⟐ Answer edited February 24, 2026 at 6:18 MST

I managed to buy a 2009 Mac Pro 4,1 that was flashed to 5,1. It has a 6-core single CPU Xeon X5690. It will be a nice project computer for multiple use.

I was looking at Apple's archived topic regards which graphics card to use enabling metal support on Mojave.

I found a Sapphire 7590, a Quadro K5000, and an RX 580 too. For the start I only want a graphics card in the machine so I can boot it and began use it for basics.

I also found it hard to buy the pcie power cable. I know that it needs an 8 pin to double 6 pin cable as there are two 6 pin connectors on the mobo and the 8 pin that would go into the card.

My question would be towards the community is what place or website would you recommend to order the cable from?

Thank you for all your help and kindness!

⟐ Commented September 20, 2025 at 9:34 MST

⟐ Commented September 16, 2025 at 12:01 MST

But may have reached my technical limits. Any insights?

⟐ Answered September 08, 2025 at 10:02 MST

I want to upgrade the WI-FI on My Mac Pro 4,1>>5,1

There’s a free PCIe slot if needed,

I would prefer if it was PCIe with external antennas.

Thanks!!! :-)

@hellomacos

⟐ Answered July 20, 2025 at 22:56 MST

⟐ Answered June 17, 2025 at 16:13 MST

I want to do this upgrade a little bit at a time, since the parts are kind of expensive. My single processor is a 6-core 3.33. If I start by replacing my processor tray with a dual tray, can I run the dual tray with only one CPU installed? For as long as it takes me to find/save up for the smaller dual heat sinks and a second matching 6-core CPU?

⟐ Answered December 07, 2024 at 0:34 MST

change smc chip from 4,1 to a 5,1

Mac Pro mid 2010s running Snow Leopard (and Lion) worked fine for years but shut down suddenly about a week ago. Since then will not stay on for more than a few minutes and sometimes will not turn on at all.

Sometimes there is a single red flash from inside the machine when power button is pressed. At those times the machine doesn't turn on at all.

What I have tried:

I started in Recovery mode and did First Aid but it didn't report any problems.

I tried pressing D while starting up (after removing all peripherals except monitor keyboard and mouse) but the Apple Hardware Test didn't come on.

Our local repair shop has a policy of not working on such an old operating system.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Michele

⟐ Answer edited May 01, 2024 at 18:01 MST

⟐ Answer edited February 03, 2024 at 7:43 MST

⟐ Answer accepted November 10, 2023 at 5:12 MST

⟐ Commented November 02, 2023 at 0:50 MST

I updated my cMP 5.1 to BCM943602CDP (BT 4.2) but I don't have extension cable for BT antenna so I used different one (from ASUS Vivo PC - please see attached picture). Now I can see that I have BT 4.2 in System Preferences but can't connect any devices unless there are few inches from Mac. But If I take out the side panel the connections is better (the antenna is located on the top of the front CPU 120mm fan).

Q1: Is this just antenna issue ? So I need the extension cable and everything will be OK ? (original bluetooth antenna is located at the end of the Mac but it's look like is attached to the case)

Q2: Is there any differences between BT antenna extension cable and Wi-Fi antenna extension cable ?

Thank you very much for any ideas :)

⟐ Commented October 26, 2023 at 11:15 MST

After I install the Catalina patch it takes me to download the OS but it doesn't let me download it. Is there something else I can do?

I have High Sierra installed and I believe my video card supports it (I bought one with metal support)).

SO, I don't know if I should go first to Mojave and then go to Catalina or...? Thanks for the help/

⟐ Commented September 28, 2023 at 10:15 MST

I'm really keen to give my Mac Pro (Mid 2012) a second life as a Plex server. The problem is, last time I was tinkering with it (2 years ago), I loaded Ubuntu on it and messed up the bootloader while trying to configure dual boot with rEFInd.

This would all be fine, but I additionally forgot the password to the Ubuntu user. This means that I am unable to repair the bootloader, which would allow me to load a new OS onto the computer, along with a known admin password.

I'm wondering if my GPU also has issue as only the MiniDisplay Ports work, and not the DVI, which could lead to issues displaying the bootloader screen upon startup.

I've tried NVRAM reset (chimes ones, black screen). I've tried holding Option when I boot (still black screen). I've reseated the RAM. It's just a strange problem. I figured I could just load a new OS on, but the only thing I get is the Ubuntu splash screen and then Ubuntu's desktop (I set it to automatically log into the user, but I have no sudo access).

⟐ Commented September 22, 2023 at 20:54 MST

1. My first attempt was to plug a SATA power extension into the SATA power connector for disk sled 4. That didn't work. I think that connector isn't active unless a disk is on the sled. I can see a pressure switch for that purpose.
2. My second guess was to connect into the second optical disk SATA power, but I would need to drill into the optical disk sled to pass the wires through.

Does anyone know a better place to connect to SATA power?

⟐ Commented September 16, 2023 at 6:05 MST

⟐ Answered August 23, 2023 at 14:17 MST

⟐ Commented August 14, 2023 at 10:56 MST