Tiger 10.4.3 fails on a powermac G4 1.4GHz dual processor Powermac

Hi there
one of the machines in my lab fails when I drop an image of a 10.4.3 system with all my software on it. Nobody can log in and it does not accept ssh. I was wondering if anyone has had problems with these powermacs and tiger.
Any comments or suggestions appreciated. At the present time I have it running panther 10.3.8 again so the user can get work done.
Will

The restore discs are indeed hardware specific. The lab managers I've spoken with claim that the best practice is to have a separate source image for each hardware variety in the lab, failing this (you might have too many models to deal with) an install using a basic installer disc on the highest end/newest model can be used as the base image for the older/lower-end machines.
You should be able to get the adjunct Apple software off the restore disk by either ctrl-clicking on the package file on said disc and exploring the package for what you want or by using a third-party application such as Pacifist.

Similar Messages

  • What is causing a PowerMac G5/2.3GHz Dual Processor sudden abrupt shutdowns

    Hi all
    I am posting in hope that someone out there can help me solve this very puzzling problem.
    The machine: A PowerMac dual processor G5/2.3GHz (early 2005). 1.5G RAM. 250G HD. SuperDrive. Radeon 9650.
    The problem: When under some load, this machine will suddenly and abruptly shutdown as though someone pulled the power cord. There is no warning. Just a soft click, and it powers off. The machine can be manually restarted after the sudden shutdown with no problems.
    This problem is very replicable. (eg go to a particular website, play an embedded video, and boom, the machine shutsdown. Each and every time.) It was replicated at an Apple Store and at two Apple Authorized Service Providers.
    System.log said "PMU forced shutdown, cause = -122"
    Before the sudden shutdown, the machine seemed to be operating normally. The fans did not noticeably speed up. Activity Monitor showed no more than 50% CPU activity for each CPU. Temperature on both CPU was around at 70C before the sudden shutdown. Temperature and activity on both CPU goes up and down in tendem.
    If I use the Energy Saver system preference to change "Processor performance" to "Reduced", the problem goes away. (As measured by going to the same website and playing the same video. Even playing 5 videos simultaneously did not cause a sudden shutdown.)
    What have I done #1: I have reformat the hard drive with a 7-pass security wipe, followed by a clean-install of Tiger which was then brought up-to-date using Software Update. I then installed Safari 4.0.3. No other software is on the machine except Tiger and Safari. (Later installed Hardware Monitor to get me a handle on the temperatures.) The problem persisted.
    What have I done #2: I then installed a new PRAM battery and reset PMU using the switch on the motherboard. Resetting the PMU also resetted the PRAM. The problem persisted.
    What have I done #3: I then took the machine to an Apple Store. They found that they can replicate the problem easily. But, after 3 days of running the Apple Service Diagnostic, the diagnostic software didn't find any problem. They also did a thermal re-calibration. That didn't help either. Without an error code from the diagnostic software, the only "solution" the Apple Genius offered was to start swapping CPU, power supply and mother board at my expense. And even then, he has no idea which component to start swapping first. (Two independent Apple Authorized Service Providers offered the same non-diagnosis and roughly the same "solution".)
    Has anyone encountered such a problem before? What was the solution?
    How about an educated guess as to what's wrong?
    I want to, if possible, and if reasonable, repair this machine.
    Thanks in advance.
    Lara

    This sounds almost exactly like the problem I have. My G5 is also an Early 05 2.3G. I tried every tip I found on the forums from UPS vs. wall socket to stock RAM vs. 3rd party to booting from external HDs, etc.. I currently have 10.5.8 on it and it's running using the "Reduced" processor setting in Energy Saver prefs.
    I have also made a trip to The Apple Store where the AS folks ran their diagnostics but were usable to replicate my problem. I understand they "can't fix it if it ain't broke".
    Aside from the "Reduced" setting work-around has ANYONE actually solved this problem definitively? Although I have no interest in spending $1000 to fix this, I can't imagine disposing of it on Ebay.
    Assuming this is a hardware issue, this would mark the first insurmountable failure of any of the 10 or so Macs I have owned.
    Anyone? Anyone?

