Posts:
20
Registered:
Feb 7, 2007
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Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Jan 27, 2008 12:04 PM
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I just purchased a Mac Pro this week and have encountered a freezing issue. Randomly, the mac will freeze, not allowing me to exit out of any programs or start new ones. However, the mouse can still be moved. Also, the screen gets very pixelated and after some googling I've found that this problem seems to be specifically with the ATI 2600 video card.
I noticed the problem has been discussed before with the iMac models and a firmware update was released specifically for the iMac but am wondering if anyone has found a solution for the Mac Pro issue? Is there a firmware update? Should I look into a new video card or getting my replaced?
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Mac Pro
Mac OS X (10.5.1)
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Posts:
25,078
Registered:
Dec 12, 2001
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Jan 27, 2008 12:13 PM
in response to: celluloidlout
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I have to say I have seen this one as well. At first I tried different mouse, keyboard and such, and trying different USB ports to see if it would go away.
I wish I could say it was video driver or something. For now, keep a copy of OS X cloned to another drive and backup your files. And do a disk check if you have to do a hard restart as you don't want the directory to become damaged.
I couldn't even bring up the Force Quit dialogue, which I found odd, like something was looping and not responding.
File a bug report, run Apple Hardware Test, and even check with AppleCare.
http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html
Mac Pro Nvidia 8600GTS
Windows Vista
Ultimate x64-SP1(RC) Sonnet 4EP 6GB 4 x WD Raptors Cinema HD APC RS1500
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Posts:
20
Registered:
Feb 7, 2007
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Jan 28, 2008 10:56 AM
in response to: celluloidlout
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Update: Turns out it was some bad memory from crucial.com. After taking it out, I haven't seen the same freezing issue pop up.
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Posts:
20
Registered:
Feb 7, 2007
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Jan 29, 2008 2:19 PM
in response to: celluloidlout
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Update: It seems I spoke to soon.
Even with the additional memory out, the problem has started to reoccur. The apple support line had me do an archive and install to the system. They are also sending a DIY replacement kit for the video card. So far, so good after the archive and install but because the problem is unpredictable and intermittent, I can't be positive.
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Posts:
35
From:
San Francisco, CA
Registered:
Oct 1, 2007
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Jan 29, 2008 2:45 PM
in response to: celluloidlout
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Helpful
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This is speculation, but informed speculation:
There was a significant issue with the likely related ATI 2600HD card that shipped with the new aluminum iMacs - search under "freezing iMac" in that thread.
The cause was bad/buggy firmware for the card. It took Apple/ATI a few months before they pushed a firmware update for the card that fixed things. All other attempts to do anything to fix the freezing issue failed. This affected many, many users.
Here is an example post:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1107864&tstart=0
This was a major reason that, when I ordered my Mac Pro, I ordered the nVidia card and never considered the ATI card.
Mac Pro (ordered) - 8X3.0, 8Gb, 3X1TB, nVidia 8800
Mac OS X (10.5.1)
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Posts:
25,078
Registered:
Dec 12, 2001
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Jan 29, 2008 2:55 PM
in response to: celluloidlout
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Helpful
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Apple Hardware Test (on your Install DVD) and Memtest are good tests, (as is iTunes sometimes) but memory errors should show in panic log and System Profile. Some RAM doesn't get along together but works fine without the different brand.
Mac Pro Nvidia 8600GTS
Windows Vista
Ultimate x64-SP1(RC) Sonnet 4EP 6GB 4 x WD Raptors Cinema HD APC RS1500
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Posts:
20
Registered:
Feb 7, 2007
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Jan 29, 2008 8:00 PM
in response to: adamsfbay
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Yeah, this is exactly what I'm worried about. When I mentioned this on the phone said my system should have the patch that was released for this problem. However, the only patch I see here on the apple site is specifically for the iMacs.
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Posts:
20
Registered:
Feb 7, 2007
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Jan 29, 2008 8:02 PM
in response to: The hatter
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I'm pretty sure I've ruled out the RAM as being the problem. But it wouldn't hurt to do a memtest, how do I go about doing that.
