Apple mac pro early 2009 User Manual

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — No Video 51 2010-09-27
6. Boot from known good and 
compatible Mac OS X. Verify 
video quality observed is OK.
YesVideo quality observed is OK. 
Problem isolated to software. 
Clean install the customer 
hard drive with known good 
compatible Mac OS X, i.e. use 
the media supplied with the 
computer.
NoMove the video card into 
PCIe slot #2 to determine if 
backplane board PCIe slot #1 
is defective. Retest. 
If video quality OK in PCIe slot 
#2, replace backplane board.  
If still poor quality in PCIe slot 
#2, replace video card.
M04
7. For testing, 8-core computers 
require only one processor 
installed in socket A. For 8-core 
and quad-core computers, 
reseat processor in socket A. 
Verify video observed.
YesGo to step 2.
NoGo to step 8.
8.  If 8-core computer, swap 
removed processor with 
processor currently in socket 
A and retest. Verify video is 
observed.
YesReplace defective processor.M03
NoReplace processor board.M03  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Power, but No Boot 52 2010-09-27
Power, but No Boot
Unlikely cause:  Enclosure, processor board, processors, front panel board, fans, power supply
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Power, but No Boot
• Power, fans, hard drive spin, 
startup chime
• Power LED is on, Caps Lock LED 
illuminates when pressed 
• Video observed (if no video, go 
to No Video)
• No boot
1. Reseat all DIMMs. Refer to Memory Diagnostic 
LEDs. 
2.  Reset SMC.
3. Reset RTC.
4.  Reset PRAM
5. After power ON, verify front panel power/sleep 
LED illuminated, and not flashing any error 
sequences indicating a memory failure.
6.  Attempt to startup from original install media, or 
known good boot device with compatible Mac 
OS X.
7. Verify internal hard drive available, smart status, 
check structure and privileges using Disk utility.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1.  Reset SMC. Verify the computer 
boots from the internal hard 
drive
YesCorrupt SMC State preventing 
successful power ON and 
startup.
NoGo to step 2
2.  Remove the customer DIMMs 
and install a single known 
good compatible DIMM 
in socket #1. Start up the 
computer with Option key 
pressed using a known good 
keyboard. Verify the Startup 
Manager appears.
YesComputer boots to Finder 
with known good DIMM. Add  
another known good DIMM 
in socket #2 and retest. If 
succeeds starting, isolate and 
replace affected customer 
DIMMs. Ensure the DIMMs 
installed correctly following 
the recommended DIMM 
arrangement (see Memory 
Configuration) or crashing 
problems will arise.
X02
NoGo to step 3  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Noise/Hum/Vibration 53 2010-09-27
3. Disconnect all internal optical 
and hard drives. Verify the 
flashing Folder? appears after 
approximately 30 seconds.
YesComputer unable to 
boot with internal drives 
connected. Isolate drives 
Go to Hard Drive Not 
Recognized/Mounting 
and Optical Drive Not 
Recognized/Mounting.
NoGo to Minimum 
Configuration Testing
Noise/Hum/Vibration
Unlikely cause:  Power supply, memory, processors, processor board, backplane board, PCIe 
cards, AirPort card, Bluetooth card
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Noise/Hum/Vibration
• Buzzing
• Rattling
• Ticking
• Squeaking
1. Ensure the computer enclosure is undamaged; all 
enclosure parts are in good condition not loose 
or excessively worn. No foreign objects inside.
2.  Verify the computer is sitting on a sturdy flat 
surface. 
3. Verify all the air intake/outflow fans and vents are 
not obstructed.
4.  Various normal fan acceptable noises may be 
heard in a quiet location.
5. Various normal hard drive and optical drive 
operational acceptable noises may be heard in a 
quiet location.
6.  Reset the SMC. Verify all applicable SMC, EFI and 
Software Updates have been applied.
7. Play sound sample at loud and soft volume levels 
to determine if noise is caused by the speaker or 
the amplifier circuit. For more information, go to 
Distorted Audio from Internal Speaker.
8.  Some software processes running on the 
computer may cause the fans RPM to increase 
allowing the computer to remain within normal 
operating temperature range. Quitting computer 
intensive processes should allow the fans to slow 
after a brief period.  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Noise/Hum/Vibration 54 2010-09-27
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Disconnect the speaker from 
backplane board. Power 
computer ON and verify noise 
disappears.
YesAudio issue with speaker or 
amplifier. Go to Distorted 
Audio from Internal Speaker
NoGo to step 2
2.  Verify temperature sensors and 
fans are securely connected 
to their respective locations. 
