wild-Bill]

Is it possible that it is a monitor problem?

Nope It's a video card problem. And, a problem even BIGGER than that is getting Apple to even admit they are selling dodgy video cards.

They wouldn't have had this problem if they let the video card manufacturers in and let them write the drivers and assist in integration. But Apple likes it closed system so much I guess they're willing to let this sort of thing happen.

[ahavriluk]

I am running 5770 with Dell 24" UltraSharp monitor for couple of days. So far no issues. It goes to sleep and wake ups without any issues so far. (knock, knock...)

[davelanger]

Do the people who have problems mostly use the mini DVI port?

[2contagious]

I haven't had any graphics problems with my 5870 yet, but its fan makes kind of a whirring sound. Is that normal or is the fan broken? :confused:

[davelanger]

This just happened to me when I was rebooting from a software install. UGH and my pro is not even two days old yet.

[mr bojangles]

What if you just run ONE display and never sleep your machine? I guess you would be just fine then.

yeah how about maybe never turning the computer on, that would take care of the problem also iguess...einstein

[Lifeguy]

Im also having some problems. Please refer to my thread for details.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1015045

[davelanger]

Is this a firmware thing or hardware?
Should I be return my new pro :(

[ahavriluk]

Is this a firmware thing or hardware?
Should I be return my new pro :(

Who knows...

[davelanger]

Who knows...

You think Apple would be all over this with at least a "we are looking into this and working on a fix".

It has to be a driver issue, I don't see how all these cards can be faulty.

[hugodrax]

Always best to wait 6 months post release on a purchase of Apple desktops/laptops so that all the kinks are ironed out.

[Weepul]

You think Apple would be all over this with at least a "we are looking into this and working on a fix".
I guess nobody's emailed sjobs@apple.com yet, or we probably would have some reassurance like "we'll see what we can do."

...if they can see anything at all on their monitors. ;)
...it'd still probably be an information blackout. :p
*ba-dum psh (http://instantrimshot.com/)*

It has to be a driver issue, I don't see how all these cards can be faulty.
Bad batches can happen.

[2contagious]

I guess nobody's emailed sjobs@apple.com yet, or we probably would have some reassurance like "we'll see what we can do."

...if they can see anything at all on their monitors. ;)
...it'd still probably be an information blackout. :p
*ba-dum psh (http://instantrimshot.com/)*


Bad batches can happen.

I hope that it's just some bad ones.
I am not experiencing display problems, but my 5870 makes this sound while displaying a game or even just a game menu: https://files.me.com/christianschmeer/f31ext.mov

[w00tini]

I hope that it's just some bad ones.
I am not experiencing display problems, but my 5870 makes this sound while displaying a game or even just a game menu: https://files.me.com/christianschmeer/f31ext.mov

ok that's a bad bearing or something. it is certainly not a normal noise. they should be able to send out a replacement video card I'd think.

[2contagious]

ok that's a bad bearing or something. it is certainly not a normal noise. they should be able to send out a replacement video card I'd think.

I just called Apple Care, he told me to zap the PRAM and guess what? The graphics card doesn't wine anymore. He said it might be possible that the card was getting too much or not enough power, so it was giving off a whining sound.

EDIT: nevermind, it started again :(

[TheStrudel]

Nope It's a video card problem. And, a problem even BIGGER than that is getting Apple to even admit they are selling dodgy video cards.

They wouldn't have had this problem if they let the video card manufacturers in and let them write the drivers and assist in integration. But Apple likes it closed system so much I guess they're willing to let this sort of thing happen.

As far as common knowledges goes, AMD does write drivers with , so they both share the blame on that one. And the only real differences between this card and a comparable PC card are the switched ports and EFI added to the ROM.

So that leaves two possibilities: drivers are bad, and the card firmware/ROM needs a revision to cope with the different hardware set-up. Or both. A fix is going to come, but it may take a long time.

[englishman]

Couldn't be bothered, returning mine and getting a refurb iMac instead. The prices in the UK of the 27" monitors make the computer part virtually free (£300+). I decided I can live without the expandibility.

[mangrove]

We bought 3 Mac Pro’s 2.4 GHz with the ATI Radeon HD 5870. Also bought 6 NEC MultiSync PA241W displays and connected all of them with a DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable – each setup uses dual-display. We have exactly the same trouble which Lloyd Chambers is describing. We really need a fix for this as soon as possible. A huge nightmare for studio shooting :eek:

Which DisplayPort to MiniDisplayPort cable are you using?

[mangrove]

Always best to wait 6 months post release on a purchase of Apple desktops/laptops so that all the kinks are ironed out.

+1

[englishman]

Always best to wait 6 months post release on a purchase of Apple desktops/laptops so that all the kinks are ironed out.

Or at least you'll be aware of the kinks you will be getting

[harlem]

Always best to wait 6 months post release on a purchase of Apple desktops/laptops so that all the kinks are ironed out.

are you guys even serious? LMAO, so if i understand correctly...Apple is so much better than PC, Its OOooo so stable and best quality build computer out there...Out of the box bliss...blablabla

BUT, do not buy them when released and preferably wait for like 6months because every computer in the first 6 months after release is going to be a box full of dodgy stuff. Not meaning to step on anybody's toes here but how overrated can a product be, not even cheap a** hewlet packard computers need a 6month time table to work all the kinks out, actually the systems just work point blank.

Apple is charging thousands of $ for a computer yet they don't even take the time to come up with descent quality check, hardware drivers, firmware...they just say...oh just put the crap on release don't Mather if the **** don't work, our user base is hella stupid and they'l still love us, even if we don't awknoledge the problem or come up with a firmware update whenever we feel like it

and its not as if its a once in a blue moon problem, lots of people are experiencing the same issues, now what does that say about quality check, oh my bad- Apple don't need quality check they are the best :rolleyes:

now where is the Number one aka the best, aka best quality company... NOT 1 WORD FROM APPLE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, the customer friendly company once again shows how much they are fooling the world, hilariously enough Apple customers seem to just take all the crap and keep fooling themselves bigtime

now i'm probably going to get reply's saying that "every computer has issues and pc's even more" or how i should go and buy a pc instead of whining here... even-tho i'm a paying customer and have just as much right to post my peace of mind, shows how much of an ignorant user base Apple has...

