Apple mac pro early 2009 User Manual

© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
 Apple Technician Guide 
Basics
Mac Pro (Early 2009)   

Mac Pro (Early 2009) Basics — Overview 12 2010-09-27
Overview
The Mac Pro (Early 2009) computer uses Intel “Nehalem” Xeon processors and features both 
quad-core and 8-core configurations. The following are some basic specifications:
• Processors speeds of 2.26, 2.66, 2.93, and 3.33 GHz
• 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC memory in 1 GB, 2GB, and 4 GB UDIMMs
• 18x optical drive
• 640 GB SATA hard drive
• NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 graphics card with one Mini DisplayPort and one dual-link DVI port
• Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 +...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) Basics — Overview 13 2010-09-27
How to Identify Quad-Core and 8-Core Processor Configurations
To identify the configuration of a Mac Pro (Early 2009) computer, check the code on the 
computer’s configuration label, which is located on the computer’s back panel directly below 
the video ports. See “Serial Number Location.”
Another quick way to identify the configuration is to open the side panel and inspect the 
processor heatsinks on the processor board. The configurations look like...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) Basics — Overview 14 2010-09-27
Serial Number Location
The Mac Pro (Early 2009) serial number is located on the configuration label, directly below the 
configuration description.  

© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
 Apple Technician Guide 
Troubleshooting
Mac Pro (Early 2009)   

Mac Pro (Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Update System Software 16 2010-09-27
General Troubleshooting
Update System Software
Important: Whenever possible before beginning troubleshooting, ensure the latest software 
and firmware updates have been applied.
Troubleshooting Theory
For general information on troubleshooting theory, refer to:
http://service.info.apple.com/service_training/en/006/troubleshoot/index.php?page=intro
Emerging Issues
For the latest on troubleshooting issues, refer to:...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Mac Pro Firmware Updates 17 2010-09-27
Mac Pro Firmware Updates
Firmware is the name given to software that is written into memory circuits, such as flash 
memory, that will hold the software code indefinitely, even when power is removed from the 
hardware. Firmware on Intel Mac computers is designed to be updated if necessary through a 
software update.
EFI firmware updates update the Boot ROM, and SMC updates update the System Management 
Controller...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Memory Configuration 18 2010-09-27
Memory Configuration
Mac Pro (Early 2009) comes with a minimum of 3 GB of memory, installed as three 1 GB 
unbuffered dual inline memory modules (UDIMMs). 
DIMMs must fit these specifications:
• PC3-8500,1066 MHz, DDR3 SDRAM UDIMMs
• 72-bit wide, 240-pin modules
• 18 memory ICs maximum per UDIMM
• Error-correcting code (ECC)
For proper operation of Mac Pro (Early 2009) computers, Apple recommends using only Apple-
approved...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Memory Configuration 19 2010-09-27
8 Core
Eight-core computers have eight memory slots. You can install 1 GB, 2 GB, or  
4 GB DIMMs for a total of up to 32 GB of memory. 
You can install different size DIMMs in Mac Pro (Early 2009). However, for best performance, 
Apple recommends you install equal-size DIMMs (all 1, 2, or 4 GB) filling the slots in the order 
listed in this table. Note that you cannot place a DIMM in slot 4, without first placing a DIMM in...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Memory Diagnostic LEDs 20 2010-09-27
Memory Diagnostic LEDs
The 8-core and quad-core processor boards include a set of diagnostic memory LEDs. The 
following illustrations show the location of each LED and its associated DIMM slot.
Quad Core
8 Core
To diagnose memory issues, start up the computer and check the diagnostic memory LEDs. An 
illuminated, red LED indicates its associated DIMM may be poorly seated or failed. 
Note that Apple System Profiler does...