Metal Capable GPU Mac Pro: A Guide to Troubleshooting Black Screen Issues

When upgrading your Mac Pro to Mojave or High Sierra (HS), you may encounter a black screen during the installation process. This can be disconcerting, especially if you're not familiar with troubleshooting techniques. In this article, we'll explore common issues that may arise when using a metal capable GPU in your Mac Pro and provide tips on how to overcome them.

The Black Screen Experience

During the Mojave update, some users reported experiencing long periods of black screens, which can be frustrating and even lead to concerns about bricking their Mac. However, after waiting for at least an hour and performing a few troubleshooting steps, most users were able to resolve the issue.

One key factor to keep in mind is that the Mojave update requires a metal card, and you won't have a boot screen during this process. Conversely, when booting HS with a metal card, you'll notice that the screen will be black for a longer period before graphics are enabled and the desktop appears.

HS Update and Metal Capable GPUs

To avoid any issues, it's essential to understand that HS update requires your old card to perform the upgrade process. This means that if you're using a metal capable GPU, you'll need to swap cards after installing HS.

While HS supports metal capable GPUs, it doesn't support them during the update process. The firmware included in the HS update enables APFS and other features, but this process requires your old card.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter black screens during the installation process or when booting with a metal capable GPU, here are some tips to help you troubleshoot:

* Wait for at least an hour before attempting to restart or reset NVRAM.

* Cycle power on your monitor if the recovery mode doesn't come up immediately.

* Be patient and confident that the system is performing its intended functions.

Additional Tips

When dealing with multiple monitors, cycling power on one of them may help resolve issues with the recovery mode. Additionally, you can use the startup disk screen in OS X to set the drive you want to boot from and then restart instead of using the Apple boot screen.

If you're still experiencing issues, it's essential to specify what particular problem you're facing so that we can provide more targeted support.

By following these tips and understanding the differences between Mojave and HS updates, you'll be better equipped to handle any black screen issues that arise when using a metal capable GPU in your Mac Pro.

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