Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP !
by Bob Zelin
on
Aug 21, 2008 at 10:42:29 pm
I had no idea. How would you find out if the NVidia GEForce 8800 card is not a Quartz Extreme graphics card? After suffering thru this, (and getting the error message that I could not run FCP because I did not have a supported Quartz Extreme graphics card in the error message upon launch), I went to "About this MAC, more info, clicked on Graphics cards, and sure enough, for the NVidia GEForce 8800, it said next to "Quartz Extreme" - NOT SUPPORTED.
So I had to shove in an ATI HD Radeon 2600, which is usually the default card anyway (this ATI card had a failure with "lines" in it, so the NVidia 8800 was the only card in stock at the Apple store).
WHO KNEW. Before posting this, I did a search on the Apple site under Final Cut Studio, and tech specs, and see nothing that says "don't use the Nvidia GEForce 8800". It just says "Final Cut Studio is not compatible with integrated Intel graphics processors. "
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Lee Berger on Aug 22, 2008 at 1:39:29 am
Bob,
Is this the same card that the apple store sells as an option when configuring a Mac Pro? It's listed as NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB (Two dual-link DVI). I just ordered a Mac Pro from Mac Mall with that very card.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Bob Zelin on Aug 22, 2008 at 2:01:19 am
I am being told by "a higher authority" that it should absolutely work. I am just relating my experience. I am running OS-X 10.5.4 on an "early" MAC Pro. The original ATI card developed a "streaking" problem (probably due to defective memory chips on the ATI card), and the NVidia was the replacement from the Apple store. To my dismay, although the computer certainly boots up, and you see a display, when you attempt to launch FCP, you get the "this card does not support Quartz Extreme", and will not launch. Not knowing what this was, I eventually looked at the MAC>More Information>Graphics Cards info, and sure enough, it listed the NVidia 8800 under the "Quartz Extreme" catagory as not supported.
Like I said, I am told that this should NOT be the case with this card, but it's not like there is a DOWNLOAD for this driver on either the Apple site OR the NVidia site (they say it's native to the MAC OS). So what am I to do. I COULD waste another day reloading the entire OS on this MAC just to see what would happen, but when you pop in the "defective" ATI card, FCP launches with no error messages about the graphics card and runs just fine (with the occational streaky lines).
It would be wonderful if I could just go SOMEWHERE and download the MAC OS-X driver for this NVidia card, but it apparantly does not exist.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Lee Berger on Aug 22, 2008 at 2:08:41 am
Could this have something to do with the machine being an "early model?" When I get my new Mac Pro and get Final Cut installed I'll let you know how it works.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by walter biscardi on Aug 22, 2008 at 2:21:31 am
[Steven Gonzales]"Here's a report that says it's an issue with the older models not supporting PCI-Express 2.0
The link also says NVIDIA was working on a upgrade kit, so maybe that's now availab"
Sounds like someone completely dropped the ball at Apple or nVidia on this one. Nice to have something so simple as a graphics card, an upgraded graphics card at that, cause a complete system failure.
Could be another example of the incredibly miniscule Apple FCP Beta Program biting the 1,000,000+ users in the butt. When you don't have enough people testing the product on enough system configurations, you end up with an endless stream of issues that just should not have to happen.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by walter biscardi on Aug 22, 2008 at 2:10:36 am
I can only add here that I have an ATI Radeon 2600 running fine in a Mac Pro Octo Core. I pulled the nVidia 8800 out of the machine to put the ATI in when I first bought it.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Peter Wiggins on Aug 22, 2008 at 12:19:04 pm
How many monitors are you running? If one, then try it in the other port. I've had that error message and swapping fixed it.
Peter
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Bob Zelin on Aug 22, 2008 at 2:44:19 pm
Hi Peter -
I don't need a "workaround". I am running one 23" Apple Cinema display on an early MAC Pro. OS is current 10.5.4.
There is NO PROBLEM with the ATI card, but there IS a problem with the NVidia card (only with FCP launching - the card works fine).
NO ONE should ever do a "workaround" if these products should work.
