Mac Pro 5,1 Firmware Update issues

I'm trying to update to High Sierra on my Mac Pro 5,1 (2010, 6 core).

The updater says that a firmware upgrade is required. I've followed the instructions to install it and it appears to install but when I try to run the High Sierra installer again I get the same message about the firmware upgrade being required...

Has anyone else seen this?

I've tried removing all the PCI cards (other than the video card) and all additional drives but I still have the same problem...

Posted on Sep 27, 2017 5:21 AM

Top-ranking reply

Pieter Sipkes

Level 1

20 points

Posted on Dec 20, 2017 12:30 AM

I had the same issue and with help from Apple Support over the phone I managed to get the firmware updated as well as the update to High Sierra. I have a mid 2010 MacPro with the highest possible specs as well as an Nvidia GX780 3GB video card. Here is what I did:

1. make sure that the sound output is directed to the internal speaker and not muted, so you hear the boot chime.

2. when prompted for the firmware update, switch of the MacPro as instructed

3. switch on by pressing and holding the power button until the white led starts flashing and you hear the boot chime

This did the trick. The firmware update took about 3 minutes and I did not see a progress bar or anything, just a black screen. Also both my optical drive drawers opened and closed during the procedure. Worked like a charm.

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18 replies

Dec 12, 2017 2:19 PM in response to Adrian Smith2

I have the same problem, maybe bigger. I don't have the original graphics card anymore. Is there a way to do it with the new graphics card? My graphics card is an AMD Radeon HD 7xxx

Jan 4, 2018 8:24 AM in response to Adrian Smith2

I'll do the same.Solved.Firmware update with the original Apple video-card.

Thank You very much!

Max

Oct 26, 2017 5:15 AM in response to acoop2

Restore back to sierra. HS not ready for prime time - pretty sure they didn't do much testing on our old machines.

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Mac Pro 5,1 Firmware Update issues