Mac Pro Mid 2010 not powering up.

[steveraff]

Hi,

I've used this machine to run my recording studio for about 10 years. It has been running stable with El Capitan for a few years now, with no changes to hardware etc.

A similar issue happened about 5 years ago. It would boot up just fine, but would unexpectedly suddenly turn off at random times. I had to endure many trips over many weeks to the "genius bar" to no avail, until it was eventually sent over to London, where it was repaired and sent back to me within 48 hrs. They said they didn't understand why there was a problem repairing it, as it was a simple power supply issue.

Recently, while working on a project, it suddenly turned off again. Again, it would always power on just fine, but at random times would suddenly power off. Off I went yet again to the Genius bar, an hours drive away. Here, it decided to no longer even turn on any more. They tried numerous things. The most we got was the little red light behind the front grill to momentarily come on.

They opened the side panel and had a look at the RAM, the GPU, checked for dust build up etc - but said that visually everything looked fine. They were able to show me where the power supply module is located, and it had a cellophane sticker on it, highlighting it was a replaced part. They then explained that this model is now so old, they can't offer me any repairs. They just sent me on my way and wished me luck trying to repair it myself.

Considering the similarity in behaviour, and the fact that I can't even turn it on anymore - I was thinking that my first port of call might be to try to locate and buy a replacement part, the same part that was replaced the last time this happened.

Can people please point me in the right direction to research this? For example, what is the correct terminology or name of this power module I am considering replacing again? Also, are there any other well known causes for this happening with this model of Mac Pro?

Sorry for the limited info and my limited knowledge - I'm here for the help. Cheers,
Steve.

 

[pigoo3]

They were able to show me where the power supply module is located, and it had a cellophane sticker on it, highlighting it was a replaced part. They then explained that this model is now so old, they can't offer me any repairs. They just sent me on my way and wished me luck trying to repair it myself.

Suddenly shutting off like this sounds very likely a power supply issue (especially on a 12 year old computer).

Sounds like when you took the Mac Pro to the "Genius Bar"...they did not do any repairs. Which is exactly Apple's policy...since anything older than 7 years is considered "obsolete" (to Apple...not to us of course).

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

Learn about your options for getting service and parts for Apple devices that are past their warranty period.

support.apple.com

Not exactly sure what you meant about the power supply having a cellophane sticker on it...indicating it was a replaced part.

But if you've had this Mac Pro for 10 years...and the power supply was never replaced in that time...then the power supply that's in the Mac Pro now is at least 10 years old...and possibly worn out...leading to the sudden shutting off.

HTH,

Nick

 

[rman]

with a little effort you can change the power supply yourself. i found one at Mac parts depot. i forgot which site had the replacement video i used to replace mine.

 

[Rod]

If you want to have a shot at it yourself iFixit has always been a good source of info and instructions. I did a search and got this page, MacBook Pro 15" Logic Board's Power Input Circuit Repai
You might like to go Home and search again. They do list parts and tools required.

 

[pigoo3]

OP's computer is a 2010 Mac Pro Desktop.

Here's the ifixit procedure to replace the power supply on 2006-2008 Mac Pro's (2010 Mac Pro very similar):

Mac Pro First Generation Power Supply Unit Replacement

Accessing and removing the power supply unit is relatively straightforward, and will require a 2mm Hex screwdriver.

www.ifixit.com

Nick

 

[Rod]

Aha, thanks Nick, somehow got the idea it was a laptop. Anyhow, a desktop is probably more accessible so that's a good thing.

 

[steveraff]

OK. Since last posted, I bought a tested as working PSU. I followed a very detailed guide on how to replace it.

It's still not powering up. Nothing. It's just completely dead. I tried swapping out the RAM cards one by one to eliminate any issues there. I also tried replacing the fuse in the plug just incase. Still nothing.

Now I have absolutely zero idea what to do.

Any other suggestions?

 

[steveraff]

oh, also, any time I swap the PSU and first plug it in, before I even touch the power button, I am getting a single red LED flash on the logic board. It's labelled "OVTMP CPUB".

EDIT: I removed the Hard Drive from BAY1. It's actually 2 lights that flash red once when plugged in. OVTMP CPUB and OVTMP CPUA

Not sure if thats any help.

 

[steveraff]

Ok, sorry for spamming - from my research I guess those CPU leds are normal while plugging it in.

I'm tempted to just replace it with another machine entirely. I'm seeing similar models being sold refurbished for 200 - 300 bucks. I've already spent 70 on replacing the PSU - not sure how much more money I want to fire at it. Can I use my two 1TB Hard Drives on another machine? I mean, can I access the stuff saved on them in another machine?

