Resolved i7-940 and kernel panic

[verdejt]

Don't know if this helps but High Sierra install has the firmware folder with 0085 in it.

 

[tsialex]

Don't know if this helps but High Sierra install has the firmware folder with 0085 in it.

10.13.0/1/2/3 = 0084
10.13.4 = 0085
10.13.5 = 0087
10.13.6 = 0089

 

[Zeke D]

Same symptom as when I tried to do it with 85: reboot, firmware for a second, and crash/restart.

Without knowing what to add, what to remove, what to overwrite on the LOCKED.fd file, no.
[doublepost=1533437440][/doublepost]
RecoveryHDMeta.DMG, extract it, reopen it on Pacifist, go to the Firmware folder, extract the LOCKED.fd file.

 

[tsialex]

Same symptom as when I tried to do it with 85: reboot, firmware for a second, and crash/restart.

You can backup the full personalised BootROM and flash the 0085.LOCKED.fd file with ROMTool.

You will loose iCloud/Facetime/iMessage and it's better to disconnect from all of them BEFORE doing the the flash or red lights will go on at Apple servers

 

[Zeke D]

You can backup the full personalised BootROM and flash the 0085.LOCKED.fd file with ROMTool.

You will loose iCloud/Facetime/iMessage and it's better to disconnect from all of them BEFORE doing the the flash or red lights will go on at Apple servers

Just rename .fd to .bin?

 

[tsialex]

Just rename .fd to .bin?

Yep.

 

[Zeke D]

Yep.

Okay, did it. Serial Number shows as unavailable, and Boot ROM Version: MP51.0085.B00

I'm gonna install the i7 again and see what's what.
[doublepost=1533439655][/doublepost]Interesting results.
With 0085, it boots the i7 just fine, but reports it as a xeon. Geekbench 4 shows the info correctly.

 

[tsialex]

Okay, did it. Serial Number shows as unavailable, and Boot ROM Version: MP51.0085.B00

I'm gonna install the i7 again and see what's what.
[doublepost=1533439655][/doublepost]Interesting results.
With 0085, it boots the i7 just fine, but reports it as a xeon. Geekbench 4 shows the info correctly.

View attachment 774436

Do a

sysctl -a |grep machdep.cpu.brand_string

 

[Zeke D]

Do a

sysctl -a |grep machdep.cpu.brand_string

Last login: Sat Aug  4 20:22:59 on console

Mac-Pro:~ default$ sysctl -a |grep machdep.cpu.brand_string

machdep.cpu.brand_string: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU         940  @ 2.93GHz

Mac-Pro:~ default$

 

[tsialex]

Last login: Sat Aug  4 20:22:59 on console

Mac-Pro:~ default$ sysctl -a |grep machdep.cpu.brand_string

machdep.cpu.brand_string: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU         940  @ 2.93GHz

Mac-Pro:~ default$

Interesting, why SystemProfiler show Xeon if the cpu_brand is correct?

 

[Zeke D]

Interesting, why SystemProfiler show Xeon if the cpu_brand is correct?

I did a cmd-alt-P-R. Like you said, "interesting."

 

[tsialex]

I did a cmd-alt-P-R. Like you said, "interesting."

Save a full SystemProfiler, then do a bigger test:

1) update macOS to 10.13.6, that has the most recent microcode.dat, check if anything changes on the processor identification.
2) upgrade the firmware to 0087 and check if still boots without the microcode on the BootROM and with the most recent microcode on macOS.

 

[Zeke D]

I'll have to try that out tomorrow morning, but will do as soon as I'm up.

 

[crjackson2134]

This is a fun thread...

Good work.

 

[Zeke D]

This is a fun thread...

Good work.

Yeah, the how's and why's of Apple continue to confound us. I'm sorta glad that it's Apple, and not the i7-940. @ActionableMango was going to do a bunch of work in the CPU compatibility thread, but now it looks like just adding some information about boot rom versions is what's necessary. With 0085, the i7-940 is working, but incorrectly showing in system profiler. I'll get clarification from @tsialex tommorow and well presumably continue. He's probably four hours ahead of me do I'm sure he'd rather sleep than hold my hand through troubleshooting.

 

[tsialex]

Yeah, the how's and why's of Apple continue to confound us. I'm sorta glad that it's Apple, and not the i7-940. @ActionableMango was going to do a bunch of work in the CPU compatibility thread, but now it looks like just adding some information about boot rom versions is what's necessary. With 0085, the i7-940 is working, but incorrectly showing in system profiler. I'll get clarification from @tsialex tommorow and well presumably continue. He's probably four hours ahead of me do I'm sure he'd rather sleep than hold my hand through troubleshooting.