Mac pro 6 core 3,33GHz = my biggest purchase mistake ever!!! boy do i regret getting this ...computer "!?"....

500+ days to update and this is what we get, dodgy video cards and dodgy sound cards/motherboard chips, way to go Apple!!!

MACPRO 2010 is IPHONE 4 all over again, same story, they knew it was dodgy yet still released it, screw the customer. what a thieving company

[davelanger]

are you guys even serious? LMAO, so if i understand correctly...Apple is so much better than PC, Its OOooo so stable and best quality build computer out there...Out of the box bliss...blablabla

BUT, do not buy them when released and preferably wait for like 6months because every computer in the first 6 months after release is going to be a box full of dodgy stuff. Not meaning to step on anybody's toes here but how overrated can a product be, not even cheap a** hewlet packard computers need a 6month time table to work all the kinks out, actually the systems just work point blank.

Apple is charging thousands of $ for a computer yet they don't even take the time to come up with descent quality check, hardware drivers, firmware...they just say...oh just put the crap on release don't Mather if the **** don't work, our user base is hella stupid and they'l still love us, even if we don't awknoledge the problem or come up with a firmware update whenever we feel like it

and its not as if its a once in a blue moon problem, lots of people are experiencing the same issues, now what does that say about quality check, oh my bad- Apple don't need quality check they are the best :rolleyes:

now where is the Number one aka the best, aka best quality company... NOT 1 WORD FROM APPLE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, the customer friendly company once again shows how much they are fooling the world, hilariously enough Apple customers seem to just take all the crap and keep fooling themselves bigtime

now i'm probably going to get reply's saying that "every computer has issues and pc's even more" or how i should go and buy a pc instead of whining here... even-tho i'm a paying customer and have just as much right to post my peace of mind, shows how much of an ignorant user base Apple has...

Mac pro 6 core 3,33GHz = my biggest purchase mistake ever!!! boy do i regret getting this ...computer "!?"....

500+ days to update and this is what we get, dodgy video cards and dodgy sound cards/motherboard chips, way to go Apple!!!

MACPRO 2010 is IPHONE 4 all over again, same story, they knew it was dodgy yet still released it, screw the customer. what a thieving company

I agree, I am a huge mac fan boy, but this issue scares me.
I really dont want to send the pro back but I dont want to keep it for a few months then have it be an even bigger problem. It's really too bad this article came out two days after I ordered my pro, I would have waited until it was ironed out. I paid 3k for my pro and no one should be dealing with issues like this when the computer is brand new.

Hopefully it's just an easy firmware issue but you would think Apple would be on this. I really wish macrumors would put this on their front page, maybe able would take notice.

[Martyimac]

So, barefeats and Diglloyd are both reporting errors with the ATI cards.
Iphone 4 issues.
27" monitors with no height adjustments and need color calibrating.
iMacs with screen color issues
Glossy only screens when there is a need for matte also.

I could probably come up with more if pushed. So what is happening with our favorite computer company? To me this seems like a "this is what we have, if you don't see what you want, move along" attitude. Not the attitude that I was used to as Apple grew. This seems to be happening more and more in the last 2-3 years.

[harlem]

I agree, I am a huge mac fan boy, but this issue scares me.
I really dont want to send the pro back but I dont want to keep it for a few months then have it be an even bigger problem. It's really too bad this article came out two days after I ordered my pro, I would have waited until it was ironed out. I paid 3k for my pro and no one should be dealing with issues like this when the computer is brand new.

Hopefully it's just an easy firmware issue but you would think Apple would be on this. I really wish macrumors would put this on their front page, maybe able would take notice.

whats really funny about fan-boys is the fact that they keep looking for desperate excuses that should clear Apples responsibility in this mes.

"oooh but AMD is also to blame because they are the ones manufacturing the cards" "bulls***...if Apple was indeed this quality company they want to make everybody believe than they would make sure only the best goes in these computers, these dodgy cards shouldn't even be in a computer starting at 1000$...let again 3000$ .again lack of quality check AND lack of research. If they did some serious testing on these crap computers than they would have noticed it without a doubt...i mean serious, its not as if its 1 guy having the damn problem, the internet Mac forums are full of people complaining about this. Its clear to me Apple isn't even capable of bringing out something that actually works for the last 2-3 years.

Apple is a company lead by cocky cowards, they do not take responsibility what-so-ever and give people dodgy computers for hard earned money, next they want you to pay like 300$ extra for Apple care, what do you think that means, that they are well build systems lol?? Get of the high Horse Steve & Co, you no longer are taking all that serious when it comes to quality, the only thing y'all got going is that it looks good and even that's a mater of taste.

Good luck in getting mac rumors to post this on the front page, they are probably to busy with ipad, iphone and ipod stuff. seems as if everything that has the name Mac or Apple inside is one big joke these days and equals lousy research. here's an idea maybe change the name to CrapRumors

[bluesteel]

So what is happening with our favorite computer company? To me this seems like a "this is what we have, if you don't see what you want, move along" attitude. Not the attitude that I was used to as Apple grew. This seems to be happening more and more in the last 2-3 years.

i share the same EXACT same sentiment. i'd love an answer from Steve Jobs on this. add to that the lack of graphics card choices and decent drivers, especially workstation quality graphics cards, Blu-Ray reader options, eSata port(s), etc. i can't stand how apple is shoving things down our throat, instead of providing us with choices.

[Sean Dempsey]

i share the same EXACT same sentiment. i'd love an answer from Steve Jobs on this. add to that the lack of graphics card choices and decent drivers, especially workstation quality graphics cards, Blu-Ray reader options, eSata port(s), etc. i can't stand how apple is shoving things down our throat, instead of providing us with choices.

