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voyageur · Nov 20, 2003, 06:50 AM

We have a dual G5, stock configuration plus Crucial RAM, where a cold boot results in a black screen. The computer boots, but the screen remains black. I've tried all the things the Apple tech suggested: PRAM, PMU resets, reseating the video card, removing third party RAM, but still the black screen persisted. When the machine is on, it runs fine; not a single problem or kernal panic since we got it in early September.

I was finally able to get it to boot (after a PRAM reset) when I swapped the older 22" Apple flat panel for a new 23" Apple flat panel display. But Apple says there should be no incompatibility problem with the older 22", and we should have the G5 repaired. (BTW, the older monitor works fine with our G4s, so it's not the monitor.)

An Apple tech is coming today to replace the Radeon video card, which he feels is the problem. This makes sense to me, but my question to MacNNers is, have any of you had the "black screen at boot up" problem with your G5, and has a video card replacement fixed it?

I did run the hardware test CD once I got it booted again, and it showed no problems with the video RAM or any other component it tests. So I wonder whether the video card is the culprit.

Any suggestions/tips?

Detrius · Dec 8, 2003, 11:08 PM

An important detail to note is as follows: is the screen just incredibly dim with the image still there, or is it completely blank?

The fact that the monitor in question works on another machine does imply the inverter board in it is still working. The fact that a different display works on your machine implies that your logic board is still supplying power to the video card for the ADC port. If the monitor in question does have a dark image, I would replace the logic board and not the video card. Otherwise, I'd try replacing the video card.

voyageur · Dec 9, 2003, 06:47 AM

Thanks for the reply. There is no image whatsoever, not even a dark one, which would be consistent with the video card problem. Apple has one on back-order for me, but it's been 3 weeks and I'm still waiting.

In the meantime, Apple suggested connecting an old VGA monitor to the video card's DVI port via a DVI-to-VGA adapter, and this seems to work fine. So the issue seems to have something to do with the ADC out. Weird.

mousehouse · Dec 9, 2003, 07:49 AM

if you have a Radeon 9600 Pro card i'd say it's a know issue at Apple. i've heard of a lot of people having the 9600 card replaced and getting this issue solved.

symptom is blackscreen on bootup. after sometimes >10 tries it comes up.

call apple. have card swapped!

voyageur · Dec 9, 2003, 07:56 AM

Yes, I am having the card swapped, and I realize this is a known issue. My card is on back-order for several weeks. What I would like to know is whether others who have had this problem have found that a new video card fixes it.

voyageur · Dec 9, 2003, 07:44 PM

Update: the replacement Radeon 9600 card arrived today, and after installment the G5 booted right up. Tried several cold boots and all worked just fine with the original Flat Panel Display.

bimmerphile · Dec 9, 2003, 09:05 PM

Is your card still on backorder?

If so, I have a Radeon 9600 Pro for sale from my G5...

voyageur · Dec 10, 2003, 08:00 AM

Originally posted by bimmerphile:
Is your card still on backorder?

If so, I have a Radeon 9600 Pro for sale from my G5...

Thanks--see my previous post--we just got our new card. Things seem to be working at last.