Mac Pro locking up displaying grid of squares

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I have a …
  • MacPro3,1
  • Dual-Quad-Core Intel Xeon
  • 2.8 GHz
  • ATI Radeon HD 2600
  • Running 10.5.8

…and it's started locking up and displaying a grid of squares.
7160ca127bed4a90983b6396cff95d42_7.jpg

8b1fe3998263808597e7397da426e1ae.jpg


Strangely it occurs each morning, usually when I'm trying to login. It's taking more and more reboots to get into the machine so I'm worried it's getting close to becoming permanent. It can occur right at the first sign of life, before the OS has really kicked in.

Is it a safe assumption that it's the graphics card dying? and a replacement card will fix it? If so… what would you recommend?

Thanks for any help!
 

chscag

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Is it a safe assumption that it's the graphics card dying? and a replacement card will fix it? If so… what would you recommend?

It does look like the graphics card is dying. As to a replacement, one of our more Mac Pro informed users can probably recommend several. In the meantime, this is what I came up with using Google: LINK
 
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Use a nVidia GeForce 8800GT since new and never had a problem with it. Never heard of one failing either. Take what you read over the 'net with a grain of salt.
 
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Use a nVidia GeForce 8800GT since new and never had a problem with it. Never heard of one failing either. Take what you read over the 'net with a grain of salt.

…but I read that ^ on the net :Confused:

;D Cool, I'll look at getting the 8800GT.

I've read that changing the PCI-E slot can fix it… so I'm going to test that out after work today.
 
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Do not try that you need to use slot 1 the double slot is particularly for the graphics card. Also slot 1 has the locking tab which clicks into the bottom of the card.

Have run additional cards in other slots however they perform at 50% unless you go to the trouble of adjusting the bandwith in Core Services.
 
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Do not try that you need to use slot 1 the double slot is particularly for the graphics card. Also slot 1 has the locking tab which clicks into the bottom of the card.

Have run additional cards in other slots however they perform at 50% unless you go to the trouble of adjusting the bandwith in Core Services.

Thanks Harry! I didn't get a chance to do it yet, so you saved me some pain. It hasn't had the issue for 2 days now so I'm back to the wishful thinking stage. If it happens again I'll get an 8800GT.
 
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Could it be the fan unit on the card failing? They are replaceable.
 
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Open the Mac Pro up, remove the card and the cable, connect with a new cable and then re-seat the card and see if there is any joy. The cables do get brittle over time from heat etc.
 

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