10.3: Workaround for GeForce4MX install troubles
Oct 29, '03 10:00:00AM
Contributed by: bluehz
Problem: Apple NVidia GeForce4 MX 32mb AGP video card is not functioning in G4/400 (AGP) after Panther install. This card works fine in Mac OS 10.2.8, but does not work in two consecutive Panther installs - one "archive install" and one clean install.
Proof of problem:
- Start Panther installation.
- At restart (between disk one and two), the monitor shows an image briefly then switchs to black and never returns.
The origial ATI Rage card that came in the G4/400 (AGP) was having some issues with Keynote locking up, so I purchased this card specifically for Panther usage. It's specs are as follows: Apple NVidia GeForce4 MX 32MB AGP 2D/3D Video Card for PowerMac G4 AGP/Graphics/Gigabit Ethernet/Digital Audio/QuickSilver Models. (1) DVI, (1) ADC Port, (1) DVI to VGA Adapter. New, Supported by Quartz Extreme, 1yr OWC Warranty. (APL661NV4MX32DVKIT) (from macsales.com).
The card is sold as G4/400 (AGP) compatible (even though I believe it is a 4x card and the G4/400 AGP slot is 2x) and has run perfectly before installing Panther. Apple lists the card on the list of compatible Panther cards (last time I checked about two weeks ago).
First Solution:
Switched out the new Apple NVidia GeForce4 MX 32mb AGP video card for the stock ATI Rage video card that came in the G4/400 (AGP), and both installs I had previously begun continue to completion. Mac OS X 10.3 running.
Read the rest of the hint for the second solution...
Although it appears Quartz Extreme is no longer enabled using this method (it was enabled in Jaguar), this method works. The following files need to be copied from a pre-Panther system install, in the /System -> Library -> Extensions folder:
- AppleNDRV
- GeForce.kext
- GeForce2MXGLDriver.bundle
- GeForce3GLDriver.bundle
- GeForceFXGLDriver.bundle
- GeForceGA.plugin
You will need to be root to copy the files above. Using the Terminal is the easiest way:
% cd /System/Library/Extensions
# COMMENT: create backup of new Nvidia drivers
% sudo tar -czvf AppleNDRV_panther.tgz AppleNDRV
% sudo tar -czvf GeForce_panther.tgz GeForce*
# COMMENT: copy files from older system dir to here
# COMMENT: Assuming older system dir is located as in archive/install scenario
# COMMENT: e.g. older system is here /Previous Systems/Previous System 1/
% cp -pr "/Previous Systems/Previous System 1/System/Library/Extensions/AppleNDRV"
% cp -pr "/Previous Systems/Previous System 1/System/Library/Extensions/GeForce*"
I just tested with Panther compatible Quartz Extreme Check application, and it is showing QE not activated using above procedure ... but the card does work.
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Mac OS X Hints
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20031024222258472