You always have a choice.

BMW doesn't make a truck to compete with the Ford F150. And neither does Apple.

[ovrlrd]

Wow some pissed off people in this thread (and deservedly so).

Chill out, the video cards have not been out long enough, and (mostly) people with 2010 Mac Pros are the only ones who have tested them out. So far it seems like an issue with the energy saver stuff and especially with non-Apple displays, possibly multimonitor only as well.

This is nothing that can't be fixed through a driver or at worst a firmware update. I know in this day and age people have 0 patience and demand immediate fixes, but the best thing to do is to remain calm and send Apple your support tickets. Freaking out is not going to solve anything, plus I doubt Apple will respond at all to a bunch of people frothing at the mouth. The people at Apple who read the Steve Jobs email address and monitor support issues will undoubtly come through if enough people complain if this is indeed a common issue.

Don't like it? Get your money back, nobody would blame you.

[davelanger]

Wow some pissed off people in this thread (and deservedly so).

Chill out, the video cards have not been out long enough, and (mostly) people with 2010 Mac Pros are the only ones who have tested them out. So far it seems like an issue with the energy saver stuff and especially with non-Apple displays, possibly multimonitor only as well.

This is nothing that can't be fixed through a driver or at worst a firmware update. I know in this day and age people have 0 patience and demand immediate fixes, but the best thing to do is to remain calm and send Apple your support tickets. Freaking out is not going to solve anything, plus I doubt Apple will respond at all to a bunch of people frothing at the mouth. The people at Apple who read the Steve Jobs email address and monitor support issues will undoubtly come through if enough people complain if this is indeed a common issue.

Don't like it? Get your money back, nobody would blame you.

Haven't these video cards been out a year? And the thing is, this has happened to me two times in my first three days of having my new computer. Anyone testing out this set up would have clearly seen this issue pop up. It pisses me off, it seems like apple knew about this but still sent out the new pros with these video cards and figure they will fix it some where down the road. Apple was never like that before.

[ovrlrd]

Haven't these video cards been out a year? And the thing is, this has happened to me two times in my first three days of having my new computer. Anyone testing out this set up would have clearly seen this issue pop up. It pisses me off, it seems like apple knew about this but still sent out the new pros with these video cards and figure they will fix it some where down the road. Apple was never like that before.

The chip on the video card has been out a year, but this specific revision of it with the mini display ports and the EFI firmware have not been out for a year. They are both new to Macs.

How do you know that they would have automatically run into the issue? Don't be selfish to assume just because some people have the issue that it is automatically widespread. I don't think there is a big enough sample size yet. You are right that it is sad that Apple missed it in testing, but it sounds almost like a conspiracy theory to assume they found the issue but shipped it anyway. There is no evidence to suggest that, so it isn't right to assume that.

Lets just hope Apple does something about it. In the mean time report the issue to Apple, it is the only way they will know how severe it is. Try to be pleasent in your interaction with their support though, they aren't likely to respond as quickly to people who sound pissed off (even if you really are).

[2contagious]

Haven't these video cards been out a year? And the thing is, this has happened to me two times in my first three days of having my new computer. Anyone testing out this set up would have clearly seen this issue pop up. It pisses me off, it seems like apple knew about this but still sent out the new pros with these video cards and figure they will fix it some where down the road. Apple was never like that before.

I haven't had that issue. Does it only happen on dual monitor setups? I only have one monitor connected. I hope that my Mac Pro replacement won't have this issue (I'm getting mine exchanged because of a faulty buzzing power supply and a screetching/whining/high pitch noise making 5870)

[Martyimac]

I haven't had that issue. Does it only happen on dual monitor setups? I only have one monitor connected. I hope that my Mac Pro replacement won't have this issue (I'm getting mine exchanged because of a faulty buzzing power supply and a screetching/whining/high pitch noise making 5870)

From what i have read, it seems to be dual monitor setups. At least at this point. I could be wrong but?

[harlem]

From what i have read, it seems to be dual monitor setups. At least at this point. I could be wrong but?

No its not only dual monito setups doesn't mather what setup you use or what monitor, doesn't even Mather if its the 5770 or 5870 !! both cards have the problem, could be also motherboard related, chipset related, who knows.

Non the less, either way you look at it, Apple once again messed up bigtime here. I don't care if the revision of the chip card is from last year or last month, if your asking money for it than make sure it ********g works, you don't have to be Einstein to see Apple is again ripping everybody off by selling them dodgy "unstable" systems.

Its really hilarious that those same fan-boys whom go around spreading the news that they buy Mac's because they are OOOOoo SOOOOo reliable and stable, and that they need computers that don't fail them because they are such important hardworking professionals, now come with excuses that "its obviously normal for Apple computers to have problems in the first six months and that we now need to wait for firmware updates expected as soon as Apple decides to acknowledge that there is in fact "once again" a problem with the crap they put out, witch could be "never" ( for all we know its not even firmware related but a hardware problem).
You guys are some piece of work!

[davelanger]

I haven't had that issue. Does it only happen on dual monitor setups? I only have one monitor connected. I hope that my Mac Pro replacement won't have this issue (I'm getting mine exchanged because of a faulty buzzing power supply and a screetching/whining/high pitch noise making 5870)

I only have one connected and it happens to me and its even an apple display.


The chip on the video card has been out a year, but this specific revision of it with the mini display ports and the EFI firmware have not been out for a year. They are both new to Macs.

How do you know that they would have automatically run into the issue? Don't be selfish to assume just because some people have the issue that it is automatically widespread. I don't think there is a big enough sample size yet. You are right that it is sad that Apple missed it in testing, but it sounds almost like a conspiracy theory to assume they found the issue but shipped it anyway. There is no evidence to suggest that, so it isn't right to assume that.

