Quartz Extreme not working

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Quartz Extreme not working

I have a plastic iMac 5.1 with OS X 10.6.6 installed. For the last couple of years I have been having issues with graphics and freezing. The only solution has been to run the computer in safe mode. Now I have found a way to disable Quartz Extreme (by changing a number in a file called configuration.plist, as detailed here http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20040724190553112). Doing this has solved my problems.

So can anyone tell me what I can do to fix Quartz Extreme or whatever the underlying issue might be?

Thanks

iMac 5.1, Mac OS X (10.6.6), Broken

Posted on Mar 12, 2011 4:47 PM

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Answer 1

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

Mar 12, 2011 6:07 PM in response to Parva0516

That article is seven years out of date. I suggest you replace that file with a clean copy from a fresh install of SL.

As for what's causing your problem, that's impossible to say without much more information. I'd start by running the Apple Hardware Test, if you haven't already done so.

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Answer 2

Parva0516 Author

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Mar 12, 2011 6:18 PM in response to Linc Davis

I just recently installed SL about two weeks ago. This problem has be present in Tiger, Leopard and Snow Leopard, is reinstalling Snow Leopard going to fix this problem? I recently ran AHT and came up with nothing.

My problem is that the graphics on my mac (in a normal boot) freak out (ie weird pixels, lines triangles). This usually ends up in my Mac freezing. My only solution has been to disable Quartz Extreme. So could this problem be fixed by repairing Quartz Extreme some how? or is it a problem with my graphics card?

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Answer 3

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

Mar 12, 2011 6:31 PM in response to Parva0516

If the display corruption happens with a clean installation of 10.6.6, booted in safe mode, then it's hardware, though I have no way of knowing whether it's the graphics adapter or something else. The AHT is a crude tool and misses a lot.

If I were in your place, I'd do some research to find out whether this is a known issue with your model. If so, there's a chance Apple will fix it for free even though you're long out of warranty. Ask in the iMac forum.

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Answer 4

Parva0516 Author

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Mar 12, 2011 6:37 PM in response to Linc Davis

The problem doesn't happen in safe mode (sorry if I wasn't clear). It only happens in a normal boot when quartz extreme is enabled. Could you tell me what Quartz Extreme does that makes my computer freak out?

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Answer 5

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

Mar 12, 2011 7:03 PM in response to Parva0516

It uses more graphics memory and more functions of the GPU. If you can run SL, then OpenGL compositing (i.e. Quartz Extreme) is supported on your hardware. Are you running any third-party kernel extensions? If not, and if you're sure you have a clean installation, then you have a hardware fault.

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Answer 6

Parva0516 Author

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Mar 13, 2011 12:26 PM in response to Linc Davis

I checked to see if I was running any third party kernel extensions and it appears I am not. As for knowing if I have a clean install of SL is there any test to know for sure? I had some issues installing SL, my computer froze several times during the installation because the computer had to reboot which meant that it would start with quartz extreme running so it would freeze. So eventually I did the install while putting the computer into safe mode when it need to reboot.

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Answer 7

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

Mar 13, 2011 2:38 PM in response to Parva0516

If your machine froze during installation, which means it was booted from the DVD at the time, then you certainly have either a hardware fault or a bad installation disc. Take it to an authorized service center for evaluation.

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Answer 8

Apr 12, 2011 4:39 PM in response to Linc Davis

This all makes no sense!

iMovie does not work do to this stupid Quartz required...

Have yet to see anyone give a good answer other than re-booting

This brings back very fond memories of iMovie HD (Quartz NOT Required!)

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Answer 9

Apr 13, 2011 3:17 PM in response to Fred Davenport

Just tried to do a 60th Birthday video from and to send to family and friends for my wife and got the stupid, stupid! Quartz Extreme required again.

This makes absolutely no sense!!!

Hope iMovie '11 does not have as many birthdays as my lovely wife!

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