Weird Mac Pro screen issue....help

[4God]

I called AppleCare yesterday and they were not aware of the problem...

When I called monday, the first Applecare guy said "Oh yeah, that's becoming a widespread issue" this is the guy that said I really should send it back. I waited about 20 hours and began having worse symptoms so I called back on tuesday and that Applecare guy said "Oh, that's strange, Apple is not aware of these issues". That's when I said okay, time to send it back. I did get escalated to a couple of product specialists that took good care of me. I sent out my machine on tuesday evening and received my replacement thursday afternoon. Still, so far so good.

 

[peejack]

When I called monday, the first Applecare guy said "Oh yeah, that's becoming a widespread issue" this is the guy that said I really should send it back. I waited about 20 hours and began having worse symptoms so I called back on tuesday and that Applecare guy said "Oh, that's strange, Apple is not aware of these issues". That's when I said okay, time to send it back. I did get escalated to a couple of product specialists that took good care of me. I sent out my machine on tuesday evening and received my replacement thursday afternoon. Still, so far so good.

Yeh the Level one apple care are pretty clueless, the specialist look after you much better and know whats going on.

 

[Mr.PS]

I called and told the Apple Care rep the issues I was having. I reassured him my Mac Pro was stock and I was using an Apple display. He apologized and asked if I would like to return it. He 3 way called customer service and the customer service rep took care of me. The rep told me I'd receive a return shipping label via email in 24-48 hours and that I would be issued a full refund. I asked if I could exchange for an 8 core and he told me that they cannot exchange it, only replace it with an identical machine, I would need to just re-order.

For those that have returned theirs, is the return shipping label ground or express (air, 3 day, etc..)?

I plan on reordering with 8 cores and an 8800GT. I originally did not want an 8800GT as I don't game and do not need the extra power, but I don't want to deal with the Ati issues anymore. The Ati card is a good card, too bad for the issues it has.

 

[cramerml]

For those that have returned theirs, is the return shipping label ground or express (air, 3 day, etc..)?

I too just returned my MP today for a replacement. Fingers crossed that the next one has no issues. The return label is Fed Ex standard overnight express. Also the tech person said that as soon as the return machine enters the Fed Ex database, they release the replacement. Therefore, turn around is usually 2-3 days. Apple is clearly aware of the problem, they have to follow the protocol of at least 3 phone calls, data capture from your machine, advice from engineering, etc... I sent my machine to cupertino for engineering to run diagnostic testing on so I believe they are scrambling to figure this out even if they pretend like they don't know its a problem.

 

[eric55lv]

If possible give it a shot with a different monitor. If the problem still exists then give apple a call.

Thas what I would do

 

[Mr.PS]

I too just returned my MP today for a replacement. Fingers crossed that the next one has no issues. The return label is Fed Ex standard overnight express. Also the tech person said that as soon as the return machine enters the Fed Ex database, they release the replacement. Therefore, turn around is usually 2-3 days.

Good to know, unfortunately I'm not buying another Mac Pro until the 8800GT ships. All of the Ati cards seem to be defective... I don't want to go through the hassle again of having to send my Mac Pro back if the replacement is screwed up too (like others have reported).

Thas what I would do

I've tried another monitor, same issues. I have a brand new ACD 30" and I've tried a Dell 2005FPW that has been running strong since 2004, same screen flicker issue, no scan lines though (I didn't want to wait around for it and went back to the 30").

 

[4God]

Well I've just finished editing two video shoots using Final Cut Studio 2 (both 45 minute videos of our sermon broadcasts/podcasts) and for a couple of days now, so far so good.

 

[Mr.PS]

Sigh, the customer care rep from Apple screwed up my return and marked it as an RMA. The return slip also contains a order # for a new identical machine - not what I wanted. I and the apple care rep told the customer car rep on a three way call that this was a RETURN. Called and waited 23 minutes before someone answered, then I waited another 10 minutes to be told billing was closed today and I should call tomorrow. I'm pretty disappointed with Apple so far. This is my first Apple product ever, I'm loyal to the brand and in love with them, but they're disappointing right now.

I want to re-order with 8 cores and an 8800GT. I don't believe the Ati issues will be fixed before the 8800GT ships, so I might as well.

 

[besideofthecar]

So Far So Good

I have had my Mac Pro for 3 days of Final Cut and all is fine

 

[Mr.PS]

I like hearing that Final Cut is all good. It took 2-3 days for my Mac Pro to have issues. Even then the issue happens once per day tops, maybe not even. It has not happened all day today and I've been watching HD video trailers for a good half an hour. I also have 50+ firefox tabs open and maybe another 10-15 in Safari in addition to 20 other applications.

That's what worries me, the fact that this issue is intermittent and does not happen everyday, it's sporadic. So it looks "OK" for now, but how do you really know you have no issues? That's what is scaring me away from re-ordering with a Ati.

Anyway, hopefully more people get replacements and post in this thread. I'm really interested in seeing this issue resolved ASAP. So we can all happily re-order!

 

[MacRoom]

Is This ATI 2600XT Card Flaw Really Widespread?

I can't believe very many of these new ATI cards have this problem. Any updates for those who are using this card now without incident?

 

[4God]

I can't believe very many of these new ATI cards have this problem. Any updates for those who are using this card now without incident?