Lets just hope Apple does something about it. In the mean time report the issue to Apple, it is the only way they will know how severe it is. Try to be pleasent in your interaction with their support though, they aren't likely to respond as quickly to people who sound pissed off (even if you really are).

How do I know they would have run into the issue automatically?
Well I got the issue twice in 24 hours of having my new machine.

Just ready the boards, it seems to happen a lot to everyone who has this machine and they seem to get it within the first week.

I got it the very first time I booted the machine, then the first time I rebooted the machine for an update the very next day.

It has not happened today, but anyone who tests out one of these new pros should have gotten the issue.

I have a call with apple tomorrow just to get this on record. It sucks you only have 14 days and not 30 to return an apple computer. But it i keep getting this, and they dont have an ETA for an update I may have to return it which would suck, since I finally finished putting everything back on this machine.

[Martyimac]

It's not the first time I have been wrong and sure wont be the last. :o

[ovrlrd]

It's not the first time I have been wrong and sure wont be the last. :o

Don't worry, the people with the issues just need to blow off some steam. It's really tough to say what is the problem because nobody has really diagnosed the issue beyond "my monitor won't turn back on after it goes to sleep" which is exactly why I am telling people to contact Apple. They need to know about the problem, and they also know how to get the most information about the problem so that they can diagnose it and research a fix.

But of course yelling and screaming is a great way to solve the problem. :rolleyes:

How do I know they would have run into the issue automatically?
Well I got the issue twice in 24 hours of having my new machine.

Just ready the boards, it seems to happen a lot to everyone who has this machine and they seem to get it within the first week.


Just because one person, or even 20 people have the issue doesn't mean Apple would necessarily run into it in testing. You have no idea what their testing method involves and neither do I. That still doesn't mean they saw the issue and released the product anyway. Who knows what happened, but there is no real point in arguing about anyway because clearly some people are having the issue and it needs to be fixed.

Btw, I have been reading the boards and following this issue quite closely because I am planning on buying a 5870 when they become available from Apple. It concerns me that people have these issues, but it is also impossible to gauge how widespread it is, or even what the exact cause of the problem is (other than it's related to the new Radeon cards). It doesn't help that we have people screaming about the issue rather than doing anything to help diagnose it.

I am not an expert or anything, but I do know a thing or two about solving computer issues and the first thing you do is calm down and address it rationality instead of getting uptight and just blaming people.

[Videographer]

I just got a new MP Quadcore and want to hook up 3 DVI displays to it. After reading this article: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4279 I really don't want to buy 2 $100/ea adapters to do this. Has anyone found a solution for 3 DVI displays using cheaper adapters? If so, which ones? Thanks a ton. :)

[UrNameHere]

I agree with what Ovrlrd said.



I am not an expert or anything, but I do know a thing or two about solving computer issues and the first thing you do is calm down and address it rationality instead of getting uptight and just blaming people.

There is probably a number of things that may of contributed to what we have seen so far.

Is it possible to list the following for the folks who have experienced video problems?

1. System setup
2. SW version & build
3. Video cable & adaptor used
4. Number of monitors
5. Type of monitors

I think this will help us in the long run which combination to avoid.

[miguelito]

I have a 2010 mac pro 3.33/6c + 5870 + NEC PA271W + Eizo monitor.

When I connected the PA271W to the displayport using the ubiquitous miniDP-DP cable (mine from OWC) I could not boot the machine (got a chime but nothing else). With the mac OFF and the monitor ON, I could see the over-current LED on the logic board next to the CPU light up when I plugged the displayport cable to the video card. No issues when connecting the PA271W to the DVI connector.

I got a miniDP-DP adapter from monoprice that I have been using with the DP-DP cable that came with the monitor. No issues at all (so far, it's been a week). I have the PA271W connected to the miniDP and the Eizo to the DVI port.

How can I explain this? Firstly, this is all speculation, so take it with a grain of salt... I think that the cable might not be of the highest quality, and the result is that some signal lines are either missing or too resistive, and make the video card think there's too much of a load on the lines.

The 2010 mac pro's SMC controller seems particularly finnicky with current, that is, it is very careful about preventing overloads. IIRC, this is b/c the Xeon processors are sensitive to being driven at a voltage lower than specified (they will basically burn if they are). I've experienced this sensitivity when connecting a USB hub I have: on my mac mini and macbook pro I would get a message that the port is drawing too much current and will be disabled. On the mac pro, the machine would instantly shut down, no questions asked.

So I am guessing this is a combination of cables that are not of very high quality + a really sensitive SMC + a really power hungry video card. I gather this would explain why people see varying degrees of problems, as the resistivity of the cables (if this is the explanation) would sometimes cross a threshold sometimes not. FWIW, my cable was 10ft long.

I have a hard time not blaming a $10 cable for these problems, especially with the numbers of issues reported.

I would encourage anyone willing to experiment to try the monoprice adapter:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10428&cs_id=1042803&p_id=5714&seq=1&format=2

It's a pretty cheap experiment! :)

If anyone has had problems with this route, I would really like to know.

Miguel

[hoosker]

I just found this thread and it sounds similar to my experience. I have a Dell 240WFP connected via DVI to a new 2010 3.2 Quad with the ATI Radeon HD 5770. The first or second boot after I got this Mac the monitor would only display a black screen with a cycling message that it was not receiving any input signal (can't remember the exact language). This is a standard message frm the monitor when it does not have a video signal. But it would cycle the message on, then go off then back on repeatedly.

It has done this about 4 or 5 times randomly upon boot over the last month that I have owned the machine. Several times removing and reattaching the monitor cord brought it back to normal. This morning that did not work. I put the computer to sleep for 5 min than upon wake I had a good video signal. This only happens upon the first boot of the day and only every so many days randomly.

I don't seem to have any problems with waking from sleep except once when it woke the monitor displayed multicolored stripes but a sleep/wake cycle got rid of that. Very strange. I swapped video cables from a similar setup at work to rule out the cord. Still happens.

