Mac Pro starts up only from Install Disk

The Mac Pro will not start up from any internal or bootable external disk. The spinning progress wheel just goes on forever.
When I connect those same disks to my laptop - either directly or via target mode - they will start up and operate the laptop without a problem.
The Mac Pro lets me install the system from the install disk onto an internal had drive, but will not start up from that drive.
When attempting to format an internal disk from the install disk, the computer freezes after about 6 minutes.
Upon pressing the start button, the chime and gray screen are there almost instantly, but it takes an awful long time for the Apple logo and progress wheel - or the drive symbols when starting up with the option key pressed down - to appear.
Could this be corrupted firmware? And if yes, how do I replace it on a machine that doesn't start up?
But then, the freezing when attempting to format a drive from the install disk happens after a mild flash brightened the monitors ever so briefly. Seems to indicate a hardware problem.

Start with Zapping the Pram. Then, run the Apple Hardware Test program, extended tests at least twice. If the problem persists, it's time to call AppleCare or carry it into an Apple repair station.

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