Yes, I have had my replacement for about five days now and not a glitch to report. I'm glad you asked, I wanted to post positive info since I had posted such negative experiences recently with my MacPro. I'm very happy with this new machine. Don't get me wrong, I do think in the back of my mind sometimes that it may start all over again which is why I'm anxious for 10.5.2 and/or a firmware update to come out just for peace of mind sake.

 

[peejack]

Yes, I have had my replacement for about five days now and not a glitch to report. I'm glad you asked, I wanted to post positive info since I had posted such negative experiences recently with my MacPro. I'm very happy with this new machine. Don't get me wrong, I do think in the back of my mind sometimes that it may start all over again which is why I'm anxious for 10.5.2 and/or a firmware update to come out just for peace of mind sake.

Im glad you haven't had any problems as yet, sounds pretty good so far

Mine is driving me nuts, crashes all over the place. I am waiting for a replacement with 8800GT so just trying to deal with it for now

 

[Mr.PS]

Yes, I have had my replacement for about five days now and not a glitch to report. I'm glad you asked, I wanted to post positive info since I had posted such negative experiences recently with my MacPro. I'm very happy with this new machine. Don't get me wrong, I do think in the back of my mind sometimes that it may start all over again which is why I'm anxious for 10.5.2 and/or a firmware update to come out just for peace of mind sake.

That's the main reason I won't order with the Ati 2600XT, the fear of the issues returning is enough to make me wait for the 8800GT.

 

[Carl Spackler]

I've still only had the issue once and can live with it...until it happens again, if it happens again. The other day I did notice tht little darkend bubbles above my dock icons got a little funky, but nothing ever froze and the problem corrected itself the next time I rebooted.

I'm right there with you, 4God, in that there's a little tickle in the back of my brain wondering if it's going to happen again. I too will feel much better when I see a driver update.

All in all, this machine is simply amazing, especially coming from encoding and rendering HDV on an 800MHz Powerbook G4. I understand these things sing once you put 4 sticks of RAM into them.

 

[honeypower]

Same problem!

I bought the former Mac Pro model one week before the Xeon. Once I made the exchange, I've been experiencing the exact same problem as you. I'm glad I'm not the only one with this issue.

I'll definitely contact Apple about a replacement video card. Thanks for posting this message on the forum!

 

[d.velop]

Tracking down from the label on the card:

Good:
P/N 102B3610100 S/N 6407510048xx
Bad:
P/N 102B3610200 S/N 6407500015xx

Here I'm back online with my replacement... which is a 102B3610100, too.
It's fine... yet.

I saw the 8800s are being delivered - they got an extra powerconnection - any complications to attach that by myself?
>> http://picasaweb.google.com/feelitmon/UnboxingTheFruit/photo#5164349923634809330
>> http://picasaweb.google.com/feelitmon/UnboxingTheFruit/photo#5164349678821673442

 

[JackButler]

Sorry delete this post... wrong thread.

 

[hairnesto]

Here I'm back online with my replacement... which is a 102B3610100, too.
It's fine... yet.

I saw the 8800s are being delivered - they got an extra powerconnection - any complications to attach that by myself?
>> http://picasaweb.google.com/feelitmon/UnboxingTheFruit/photo#5164349923634809330
>> http://picasaweb.google.com/feelitmon/UnboxingTheFruit/photo#5164349678821673442

posted this one on an other thread if you don t mind
and there was a guy on a windows thing who presumed it was a crosslink.sli iff its going to bother anyone
by the way a very good post haven't seen a good reply on this one
thanks anyway

 

[d.velop]

posted this one on an other thread if you don t mind

Where? Just to follow up

and there was a guy on a windows thing who presumed it was a crosslink.sli iff its going to bother anyone

Hm, this does not work on OS X, right? A driver-thing?

 

[hairnesto]

Where? Just to follow up

here's the answer https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/430835/

Hm, this does not work on OS X, right? A driver-thing?

we shouldnt listen to that

 

[sigeats]

I'm having the same freezing issues with my new 2.8 - 8 core. It's probably happened about ten times in the past two weeks I've had the machine. Seems like it is the ATI card for sure. I guess the only thing still up for debate is if it can be fixed with a new driver or firmware update . . . sure hope so.

Looks like 10.5.2 is here! And a Leopard Graphics Update! Can't wait to get home and get them installed. Does any one know if the update or the Leopard Graphics Update fixes the freeze problem with the ATI cards?

 

[Sepharial]

Looks like 10.5.2 is here! And a Leopard Graphics Update! Can't wait to get home and get them installed. Does any one know if the update or the Leopard Graphics Update fixes the freeze problem with the ATI cards?

So far so good on my machine (ive had this freezing problem). But i guess its abit early to say.

 

[Jaymz]

Looks like 10.5.2 is here! And a Leopard Graphics Update! Can't wait to get home and get them installed. Does any one know if the update or the Leopard Graphics Update fixes the freeze problem with the ATI cards?

Nope. 2.8GHz Mac Pro here with the 2600HD, and it did the graphic corruption freeze about 5 minutes after installing both 10.5.2 and the Leopard Graphics Update.

 

[Sepharial]

Nope. 2.8GHz Mac Pro here with the 2600HD, and it did the graphic corruption freeze about 5 minutes after installing both 10.5.2 and the Leopard Graphics Update.

Bad news =( Guess its time to rethink and give apple a call after all about my computer then. If they only could send me the 8800 that i ordered 9th of jan so i can test that card first...