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MP 1,1-5,1 Help with no chime and no display

bigbadneil

bigbadneil

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 18, 2009
360
3
Guys I have a 2012 MacPro with a single compressor and 32 GB of RAM. Yesterday I installed a new Walcom tablet update. Part of the update was to restart the computer which it did, but eversince it did that it's not been able to restart. The white light above the on off switch comes on and stays on and the computer makes all the same normal sounds like it normally does. When I open the side panel I can see everything is on and fans working but still no response to my display. I have tried rebooting by holding down the shift key to try and enter safe mode but nothing..........I'm gutted.
Last week I ordered a new dual CPU 3.46 processor with 96GB of new RAM I pray to God that that little exercise wasn't a waist of time and money.
I live in Phuket Thailand so have limited options as far as popping around to a local apple service center.
So I am reaching out to you to see if you can help me.
Thanks
Neil
 
Probably fine... it's not beeping insanely at you.

PRAM rest

Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

If one or more settings stored in NVRAM don't work as expected on an Intel-based Mac, resetting NVRAM might help.
support.apple.com support.apple.com

remove any Wacom / any other non essential devices.

Try Safe mode:

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

To help determine whether an issue is caused by software that loads as your Mac starts up, you can start up your Mac in safe mode.
support.apple.com support.apple.com

If you get in
Remove the wacome software - make sure you are installing the right one for the OS version you are using.

Could be the Graphics Driver... you should post the machines specs.
 
Okay so I tried all of the above and still nothing. I removed all the RAM and hard disks then reinstalled all the RAM but just leaving in the SSD that has the OS installed on it and tried again and still nothing. I really don't know what to try next. You can see with the case open there is power to the SSD and RAM and all the fans are running.
IMG_20200101_090451.jpg
IMG_20200101_090638.jpg

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Here's the spec
FB_IMG_1577847145032.jpg
 
So check out doing an SMC reset with these instructions. I have the same tower as you so I hope I can help more, I'm not at my computer so I cant help much now.

It looks like your red diagnostic light is on. So something is up. How new is that RAM? Did you mix two types from OWC. I also have all OWC RAM

Perform an SMC reset by:


removing AC power cord.

press and hold the power-on button for a 30 seconds to drain the power capacitors.

re-Install AC power cord.

attempt to start up normally.
 
PushingFrames said:
So check out doing an SMC reset with these instructions. I have the same tower as you so I hope I can help more, I'm not at my computer so I cant help much now.

It looks like your red diagnostic light is on. So something is up. How new is that RAM? Did you mix two types from OWC. I also have all OWC RAM

Perform an SMC reset by:


removing AC power cord.

press and hold the power-on button for a 30 seconds to drain the power capacitors.

re-Install AC power cord.

attempt to start up normally.
Click to expand...
I just tried that but still the same. I'm almost sure it's due to the Walcom software update that I performed yesterday.........I just want to be able to get back in so that I can delete it
 
Do you have a time machine backup? Or another mac around. Essentially you need another thing to boot off of. With another mac you can make a bootable usb. Maybe that gets you a chime?

Either your RAM one stick is bad, your GPU isn't connected properly or you don't have a boot disk.

So if we can eliminate one of these things.

I would also try booting via SATA
 
PushingFrames said:
Do you have a time machine backup? Or another mac around. Essentially you need another thing to boot off of. With another mac you can make a bootable usb. Maybe that gets you a chime?

Either your RAM one stick is bad, your GPU isn't connected properly or you don't have a boot disk.

So if we can eliminate one of these things.

I would also try booting via SATA
Click to expand...
Yes I have a MacBook pro in the house. I don't think I have a time machine backup. The GPU hasent moved since I installed it two months ago. I have just one 8gb stick in slot #1 so that should be enough for it to boot up. What is SATA boot
Thanks
Neil
 
Okay hopefully once and for all......... my 2012 MacPro got bricked installing a walcom tablet update. I have been round and round pulling hard drives swapping SSDs changing RAM and performing PRAM and SWAT hundreds of times. Nothing seemed to work until this morning I got my chime back (blank screen but a chime) I have a metal GPU installed as I have Mojave installed on my bootable SSD drive. I have a new Dual 3.46 CPU in the post arriving in Thailand (my home)next week.
So my question is this. Should I wait and see if the new CPU will un-brick my cMP or should I fork out another 100 plus bucks for a replacement GPU, the same one that I threw away after installing the new metal one. And see if that will get me into the computer or should I send my computer away and let somebody else fix it........
Neil
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PushingFrames said:
Try creating a bootable USB on your MacBook and try booting from it in your mac pro https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201372