My conclusion is that it is not limited to wake from seep issues a mine is predominately a boot issue. It has never gone black while using the computer. I may try swapping monitors to see if that has anything to do with it.

Hate to take it in to an Apple store (a real pain) but I sure want this fixed. I have not called Apple abt it yet as I was wanting to rule out other causes but now I see I am not alone. What is the recommended action I should take?

[TennisandMusic]

My mac pro quad with the 5770 works perfect. No video problems (wakes from sleep fine) and no audio pops. Hooked up to a Dell u2311h. If you look through my post history you will see I am quite critical of Apple products, so I am not pulling any punches. So far, mine is a very solid machine.

[dcslacker]

I got a base quad with the 5770 on Friday and have migrated all my files from my MBP (the one with the 8600m GT video card). This morning I woke the MP from sleep and I got snow on my monitor (NEC 23"). I pushed the power button and it went back to sleep; then when I pushed the power button again the screen was back to normal.

Does this have anything to do with the video card or maybe the motherboard? Should I do a clean install and return the machine? Owning this Mac for three days and already having problems is not what I expect from a "pro" machine.

[lbeck]

I have a new 6-core and a 23" Samsung monitor hooked up via DVI. I get white snow/static when the MP goes to sleep. If I turn the monitor on and off again the screen comes back.

My question is, does this happen with the 27" ACD? I have one on order and plan on taking back this Samsung. Has anyone got in touch with Apple regarding this issue? What have they said? Will a solution be a firmware update?

Also, what is the audio pop that some people experience?

[reel2reel]

I have a new 6-core and a 23" Samsung monitor hooked up via DVI. I get white snow/static when the MP goes to sleep. If I turn the monitor on and off again the screen comes back.

My question is, does this happen with the 27" ACD? I have one on order and plan on taking back this Samsung.

It shouldn't happen with any monitor.

[lbeck]

It shouldn't happen with any monitor.

I know it shouldnt happen but it is happening. I was curious if it was happening with Apple's own monitors. It seems to be more on an issue with third party monitors. BUt reading through the thread I noticed ACD's are having an issue as well.

I'll have to wait and get mine hooked up to see if its an issue. My samsung is easily fixed by hitting the power button real quick

[b.lam]

I got a base quad with the 5770 on Friday and have migrated all my files from my MBP (the one with the 8600m GT video card). This morning I woke the MP from sleep and I got snow on my monitor (NEC 23"). I pushed the power button and it went back to sleep; then when I pushed the power button again the screen was back to normal.

Does this have anything to do with the video card or maybe the motherboard? Should I do a clean install and return the machine? Owning this Mac for three days and already having problems is not what I expect from a "pro" machine.

Which NEC do you have? I got a MultiSync EA231WMi and was experiencing the same issue when using the Mini DisplayPort. I switched back to DVI since my MDP to DP cable did not work well (very sensitive to any motion, causing signal loss).

BTW, if your NEC is having a 1080 resolution, is it recognized as TV? Mine is, causing WoW to start in 1080i instead of keeping 1080p.

[dcslacker]

Which NEC do you have? I got a MultiSync EA231WMi and was experiencing the same issue when using the Mini DisplayPort. I switched back to DVI since my MDP to DP cable did not work well (very sensitive to any motion, causing signal loss).

BTW, if your NEC is having a 1080 resolution, is it recognized as TV? Mine is, causing WoW to start in 1080i instead of keeping 1080p.

I have the same NEC monitor and use the DVI cable to connect to the MP (I also used this cable to connect to my MBP and didn't have any issues with it until my GPU died).

For the TV question, I don't know since I don't use it as a TV or play any games on it.

My guess is that it's not the monitor but the computer creating the snowy screen.

[lbeck]

Its absolutely an issue with the mac, although I dont think its a hardware issue with the graphics card like some people think. If it was a hardware issue then I dont think the monitors would work so well 99% of the time, for me its only an issue when I put the computer to sleep.

I'm sure it can be fixed with a firmware update, I just hope its soon. My 27"ACD will hopefully be here this week. My hope is I wont have the issue with the ACD that I have with my Samsung.

[johnnymg]

5770 connected to DVI input on Viewsonic monitor. Works great! Will update after testing my 24" ACD.

cheers
JohnG

[dcslacker]

Its absolutely an issue with the mac, although I dont think its a hardware issue with the graphics card like some people think. If it was a hardware issue then I dont think the monitors would work so well 99% of the time, for me its only an issue when I put the computer to sleep.

I'm sure it can be fixed with a firmware update, I just hope its soon. My 27"ACD will hopefully be here this week. My hope is I wont have the issue with the ACD that I have with my Samsung.


I'm hoping the same too. If the snowy screen only happens when waking from sleep and doesn't indicate a more serious issue, then I don't have to take it back to the store and instead can start adding in a hard drive and RAM...

[lbeck]

I'm hoping the same too. If the snowy screen only happens when waking from sleep and doesn't indicate a more serious issue, then I don't have to take it back to the store and instead can start adding in a hard drive and RAM...

I think so, it has to be. I've added my SSD and RAM already, I'm not sending mine back. I've learned that you're better off waiting fora fix or getting it fixed then sending it back. Too much time is involved in sending it back and most likely you will get a new one that has the same issue or a new issue. Keep your MP, especially if its working as it should.

[reel2reel]

I think so, it has to be. I've added my SSD and RAM already, I'm not sending mine back. I've learned that you're better off waiting fora fix or getting it fixed then sending it back. Too much time is involved in sending it back and most likely you will get a new one that has the same issue or a new issue. Keep your MP, especially if its working as it should.

I've already got mine all installed and have been using it for weeks. I'm waiting it out a bit. I am going to call Apple, though, to start a case. It's just hard to coordinate a time to actually be at home (where my Mac Pro is) during the day.

I don't get any of the sleep issues, just random hits of snow/static.

