10.5.2 System Freeze due to graphics driver bug? (NVChannel timeout)

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Level 1

101 points

10.5.2 System Freeze due to graphics driver bug? (NVChannel timeout)

Macbook Pro 15" C2D 2.4 with 10.5.2 and Graphics Update.
It just froze up completely out of the blue, with the following error message in system.log:

2/13/08 11:25:29 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
2/13/08 11:25:41 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
2/13/08 11:25:51 AM kernel USBF: 77424.623 MacallyICEKBDriver[0x6ae2c00]::InterruptReadHandler immediate error 0xe000404f queueing read
2/13/08 11:25:53 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
2/13/08 11:25:53 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
2/13/08 11:25:53 AM kernel 0000000b
2/13/08 11:25:53 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
2/13/08 11:25:53 AM kernel 0000000b
2/13/08 11:25:59 AM kernel USBF: 77432.346 AppleUSBEHCI[0x66da000]::Found a transaction which hasn't moved in 5 seconds on bus 0xfd, timing out! (Addr: 8, EP: 0)
2/13/08 11:26:05 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
2/13/08 11:26:05 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
2/13/08 11:26:05 AM kernel 0000000b
2/13/08 11:26:05 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
2/13/08 11:26:05 AM kernel 0000000b
2/13/08 11:26:05 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
2/13/08 11:26:05 AM kernel 0000000b
2/13/08 11:26:13 AM kernel USBF: 77446.876 MacallyICEKBDriver[0x7b3a700]::InterruptReadHandler immediate error 0xe000404f queueing read
2/13/08 11:26:14 AM kernel USBF: 77447.936 AppleUSBHubPort: Port 2 of Hub at 0xfd110000 reported error 0x0 while doing acquiring device zero
2/13/08 11:26:14 AM kernel USBF: 77447.936 AppleUSBHubPort: Port 2 of Hub at 0xfd110000 reported error 0xe00002c0 while doing get status (first in port status change)
2/13/08 11:26:17 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
2/13/08 11:26:17 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
2/13/08 11:26:17 AM kernel 0000000b
2/13/08 11:26:25 AM fseventsd[27] callback_client: ERROR: d2f callbackrpc() => (ipc/send) timed out (268435460) for pid 203
2/13/08 11:26:25 AM fseventsd[27] client: 0x815a00 : USER DROPPED EVENTS!
2/13/08 11:26:29 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
2/13/08 11:26:29 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
2/13/08 11:26:29 AM kernel 0000000b
2/13/08 11:26:35 AM fseventsd[27] callback_client: ERROR: d2f callbackrpc() => (ipc/send) timed out (268435460) for pid 203
2/13/08 11:26:41 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
2/13/08 11:26:41 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
2/13/08 11:26:41 AM kernel 0000000b
2/13/08 11:26:41 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
2/13/08 11:26:41 AM kernel 0000000b
2/13/08 11:26:41 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
2/13/08 11:26:41 AM fseventsd[27] client: 0x815a00 : USER DROPPED EVENTS!
2/13/08 11:26:41 AM kernel 0000000b
2/13/08 11:26:51 AM fseventsd[27] callback_client: ERROR: d2f callbackrpc() => (ipc/send) timed out (268435460) for pid 203
2/13/08 11:26:54 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
2/13/08 11:26:54 AM kernel NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
2/13/08 11:26:54 AM kernel 0000000b
2/13/08 11:27:01 AM fseventsd[27] callback_client: ERROR: d2f callbackrpc() => (ipc/send) timed out (268435460) for pid 203
2/13/08 11:27:01 AM fseventsd[27] client: 0x815a00 : USER DROPPED EVENTS!
[...etc...]