If this is a driver issue, it should be readily available on either the Apple or NVidia site. If it's native to the OS, well - I have OS-X 10.5.4 loaded on this computer. The System Profiler specifically says that Quartz Extreme is NOT supported for this card. If this is incorrect, and it's simply a driver issue, it would be nice to have access to the correct driver, from at least NVidia on their site.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Peter Wiggins on Aug 22, 2008 at 11:34:22 pm
How the hell can unplugging a cable from one port and putting it in the other be a workaround?
It worked for me, I got the info from an apple knowledge base article.
Peter
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Bob Zelin on Aug 22, 2008 at 11:59:49 pm
Peter -
I mean no disrespect to you. It especially makes me upset that you found the "fix" from an Apple knowlegebase article, which is not a "fix". I found a fix (via Apple tech support) on a dead ethernet port about 6 months ago.
I had a dead ethernet port on a MAC Pro, and called Apple to complain. The tech said "unplug the AC power from your MAC, and wait about 60 seconds. This should fix it". When I said "are you kidding me" - he said - "no, there is actually an Apple Knowlegebase article about this, and I can email it to you.".
This is totally unacceptable to me. There should not be "voodoo" fixes for problems.
Hello from Apple!
Warren at Apple Service & Support thought that you might find this article useful. We hope that it helps resolve your technical issue.
Mac Pro: How to reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The System Management Controller (SMC) is a chip on the logic board that controls all power functions for your computer. If your computer is experiencing any power issue, resetting the SMC may resolve it. The SMC controls several functions, including:
Telling the computer when to turn on, turn off, sleep, wake, idle, and so forth.
Handling system resets from various commands.
Controlling the fans.
Note that resetting the SMC does not reset the PRAM. Resetting the SMC will not resolve issues in which your computer is unresponsive—in these situations, restarting your computer will generally suffice. If your computer isn't responding, perform these steps one at a time, in this order, until the issue has been resolved:
Force Quit (Option-Command-Escape).
Restart (Control-Command-Power).
Force Shut Down (press the power button for 10 seconds).
Resetting the SMC c an resolve some computer issues such as not starting up, not displaying video, sleep issues, fan noise issues, and so forth. If your computer still exhibits these types of issues after you've restarted the computer, try resetting the SMC.
To reset the SMC on a Mac Pro:
From the Apple menu, choose Shut Down (or if the computer is not responding, hold the power button until it turns off).
Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord and any display cables.
Wait at least fifteen seconds.
Plug the power cord back in, making sure the power button is not being pressed at the time. Then reconnect your keyboard and mouse to the computer.
Press the power button to start up your computer.
Another way to reset the SMC on a Mac Pro computer is:
From the Apple menu, choose Shut Down (or if the computer is not responding, hold the power button until it turns off).
Open and remove the metallic outer door.
Press the SMC_RST switch that is located slightly below and to the right of the row of diagnostic LEDs. Use a non-metallic, non-conductive object, such as a wooden pencil. Note: Mac Pro (Early 2008) does not have an SMC_RST switch, refer to the reset procedure steps in the previous section.
Replace the metallic outer door.
Press the power button to start up your computer.
Unlike models of Power Mac G5 or Power Mac G4 computer, the Mac Pro computer does not have a PMU. This functionality has been replaced by the SMC.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Warren Eig on Aug 22, 2008 at 3:05:25 pm
Probably obvious and I shouldn't even post this, but... Is this with a Kona 3 card? Are you using the 5.1 ND drivers? If it is the 6.0 driver, did you uncheck Desktop display? I know from the past this would make the x1900 in my 8-cores show up as not Quartz Extreme supported.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Bob Zelin on Aug 22, 2008 at 3:10:08 pm
This is with a Kona 3. I actually don't recall which AJA driver I am using, but it's NOT the new 6.0 driver. I will look.
But what are you saying - that you load in the AJA Kona 3 driver (even if it is 5.1ND), and it conflicts with the Nvidia GEForce 8800 driver, or disables it's Quartz Extreme capabilitites (but does not affect the ATI ?).
