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Tundraguy

Q: what causes a black screen?

I'm getting a black screen and the computer makes loud noises. Is this a bad graphics card or something else?

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Nov 21, 2014 12:48 PM

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Q: what causes a black screen?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by The hatter,

    The hatter The hatter Nov 21, 2014 12:51 PM in response to Tundraguy
    Level 9 (60,935 points)
    Nov 21, 2014 12:51 PM in response to Tundraguy

    Boot in safe mode (shift key down) - you get basic video but no drivers.

     

    See if you can download and run Etrecheck http://www.etresoft.com

    If you cannot, can you paste the "System Profile" of the hardware tab - MacProX,Y    etc (no serial number)

     

    Need details of full profile of just what Mac configuration.

  • by Tundraguy,

    Tundraguy Tundraguy Nov 21, 2014 1:24 PM in response to The hatter
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 21, 2014 1:24 PM in response to The hatter

    Model Name:    Mac Pro

      Model Identifier:    MacPro1,1

      Processor Name:    Dual-Core Intel Xeon

      Processor Speed:    2.66 GHz

      Number Of Processors:    2

      Total Number Of Cores:    4

      L2 Cache (per processor):    4 MB

      Memory:    5 GB

      Bus Speed:    1.33 GHz

      Boot ROM Version:    MP11.005C.B08

      SMC Version (system):    1.7f10

     

    Here is my system info. I hope this will help you figure out my problem. Thanks, Tundraguy

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Nov 22, 2014 1:37 AM in response to Tundraguy
    Level 6 (14,279 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 22, 2014 1:37 AM in response to Tundraguy

    The issue sounds like a repair may be in order, and a technical full-diagnostic

    could be a way to discover what components are involved in the noise & issue.

    As much fun as it is to lug a metal box around, to/from a vehicle, and so on.

     

    There may be a way to troubleshoot some of the cause, and that may be lengthy.

     

    Also it may be inconclusive if there are damaged or worn parts involved. Not sure

    of the command necessary to boot the computer into a mode where all the start

    activities appear on the screen (verbose mode?) or if that'd help with black screen.

    Does a different display port work? Is there a second graphics card installed?

     

    ..Step by Step to fix your Mac

    - an involved user tip to help resolve or diagnose issues

     

    Some basic items to try in one article...

     

    •How to diagnose a Mac that will not boot... (after updating)

    http://www.cnet.com/news/how-to-diagnose-a-mac-that-will-not-boot-after-updating /

     

     

    Been several years since I last had a few tower Macs, none of them Intel-based.

    Nearly every series has its own quirks, some induced by hardware configuration.

     

    In any event...

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by The hatter,

    The hatter The hatter Nov 22, 2014 6:24 AM in response to Tundraguy
    Level 9 (60,935 points)
    Nov 22, 2014 6:24 AM in response to Tundraguy

    I was looking for video card - those for sure need to be replaced after 8 yrs and each had its issue.

     

    512MB FBDIMM - time to remove / replace - a 2 x 2GB is $24 on Amazon (Mac Pro FBDIMM 667)

     

    Pick up an SSD while at it for $120 (250GB EVO 840)

  • by Tundraguy,

    Tundraguy Tundraguy Nov 22, 2014 1:18 PM in response to The hatter
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 22, 2014 1:18 PM in response to The hatter

    I had upgraded my graphics card about 4 years ago to an ATI  Radeon HD 4870 1 GB, so it probably is the culprit. Good idea on the ram. Yes SSD is the way to go also. Thanks for your help. Tundraguy

  • by Tundraguy,

    Tundraguy Tundraguy Nov 22, 2014 1:22 PM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 22, 2014 1:22 PM in response to K Shaffer

    Thanks for your suggestions. I'm thinking it's my graphics card, although it is not the original one my machine came with, I upgraded about 4 years ago to an ATI Radeon HD 1GB, but maybe it's dying and needs to be replaced. Thanks again for your input, Tundraguy