MBP 15 C2D 2.2, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Feb 13, 2008 11:39 AM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Feb 13, 2008 12:25 PM in response to xmddmx

Shutdown, disconnect all peripherals, and restart. If that eliminates the error messages, then plug things back in, one at a time, restart, and see if you can isolate the problem. If I'm reading the output correctly, something to do with Macally is causing the issue. If you can't isolate it, disconnect everything again, and install the 10.5.2 COMBO update.

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Answer 2

xmddmx Author

Level 1

101 points

Feb 13, 2008 1:06 PM in response to baltwo

After the machine froze, I unplugged and re-plugged the USB cables a few times -- I'm pretty sure that's the cause of the USB error messages you are seeing. Note that the video driver crash appears to happen a few seconds before that.

I suppose it's possible it's the icekey driver, but I'm putting my money on a Video driver crash causing problems...

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Answer 3

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Feb 13, 2008 1:11 PM in response to xmddmx

Then, boot with the disk containing the Apple Hardware Test program and run the extended tests.

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Answer 4

xmddmx Author

Level 1

101 points

Feb 14, 2008 1:59 PM in response to baltwo

Update: this seems to be a bug mainly with Macbook Pros -- please follow the thread located here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6602842

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Answer 5

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Feb 14, 2008 2:33 PM in response to xmddmx

Based on that thread, Apple's aware of the issue, applied a fix in 10.5.2, and it doesn't work for everyone. All I can suggest is to submit a bug report via ADC, referencing the previously noted bug report IDs, and stating that it still doesn't work with your machine. If you need details on filing the bug report, post back, and I'll provide same.

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Answer 6

xanaos

Level 1

8 points

Feb 19, 2008 2:35 AM in response to baltwo

I have the same problem since the update, but never bevor.
send in a but report.

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Answer 7

seanwdp

Level 1

0 points

Feb 27, 2008 5:21 PM in response to xmddmx

I'm experiencing the same problems as everyone else when I use Front Row. GUI completely freezes and I'm forced to do a power cycle.

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Answer 8

Feb 29, 2008 5:04 PM in response to xmddmx

Having the same problem here... I'm running a 3-day-old 2.4ghz MacBook Pro Penryn.

In the three days I've owned the computer, it has crashed twice, both times with a really minimal amount of applications open (Textmate, Console, Safari, Transmit, iTunes). I have my MBP connected to an external monitor, all the hardware is stock, and I'm running 10.5.2.

From both crashes my logs are filled with:

Feb 29 16:47:02 MBP kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0xd = GR: SW Notify Error
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 0000000c
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 00100000 00005097 0000047c 00000000
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 00000486 00001458 00038801 00000003
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 00000000 00000000 00000011
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 0000000c
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 00100000 00005097 0000047c 00000000
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 00000486 00001458 00038801 00000003
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 00000000 00000000 00000011
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 0000000b
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 0000000b
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 0000000b
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 0000000b
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 0000000b
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Feb 29 16:47:16 MBP kernel[0]: 0000000b
Feb 29 16:47:19 MBP kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Feb 29 16:47:19 MBP kernel[0]: 0000000b
Feb 29 16:47:31 MBP kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!

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Answer 9

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Feb 29, 2008 5:47 PM in response to Aaaroneous

What happens if you disconnect the ext monitor? Same problem? If so, download and install the 10.5.2 COMBO update. If not, then you've identified the culprit—the monitor—and you should call AppleCare.

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Answer 10

Mar 1, 2008 7:14 AM in response to baltwo

I've got the same problem on a new (one month old) MBP.