  • Need? firmware update on 1.8GH Dual processor G5 PwrMac for Tiger upgrade.

    Equipment: refurbed 1.8Ghz PowerMac Dual processor, running OS10.3.9 Panther just fine. CPU's: PowerPC 970 (2.2); Bus speed: 900MHz. Boot Rom: 5.1.4fo
    I read on Forums of problems some single processor 1.8 G5's have had with firmware updates prior to attempting to run OS 10.4.3 . I was about to install Tiger 10.4.3, now wonder if it will open a can of worms if I update firmware prior to the install. The reported problems were on machines with bus speed of 600mHz; as mine has a 900mHz bus speed, am I not likely to encounter that difficulty? I would appreciate any input from those familiar with this issue. Sounded like some of the affected owners were really stuck for a long time with that particular problem. Thanks.

    Since you did not specify which particular model you have, it's hard to tell you whether a firmware update is even required. Open System Profiler and in the summary look for the Machine Model. If it's 7,2 then 5.1.4 is the current firmware version. If it's 7,3, then 5.1.8 is the current firmware version.

  • Is it manitory to have an airport antenna or can you use it without the antenna (powermac g5 dual processor 10.4.11)

    Is it manitory to have an airport antenna or can you use it without the antenna (powermac g5 dual processor 10.4.11)

    On the PowerMac G4 I had it had to be connected, but not sure about the model you have.  My guess would be yes due to shielding in the case, but would rather wait and hear from someone else.

  • Need service information for powermac dual processor g5

    I'm looking for service information for the powermac 2gz, dual processor model. Does Apple Desktop and Portable systems, Third edition have any help? I have the second edition but it only has the early G5 single processor model information. 

    See if thgis helps...
    http://www.eserviceinfo.com/index.php?what=search2&searchstring=Power+Mac+G5
    http://www.ifixit.com/Device/Power_Mac_G5

  • I cannot install Leopard 10.5 onto my PowerMac G5 (dual processor)

    I have a new retail full install DVD of Leopard 10.5 and cannot install it to my PowerMac G5 (dual processor).  I bought a new disc, thinking it was the original.  Nothing!  I bought a new SATA 1tb hard drive...  Nothing!  I have reformatted until I can refomat no more.  I have tried to "Safe Boot", holding down C, Option, Shift, etc...  Can someone tell me what to do?

    Hmmm, with the Leopard Install Disc in use Disk Utility to Verify the DVD, does that come out OK?
    If so ...
      1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
       2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
          *Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.*
       3. Click the Erase tab.
       4. Click the disclosure triangle to the left of the hard drive icon to display the names of your hard disk volumes and partitions.
       5. Select your Mac OS X volume.
       6. Highlight the drive, select Partition Tab, then Format type... MacOS Extended Journalled, select the Security Options button, choose Zero Out Data, Erase... after completion hopefully you'll be able to install.

  • POwerMac G5 Dual Core vs Dual Processor

    Am thinking about upgrading my G4 computers and going to the G5 Powermac. More than likely a dual processor or dual core. What is the difference between the dual processor and dual core? Is there any difference between these re: efficiency and how they work overall?

    A "dual processor" refers to two physically distinct and separate chips. A "dual-core" refers to 2 processors on a single chip, often sharing certain resources (eg cache, memory, etc).
    As far as I know, the only dual processor G5 Apple currently offers, is the Quad, or 2 dual-cores. The 2 GHz & 2.3 GHz machines, have only a single chip with dual-cores (2 processors on each chip), to the best of my knowledge.
    To the best of my knowledge, having separate chips is better whenever possible, than multiple-cores (processors) on a single chip, because multiple cores have to share resources.
    However, if you can only have a single chip, multiple-cores (2 processors) are advantages. It won't double your productivity, but should give it least a 40-60% boost. This assumes that the specific software you are running, takes advantage of multiple cores. A lot of software does not take advantage of multiple cores, and having a multiple-core machine is a waste.