[Desmo1098]

Add me to this crazy situation... And what happen to me was even stranger. I was trying to choose between 2 x 27" or 2 x 30" Apple Cinema Displays. I already had 1 x 30" Cinema Display.

With the 1 x 30" display, I had no problems. I decided to return the 1 x 30" display for 2 x 27" display. When I got home, I connected the 2 x 27" displays using the mini-display port. One display into each ATI 5770, since I have 2 x 5770. One display did not work on the 5770 that I originally had the 30" display plugged into, but the other 27" worked on my 2nd 5770. So I removed the 27" display that was not working and plugged into the 2nd mini-display port that the other ....:eek:

As I am typing this my other 30" display is going crazy, all kind of vertical lines appearing and disappearing. :eek:

back to what I was saying. So now I have 2 x 27" plugged into 1 x 5770 using MDP and everything is fine. However, I decided against the 27" monitors and returned them for the 2 x 30" Apple Cinema displays. Last night I got them home, plugged them in, both using DVi, so I had 1 x 30" on one 5770 and the other 30" on the other 5770.


This morning I wake up come to my Mac Pro and trying to activate the screen from sleep and they would not wake. Here is what I have in system preferences under energy:

Computer Sleep: Never
Display Sleep: 15 minutes

I have a Mac Pero 6-core with 2 x 5770.

[SkyNite]

I continue to experience no video issues with my 5770 and two 24" LED Cinema Displays.

But I do get a static "pop" through the primary display's speakers once in a while. It's soft and I can't hear it when music is playing through my 2.1 Altec Lansings, and the line out does not pop at all.

I have my System Alerts playing through the primary display's speakers, and if I switch alerts to the secondary display, I get the pops on that display instead. But I only notice it once or twice a week.

[lbeck]

Just got my 27' ACD today and so far its working perfectly. I've tested it to see if I get static when it sleeps and it hasn't.

I was getting static with my samsung connected via DVI.

[reel2reel]

Is anyone testing to see if they're having these problems in Boot Camp, when booted to Windows?

[lbeck]

Just wanted to post an update. I was using a 23" Samsung monitor and everytime my MP went to sleep I would get snow/static. I'd also get random black screens.

I've been using a 27" ACD since Monday and have not had one issue. its strange, I thought it was the graphics card but since the ACD is working perfectly it may not be.

[reel2reel]

Just wanted to post an update. I was using a 23" Samsung monitor and everytime my MP went to sleep I would get snow/static. I'd also get random black screens.

I've been using a 27" ACD since Monday and have not had one issue. its strange, I thought it was the graphics card but since the ACD is working perfectly it may not be.

I was only having the problem with my 30" Dell, though, and not my Samsung 24". I don't think it's your Monitor.

[lbeck]

I was only having the problem with my 30" Dell, though, and not my Samsung 24". I don't think it's your Monitor.

I dont think its the monitor either, my samsung worked perfect on another machine. I'm suggesting its related to software, needeing a firmware update.

What I am fairly certain of is its not the graphics card, if it was my ACD should do the same thing. It has to be software related.

[reel2reel]

I dont think its the monitor either, my samsung worked perfect on another machine. I'm suggesting its related to software, needeing a firmware update.

What I am fairly certain of is its not the graphics card, if it was my ACD should do the same thing. It has to be software related.

Oh sorry, misunderstood. I hope they get a fix out for this thing. Soon! I placed a call to Apple. The rep recommended booting from the System DVD to see if it still happens. Worth a try, I guess.

[hoosker]

Oh sorry, misunderstood. I hope they get a fix out for this thing. Soon! I placed a call to Apple. The rep recommended booting from the System DVD to see if it still happens. Worth a try, I guess.

This would not work for me as my issue happens randomly. Sometimes several days between.

I emailed Lloyd Chambers and he sent me a link to a NEC notice that may address some peoples experience but not everyone's.

http://www.necdisplay.com/cms/documents/UserManuals/DisplayPort_Notice.pdf

[lbeck]

Oh sorry, misunderstood. I hope they get a fix out for this thing. Soon! I placed a call to Apple. The rep recommended booting from the System DVD to see if it still happens. Worth a try, I guess.

When I called them they said they know about it and are working on it. They were unsure if it was hardware/software but that's only cause it just happened. I'm positive it should be software related.

[Fesan]

My rig:
3,33 ghz, 5870 and a 23" LG monitor connected via DVI port.

Problems that have occured:
Mouse skipping/jumping (logitech G5 2nd ed.), seems to be hrz problems with the USB port.

Screen going all 1980's TV on me (snow/static) but not constant snow, flickers between snow and what looks like my desktop on LSD. Had the machine for a week but this has "only" happened three times (and rebooting the monitor or replugging the cable always fixed it) the curious thing is that two out of three times it happened after installing steermouse. Made me belive it was related to the software somehow, but then happened the third time after waking the monitor from sleep and that made me wonder.

I do howerer still have steermouse installed so might have something to do with my problems?

Cannot say it has bothered me much, but if it turns out to be a hardware issue i will be bummed:-(

[Fesan]

Happened a fourth time now, so seems to happen at semi-regular intervals. Still once every 3-4 days is something I can live with untill a firmware update comes out.

Strange however that a reinstall of steermouse 3.9 can 100% re-create the issue.

[Fesan]

Had a new experience that I think is regarding this issue today. I decided to hook up my TV to my Mac Pro (my main monitor is connected through DVI port).

I connected my Computer to the TV via the mini-display-port with an Apple connector. The other cable was a DVI to HDMI with the HDMI end going into my TV.

I have done this several times with different macbooks, macbook pro's and iMac's with the exact same setup and had no problems whatsoever.

The result was a blank screen, no signal. So I thought OK I'll try the other port, same result.

I then tried both the mini-disp. ports withouth my main monitor connected through the DVI port, still nothing.

I then tried my main monitor with the DVI to Mini disp. port adapter in both ports and nada again. Switched my main monitor back to the DVI port and got a signal.

