Mac Pro 3,1 2008 w/ 10.8 upgrade to Mavericks
Looking for some advice:
I purchased a used Mac Pro Tower 3,1 2008. It comes w/ 10.8 and I want to upgrade to Mavericks. One year ago, I bought a 2007 Mac Pro from this seller and I recall having problems w/ the Apple ID so I purchased Snow Leopard 10.6. I still have that install disk. (I'm switching to the 2008 because I want to upgrade to Logic X and need 64-bit EFI.)
My question to you: what is the easiest best way to get this, new-to-me, 2008 Mac Pro upgraded to Mavericks?
I have a couple of options (at least I think I do!):
1) Seeing as how I still have the 2007 Mac 2,1 w/ a 500 GB 7200 rpm drive that already has 10.6.8, Logic Pro 9.1.8 and all of my docs, could I simply put that drive into the 2008, boot up and upgrade to Mavericks without any Apple ID issues?
-or would you-
2) Try to upgrade the 2008's 1TB drive w/ 10.8 (tied to someone else's Apple ID) to Mavericks? This seems more complicated to me, but what would the process be and would you recommend it? For example, could I run Snow Leopard 10.6 from the disk and then go directly to Mavericks?
Thank you for your time.
New Computer Specs:
Jan 2008 Mac Pro 3,1
2x Quad Core 2.80 Ghz Intel Xeon
32 GB RAM
1 TB HD
10.8 OS
Old Computer Specs:
June 2007 Mac Pro 2,1
2x Quad Core 2.66 Ghz Intel Xeon
16 GB RAM
(2) HD's: 500 GB & 1TB (Audio Drive: WD Caviar Black)
10.6.8 OS
Logic Pro 9.1.8
Erase the drive and install Snow Leopard on the 2008, then upgrade to Mavericks.
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Mac Pro's (early 2008) Back up plan towards a possible OS upgrade to Yosemite
Hello All. Here’re some of the details/background info…hopefully all this won’t be so annoying. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thanks a bunch!
I have 2 Mac Pro’s (Early 2008) 3,1 both running SL (10.6.8). One I have been using non-stop throughout these years, I’d call it MP 2008 (A). The other one once belong to a friend who actually bought it around the same time I purchased mine, only that he didn’t use it much and just recently decided to sell it to me. I’d call it MP 2008 (B). Both MP’s are very light on data on the main, boot HD, just applications,… as everything I work on is kept in external hard drives and backups. I do not usually download any third party stuff (only when strictly necessary for my work) and essentially it’s all about the software and applications (Adobe CS3 and LR 0.2) I need to do my pretty basic work.
All pretty old stuff by now, I know.
Following a couple of mishaps and lots of good advice in these forums, (thanks to the hatter, etc.) I went ahead and bought 16GB of RAM for both, and an NVidia Graphics Card (all from Amazon.com) for my MP 2008 (A) to replace it after it went bad, and everything has been working just fine. As you can tell, I have not tried to upgrade much, but rather keep everything stock and running as smoothly as possible.
I am afraid the next big, important thing I MUST do is back up my almost 6 years-old HD (I know, it should’ve been done long ago). Frankly, I have never done it before because I didn’t even know that could be possible…I learned about it right here, in this forum. In this sense, much I have also read (here) about the SSD option, and about how great of an upgrade that could be too, but I have decided to stick to the regular 3.5” for now. (I just recently found out those SSD even existed!). Hopefully, once I gain a bit of confidence on how this works I’ll jump into the SSD option, cards, etc. So, I purchased 2X 3.5” SATA III HD’s to try cloning my MP 2008 (A) boot, main HD and get this process over with.
QUESTIONS
QUESTION #1: After installing the internal hard drives in bays 2 and 3: Do I have to specifically format them in order to turn them into bootable copies? If so, how do I do that? I have read about using ‘Disk Utility’ to format external hard drives for this purpose but I don’t know if that would apply for internal hard drives as well.
QUESTION #2: What are the settings/features you all recommend I should select/or deselect on CCC so I can have exact, bootable copies of my original HD? No fancy stuff, advanced options, etc…just what I need to have good enough copies that just work.
QUESTION #3: How do I test them?
I noticed that under “System Preferences/System/Startup Disk” I can select the drive/system I want to use to start up my computer from. My question is:
QUESTION #4: Can I permanently choose any of the Mac Pro four (4) bays/bootable hard drives as the main drive/system for startup? I always thought I could only be done from the original, ‘main’ bootable drive in bay 1.