  • PowerMac G5 2.0 dual processor video Card installation

    I installed a Radeon7000 64M DDR AGP VGA/TVO/DVI-I card in my powerMac G5 2.0 dual processor.  I starts up with both screens fine, but freezes immediatley on startup.  I started up in Safe Mode and it was fine.  I repaired my permissions then Zapped the pram and it will start up fine and even got to adjust dual displays before it froze.  It will not start up and operate correctly.  I know Mac has the drive in its operating system. I am just frustrated because all I wanted to do was used an extra VGA screen that I have and the installed card only had one DVI and an Apple screen conector that I cannot get an adapter to VGA for.

    Hello, are you sure that card can support 2 monitors your size?
    I don't think that card suports core video or maybe even quartz, both essential for 10.5.x, but disabled in Safe Mode.
    BTW, not sure what adapter is...
    http://www.amazon.com/Kramer-Electronics-ADC-DM-DF-GF/dp/B001N4BB82/ref=sr_1_4?i e=UTF8&qid=1313630335&sr=8-4

  • Can I upgrade to Tiger on my iBook G4 with a PowerMac G4 Install Disk?

    I am currently running Mac OSX 10.3.9 Panther on my iBook G4 and I want to upgrade to Tiger OSX 10.4. I could possibly upgrade to Leopard, but it may be too much for my system according to Apple's website.
    My father purchased a used copy of Mac OS 10.4 Tiger from eBay and the person told him that it was an original base version of Tiger and would run on any Mac. But when the disk arrived it says that it is for a "PowerMac G4 Software Install and Restore Disk 1 of 1". So I am not sure if this is only designed for the PowerMac desktop computer, or if it can be used safely and 100% compatible on my iBook G4 laptop.
    I took my laptop to the Apple Store and asked the Genius Bar techs who told me that the "firmware" is different on the PowerMac than on my iBook and the disk that I was sent was only for the PowerMac.
    When I read the "read-me" file on the disk, it did not indicate that it was only for a PowerMac only or whether it would work fine on any Mac computer or laptop. So my main question is this: Will this disk work and be compatible with my iBook G4, or was it designed only for the PowerMac?
    Has anyone had any problems with compatibility on an iBook if they used a different computer's OSX 10.4 Tiger install disk?
    If there are problems, where can I find a generic in-the-box version of Tiger or an iBook specific version of Tiger?
    If I install a "used" original version of Tiger am I still eligible for all of the software updates from Apple for OSX 10.4, just like I have been with my current OSX 10.3 Panther?
    Thank you for your help!

    Aaron:
    Welcome to Apple Discussions.
    Computer specific install disks are optimized for the computer to which they are specific and even if you manage to install it without incident, you may end up having issues post installation.
    To install Tiger your computer will need to meet the minimum system requirements for Tiger.
    You will need to purchase the Full Retail version of Tiger.
    Tiger can be purchased from the Apple Store or, on CDs, from AllMac or FastMac. You can also purchase Tiger on eBay if you know what you are looking for. Read all documentation carefully, ask questions of the seller to be sure that you are getting the Full Retail Version. Here are some current offerings on eBay.
    Good luck.
    cornelius

  • 10.4 install fails on stock PowerMac G4 450 Sawtooth running OS 9.2.2

    I did my search before posting this question so helpful answers would be appreciated.
    I aquired a PowerMac G4 450 AGP system which originally had OS 9.0.2, 20Gb HD, 256Mb ram, DVD-Rom and standard AGP video card. I have since pumped the ram up to 384 and upgraded the OS to 9.2.2. Also I have applied the latest firmware upgrade 4.2.8 to the system.
    System is running fine.
    I purchased (from eBay) an OS x 10.4 PowerMac G4 DVD software install disk.
    Disk is readable, because if I put it into the drive while 9.2.2 is running, I can access the contents of the disk and in fact if I attempt to launch the installer, I get a big dialog box with the X and telling me to restart to install.
    Ok, so much for the background. Now the meat.
    I start the install, everything seems fine.
    I get the apple logo on the screen with the little spinning disk underneath.
    The DVD drive light is on. This goes on for a short while and then my LCD display blanks and a box pops up saying "invalid video mode" and the screen then looks like it goes into a screen saver mode. There is no further DVD activity and nothing else happens. The System power light is still on, but pushing in the button does nothing.
    I can reset the system and go thru the same process.
    Also, I have tried using the "option key" power up as well as the "c" key option.
    Always the same results.
    Does ANYONE have an answer to this?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated
    Thanks
    Kerry