See Sensor and Fan Location 
Overview
YesGo to step 4
NoDisconnect/reconnect 
temperature sensors and Fans 
and retest.
3. Determine if noise issue 
sounds like computer fans 
are running abnormally fast.  
Note: Ensure the computer did 
not have the power button 
pressed when adding the AC 
power cord. 
YesReplace related temperature 
sensor or fan.
P04
NoGo to step 4
4.  Remove fan(s) and inspect 
blades for damage or 
obstructions.
YesReplace affected fan(s)P04
NoGo to step 5
5. Remove related fan(s) and 
rotate blades. Verify that fan 
blades spin smoothly without 
interference from fan housing.
YesGo to step 6
NoReplace affected fan(s)P04
6.  Reinstall fan while carefully 
ensuring that there are no 
cables routed under or near 
fan assembly that might 
cause interference with the 
fan blades. After reassembling 
display, verify that the noise 
issue is resolved.
YesNoise issue resolved
NoReplace affected fan assembly. 
Retest  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Burnt Smell/Odor 55 2010-09-27
Burnt Smell/Odor
Unlikely cause:  Enclosure
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Burnt Smell/Odor
Computer emits an odor or smell 
of smoke.
1. Disconnect the power cord from the computer.
2.  Identify the source of the odor. 
3. Some odors may be present when operating 
normally. Refer to http://support.apple.com/kb/
TA22044?viewlocale=en_US
4.  Some visual clues may include brown marks on 
PCB’s, and component damage i.e. transistors, IC’s, 
inductors, capacitors, resistors etc. 
5. When certain components fail because of 
overheating the smell or odor clues may not be 
evident after the time of the incident.   
6.  Some components may not be easily accessible 
for visual identification of possible failure.
Important: Components may emit a brief non-
continuous smoke or odor when the failure occurs. 
This does not typically suggest a safety issue. 
However, a thorough inspection should be made. 
During inspection, if you feel there may a safety issue 
with the computer, please notify Apple through the 
appropriate escalation route.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Verify source of the odor i.e. 
foreign contaminant such as 
fluid ingress, dust, hair, etc
YesCleanup foreign contaminant, 
replace any affected modules. 
Foreign contaminants are not 
covered by Apple warranties
P08
NoGo to step 2
2.  Inspect PCB’s and components 
for indications of a thermal 
event
YesReplace any affected modulesP08
NoGo to step 3  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Uncategorized Symptom 56 2010-09-27
3. Verify computer is functioning 
correctly
YesSome odors may be 
present when operating 
normally. Refer to http://
support.apple.com/kb/
TA22044?viewlocale=en_US
NoPlease refer to best related 
troubleshooting section. 
Uncategorized Symptom
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Uncategorized Symptom
Unable to locate appropriate 
symptom code
Verify whether existing symptom code applies to the 
issue reported by the user. If not, document reported 
symptom and send feedback to smfeedback@apple.
com stating that a suitable symptom code could not 
be found.  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Ethernet Port/Device Issue 57 2010-09-27
Communications
Follow the steps in the order indicated below. If an action resolves the issue, retest the 
computer to verify. If the issue persists after retesting, return to step 1.
Ethernet Port/Device Issue
Unlikely cause: power supply, fans, speaker, optical drives, hard drives, processor board, front 
panel board, memory
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Ethernet Port/Device Issue
• One or both Ethernet ports 
may not function
• No Ethernet device present
• Unable to access network 
resources
• Ethernet device shows no 
connection
• Ethernet device unable to get 
an IP address
• Slow network performance
1. Check the network cable for damage, try a 
known good Ethernet cable – CAT5 or better 
recommended for 100Mbps+ connections.
2.  Check both Ethernet ports on Mac and wall/
switch for dust, debris, damage or bent pins. 
3. Ensure distance from networking infrastructure is 
less than 300 feet / 105 meters. 
4.  Verify both Ethernet ports, cable and network 
hardware with a known good computer. Isolate 
firewall, MAC address filtering or hardware access 
control devices.
5. Check system logs. Isolate OS by starting up from 
original install media (10.5.x) or compatible known 
good OS.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Visually inspect Ethernet 
connector to ensure all pins 
will make physical contact with 
Cat5 network cable.
YesEthernet interface contacts 
are good to go. Go to step 2.
NoPins are damaged or bent flat, 
replace backplane board. 
M10  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Ethernet Port/Device Issue 58 2010-09-27
2. Isolate OS by booting from 
original install media. Verify 
Network Link status active by 
using Network Utility on install 
DVD.   If the ethernet interface 
(en0 or en1) Link Status is 
inactive, recheck physical 
connect and link activity 
indicator on hub/switch.