So far, multiple hardware test have yielded "no problems." Several hours after my archive an install things are still going well but then again, this system has work for as long as 10 hours without the freeze glitch.
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Posts:
6
From:
Woodland Hills
Registered:
Feb 3, 2008
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Feb 3, 2008 9:49 AM
in response to: celluloidlout
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Same problem here -- a new 2.8 GHz Mac Pro, completely stock as shipped from the Apple Online Store that I've had about 2weeks.
It will freeze with the pixel breakup -- sometimes twice within 30 minutes, other times it will go a full two days. Usually when doing basic navigation within the Finder or in Safari, but otherwise random.
I've reset the SMC and zapped the PRAM multiple times, no help. I've put it on a high quality AC power conditioner & battery backup, no help. Full boot disk testing w/ Disk Utility and clean erase and re-install of the OS, no help. The RAM passes the Hardware test...
Something is obviously amiss with these -- whether the ATI 2600 card itself or the driver.
Hopefully they'll get it addressed soon !
Mac Pro early 2008
Mac OS X (10.5.1)
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Posts:
3
Registered:
Feb 4, 2008
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Feb 4, 2008 12:58 AM
in response to: drsynth
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Same problem here also, on a brand new 2.8Ghz Mac Pro. Contacted the AppleCare, they will replace my Mac Pro with a new one. Not sure the problem is hardware based thought, maybe just a ATI driver issue... will see with the next one.
Mac OS X (10.5.1)
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Posts:
14
From:
San Diego, California
Registered:
Oct 8, 2007
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Feb 4, 2008 10:33 AM
in response to: frato
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Same problem. Machine freezes all the time. Screen artifacts and can only move mouse. Been living with it because I hope the 10.5.2 update will fix it. I've read elsewhere that replacement machines have the same problem.
2.8Ghz 8 core
Mac OS X (10.5.1)
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Posts:
14
From:
San Diego, California
Registered:
Oct 8, 2007
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Posts:
1
Registered:
Feb 4, 2008
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Feb 4, 2008 10:41 AM
in response to: celluloidlout
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Add me to the list experiencing similar issues. Using stock 2.8 (8-core), 2GB Ram and ATI video card. Leopard is current.
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Posts:
10
Registered:
Mar 13, 2006
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Feb 4, 2008 1:12 PM
in response to: celluloidlout
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I was having the exact same issue, checked memory, everything - and was sure that the root cause was the 2600. However, I checked a related thread that mentioned that there may have been problems with systems that migrated from a G5 to the Intel platform. Someone mentioned they had downloaded a program called Main Menu that would cleanup preferences and settings.
So I ran that and finished, but had a crash before I could reboot. However, after the reboot when (presumably) the settings had reloaded, I haven't had a single crash. This was on Saturday morning. Since then, everything has been perfect, even when doing a bunch of different tasks (everything from browsing in Safari to FCP editing, Compressor and Shake rendering, Color grading). Have not rebooted once in that time. Feeling optimistic at this point.
Mac Pro 2.8 (8-core)
Mac OS X (10.5.1)
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Posts:
6
From:
Woodland Hills
Registered:
Feb 3, 2008
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Re: Mac Pro ATI 2600 Freezing Issue
Posted:
Feb 4, 2008 3:34 PM
in response to: celluloidlout
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An update on my Mac Pro 2.8 GHz, 2GB w/ATI2600HD--
After going 4 full days of smooth running, it happened again. Interestingly, I had no problems when doing pretty heavy Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio Pro work, then about a hour after I was finished it froze again with the screen breakup when navigating a Finder window.
I called AppleCare this morning, they got me a same day appointment at the local Genius Bar. We tried for an hour to crash it again (no luck, of course) so I'm letting them keep until the weekend to 'stress test' it.
Mac Pro early 2008
Mac OS X (10.5.1)
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