Q: Video Card Problem? -> Mac Pro (2x2.8 GHz Quad) w/ ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT

I suffered the exact same problem as you yesterday, the difference was that the fans started spinning up to maximum rpm before the computer shut down... after starting up again the only fan going at maximum was the one mounted on the graphics card.

I ordered a new card, the ATI RADEON HD 4870 512MB from apple store. This morning I called apple to ask them about the problem and maybe get something for my troubles, since the computer is more than 2 years old no warranty (in sweden) was valid. However the guy at apple was very nice, he looked up my problem and told me he needed to talk to his boss. After about 2 min he came back to me and said that they are sending me a new ATI 2600 XT card for free...

The new card that I ordered I'm gonna keep as well, just in case...

Great support by apple! =)

I'm having a problem as you describe...at first random blue screen monitor "blackouts" for a 1-2 seconds. This started some months ago and now the monitors (I use two) remain blank...although the computer does power up, i.e., responds to key board commands. (I've also posted my problem in this forum..."Classic video card failure". I apologize if this is too duplicative.)

This thread is very helpful...but solutions are confusing. Replace video card with another 2600 XT? ...or Radeon HD3870? ...or maybe NVIDIA GEforce 8800 GT? or possibly NVidia GT 120?

Have you found a solution?

Thanks for any help.

Same problem here. This has been a very helpful thread.

MacProOnline says the ATI 3870 512Meg HD3870 is a good alternative for the Mac Pro (Jan 2008 model, "Penryn") if you are running a dual monitor set-up. Better than the original ATI, or the GeForce 8800 which has been problematic for many users. I may call them up or order one tomorrow to see how it goes...

Same problem, same hardware as original poster. My first card failed back in June, had it replaced under AppleCare in July and the replacement failed in one port about 2-3 weeks ago. under AppleCare till January fortunately, but this is super annoying.

Kreso wrote:
Recently we bought on our job *Mac Pro G5 (dual 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon)* and it worked fine until last few weeks. Then, from time to time it wouldn't boot the video signal out (You could hear the boot Chime, HDD working, fans and stuff) but no video signal out! Sometimes needed just to re-boot. Then it became a nightmare... Sometimes it needed "just" a few re-boots and now, untill last 2 weeks - nothing. No go! Aaaaarrgghhhhhh...

All above mentioned sounds are still OK! I tried to boot it up from CD, reseted PRAM and God knows what (Card got out, unstatic myself to the metal plate, clean the Card, cleaned the fan, all cables checked and re-checked) else but still is no go!

+1: same here :o(
It started a few months ago, with random black signal (*) at startup that could be turned around restarting the machine one, twice or three times at max.

On saturday it never got back… I've checked the cable, port #1 and #2, used a DVI to HDMI, used another DVI cable, I've cleaned the card, unplugged it and plugged it back, checked on another Mac on the same monitor &c… Nothing. Neither after a dozen or more reboots.

This morning I've brought the MacPro at the assistance (AppleCare: whew!). Now They are calling Me: They are saying the MacPro is zing, video started at first time, it's all ok. For My peace of mind They've ordered another 2600XT, as a replace.

I fear the problems won't end here… And I'm disheartened by the posts about the same problems with the 8800GT.

(*) The monitor (a 27" Samsung T275m) seemed receiving a kind of signal for it didn't display "No signal".

+1 same issue. Huge bummer; and such a hassle.
Plus finding this thread wasn't easy!!!!!!!

Message was edited by: Arockers

Giangiacomo Castelfranchi wrote:
This morning I've brought the MacPro at the assistance (AppleCare: whew!). Now They are calling Me: They are saying the MacPro is zing, video started at first time, it's all ok. For My peace of mind They've ordered another 2600XT, as a replace.

Oh, on Wednesday I've got the MacPro back: 2600XT replaced with a new (or refurbished…) one.
So far, so good…

Message was edited by: Giangiacomo Castelfranchi

I have an early 2008 Mac Pro and I've changed out the video card once and the apple store has changed it out once and it just failed for the third time. Has anyone heard an official word on this problem? I'm pro Apple, but if this continues I may quickly become a sceptic.

I don't get guys. My video card was toast. Brought it to the Genius Bar....three days later, it was replaced for free. They said that Apple was covering the cost of these bad cards. DON'T buy a card. Just bring it in to a Genius Bar.....no cost!

This discussion is a few months old now, but it is important to read the following: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3630

Rightio, I have the same set up, Mac Pro 3.1 blah blah blah, worked great until recently it wouldn't display the resolution of my second monitor correctly. Thought it may have been the adapter, changed that, no dice. Changed the cable and it seemed to clear things up.....for a while....no the 2nd display is back to showing the incorrect resolution. When i detected displays it wouldn't 'find' my monitor. It would only show up as VGA monitor. Thought maybe my monitor was playing up but I swapped monitors and now I cant even get a signal out of the 2nd port. So am I on the hunt for a new card? anyone else had this problem???

As mentioned in the article linked above:

If your Mac Pro experiences distorted video or no video issues and has an ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT card in it, you will need to bring your computer's serial number and the graphics card into an Apple Authorized Service Provider or an Apple Retail Store location for verification and to exchange the affected graphics card for a replacement.

Only certain serial numbers qualify, and a list is provided

This program covers affected ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT video cards three years from the original date of purchase or until July 31, 2011, whichever provides longer coverage. Apple will continue to evaluate the repair data and will provide further repair extensions if needed.