Do you have an older model 2009 Mac Pro (pre-Trash Can Mac Pro) that could use a makeover? Updating your firmware could give you added benefits such as the ability to install faster processors, faster memory, and newer macOS versions. We show you how!
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When you install Microsoft Windows on your Mac, Boot Camp Assistant automatically opens the Boot Camp installer, which installs the latest Windows support software (drivers).If that doesn't happen, or you experience any of the following issues while using Windows on your Mac, follow the steps in this article.
Some words of caution
Getting added benefits is great. Bricking your Mac Pro is not. Note that upgrading your firmware could result in a dead system if performed incorrectly. If you absolutely cannot have a non-working Mac Pro, then do not perform this upgrade.
If you Mac Pro was installed to boot into 32-bit mode for 32-bit drivers for some hardware then this will make that hardware unusable as it defaults into 64-bit mode.
Secondly, the firmware upgrade performed in these steps are specifically for a 2009 Mac Pro. Although some have reported success with upgrading firmware on the 2007-2008 Mac Pros, we did not test this and cannot state for certain that these steps will function for you.
Checking your firmware revision
This firmware upgrade for all intents and purposes makes your 2009 Mac Pro into a 2010 Mac Pro. Before getting started, you'll want to see if you are already at the latest firmware revision possible for your Mac.
What should appear is a report with a 'Hardware Overview' of your Mac Pro. Look for the Model Identifier entry. If it says 'MacPro5,1' the no upgrade is to be done. If it says, 'MacPro4,1' then an upgrade is applicable.
Pre-upgrade
Before performing the upgrade, make certain that you do not have any unnecessarily attached USB devices plugged in. Attached peripherals can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
Similarly, make certain that your original Mac hardware (or at least officially Apple supported hardware) is what is running inside the computer. Again, non Apple sanctioned hardware can cause compatibility issues.
Upgrading your firmware
The overview of upgrading your firmware is to download the Firmware utility, download the firmware, run the upgrade, and finally check that it all worked out.
The update can take some time but do not unplug, shutdown, restart or disturb you mac Pro while the update takes place.
The machine should display a grey screen with the Apple logo while it updates. It will automatically reboot to the login screen when completed.
Check that the upgrade worked
Once the machine is rebooted and you have logged in check the following:
The same system report you looked at earlier should now appear. Look for the Model Identifier entry. If it says 'MacPro5,1' the upgrade completed successfully!
Final comments
Now with your newly updated Mac Pro, you can go forth and peruse the sea of used Westmere Xeon CPUs on eBay for procurement, or install the latest macOS High Sierra. You've just added new life into your old Mac Pro! Have you upgraded your firmware on your Mac Pro? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!
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When you install Microsoft Windows on your Mac, Boot Camp Assistant automatically opens the Boot Camp installer, which installs the latest Windows support software (drivers). If that doesn't happen, or you experience any of the following issues while using Windows on your Mac, follow the steps in this article.
If your Mac has an AMD video card and is having graphics issues in Windows, you might need to update your AMD graphics drivers instead.
Install the latest macOS updates
Before proceeding, install the latest macOS updates, which can include updates to Boot Camp.
Format a USB flash drive![]()
To install the latest Windows support software, you need a 16GB or larger USB flash drive formatted as MS-DOS (FAT).
Download the Windows support software
After preparing your USB flash drive, complete these steps:
Learn what to do if you can't download or save the Windows support software.
Install the Windows support software
After downloading the Windows support software to your flash drive, follow these steps to install the software. (If you're attempting to resolve issues with a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard, it might be easier to use a USB mouse or keyboard until these steps are complete.)
Learn more
If you can't download or save the Windows support software:
If a Mac feature still doesn't work after updating the Windows support software, search for your symptom on the Apple support website or Microsoft support website. Some features of your Mac aren't designed to work in Windows.
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