    Ok. I have figured out the problem. After purchasing a second, FULL, OS X 10.4.3 disk to install... it failed in the same way as the G4 version.
    It turns out, the it had something to do with OS X trying to set my monitor into a video mode that was not supported. The monitor I was trying to use was an Envision 19" widescreen (1440x900) LCD. When I hooked my G4 up to a smaller 17" LCD monitor, the installation when as it was supposed to. Interesting thing, after the install completed, and I re-hooked up the Envision... Same problem occured when I restarted my G4. OS X tried to put it into an invalid mode. I have an Acer 19" widescreen LCD and hooked this up to the G4 and it works fine. I believe that it has something to do with OS X wanting to use 75Hz instead of the normal 60/70Hz configurations.
    Anyway, ALL should take note of this issue.
    Kerry

  • Tiger 'Restart or 'shutdown' fails

    Tiger fails to restart or shutdown: From "Apple" menu or any keyboard entry ( Control-option-cmmd-eject, control-cmmd-eject ). Have to hold power button to shut down.
    Have gone through repair process suggested by another thread:
    DVD install startup to 'repair disk' with Disc Utility ( "No Repair Necessary"), Cocktail and OnyX used fully, repaired Disc Permissions, cache ( user and system) cleaning. During the startup off the Mac OS Install Disk for disc repair, when quitting , the 'restart' option did work.
    Previous articles other sites suggested removing Norton or VersionCue CS2 , don't have them to start with.
    dual core G5   Mac OS X (10.4.3)  
    dual core G5   Mac OS X (10.4.3)  

    hound dawg,
    It's possible that a connected peripheral is causing this. Disconnect all peripherals except Apple keyboard and mouse and test. If it is a peripheral you'll have to isolate which one.
    Also, create a new account, name it "test" and see how your shutdown works in that User acct? (That will tell if your problem is systemwide or limited to your User acct.) This account is just for test, do nothing further with it.
    Open System Preferences >> Accounts >> "+" make it an admin account.
    If this works go no further and let us know.
    If not, you may be able to repair this with the 10.4.3 Stand Alone Combo Update. This is a full install, as opposed to an incremental "delta" update so it should overwrite any files that are damaged or missing. It does not matter if you have applied it before. It has worked well for many.
    Repair permissions before and after update:
    Navigate to Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility (Double Click to Launch) > Choose your HD in the sidebar > First Aid Tab > Click on "Repair Disk Permissions". Also Verify Disk before update.
    -mj
    [email protected]

  • Tiger install on powerbook fails

    The system is a PowerBook G4 Titanium (1 GHz, 1GB ram) that was dropped edge-first onto a hardwood floor, tragically destroying the LCD. However, the machine continues to work fine connected directly to a Planar PL2010M monitor using the DVI output. The OS is at version 10.3.9 (7W98), with all installed software updated as of 8-December-2005.
    I am using this machine as a music server, and want to upgrade to Tiger to be able to use the BBC Radio and Classic FM widgets (among others). With the system started under 10.3.9, the Tiger installation DVD loads correctly, but during the boot from the DVD I get something disturbingly similar to a Windows Blue Screen Of Death. The DVD continues to make various busy sounds, but I have no mouse pointer, no title bar and no dock. And, of course, no dialog boxes. The system seems to respond to keyboard inputs, but since the display isn't displaying anything, I have no idea what is going on. The only recourse is to power-off, then eject the DVD upon restarting. Fortunately, the installer doesn't do anything to ruin the existing 10.3.9 OS. I have tried various monitor resolutions, with monitor mirroring both on and off, to no avail.
    Any ideas ???
    PowerBook G4 Titanium   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  