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Warren Eig on Aug 22, 2008 at 3:24:22 pm
Hey Bob,
If you are using the 5.1 ND drivers, it is disabled by default and that solved my Quartz Extreme not supported problem. If you are using these drivers than there truly is a problem with the Nividia. The 5.1 Drivers caused problems and the 6.0 caused problems until I unchecked the desktop display option.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Mitch Ives on Aug 22, 2008 at 4:31:39 pm
I had a host of issues with the K3 until I disabled the desktop function. Livetype and keying in particular. Later versions of QT, FCP and OS X seemed to help. I have not gone to 6.0.4 and 10.5.4 because I'm afraid to mess with a system that finally worked...
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Ed Dooley on Aug 23, 2008 at 1:25:50 pm
Is the 8800 either of these models? And if so, did you happen to look at NVidea's site for an answer? And if so. did you find this? It doesn't mention Quartz Extreme, but it does say 8800 and 23" Cinema Display in the same sentence as "no display".
Ed
Question: No display on Apple 23" Cinema Display when connected to Geforce 8800GTX/8800GTS
Answer: NVIDIA has verified and fixed this problem through an update video BIOS firmware update. Since each video BIOS is custom made for the graphics card make and model, please contact the manufacturer of your Geforce 8800 graphics card to obtain a newer video BIOS version. You may find a list of some of our board partners contact information through the following URL:
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Bob Zelin on Aug 23, 2008 at 3:02:24 pm
Ed writes -
Answer: NVIDIA has verified and fixed this problem through an update video BIOS firmware update. Since each video BIOS is custom made for the graphics card make and model, please contact the manufacturer of your Geforce 8800 graphics card to obtain a newer video BIOS version. You may find a list of some of our board partners contact information through the following URL:
Reply - Ed, this is EXCELLENT investigative work on your behalf. The NVidia GeForce 8800 is an OEM product manufactured by NVidia and sold thru Apple, in an Apple box. Your post states "please contact the manufacturer of your Geforce 8800 graphics card to obtain a newer video BIOS version". Well, if it ain't Nvidia, and it ain't Apple, then who is it. The drivers should be native to the MAC OS-X operating system.
Before you purchase this graphics card, please check the following:
This GeForce 8800 GT graphics card is designed for a 1st generation (original) Mac Pro system.
PLEASE NOTE: This card is not compatible with a 2nd generation system.
If you have a 2nd generation system, please click here to upgrade.
To determine which system you have check the Model Identifier and the Bus Speed values in the System Profiler on your Mac Pro.
To access the System Profiler, go the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen on your Mac Pro and select "About This Mac". Click on the "More Info…" button to display the Profiler.
Please see requirements chart below to help you determine which system you have:
Ever since Apple released the new Harpertown-based Mac Pros in February, one of the graphics card upgrades has been the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT. This is a bit beefier than the standard Radeon HD 2600 XT. Apple also launched an 8800 GT upgrade kit for anyone who wanted more graphics power, but unfortunately, the upgrade was only compatible with the Rev. B Mac Pros due to a firmware issue. Rev. A Mac Pro owners weren't to happy with that situation, and bugged Apple for a fix. Now, several months after releasing the new Mac Pros, the glitch has finally been fixed, and the 8800 GT Graphics Upgrade Kit has been released.
There are now two versions of the 8800 GT kit, one for pre-2008 Mac Pros and the other for early 2008 models, so be careful when you order. The new kit works with all Mac Pro models, and provides a way to add a bit more graphics pep (or more gaming power) to older models without breaking the bank. Speaking of the bank, the first-generation upgrade kit will run you $279, the same as the kit for early 2008 models. The kit is available now and is shipping in three to five days, so a graphics bump is just a credit card number away, if you're so inclined.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Ed Dooley on Aug 23, 2008 at 4:48:32 pm
And More :
>>>From Apple Insider:
NVIDIA readying GeForce 8800 GT upgrade for earlier Mac Pros
By Aidan Malley
Published: 04:40 PM EST
After owners of the first-generation Mac Pro desktop voiced frustration that they couldn't upgrade to the GeForce 8800 GT video card, its creator NVIDIA is pledging an updated version that will work with both new and old Apple towers.
The graphics card maker's PR director has contacted Engadget with word that an updated version of the $349 add-on kit will contain firmware that supports all models of the Xeon-based workstation.