QUESTION #5: What if the copy fails? How do I go back to the HD that works or to the next copy, for that matter?
About my MP 2008 (B): In an effort to sell me his MP, my friend (as knowledgeable as I am) messed up something that delays the start up a lot. I noticed that in the finder, the applications appear double, etc., so I am not so happy with it. Even though the little house icon has his name in the finder, he was able to make me the Administrator for the machine (I don’t know how). But again, it starts up to the typical chime, then a gray screen for quite a loooong while, then the apple logo, then the loading animation…and theeennnn it starts…and no known issues from there. In other words, I am sure he messed something up there while transferring this machine to me and now its startup is so delayed.
QUESTION #6: Let’s say that both the bootable HD copies I created on my MP 2008 (A) work fine: Can I take one out and install it in my MP 2008 (B) and eventually turn it into my startup drive and work from there too? Will this eventually lead to conflicting stuff? (Two machines, same identical cloned start up drive??).
Eventually, the plan is that I learn how to do all this so I can move on and upgrade with a clean install of Yosemite pretty soon.
Hopefully, both my Mac Pro’s 2008 A and B will last me a bit more and I can get to squeeze a few more seasons from them. They are awesome machines!
As you can tell, in theory I might have a little bit of a clue, but all is in the details. If you don’t mind, please shed some light on this process I am about to begin…thanks a bunch!Thank you!
Kappy Nov 24, 2014 3:01 PM
Re: Mac Pro's (early 2008) Back up plan towards a possible OS upgrade to Yosemite in response to Juan Huerta
All new drives need to be partitioned GUID and formatted Mac OS Extended, Journaled before they can be used.
OK, is that an option I'll be prompted to by the OS or do I have to "tell" that to...Disk Utilities (?)
If cloning is your purpose then use Disk Utility's Restore option. It will clone the drives and their Recovery HD partitions automatically.
I didn't know that Disk Utility had an option for cloning a bootable drive...is it better than CCC? (I have used neither one) I really would like to save $40 and avoid downloading additional software/applications...please if you don't mind...what option would that be once I click on "Disk Utility"? If you know of a good link or reliable article on the topic that will work for me too.
Test a clone be trying to boot the computer from it.
Any bootable drive in any bay can be used to boot the computer. Use Startup Drive preferences to set the desired boot volume.
Erase the target and try again.
But if the computer fails to start because I didn't create a good copy, how do I go back? Keyboard shortcuts? I keep reading that a wired keyboard must be used...and that's scary. If that's true, could I hook up any of my Windows based keyboards via USB?
Erase the drive and install OS X. You cannot use any software installed by the prior owner that was purchased via the App Store including OS X. You must start from scratch. (this actually is 5B rather than item 6.)
Well, he created an Admin account for me and I have been handling updates and everything with the new password he created for me. I wonder if I could access the Apple Store with my ID though...it's all under my name in that computer though, so I figure that at the Apple Store I'd just enter my ID...I guess, I have not tried that yet
Yes. -
Mac Pro 8 Core (2008) Hard Drive & Ram questions
Hi there,
I recently purchased a Mac Pro 8 Core 2008 Model with 2Gb ram and 320Gb Hard Drive (Got a great deal on it... paid $1,500.00 for it!!). I bought this computer exclusively for audio production work. I know I can upgrade up to 32GB of ram if I wanted to however, I have heard that the system won't recognize 32GB ram when running 32bit OS & Applications. I use Ableton Live 8.2 (32bit capable) and Logic Studio 9 (32bit & 64bit capable).. what is the highest amount of ram I should upgrade to without overkilling it? In other words... what is the highest amount of ram I can upgrade to that I will actually notice the difference and that the system will actually use @ 32bit?
Second question is regarding hard drives... I need at least 320GB for OS and core applications and at least 1 TB for storage... what is the most efficient, fastest and least expensive to upgrade the storage on this machine?
I really appreciate your comments on this one.Someone with Mac Pro, but on OS X 10.6 Install forum, like some, has full suites of CS5, FCP and others, and had run out of space literally on 150GB boot drive.
Apps like iDVD tech note recommended the boot drive have 24GB of free space (unfragmented for best burn performance) to burn dual layer.
X-Plane can go anywhere but uses almost 60GB for full world support.
My rule of thumb is 50% free on boot drive to avoid fragmenting free space such that it causes problems and there is always good performance overall as well as for read/writes.
To say someone doesn't need xyz when maybe they rre right, and to argue with their own math?
