Q: Dual Quad-core Mac Pro reboots from sleep

I'm at the point where I'm ready to get this thing replaced. But, I am aware that others have done so and their replacement has the exact same problem.

On the other hand, there are many (perhaps most) Mac Pro users out there without this issue, so it stands to reason that not all machines are affected. I'm curious to know if anyone in this thread received a working replacement?

I may just give it a shot and see what happens. Worst case is that I'll be right where I am now. Best case is I'll have a machine that wakes without rebooting.

Use the SMC_RST button on the motherboard this time.

1500VA is about what you need, maybe 1300VA, and a good circuit (and not shared with other heavy equipment). Take a look at the wiki on "inrush current" which these systems suffer from -- on wake from sleep. It doesn't show in how many watts it draws though.

I've already used the SMC_RST button on the motherboard. It's been 12 hours, and I haven't had a reboot yet. But as we know from this thread, that doesn't mean anything. I'm giving it at least another week or so to make sure before I do anything. In the past SMC resets have been good for about two days of trouble-free operation, then the problem inevitably returns.

As I said, though, it's clear that some MP owners do not have this problem. To me, that's the strongest indication that it's a hardware issue.

My comment was to an earlier post, where they only did a PRAM Reset and wasn't directed to you. Heck, I didn't know there was a RST button until yesterday! And a combination of both types of reset (PRAM and SMC button) might be better than either alone.

Let's see if your system can go for a week or more.

I've had a replacement 'Pro running for just over a week now and no Restart on wake problem (touch wood) yet. Though I am aware some people experienced no Restart problems until after a couple of weeks use. So, here's hoping this one stays good.

Out of curiosity, how did you get your replacement? I've spoken to several Level 2 techs and none of them have offered me a replacement yet. The best they could do was tell me to sign up for AppleCare so I could qualify for on-site repair, but in that case I'm afraid they would replace the SMC or motherboard rather than give me a new machine. Since those are unproven repairs, I'm hesitant to go that route.

sw_i_t_t_e_rs wrote:

As I said, though, it's clear that some MP owners do not have this problem. To me, that's the strongest indication that it's a hardware issue.

My stock 3.0 came w/ "the problem", looked here, which resulted in the SMC PRAM treatment(before the news about the hidden buttons needless to say).
I think I'm going on 6 straight weeks now of sleeping a few times a day, along w/ sleeping at night, every night. I haven't had a reboot from sleep since. The machine has been flawless and so much quieter and less of heat creator than my G5 was.

I'm plugged into an underpowered UPS(800VA I think?), w/ other devices on the circuit (breaking all the "rules!"), 4 installed hard drives(1 stock -- not the boot), 10 GB of memory (8 GB from Trans Intl).

Tim,

We have almost an identical configuration, except I don't have a UPS. I know that's not the issue because many folks with a UPS have the problem.

I really wonder why an SMC/NVRAM reset works for some and not others. I've done several of them, meticulously, and the problem persists. Of course I'm not alone in this.

Good to know that at least one person has had a replacement that works. Though as he pointed out, it's only been a week so it's too soon to tell.

I'll report back if I get a reboot after doing the SMC_RST button.

That is good news, about the sleep issue, not about 800VA

Six weeks could be a record.

"Other devices on same circuit" would be fridge, A/C in summer, motors. My guess is you are on the edge though and not enough for a brown-out situation, with 3.0 and the rest.

Neal Jackson wrote:
My new MacPro arrived first thing Monday morning...Up and running in seconds.

Now, the oddest thing: No matter what I do in Energy Saver and Desktop & Screen saver Prefs Panel this machine will not sleep. No way, no how.

I can set to sleep by pressing the power button (from which it always wakes immediately without any Restart problems). But this is the only way the new MacPro will sleep.

Have Apple changed the firmware to temporarily bypass the problem until a sure fix is found? Or have I got another duff machine?

I have no idea why this new machine will not sleep at all unless via Power Switch.

My replacement also suffers from insomnia, when anything but the finder has been launched after restart.

And, Switt, like Neal warned others previously in this thread; after the 14 days your negotiation powers diminish exponentially.

Ha! I'd been so focussed on the Restart from wake issue resurfacing I'd completely forgotten this replacement unit wouldn't sleep of its own accord when I first received it. I'm happy to say this is no longer an issue as the unit now nods off and wakes without a dribble. I ditched the energy management prefs and the insomnia ceased from that point onward.

Except that if you experience power issues (like everyone in this thread is) with a virgin install of OS X and all Apple-branded "out-of-the-box" hardware, you can make a pretty strong case for a hardware problem. They'll sooner admit that one unit may be faulty than they'll admit that the problem is with OS X which would affect thousands of users. And, as I've pointed out, this scenario does seem more likely. Otherwise, why doesn't everyone have this problem?

The Level 2 techs I spoke with thought it was a hardware issue. The disagreement came when we discussed what to do about it. They wanted to "repair" it. When I asked what that meant, he said they wouldn't know until they looked at it. My concern is that they'll come out, do an SMC_RST, watch it wake up with no problems a few times, and declare the problem solved.

Of course the same thing might happen with a replacement. But I figure my odds are better going that route. I plan to have a list of EVERYTHING I've done so far, all of the hours I've spent troubleshooting this, every SMC and PRAM reset and clean install etc. etc. I'm hoping that will be enough to get them to replace it.

You never wait for Apple to "offer"... I insisted on a replacement (If in the UK never accept a repair as you lose major control of your consumer rights - Not sure about other countries).

After tech support have run you through the usual hoops and hurdles I believe Apple allows one to exchange within 14 days of receipt if a fault is diagnosed. My first unit had the Restart from wake error from the get go.

If this replacement unit fails before the 14 days are up then I'll boot it back at Apple. But as it has been behaving I'm hoping it wont come to this as exchange is such a hassle.

FWIW, I rather think that the Restart from wake problem is an electromechanical tolerance fault as it is seems machine specific. I'm not sure Apple can fix iffy units with a soft/firmware update.

If faults appear after 14 days ownership we'll all just have to wait and see what Apple condescends to do under warranty.

Neal Jackson wrote:

I ditched the energy management prefs and the insomnia ceased from that point onward.

Which preference? I don't seem to be able to locate that one. Home\Library\Preferences, no? Any adjustment to the Energy Saver System Preference makes a change to: com.apple.systempreferences.plist. Are there others we should be trashing?

Realistically,Apple could easily just ignore this problem.Mac Pro users represent a fraction of their revenue and no-one except those with very deep pockets will go to court suing for grounds of "unfit for purpose".If all the Mac Pro users decided to quit and go Dell,who cares?,Apple would retrieve the loss pronto with the sales of Itunes,movies,Iphones and the golden Goose Ipod.
Time we woke up,we are in a minority,we are sold an un-upgradeable "Pro" machine spent over the odds and now they have our money basically forgotten.

Message was edited by: Jp Barford