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)
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.
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
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! 🙂
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)
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
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
what causes a black screen?