The only thing I did not try was the HDMI to DVI cable from my TV to my comp straight into the DVI port since I had already tested the mini-display-ports on my main screen and neither worked, since my main screen works perfectly through the DVI port (and other computers work on the TV) I can safely assume that neither mini-ports work.

Could this be related to the snowy screen and other issues with the 5870?

*edit*

I tried the following with a good result:

Connected the TV via the DVI port, worked. Then my main display via the mini-display-port at the same time, nothing on the main display.
Then I turned the main monitor off, switched it to the other mini-display-port, turned it on and whilst doing that clicked "detect displays" and then boom the TV changed from "screen 1" view to "screen 2" view (dock and desktop icons was gone, wallpaper changed to default). And when the main display came back on it had my "Screen 1" view.

Strange stuff, had my TV connected to mini-port and main screen on DVI and clicked detect displays 10 times with no effect.

Also note I am only using two displays so this is not related to the three-display problem where you need the 99$ dual link connector.

*edit 2*

I have now moved screen-connectors back and forth a few times to try to figure out what the problem was, I finally managed to get my TV on the mini-port and main monitor on the DVI port at the same time. 2nd mini-port is still not "active" but I guess I could force it to be by moving stuff back and forth more.

What I learned was this: The ports do not work like they do on a laptop where you just plug it in and it pops up. Seems like you have to "activate" a port, and when you do it remembers that you prefer to have your desktop at that specific port (or it remembers it by the screen name/id/model/whatever).

So now that I have "activated the mini-port closest to the DVI port I can plug my TV into that port and it pops up, no detecting or fancy-schmancy stuff needed. If I take it out of that port and move it to the other mini-port furthest away, nada.

Then again this can all be a random bug the first few times I tried to connect my TV. If noone else experiences problems with two displays I'll just assume it was a freak thing:-)

[tty007]

When the screen goes in sleep mode, it doesn't wake up all the time. Also, what happened to me this morning is that the screen woke up as in Poltergeist movie... Snow in my screen....

Very weird....

I'm starting to worried to see all these issues lately..

[Konsole]

I am a little confused as to what the issue is, but I wanted to provide an additional data point. My config seems to be working fine.

I have the 8-core 2.4ghz, 5770

1. DVI port, 30" dell (dual link dvi, no adapters used)
2. mini-displayport 1, mini-display port to displayport 10' cable into 24" dell display
3. mini-displayport 2, mini-display port to displayport 10' cable into 27" dell display running at a dual-link resolution, no adapters

This config works just fine.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/246388802.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1298575564&Signature=hk/3a20rqXht1LIfXzV0gv1HmJU%3D


i can just attach this I guess, a lot of detail


Chipset Model: ATI Radeon HD 5770
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
Slot: Slot-1
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 1024 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x68b8
Revision ID: 0x0000
ROM Revision: 113-C0160C-155
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.436
Displays:
DELL 2408WFP:
Resolution: 1200 x 1920 @ 60 Hz
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: 90
Connection Type: DisplayPort
DELL U2711:
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 @ 60 Hz
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: Supported
Connection Type: DisplayPort
Television: Yes
DELL3007WFPHC:
Resolution: 2560 x 1600
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: Supported

[reel2reel]

When the screen goes in sleep mode, it doesn't wake up all the time. Also, what happened to me this morning is that the screen woke up as in Poltergeist movie... Snow in my screen....

Very weird....

I'm starting to worried to see all these issues lately..

That's the problem I've got on 2 x 2010 Mac Pro's (one with a 5770 and one with a 5870).

What kind of monitor are you using?

[dcslacker]

When the screen goes in sleep mode, it doesn't wake up all the time. Also, what happened to me this morning is that the screen woke up as in Poltergeist movie... Snow in my screen....

Very weird....

I'm starting to worried to see all these issues lately..

I've also got this problem...

[sauria]

I've also got this problem...

It is very flaky. Any fix found? Thanks!

[xgman]

My 5870 very occasionally boots up to a static filled desktop. You can still sort of see things but filled with static/snow and also blinks off and on until you restart the computer and then all is fine. (no sleep mode involved) It's a DVI to a 30" Dell 3007. Turing off the Dell power and back on doesn't help. It doesn't happen often enough to be able to show Apple. Anyone else see this only at boot up and not involving sleep mode at all?

I have to think that since the "snow" effect seems common, but since I have sleep disabled, then maybe sleep isn't really causing this, but it is just happening more often because you probably wake up the computer more often during sleep than powering up and rebooting. Also since it is both 5770 and 5870 cards, then that makes me doubt it is the cards themselves unless it is one of the shared components. Maybe the motherboards? Maybe the firmware if both cards use the same firmware? Does not seem at all to be the monitors themselves or the cables. I almost wish this was happening constantly so we could show Apple at least. Are there any good theories about the cause?

[VideoFreek]

Though this issue has been blamed mostly on cable issues, recently Lloyd Chambers noticed (http://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2011/20110322_2-MacOS10_6_7--news.html) that the recent 10.6.7 OS X update contained a fix for the NEC monitor issues, so clearly it was not all about cable problems.

On my rig (2010 Mac Pro w/ 5770 running a NEC PA271w), I just haven't had many issues with waking up from sleep, etc., so I can't say whether 10.6.7 has made a difference.

[darwin022]

I'm new to this thread, but have been having the exact same problems since September with my 2010 Mac Pro w/ the 5870 as a primary card and GT120 as a secondary card + 3x NEC LCD2490WUXi displays. Right now only one of them is hooked up using an Accell B087B-003J UltraAV miniDisplayPort/DVI-D Dual-Link Adapter ( http://www.amazon.com/Accell-B087B-003J-UltraAV-miniDisplayPort-Dual-Link/dp/B0030XMREG ), but I have 2 of them that I've used. This adapter does fit the requirement The best setup I've been able to get is to use the two DVI ports on the two cards first, then hook the mini displayport adapter up to the middle port on the 5870. I can't confirm if the problem goes away when I use mini DP on the GT120 as it would be retarded to have to use the dinky card for a majority of the displays. Ultimately, I'd like all 3 back on the 5870.