Or you can move your SSD from the PCIE slot into the normal place it goes in with an HDD sled this is what I mean by SATA boot.
Click to expand...
I tried putting it in the optical drive but still got the blank screen but with a chime
 
bigbadnell

Power off, remove your CPU TRAY, check the NORTHBRIDGE heatsink spring retainer clips; they can breakoff under the tray.

While you have the CPU tray out de-dust everything including the EXHAUST fan . . .AND . . all the 'cheesegrater" holes. Use canned air and a long, soft non-conductive hair brush.

Believe me, it is definitely worth checking.

===============================================

BTW : if you ever do NVRAM resets hold down the P + + Apple Key + Option keys until you hear the Happy Mac CHIME THREE TIMES.

It probably won't fix your current problem but is good maintenance.

And if you get the cMP going again, please go to your Macrumors Member profile and make a " SIGNATURE" to decribe your cMO set up. It will get you quicker replies.

Good Luck. I'll keep an eye on your thread.
 
if the red LED in the memory slot is still on > remove the DIMM

you can also try to hold the shift-key at startup to avoid loading extensions (if the wacom driver prevents the startup)
 
IndioX said:
if the red LED in the memory slot is still on > remove the DIMM

you can also try to hold the shift-key at startup to avoid loading extensions (if the wacom driver prevents the startup)
Click to expand...

I instantly noticed this too. Hopefully it's just that one DIMM that is faulty and the system will boot just fine after removing it. I know the OP stated they ended up putting just one single DIMM in but they should confirm there are no RED error LED's lit up even with that one DIMM. They could have reinstalled the one with the error light on


Also the OP post is......curious. That is deff a single CPU tray pictured yet they ordered "dual 3.46 processor" which I am not sure if they are saying they bought two to install or that it is the X (dual config) CPU instead of the W (single config only) CPU? Scratching my head also at 96GBs of RAM on a single CPU tray....which would only be possible with 3 32GB DIMMS. Either way, we all know 96GB isn't possible on a single CPU tray so that IS a waste of money if they did not also upgrade to a dual CPU tray to utilize all that RAM.

A different CPU will NOT "unbrick" the cMP if it really is bricked. Do not put any hopes of that fixing your issue

This is one of those hard learning lessons of why you should always have some form of backup. Time Machine is included/free on macOS and it fits my needs well, I'd recommend using it in the future. It has helped me out so many times!

Since you have a MacBook, if you think the system is turning on but just no display, you should try and screen share the Mac Pro from the MacBook. Hopefully you turned on screen sharing on the Mac Pro? You would then be able to uninstall the apps you think are causing the display issue (if it is just a display issue)
 
You need to get it to POST, and hear a chime at start, either thru the built in speaker or an attached one. a software update will not stop the hardware post. either reseat or remove that ram chip to get rid of the lighT and hold cmd-opt-p-r at restart until you POST with a chime, also put an apple video card in to see the boot screen as a next step in diagnostics if it still does not boot to desktop with the 580. Its either the ram or the seating pressure of the cpu or a bad backplane or processor tray. of course remove any peripherals except the keyboard and screen when testing
 
Some component is preventing your Mac from booting . Don't worry about the Wacom driver now .

Remove the memory module that is causing the red light on your CPU Tray . It will prevent your Mac from booting as the module has failed .

Remove all memory modules from your Mac . Install one good memory module in slot 1 .

Remove all of your PCIe add on cards , including graphics card . Remove all HDD drives .

Since you have a start up chime , that means your Mac has passed internal diagnostics ( POST ) .

Install an EFI graphics card like a GT 120 or ATI 5770 . Cards sold by Apple .

Connect to a display and start up your Mac . If everything is O.K. you'll get a monochrome screen with a flashing question mark . Now install the remaining components one at a time to see which failed item is preventing a start up . If your drive has failed , get a HDD and install it in the HDD Bay and load macOS Mountain Lion 10.8.3 to High Sierra 10.13.6 . You need an EFI graphics card for this . Don't try to install Mojave ( 10.14.x ) or Catalina ( 10.15.x ) at this time . Don't try to install a macOS that predates the version Apple installed at the factory ( it varies ) .

