Mac Pro issue - Graphics

[crazyswede]

I have got the first issues with my Mac Pro since I got it in 2008. The display freezes and there are purple/sparkly bits around things on the screen and some random blocks. The computer will then reboot. This was on Wednesday. Last night it would only get a few seconds from startup. I have a feeling that it has something to do with the graphics card. I want to replace it with an iMac, either the next refresh happens or when the Broadwell version comes out. So I was thinking about getting a cheap graphics card to hold me over until I by an iMac (If it is a graphics crd issue). Am I right in thinking that I can get any new low end graphics card and it will work except you can not see the boot screen?

 

[Deleted member 651465]

Sounds like a failed GPU. Have you spoken to Apple?

I believe the GPU needs a mac specific firmware, although perhaps someone else could confirm. AFAIK it'll work fine running on Windows but not in OS X (without the right firmware).

I'd just buy an OS X version of the 8800GT and whack it in. At least when you come to sell it, you have a factory spec and don't need to mess around explaining why the card is non-reference.

 

[crazyswede]

I think it must be the graphics card. Not spoken to Apple as they will probably be interested in such an old computer. I am disappearing out to sea for a month on Monday, so I can't do anything until September.

Brought my work Macbook pro home for now. My PC has no software on it except for games

 

[Deleted member 651465]

I'd say its worth calling them or visiting your local Apple store, as you never know... they may offer you an out of warranty replacement, and for the sake of 5 mins I'd take a chance.

 

[Nexus]

Sounds like exactly the same thing my 2008 Mac Pro did when the 8800GT failed. It progressively got worse, so I tried the suggestion of taking it apart, heating it in the oven to reflow the solder and then applying new thermal paste. That worked well for a while, but it eventually failed all together.

Buying a new Mac compatible graphics card is really the only option. You could try taking it to Apple, like others have been suggested, but we are talking about a 6 year old machine, which even with Apple Care expired 3 years ago. You can get a new card slightly cheaper from elsewhere and put it in yourself, than what Apple would charge if you took it to them.

 

[crazyswede]

Just got back from being at sea for a month. I ordered a second hand apple gt120 card from ebay which was waiting for me when I got back. It fixed the issue. Gives me more time to think about what I am going to replace my Mac Pro with.