Currently, the card on sale through Apple's online store will only function with new-generation Mac Pro systems due to firmware that requires the new, faster PCI Express 2.0 interconnect standard, which was introduced for the first time to the Mac with the new towers. This has caused an uproar among owners of the initial computer, which has been limited to the now two-year-old ATI Radeon X1900 XT as their fastest mainstream graphics choice.
"I am afraid they don't care and prefer forcing people to buy a new high-end machine just to have a graphics card update," says one user from Apple's discussion forums.
The restriction has also been unusual in the graphics upgrade market, as many video cards for Windows PCs that support the version 2.0 standard also include backwards compatibility for the outgoing format.
The new Mac Pro's default video card, the ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT, is not available as an upgrade kit but has been successfully tested with older Mac Pro units, according to multiple reports.
NVIDIA's press director has not said precisely when the company's replacement video card will be available, only noting that the new GeForce 8800 GT for Macs will be available "in a few weeks" from Apple's website.
>>From Tom's Hardware:
Nvidia Releases GeForce 8800 GT Upgrade Kit For Mac Pro
12:40 PM - April 22, 2008 by Bestofmedia Team
Source: Tom's Hardware – Category : Graphics Cards 1 comment
Nvidia has released a GeForce 8800 GT upgrade kit for the Apple MacBook Pro, priced at $279.
The Mac Pro originally shipped with the ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 back in 2006. In mid-2007 the Pro was updated and shipped with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT in 128 MB or 256 MB flavours; and in early 2008 that was upgraded to ship with only the 256 MB or the 512 MB flavours of the 8600 GT.
The upgrade kit can be bought in two flavours, one for Mac Pro’s pre-2008 and one designed for the slightly different configuration of Mac Pro’s after the 2008 update. The specs on both are the same, and they are available from the Apple store as well as other outlets.
Mac Pro users have been crying out for an upgrade for some time and hopefuls were cheerful when Apple initially launched the upgrade. However, a bomb was dropped for many Mac Pro users as they found out that the initial upgrade would only work in more recent systems with 64-bit EFI’s. With a huge uproar, Apple promptly halted the release of the 8800 GT until further notice.
Now, the new release is fully compatible with both recent and old Mac Pros. Initial feedback on performance figures don’t seem to point much to an improvement in some games however.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Bob Zelin on Aug 23, 2008 at 4:53:42 pm
you pinpointed the problem, with this -
"There are now two versions of the 8800 GT kit, one for pre-2008 Mac Pros and the other for early 2008 models, so be careful when you order"
In this situation, the client says "we are getting lines in our video display". It was an ATI. I say "better order a new graphics card". So they send the secretary out to to the Apple store, to get "any" graphics card for a MAC Pro. And so, the situation that you have seen presented in this thread occured.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Bob Zelin on Aug 26, 2008 at 1:34:37 am
I am sure that no one is reading this thread anymore as of 8/25/08, but for the one person that is - you should go to the AJA Kona forum and see the guy posting that his FCP system is no longer working after loading in the AJA Kona 6.0 drivers ! If you have been following this thread, you will laugh.
Re: Nvidia GEForce 8800 no workie with FCP ! by Edo Medicks on Nov 24, 2008 at 5:48:52 pm
Hi all,
I had the same problem, my gt8800 shows up as quartz extreme not supported. Super sluggish windows, sluggish scrolling etc. this started after installing the AJA board. (with default driver 5.1)
But, problem solved by updating the AJA LHe driverutility to 6.0.1.
FCP is now very fast, loads in seconds (updated to 6.0.5).
I hope all our problems are solved (until next time...)
btw, does anyone know of a way to check for such conflicts? i got no indication from os x aja conflict test or any other util. app.
System:
Model Name: Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro3,1
Processor Name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 3 GHz
Number Of Processors: 2
Total Number Of Cores: 8
L2 Cache (per processor): 12 MB
Memory: 16 GB
Bus Speed: 1.6 GHz
Display:
Chipset Model: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
Slot: Slot-1
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 512 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0602
Revision ID: 0x00a2
ROM Revision: 3233
Displays:
Display Connector:
Status: No display connected
Cinema HD:
Display Type: LCD
Resolution: 1920 x 1200
Depth: 32-bit Color
Core Image: Hardware Accelerated
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported <<<<<<<
Rotation: Supported
AJA:
Version 6.0.1 (6.0.1)