    It's certainly a possibility, but I don't think this issue is being caused by the Superdrive, as I can load the install DVD, open and view the read.me's, etc., and launch the upgrade executable. I am also able to use it to play video DVD's, and can still use Toast to create CD's that are readable on other machines. All of the other installed software still works properly as well. I guess I'm trying to determine if there is something in the upgrade process that disables video output thru the DVI connector during the installation and forces it to use the on-board video, whether on a notebook, or an eMac or an iMac.

  • Re-Installing Mac OS X Tiger on MacBook Pro Fails

    Hi,
    I'm attempting to re-install Mac OS X Tiger from the install DVDs that came with my new MacBook Pro. About 1/4 way through the installation, the install quits and it says that it couldn't install and to try installing again. I do that and the same thing happens. What could possibly be wrong?

    Hello Chris.
    Any particular reason you are attempting a re-install?
    Are you trying an Archive & Install or Erase & Install?
    Did you check the hard drive for any directory problems via Disk First Aid repair via Disk Utility when booted from the install disc #1 before proceeding with the installation?

  • Upgrading from Tiger to Leopard on a G5 Dual processor early 2004 version

    I am about to upgrade my OS from Tiger (10.4.11) to the newest version of Leopard on my Dual G5 PPC. I have an ATI Radeon X800 XT video card as well as a third party PCI firewire card added. 3.5G of RAM.
    Should I expect any bumps or issues when upgrading? Also, will my system perform the same, slower or faster after install?
    I am a heavy user of Aperture, Photoshop as well as Final Cut Express. I will be installing the newest version of Fotomagico once 10.5 is set up.
    Any advice is greatly appreciated.
    Pete

    You should verify that all your critical software can run under Leopard or that there are upgrades available. Check with which version of Leopard the software is known to be compatible, and don't install a later version of Leopard.
    Otherwise I suggest reading this:
    Essential Steps Before Updating OS X!
    Please do things right before updating OS X in order to avoid problems.
    A. Repair Hard Drive and Permissions
    Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger and Leopard.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer. Now restart normally.
    If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior (4.0 for Tiger, and 4.1 for Leopard) and/or TechTool Pro (4.6.1 for Leopard) to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
    B. Clone Using Restore Option of Disk Utility
    1. Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
    2. Select the destination volume from the left side list.
    3. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (journaled, if available) and click on the Erase button. This step can be skipped if the destination has already been freshly erased.
    4. Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
    5. Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the Destination entry field.
    6. Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to the Source entry field.
    7. Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
    Destination means your backup drive (should be erased first.)
    Source means your startup drive or volume.
    C. If you are installing a new version of OS X such as upgrading from 10.4.x to 10.5.x, then I suggest you do the following:
    How to Perform an Archive and Install
    An Archive and Install will NOT erase your hard drive, but you must have sufficient free space for a second OS X installation which could be from 3-9 GBs depending upon the version of OS X and selected installation options. The free space requirement is over and above normal free space requirements which should be at least 6-10 GBs. Read all the linked references carefully before proceeding.
    1. Be sure to use Disk Utility first to repair the disk before performing the Archive and Install.
    Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions
    Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported, then quit DU and return to the installer.
    2. Do not proceed with an Archive and Install if DU reports errors it cannot fix. In that case use Disk Warrior and/or TechTool Pro to repair the hard drive. If neither can repair the drive, then you will have to erase the drive and reinstall from scratch.
    3. Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When you reach the screen to select a destination drive click once on the destination drive then click on the Option button. Select the Archive and Install option. You have an option to preserve users and network preferences. Only select this option if you are sure you have no corrupted files in your user accounts. Otherwise leave this option unchecked. Click on the OK button and continue with the OS X Installation.
    4. Upon completion of the Archive and Install you will have a Previous System Folder in the root directory. You should retain the PSF until you are sure you do not need to manually transfer any items from the PSF to your newly installed system.
    5. After moving any items you want to keep from the PSF you should delete it. You can back it up if you prefer, but you must delete it from the hard drive.
    6. You can now download a Combo Updater directly from Apple's download site to update your new system to the desired version as well as install any security or other updates. You can also do this using Software Update.
    D. Download the Standalone Combo Updater from Apple.
    Be sure you quit all running applications and disconnect all peripherals (except original keyboard and mouse) before running the installer. When the installer is running do not use the computer in any way other than to respond to an installer dialog.
    Install the update by double-clicking on the installer package icon. When the installation is completed Restart the computer. Your computer will boot twice - this is normal. Upon completion of the update use Disk Utility to repair permissions. Not all permissions will seem repaired. You will get spurious reports regarding permissions related to iTunes, Front Row. These can be ignored. They will appear every time you repair permissions.
    Following these basic steps should prevent most if not all updating problems. Note that if you have unrepairable disk problems reported in Step A then DO NOT update your system until those problems are resolved.