OS X does not support TRIM or I'd see if you can go with 120GB SSD. One way to slim down boot drive of course, maybe you have, maybe not,
Move all the data and media files possible off the boot drive can save 100GB and improve I/O at the same time.
Move the entire home account folder (the above leaves a smaller 1GB home library only on boot drive) which really isn't totally necessary but nice for some.
WD Black Caviar 2TB $170 is fast and nice or $89 for 1TB (if you think you need A, then get 2 x as much storage).
2008s don't use 8GB DIMMs and 32GB is as far as they go.
ATI 5770/5870 or even Quadro 4000 graphics
did it come with a 4870? or 8800GT? -
Wish to upgrade from SL to ML on Mac Pro. Spec says only on Mac Pros from early 2008 but unsure how old my Mac Pro is as it is from work and there are no records. How do I find out if ok to upgrade to ML?
You can write to Apple with the serial number and they can tell you exactly when your MacPro (as opposed to Mac Book Pro) was manufactured.
And in the Apple menu > about this Mac > more info > there should be sufficient detail to narrow it down.
EDIT. These are the specs for the April 2007 version.
"Suggested"
"Best"
Speed of Xeon Processors:
Dual Core 2.66 GHz x2
Quad Core 3.0 GHz x2
Memory:
1.0 GB
2.0 GB
Video Card:
NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT
ATI Radeon X1900 XT
Video Memory:
256 MB
512 MB
Hard Drive Capacity:
250 GB
500 GB
Optical Drive:
16X "SuperDrive"
16X "SuperDrive"
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Why can't I update to Mavericks from 10.6.8 on a Mac Pro Desktop Early 2008. It meets all requirements listed by Apple.
I'm having the same issue with same error message "OS X Mavericks cannot be installed on this computer". I click the "INSTALL" button in the app store and I get the message.
I have a macbook pro 15 inch, 60 GB of free space, 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 3 GB of Ram (well really 4 but it can't see the 1 extra gig). Mac OS X version 10.7.5. I read the install description and I meet the requirement.
I have checked Launchpad for a stalled install (all 3 pages) and have checked if I have a time machine backup file on my root directory. No, I don't. -
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1. Can dual socket Mac Pro 3,1 (2008) use two X5470?
2. And can dual socket Mac Pro 4,1 (2009) use two X5675?All I can tell you is that the 2009 Nehalem might be somewhat upgradeable, but the Mac Pro 3,1 I believe, has an X53XX socket. The 2009 might have used either Westmere, Harpertown or Cloverdale/gainestown(???) processors. See this URL for more info.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/2800/upgrading-and-analyzing-apple-s-nehalem-mac-p ro
also, see this
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/turnkey/MacPro/2010_Xeon_Processor.
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JB -
I am running mountain lion os 10.8.5 on mac book pro mid 2012 build. If I upgrade to Mavericks will MS Office programs still work? There does not appear to be an updated version of MS Office for Mac past 2011 that I bought last year and am using now. Thoughts? Suggestions?
Thanks.Office 2008 and 2011 will run on Mavericks, but you may not be able to get the installer for it at this time.
(115014) -
i have a macbook pro 10.6.8 and need to upgrade to mavericks 10.9 what do i do - i also have a paralel for windows with company software and quikbooks.
Upgrading to Mavericks
You can upgrade to Mavericks from Lion or directly from Snow Leopard. Mavericks can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for FREE.
Upgrading to Mavericks
To upgrade to Mavericks you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. Download Mavericks from the App Store. Sign in using your Apple ID. Mavericks is free. The file is quite large, over 5 GBs, so allow some time to download. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.
Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mavericks
1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 7,1 or later
2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 5,1 or later
3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 2,1 or later
5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
7. Xserve (Early 2009) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. It's displayed in the panel on the right.
Are my applications compatible?
See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps.
If this is a company computer or is used with company software, I suggest you do not upgrade to Mavericks without first checking with your company. Older software may not work with Mavericks. Some of it may need upgrading, and that may be something your company is unwilling to pay for. -
I am running 10.6.8 on my MacBook Pro 5.3. I want to upgrade to Maverick but am concerned that I will loose all contacts in my AddressBook. What can I do to save them?
File menu, Export, Address Book Archive. (I think that's where it is in SL).
However, do you not have a full backup of your Mac? Upgrading without one is not really advisable unless your contacts are all you care about. -
How can I uninstall Maverick and reinstall snow leopard?
My mac hasn't been the same since I upgrading to maverick. Runs slow, crashes, can't cope with normal functions....
I need to go back to leopard or buy a new MacBook Pro!
