User profile for user: Neil Paisnel
Neil Paisnel Author
User level: Level 1
51 points

Graphics card metal support bar "error" -- Mojave installation

Just been trying to do a clean install of Mojave on a 5,1.

It already has Mojave installed, I just want to to a bare bones install to trouble shoot another issue.


When I start the installer I get an error message about the metal support

the graphics card is full bolted down at the rear of the machine at the PCI card slot output, and as far as I can tell the little flip/flop support bar is moving back and forwards correctly.


I have not taken the mainboard out yet to check behind the board..but guessing that there is a micro switch and some some of hardware to detect this metal support bar..


Why the heck that should be relevant to the installation of the OS I have no idea..


But before I rip the computer totally apart to check behind the board, does this metal support bar have some hardware detection that could have failed?

Mac Pro, macOS 10.14

Posted on Jan 24, 2021 1:01 AM

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User profile for user: Eau Rouge
Eau Rouge
User level: Level 8
42,626 points

Posted on Jan 24, 2021 2:25 AM

Metal support is not a physical thing like some sort of bracing for the card. 'Metal' API is

the firmware/ software installed on the graphics card which provides graphics acceleration so image,

games etc transition smoothly.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_(API)

If you already have Mojave installed, click on top left of your screen About This Mac and click on System Report

go to Hardware > Graphics/ Display look down the list and see if your graphics card has 'Metal' support.

This is from mine.


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User profile for user: Eau Rouge
Eau Rouge
User level: Level 8
42,626 points

Jan 24, 2021 2:25 AM in response to Neil Paisnel

Metal support is not a physical thing like some sort of bracing for the card. 'Metal' API is

the firmware/ software installed on the graphics card which provides graphics acceleration so image,

games etc transition smoothly.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_(API)

If you already have Mojave installed, click on top left of your screen About This Mac and click on System Report

go to Hardware > Graphics/ Display look down the list and see if your graphics card has 'Metal' support.

This is from mine.


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User profile for user: Neil Paisnel
Neil Paisnel Author
User level: Level 1
51 points

Jan 24, 2021 4:37 AM in response to Eau Rouge

DVD fully viewable on the desktop...Just won't boot from it ..it is the OEM disk that came when i bought the original 3,1 machine the upgraded to Snow Leopard too.



I see you have an NVIDIA card too..What have you done about the CUDA update issue ..in that it keeps asking ou about the update..but there is no update available?


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User profile for user: Neil Paisnel
Neil Paisnel Author
User level: Level 1
51 points

Jan 24, 2021 2:44 AM in response to Eau Rouge

Ah Thanks

Just saved me a load of work looking for a stuck microswitch !


Did waste 3-4 hours yesterday though thanks to Apple and their dreadful use of the English Language!

The phrase ‘metal support’ instantly makes you think of a physical device.... i won’t type what I actually think of them right now or my post will be deleted !


Yes, Mojave installed, and ‘Supported’ is there next to the Graphics card.


NVIDIA GeForceGTX780 3Gb

Runs fine with no CUDA driver installed. CUDA keeps popping up saying needs an update... but then says already updated. That seems to be well documented now I look up a fix for that.


Thought I’d try a DVD install off an old Snow Leopard DVD... but it wont boot from DVD... either using ‘C’ or Alt key.

tried at least 5 DVD’s now.

So either Apple have disabled DVD boot, when earlier 10.12 Update did a firmware upgrade or DVD drive shot.


Wanted to go back to El Cap to use iPhoto as screen saver source again.

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User profile for user: Eau Rouge
Eau Rouge
User level: Level 8
42,626 points

Jan 24, 2021 3:24 AM in response to Neil Paisnel

Do you know if the DVD drive on your MacPro works.


If booting to a DVD like Snow Leopard keyboard must be plugged in directly to the mac not through any USB hub.

Put disk in DVD drive, make sure it shows on the Desktop.

Restart the mac while pressing and holding down the C key.

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User profile for user: Eau Rouge
Eau Rouge
User level: Level 8
42,626 points

Jan 24, 2021 4:47 AM in response to Neil Paisnel

You cannot use the original OEM grey disks that came with your Mac Pro 3.1 to

install on another mac of any kind, the grey install disks are machine specific.

They will only ever install on a Mac Pro 3.1. And the OS they would install

would be Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger. I have a Mac Pro 3.1.

The MacPro 5.1 should have came with its own grey install disks that would

probably install Mac OS X Leopard or Mac OS X Snow Leopard depending on

which year your Mac Pro 5.1 is.


I do not get repeated requests to update the Cuda drivers, Apple and

Nvidia are still in a strop with each other, Nvidia can provide updates

but Apple refuse to sign them so they can be installed.

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Graphics card metal support bar "error" -- Mojave installation

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