  • Macbook display sometimes fails to turn on after shut down (2008 2.4Ghz dual core 2 duo - 2GB DDR2 running OSX 10.6.8)

    I own a black macbook (early 2008 model) and for the past few months the display has occasionally (although recently more often) failed to turn on when booting. This only happens every one in four times after a full shut down. When I turn on the computer, I hear the hard drive boot and the fans start going, I also get a response in the white light indicator. When this occurs, I then have to press the on/off button to shut the macbook down, then press the button to turn it on again. Sometimes this works on the second try, but other times it takes 3 to 4 times turning it on or turning it off. Initially I thought it was a hard drive issue (and planned to purchase a new hard drive), but after connecting the laptop to an external screen, the desktop shows up (macbook display remains off despite unplugging or replugging external display). Is this a firmware issue? Or potentially a display cable issue? I'm leaning towards firmware since it only happens every 1 in 4 times. All parts in the macbook are original to 2008 and I've never really had any problems before.
    I've tried resetting by taking out the battery/pressing the on button.
    I also did a clean 7 pass wipe and reinstalled Mac OSX.
    Used TechTool Deluxe - found no issues.
    Booted computer and pressed D to perform a Mac hardware test - no problems found.
    Not sure what to do now...
    These two looked mildly like my problem: http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/68700/Not+booting+properly+after+10.6.8+and+F irmware+updates and another suggested replacing the display cable: http://www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts/MacBook-Display-Data-Cable/IF186-073?utm_sou rce=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=if186-073&utm_content=product_lin k

    I own a black macbook (early 2008 model) and for the past few months the display has occasionally (although recently more often) failed to turn on when booting. This only happens every one in four times after a full shut down. When I turn on the computer, I hear the hard drive boot and the fans start going, I also get a response in the white light indicator. When this occurs, I then have to press the on/off button to shut the macbook down, then press the button to turn it on again. Sometimes this works on the second try, but other times it takes 3 to 4 times turning it on or turning it off. Initially I thought it was a hard drive issue (and planned to purchase a new hard drive), but after connecting the laptop to an external screen, the desktop shows up (macbook display remains off despite unplugging or replugging external display). Is this a firmware issue? Or potentially a display cable issue? I'm leaning towards firmware since it only happens every 1 in 4 times. All parts in the macbook are original to 2008 and I've never really had any problems before.
    I've tried resetting by taking out the battery/pressing the on button.
    I also did a clean 7 pass wipe and reinstalled Mac OSX.
    Used TechTool Deluxe - found no issues.
    Booted computer and pressed D to perform a Mac hardware test - no problems found.
    Not sure what to do now...
    These two looked mildly like my problem: http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/68700/Not+booting+properly+after+10.6.8+and+F irmware+updates and another suggested replacing the display cable: http://www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts/MacBook-Display-Data-Cable/IF186-073?utm_sou rce=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=if186-073&utm_content=product_lin k

Maybe you are looking for