Help, please helpRevert to a Previous OS X
Revert to former OS from Mavericks
Revert to Snow Leopard -
Will a SATA III Hard Drive work on a Mac Pro 2,1 (2008)
Will a SATA III work on a Mac Pro 2,1 (I think 2008)?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CSIG1G/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If not the above, then what?Apple Pro RAID card is not compatible with 3TB drives and never will be it now seems. It also lacks any real performance and is destined where RAID 5 is a must.
SSDs are a more interesting matter in choice and support... but not traditional platter type drives.
I use SSD for system now 100% on multiple systems, 10K WD VR ($200 for 1TB / 180MB/sec and variety of WD blacks and Green.
2008 has some interesting stuff, PCIe mix and support and booting, but more choices in GPU. Runs best with all 8 DIMM slots filled. Was the first to have UEFI to support 64-bit kernel but does not support industry standard enough to support Windows 8 UEFI.
Storage market would be a total mess like it was back in 2004 when SATA 1.0 moved to 2.0 and lots of problems. SATA 1.0 in early G5 was just PATA with an SATA interface chip slapped on and not "native" SATA. THAT is where the "will the IBM Hitachi or Seagate or Maxtor" really did require research. Not with Mac Pro line 2006 and on. -
Update Boot Camp 3.3 to 5.1 on Mac Pro 3,1 (2008)?
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Many thanks for your help.You may be able to use Boot Camp Support Software 5.1.5621 provided the hardware is not significantly different.
System Requirements
MacBook Air (11-inch & 13-inch, Mid 2011)
MacBook Air (11-inch & 13-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (15-inch & 17-inch, Mid 2010)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, & 15-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (13-inch,15-inch & 17-inch Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (13-inch & 15-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012)
MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch and 15-inch, Early 2013)
Mac Pro (Early 2009)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010)
Mac Pro (Mid 2012)
Mac mini (Mid 2011)
Mac mini (Late 2012)
iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)
iMac (21.5-inch & 27-inch, Mid 2011)
iMac (21.5-inch & 27-inch, Late 2012)
iMac (21.5-inch) Early 2013
Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1, 64 bit
From Mac Pro (Early 2008) - Technical Specifications has
PCI Express graphics
ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB (two dual-link DVI ports)
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB (two dual-link DVI ports)
NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600 1.5GB (stereo 3D, two dual-link DVI ports)
Two ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB
Three ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB
Four ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB
From Mac Pro (Early 2009) - Technical Specifications
Graphics and displays
Double-wide, 16-lane PCI Express 2.0 graphics slot with one of the following graphics cards installed:
NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 512MB of GDDR3 memory, PCI Express 2.0, one Mini DisplayPort, and one dual-link DVI port
ATI Radeon HD 4870 with 512MB of GDDR5 memory, PCI Express 2.0, one Mini DisplayPort, and one dual-link DVI port
Since you are using the AMD7950, which is not original in either 2008 or 2009 MacPro, the BC drivers will not have anything that you can use. You will have to rely on AMD website for GPU drivers. -
I need to upgrade my graphics card on my Mac Pro 3,1 2008. What will work in this computer?
I have a 2008 3,1 Mac Pro computer running Mountain Lion. I do video editing and would like to upgrade to FCPX and Motion and Compressor. When I try to install them, I get a message that says I don't have the right graphics card. What card should I upgrade to in order to comply with the software?
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks.....GaleThe "easy way" is to upgrade to an Apple-firmware 5770 (or for 2008 and later, 5870). "It just works."
There are a lot more options at the margins, but they may require developer-mentality. They can be quite a bit more complex, may drop features, may require flashing the card or typing terminal code to get them going. -
I have a Mac Pro, i believe from 2008 and my software is 10.5 i think.. should i upgarde to 10.6 first and then to OS X Lion?
You'll need to call the online Apple store, which in the US is at 800-MY-APPLE to buy OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Install OS X 10.6, do Software Updates and you'll be at OS X 10.6.8.
Then call the online Apple store again (or when you call them to order 10.6) and purchase a code to download OS X Lion (you can't see it in the App store anymore). In a couple of days, you'll get an email with the code that you can then use to download it from the App store. You need to be at OS X 10.6.6 or better to access the App store.
You'll need 2GB memory minimum for Lion and 4GB is recommended. -
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The Apple version of the 5x70 cards should work.
Sample Google searches for just these Apple forums:
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5870 in a 2008 mac pro site:discussions.apple.com
ati radeon in a mac pro site:discussions.apple.com
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