I have the displays go to sleep via hot corner (most convenient way with this many monitors). Pretty reliably, the one on the adapter will refuse to wake from sleep if they sleep for more than 4-6 hours. The fix is to unplug the minidp plug and plug it back in. This has been VERY annoying to do approximately once a day. 10.6.7 did seem to fix the problem for about a week, but now it's back.

Apple is sending me a new (refurb probably) 5870 which should be here today. Based on this thread, this may not fix the problem, but it's worth a shot.

[Riot Nrrrd]

Though this issue has been blamed mostly on cable issues, recently Lloyd Chambers noticed (http://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2011/20110322_2-MacOS10_6_7--news.html) that the recent 10.6.7 OS X update contained a fix for the NEC monitor issues, so clearly it was not all about cable problems.

On my rig (2010 Mac Pro w/ 5770 running a NEC PA271w), I just haven't had many issues with waking up from sleep, etc., so I can't say whether 10.6.7 has made a difference.

My impression (from reading this site and other forums, like Apple's Support Discussions Forum) is that it's mostly only people with 5870s that have had problems, making me glad my 2010 hex-core Mac Pro has a 5770 :D

[xgman]

I'm new to this thread, but have been having the exact same problems since September with my 2010 Mac Pro w/ the 5870 as a primary card and GT120 as a secondary card + 3x NEC LCD2490WUXi displays. Right now only one of them is hooked up using an Accell B087B-003J UltraAV miniDisplayPort/DVI-D Dual-Link Adapter ( http://www.amazon.com/Accell-B087B-003J-UltraAV-miniDisplayPort-Dual-Link/dp/B0030XMREG ), but I have 2 of them that I've used. This adapter does fit the requirement The best setup I've been able to get is to use the two DVI ports on the two cards first, then hook the mini displayport adapter up to the middle port on the 5870. I can't confirm if the problem goes away when I use mini DP on the GT120 as it would be retarded to have to use the dinky card for a majority of the displays. Ultimately, I'd like all 3 back on the 5870.

I have the displays go to sleep via hot corner (most convenient way with this many monitors). Pretty reliably, the one on the adapter will refuse to wake from sleep if they sleep for more than 4-6 hours. The fix is to unplug the minidp plug and plug it back in. This has been VERY annoying to do approximately once a day. 10.6.7 did seem to fix the problem for about a week, but now it's back.

Apple is sending me a new (refurb probably) 5870 which should be here today. Based on this thread, this may not fix the problem, but it's worth a shot.

please let us know the results and again after a week or so. thanks and good luck,

[darwin022]

please let us know the results and again after a week or so. thanks and good luck,

No need to wait that long. Since swapping the 5870 with another that Apple sent last night, I can confirm that it's a lot more reliable than before. I swapped both mini-DP -> Dual Link DVI adapters back over to the 5870 before testing.

Both times the computer has been idle with the screens sleeping for more than 4 hours, neither of the monitors on Mini DP have woken up.

Yes, that's 100% FAIL. More reliable FAIL than before (it was about 60% previously). I'll give it a week to see if it actually decides to work... Once would be nice.

[xgman]

No need to wait that long. Since swapping the 5870 with another that Apple sent last night, I can confirm that it's a lot more reliable than before. I swapped both mini-DP -> Dual Link DVI adapters back over to the 5870 before testing.

Both times the computer has been idle with the screens sleeping for more than 4 hours, neither of the monitors on Mini DP have woken up.

Yes, that's 100% FAIL. More reliable FAIL than before (it was about 60% previously). I'll give it a week to see if it actually decides to work... Once would be nice.


Do you also get the "snow/static" from time to time or just the "no wake up" problem?

[xgman]

Apple sent me a new 5870 card and now the snow is worse than ever. It can be stopped by a hot corner monitor sleep in/out move, but I am going to try a new panel with only a straight displayport connector to see if it helps. Oh, it also happened in Lion DP3.

[philipma1957]

Apple sent me a new 5870 card and now the snow is worse than ever. It can be stopped by a hot corner monitor sleep in/out move, but I am going to try a new panel with only a straight displayport connector to see if it helps. Oh, it also happened in Lion DP3.

I had the teardrop/static problem I use a dvi to dvi cable and one 24 inch 1920 x 1080 panel. so far I have never had the problem since 10.6.7 update . also my problem was upon hard boot. only way to fix it was a second hard boot. by hard power off then push power button. I am thinking your issue is different.

[dtechlogic]

Same here ATi Radeon 5780. No Video during boot up. Can't see screen to switch between windows and mac. Have to guess when it is up. Screen comes when i am ready enter my password to login into my account.

I had the teardrop/static problem I use a dvi to dvi cable and one 24 inch 1920 x 1080 panel. so far I have never had the problem since 10.6.7 update . also my problem was upon hard boot. only way to fix it was a second hard boot. by hard power off then push power button. I am thinking your issue is different.

[xgman]

Changed to new 30" HP monitor and used Displayport mini to Displayport normal adapter into the HP, and so far no static.

[pecman]

Is anyone testing to see if they're having these problems in Boot Camp, when booted to Windows?

8core-macpro2010-gt120
nvidia gt120 - dvi with nec pa271 - mdp with eizo fx2431

connected eizo via mdp-dvi dvi-hdmi (adapter) - everything works
connected eizo via mdp-dvi / dvi-dvi - both monitors went into sleep mode/no wake up possible/pc is still running ... as soon i reconnect to hdmi (adapter) everything comes back to normal

on mac side no issues in any configuration

solution for boot camp: had before the actual nvidia driver - went back to the original boot camp driver

[sauria]

I have the snow, artifact, and occasional black screen issue. BenQ 241W Z DVI