I to am using an external monitor - the older 23" Cinema Display connected via Apple's DVI-ADC adapter. When using your external monitor - are you using the MBP closed? (I am)

Mar 1 09:18:09 MacBookPro kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
Mar 1 09:18:39: --- last message repeated 2 times ---
Mar 1 09:18:46 MacBookPro kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
Mar 1 09:18:46 MacBookPro kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Mar 1 09:18:46 MacBookPro kernel[0]: 0000000b
Mar 1 09:18:46 MacBookPro kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Mar 1 09:18:46 MacBookPro kernel[0]: 0000000b
Mar 1 09:18:58 MacBookPro kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
Mar 1 09:18:58 MacBookPro kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Mar 1 09:18:58 MacBookPro kernel[0]: 0000000b
Mar 1 09:18:58 MacBookPro kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Mar 1 09:18:58 MacBookPro kernel[0]: 0000000b
Mar 1 09:19:10 MacBookPro kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
Mar 1 09:19:10 MacBookPro kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Mar 1 09:19:10 MacBookPro kernel[0]: 0000000b
Mar 1 09:19:10 MacBookPro kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error

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Answer 11

Mar 5, 2008 6:02 AM in response to Christopher Aloi

Same here:

Mar 5 14:44:43 mac001b63974f22 kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
Mar 5 14:44:44 mac001b63974f22 kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Mar 5 14:44:44 mac001b63974f22 kernel[0]: 0000000b

This is repeated about 5 times in my system log, at the exact moment of the freeze.
It's the graphics driver, not USB, I reckon.

I haven't shut down my computer the right way since my move to Leopard last week. All freezes. It is extremely frustrating and harming my business.

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Answer 12

Mar 5, 2008 8:29 PM in response to xmddmx

I don't know much about the error log but I have been looking for posts regarding this problem and there are a few. I have an old 1GHz PowerPC G4 with 512 MB DDR SDRAM so I may be pushing my luck to begin with. I have had Leopard for almost 2 months and it was working fine. But about 10 days ago it began freezing regularly. It won't wake up from the sleep mode sometimes. The Dock will expand when I roll over it and then freeze. I have to force quit apps but they never really quite. Eventually, I have to force power down. It is happening several times a day. Just wanted to contribute to the scope of the problem. Only peripherals are a printer and a firewire backup drive. The drive is new with the Leopard install.

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Answer 13

xanaos

Level 1

8 points

Mar 5, 2008 10:27 PM in response to Richmeier

maybe you should check your hardware (HD, RAM) to be sure it's not a hardware failure, because Leo has it's bugs but more than 1 crash a day is very hard.

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Answer 14

silphium

Level 1

17 points

Mar 10, 2008 1:10 PM in response to xmddmx

I've having the same issue on my on month-old Mac Pro with the NVidia GeForce 8800 GT card. About 1 system freeze per day, trouble waking up from sleep (it doesn't). This has been happening for about a week now. System log lines just before the freeze (all I could do is reboot):

Mar 10 14:53:06 booker kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
Mar 10 14:53:30: --- last message repeated 2 times ---
Mar 10 14:53:30 booker kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Mar 10 14:53:30 booker kernel[0]: 0000000b
Mar 10 14:53:30 booker kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Mar 10 14:53:30 booker kernel[0]: 0000000b
Mar 10 14:54:45 booker kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Mar 10 14:54:45 booker kernel[0]: 0000000b
Mar 10 14:54:45 booker kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Mar 10 14:54:45 booker kernel[0]: 0000000b
Mar 10 14:54:57 booker kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!

And poof...

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Answer 15

dunham

Level 1

0 points

Mar 12, 2008 11:13 AM in response to xmddmx

I'm seeing this too, on a new MacBook Pro with all updates installed as of 3/12/08.

Mouse movement works, but the display stopped updating. It happened while I was using a java application this time. I logged in via ssh and killed off WindowServer and the system still didn't come back. (Killing windowserver always cleared up the alt-tab lockups in 10.4.)

The following was in system.log (and in dmesg):

Mar 12 10:40:11 dhcp32 kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
Mar 12 10:40:47 dhcp32 kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel timeout!
Mar 12 10:40:47 dhcp32 kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error
Mar 12 10:40:47 dhcp32 kernel[0]: NVChannel(GL): Graphics channel exception! status = 0xffff info32 = 0x3 = Fifo: Unknown Method Error

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