 

[Horsa]

Forgive me if this sounds like a daft idea, but sometimes these things do fall into the "can't see the wood for the trees" territory.

If you've correctly installed a reliable, working PSU and you're getting zilch when you switch on, is it possible that a fault has developed in the front panel on/off switch?

 

[steveraff]

Forgive me if this sounds like a daft idea, but sometimes these things do fall into the "can't see the wood for the trees" territory.

If you've correctly installed a reliable, working PSU and you're getting zilch when you switch on, is it possible that a fault has developed in the front panel on/off switch?

It's just that this issue started with intermittent power. I mean, sometimes it would stay on for an hour, sometimes 10 mins, and then eventually not at all. I swapped the PSU out and its still dead. I can only presume the fault lies in another piece of hardware. I am just not sure if its economically viable to replace more hardware upon guesswork, or just invest in a second-hand similar model.

 

[Horsa]

I hear you, but... if the on/off switch itself (a small spare part) were getting flaky, it seems to me it might very well cause intermittent operation for a while - triggering shutdown events when it shouldn't, etc., - and then failing altogether. As you say, "I swapped the PSU out and it's still dead." To me, this suggests that the new (presumably healthy) PSU is not getting the necessary contact/signal to fire up, and that would make me suspect the switch itself.

More thoughts here:

SOLVED: Mac Pro Won't turn on - Mac Pro 2009-2012

@fachill check a few things that Apple recommended: No Power/Dead Unit Unlikely cause: Optical drive(s), hard drive(s), fans, memory, processors, PCIe cards, speaker, AirPort card, Bluetooth card Quick Check No Power/Dead Unit Reseat all DIMMs. Refer to Memory Diagnostic LEDs. No power Verify...

www.ifixit.com

 

[pigoo3]

If you've correctly installed a reliable, working PSU and you're getting zilch when you switch on, is it possible that a fault has developed in the front panel on/off switch?

Great suggestion...definitely something to explore. Would be terrible after what's been tried so far (but at the same time great)...if it was something so simple.

OP did mention in post #1 that one of the issues was the computer would randomly shut off during use (already powered up). But when starting "cold"...front power button could be something to explore.

Nick

 

[pigoo3]

I'm tempted to just replace it with another machine entirely. I'm seeing similar models being sold refurbished for 200 - 300 bucks. I've already spent 70 on replacing the PSU - not sure how much more money I want to fire at it.

This is definitely something to consider. I have 5 Mac Pro's (various models)...and I've been down this road with PSU issues.

Used PSU's are pretty pricey relative to what the total current value is of a complete 100% working unit sells for. The $70 you paid for the used PSU sounds about right...that's around what I've paid for a couple.

As I type this...I'm currently using a 2012 Mac Pro. Specs are:

* 12-Cores (2 x 2.66Ghz 6-core CPU's)
* 32 GB RAM
* 4 hard drives
* Radeon 5770 GPU (1GB VRAM)

I purchased this Mac Pro used via my local Craig's List for just $150.

It was fine as purchased...but I upgraded it with:

* An SSD for the main/boot drive.
* Installed a newer graphics card (Radeon RX 570) that supports "Metal"...and has 4x the amount of VRAM (4GB)....for about $80 (via eBay).

This Radeon RX 570 is on the official Apple list of aftermarket "Metal" graphics cards listed as compatible with macOS Mojave...and compatible with some of the important apps for graphics professionals (Final Cut Pro, Motion 5, and Compressor 4):

Graphics card compatibility for Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Compressor - Apple Support

Learn which built-in and aftermarket graphics cards work with Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Compressor on Mac.

support.apple.com

I got this 2012 Mac Pro for just $150 (awesome price)...probably cost more on eBay.

Can I use my two 1TB Hard Drives on another machine? I mean, can I access the stuff saved on them in another machine?

Very likely...especially if the "another machine" is another Mac Pro (assuming that the macOS installed on the HD's is compatible with the "another machine).

Nick

 

[pigoo3]

If considering purchasing another Mac Pro...be very very very careful how much you pay for it. If you must have an older Mac Pro (2010-2012)...for legacy software reasons...then of course get one of these.

But if you're not limited by legacy software...used 2020 M1 Mac-Mini's can be had via eBay for around $450-$500. A 2020 M1 Mac-Mini will blow the doors off of any 2010-2012 Mac Pro.

Nick