If this does not work , verify your NorthBridge Controller heatsink has been properly fastened to the CPU Tray with the two push pins . A NB chip that over temps will prevent your Mac from starting up . There is no visual indicator of this situation ( like an error LED ) . It's not likely the NB thermal paste on a single processor Mac Pro has failed yet , but it is possible .

IMPORTANT : you have a single processor Mac Pro . You cannot install dual processors on this Tray . You'll need to buy a 2010 or 2012 model year ( it has an SMC version of 1.39f11 ) Dual Processor Tray first to install your pair of X5690s and 96GB of memory . Don't install a 2009 model year CPU Tray ( it has a SMC version of 1.39f5 - it is no good for you ) .

A single CPU Tray is shown on the top of this picture . A Dual CPU Tray is shown on the bottom :

MacProProcessorTrayswHeatsinks.jpeg

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bigbadneil said:
the same one that I threw away after installing the new metal one.
Click to expand...

Hmmm ... never throw away a proprietary part for a Mac . Now you need it .
 
Last edited:
I mistakenly thought that the red LED on the OP's CPU tray was for a CPU fault ( I'm not familiar with single CPU cMP config. )

I agree with other posters - power off if on and remove that RAM MODULE.
 
MIKX said:
I mistakenly thought that the red LED on the OP's CPU tray was for a CPU fault ( I'm not familiar with single CPU cMP config. )

I agree with other posters - power off if on and remove that RAM MODULE.
Click to expand...
or just try reseating it , that has worked for me
 
skizzo said:
I instantly noticed this too. Hopefully it's just that one DIMM that is faulty and the system will boot just fine after removing it. I know the OP stated they ended up putting just one single DIMM in but they should confirm there are no RED error LED's lit up even with that one DIMM. They could have reinstalled the one with the error light on


Also the OP post is......curious. That is deff a single CPU tray pictured yet they ordered "dual 3.46 processor" which I am not sure if they are saying they bought two to install or that it is the X (dual config) CPU instead of the W (single config only) CPU? Scratching my head also at 96GBs of RAM on a single CPU tray....which would only be possible with 3 32GB DIMMS. Either way, we all know 96GB isn't possible on a single CPU tray so that IS a waste of money if they did not also upgrade to a dual CPU tray to utilize all that RAM.

A different CPU will NOT "unbrick" the cMP if it really is bricked. Do not put any hopes of that fixing your issue

This is one of those hard learning lessons of why you should always have some form of backup. Time Machine is included/free on macOS and it fits my needs well, I'd recommend using it in the future. It has helped me out so many times!

Since you have a MacBook, if you think the system is turning on but just no display, you should try and screen share the Mac Pro from the MacBook. Hopefully you turned on screen sharing on the Mac Pro? You would then be able to uninstall the apps you think are causing the display issue (if it is just a display issue)
Click to expand...
I have bought a dual CPU TRAY plus 6x16gb of RAM........ maybe it will arrive this weekend
Neil
 
Update. So I just removed the SSD that has the problem and also removed all the internal hard drives except for a spare SSD that is in slot number one. I created an bootable install drive plugged that in and tried starting the computer holding the option key. I got the chime but still a black screen on the monitor.......... someone mentioned I need to get a EFI. GPU....... Can someone please link me to where I can buy one as I'm in Thailand
 
bigbadneil said:
Update. So I just removed the SSD that has the problem and also removed all the internal hard drives except for a spare SSD that is in slot number one. I created an bootable install drive plugged that in and tried starting the computer holding the option key. I got the chime but still a black screen on the monitor.......... someone mentioned I need to get a EFI. GPU....... Can someone please link me to where I can buy one as I'm in Thailand
Click to expand...

There isn't anything on your local Craigslist . There is one knowledgable Mac parts seller in Hong Kong . That's the closest I could find for you . Here's his store homepage .

Security Measure

www.ebay.com www.ebay.com
 
I can get this locally will it work for me Sapphire R7 260X 1GB GDDR5 OC
 
At last......thanks everyone for all your input. Sorry if I pissed a few of you off but roughnecks don't make good IT guys.......I guess
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