Q: Mac Pro Tower 2012 Unresponsive (Power Light On, Red LED in tower on)

Found my Mac Pro 2012 tower unresponsive today with the power light on and a red led light on inside the tower. Researched and couldn't find anyone that had had this exact issue (unless I am missing something) and I am also having trouble understanding what the LED light means and how I should proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Posted on Sep 9, 2016 1:11 PM

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Q: Mac Pro Tower 2012 Unresponsive (Power Light On, Red LED in tower on)

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by JimmyCMPIT,Helpful

JimmyCMPIT Sep 12, 2016 9:02 AM in response to forbesrpm
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Mac OS X

Sep 12, 2016 9:02 AM in response to forbesrpm

Remove all external devices and shut down, disconnect all external cables
check your GPU for dust/dirt/creep (where it 'creeps' out of the socket), you can remove this but when undertaking this make sure you are properly grounded at all times and the components are put into static free containers, then clean the interior of the computer with compressed air making sure you do not damage connectors by blasting them point blank.

Replace the GPU and follow the directions to reset the SMC.
Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support
see the yellow highlight
Plug directly into a grounded wall outlet not a power strip or battery backup.
failing that replace the CMOS battery on the logic board, after that leave the unit unplugged for 30 minutes or more.
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by forbesrpm,

forbesrpm Sep 12, 2016 9:05 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT
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Sep 12, 2016 9:05 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

Thanks for the reply, I followed the first couple of steps and the red light no longer is on. Though when I connect to a monitor and keyboard and turn the computer on I am getting a flashing folder with a question mark and then it turns off after about a minute. I am also unable to access "recovery mode"

Just to clarify, I need to replace my GPU entirely? Like purchase a new one and install the hardware? I feel like that might be above my abilities if that is the case.

Again, I really appreciate the advice.
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by lllaass,

lllaass Sep 12, 2016 9:21 AM in response to forbesrpm
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Sep 12, 2016 9:21 AM in response to forbesrpm

A "GPU" is a PCIe card that is easy to replace.
Tp replace see this video:
https://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macpro_2010_pci/
To help select a replacement card see:
User Tip: Mac Pro silver tower (2006-2012) Replacement Graphics cards
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by forbesrpm,

forbesrpm Sep 12, 2016 9:52 AM in response to lllaass
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Sep 12, 2016 9:52 AM in response to lllaass

So, currently, there aren't any PCIe cards in the slots that are demonstrated for installation in the video. With that in mind, would installing a replacement graphics card still be the thing to do?

This is sort of what I am looking at. And again with the computer able to turn on but with a flashing folder question mark icon, and I am unable to access "recovery mode"
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by lllaass,

lllaass Sep 12, 2016 9:59 AM in response to forbesrpm
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Sep 12, 2016 9:59 AM in response to forbesrpm

Do you have another Mac?
Before replace the graphics card I would make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar
https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/
If you had an older Mac Pro like a 2006-2008 then a bad graphics card would be more suspected.
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by forbesrpm,

forbesrpm Sep 12, 2016 10:05 AM in response to lllaass
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Sep 12, 2016 10:05 AM in response to lllaass

Thanks for the advice, unfortunately I don't live in a city with a genius bar.

I will make an appointment with our local Apple repair shop though.
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Q: Mac Pro Tower 2012 Unresponsive (Power Light On, Red LED in tower on)

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by JimmyCMPIT,★Helpful

by forbesrpm,

by lllaass,

by forbesrpm,

by lllaass,

by forbesrpm,

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by JimmyCMPIT,Helpful