YesEthernet interface (en0 or 
en1) Link Status is active, go 
to step 3.
NoIf connection is ok on known 
good computer, replace 
backplane board. 
M10
3. Verify if IP address is listed 
for the ethernet interface in 
System Preferences: Network. 
Connect computer to network 
with known good DHCP IP 
allocation, ensuring static 
DHCP maps or filtering is not 
preventing address allocation.  
Note: DHCP allocation may not 
be instantaneous depending 
on network. Retest.
Yesgo to step 4
NoIf connection is OK on known 
good computer, replace 
backplane board.
M10
4.  Verify connection by using 
Network Utility to ping another 
connected computer on the 
same subnet.   Ensure the 
target computer’s IP address is 
valid, on the same subnet and 
powered on. Ensure no MAC 
address filtering or hardware 
access control devices are 
present. Use a simple Hub/
Switch environment.
YesGo to step 5
NoIf the symptoms do not 
change, replace the 
backplane board.
M10
5. Verify ethernet performance 
and reliability by booting from 
a known good OS install, and 
downloading a large file from a 
web site or file server. 
YesIf there is no performance or 
connectivity issue isolated 
solely to the computer under 
test, the problem may be the 
network environment. No 
repair is necessary. 
NoIf there are connection 
dropouts or poor 
performance not seen on a 
known good test computer, 
replace the backplane board.
M10  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — AirPort/Bluetooth: Defective Wireless Devices 59 2010-09-27
AirPort/Bluetooth: Defective Wireless Devices
Unlikely cause: power supply, fans, speaker, optical drives, hard drives, processor board, front 
panel board
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
AirPort or Bluetooth:  Defective 
Wireless Devices
• Unable to join networks or pair 
devices
• Card not available or 
recognized
• Intermittent device or 
connection dropouts
1. Open System Preferences and make sure AirPort 
or Bluetooth is turned on and (for AirPort) that a 
network is selected.
2.  Check that base station is not using unsupported 
connection and encryption protocols.
3. Check for nearby interference sources such as 
microwave ovens or cordless phones (http://
support.apple.com/kb/HT1365)
4.  Check the number of users trying to use AirPort in 
the area for possible network congestion.
5. Isolate OS by booting from original install 
media (10.5.x).  Attempt to connect to base 
station (AirPort) or pair with wireless keyboard 
(Bluetooth).
6.  Reset PRAM.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Open System Profiler, check to 
see if AirPort or Bluetooth is 
recognized.  Ensure software 
updates for AirPort/Bluetooth 
Software and Firmware have 
been applied.
Yes(AirPort) Ensure MAC address 
filtering is not enabled on the 
Base Station 
 
(Bluetooth) Ensure 
target devices are set to 
discoverable.
NoIf card is not detected or 
software updates do not 
resolve issue, go to step 2.  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — AirPort/Bluetooth: Defective Wireless Devices 60 2010-09-27
2. Reseat the AirPort card and 
Bluetooth module on the 
backplane board.
YesLoose backplane board 
connection. Verify operation 
of AirPort card by connecting 
to a wireless network and 
downloading a large file from 
a website or file server.
N04
NoAirPort issue, go to 3,  
Bluetooth issues go to 5.
3. (AirPort) Verify the Antenna 
connections to the AirPort 
card are not reversed, loose, 
damaged or incorrectly 
attached to Bluetooth antenna.  
 
Reseat antenna connections.
YesLoose connections or crossed 
antenna
N04
NoIf the connectors are secure, 
antenna connections not 
reversed and shown no signs 
of damage or wear, go to 
step 4
4.  (AirPort) Try a known good 
AirPort card compatible with 
product
YesReplace AirPort cardN12
NoReplace backplane board.M11
5. (Bluetooth) Re-enable BT. 
Reseat the Antenna connection 
to the Bluetooth module. Verify 
the antenna connection is not 
loose, damaged or incorrectly 
attached to AirPort Antenna.
YesLoose connection or  crossed 
antenna
N04
NoIf the connectors are secure, 
antenna connections not 
reversed and shown no signs 
of damage or wear, go to step 
6.
6.  (Bluetooth) Try a known good 
Bluetooth module compatible 
with product.
YesReplace Bluetooth moduleN12
NoUse known good Bluetooth 
module. Go to step 7.
7. (Bluetooth) Try a known good 
Bluetooth antenna board.
YesReplace Bluetooth antenna 
board.
N14
NoReplace backplane board.M11