1. Save a full SystemProfiler, do

   sysctl machdep; /usr/libexec/ucupdate -q

2. Update macOS to 10.13.6, via software update, without upgrading the firmware. Save a full SystemProfiler again and do:
   

   sysctl machdep;/usr/libexec/ucupdate -q

3. Upgrade the BootROM to 0087 to check if the Mac Pro still boots without the microcode on the firmware. Maybe it will not boot.
4. If you can boot, check what's the macOS microcode version with

    sysctl machdep;/usr/libexec/ucupdate -q

It's important to check the microcode with ucupdate at every change of macOS version/BootROM, I suspect that Apple removed support for Bloomfield from microcode.dat too.

 

[Zeke D]

1. Save a full SystemProfiler, do

   sysctl machdep;
   /usr/libexec/ucupdate -q

2. Update macOS to 10.13.6, via software update, without upgrading the firmware. Save a full SystemProfiler again and do:
   

   sysctl machdep;
   /usr/libexec/ucupdate -q

3. Upgrade the BootROM to 0087 to check if the Mac Pro still boots without the microcode on the firmware. Maybe it will not boot.
4. If you can boot, check what's the macOS microcode version with

    sysctl machdep;/usr/libexec/ucupdate -q

It's important to check the microcode with ucupdate at every change of macOS version/BootROM, I suspect that Apple removed support for Bloomfield from microcode.dat too.

For step two, the AppStore update won't do a firmware update?

 

[tsialex]

For step two, the AppStore update won't do a firmware update?

On a Mac Pro 5,1, Apple will only upgrade the BootROM when you run the full installer, not when you update the macOS version with software update/Mac App Store. A lot of Mac Pros are on obsolete BootROM versions, like 0084.

 

[handheldgames]

Going back to 2009 with 4,1 firmware the i7 975 showed up as a Xeon in about this Mac, ram should show ecc as disabled. The same happens in firmware 0085 and 0089 with the 990x. You are seeing expected behavior.

Congrats on installing the necessary cpu bits to get it running.

 

[Zeke D]

In step three, how do I do a firmware update to 87? Use ROMTool?

 

[tsialex]

Going back to 2009 with 4,1 firmware the i7 975 showed up as a Xeon in about this Mac, ram should show ecc as disabled. The same happens in firmware 0085 and 0089 with the 990x. You are seeing expected behavior.

Congrats on installing the necessary cpu bits to get it running.

We have at least two questions to answer:

1) It's the BootROM microcode that provides support to i7 booting on macOS or the microcode.dat?
2) Apple removed Bloomfield support from microcode.dat on the current version?

[doublepost=1533474175][/doublepost]

In step three, how do I do a firmware update to 87? Use ROMTool?

Yes, just rename the LOCKED.fd to .bin and flash it with ROMTool.

 

[Zeke D]

Okay. Once I updated to 0087, I got a kernel panic.

Step one output:

Last login: Sun Aug  5 05:30:49 on console

Mac-Pro:~ default$ sysctl machdep; /usr/libexec/ucupdate -q

machdep.user_idle_level: 0

machdep.cpu.max_basic: 11

machdep.cpu.max_ext: 2147483656

machdep.cpu.vendor: GenuineIntel

machdep.cpu.brand_string: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU         940  @ 2.93GHz

machdep.cpu.family: 6

machdep.cpu.model: 26

machdep.cpu.extmodel: 1

machdep.cpu.extfamily: 0

machdep.cpu.stepping: 4

machdep.cpu.feature_bits: 43034600568257535

machdep.cpu.extfeature_bits: 4967106816

machdep.cpu.signature: 67236

machdep.cpu.brand: 0

machdep.cpu.features: FPU VME DE PSE TSC MSR PAE MCE CX8 APIC SEP MTRR PGE MCA CMOV PAT PSE36 CLFSH DS ACPI MMX FXSR SSE SSE2 SS HTT TM PBE SSE3 DTES64 MON DSCPL VMX EST TM2 SSSE3 CX16 TPR PDCM SSE4.1 SSE4.2 POPCNT

machdep.cpu.extfeatures: SYSCALL XD EM64T LAHF RDTSCP TSCI

machdep.cpu.logical_per_package: 16

machdep.cpu.cores_per_package: 8

machdep.cpu.microcode_version: 17

machdep.cpu.processor_flag: 1

machdep.cpu.mwait.linesize_min: 64

machdep.cpu.mwait.linesize_max: 64

machdep.cpu.mwait.extensions: 3

machdep.cpu.mwait.sub_Cstates: 4384

machdep.cpu.thermal.sensor: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.dynamic_acceleration: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.invariant_APIC_timer: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.thresholds: 2

machdep.cpu.thermal.ACNT_MCNT: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.core_power_limits: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.fine_grain_clock_mod: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.package_thermal_intr: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.hardware_feedback: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.energy_policy: 0

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.version: 3

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.number: 4

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.width: 48

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.events_number: 7

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.events: 64

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.fixed_number: 3

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.fixed_width: 48

machdep.cpu.cache.linesize: 64

machdep.cpu.cache.L2_associativity: 8

machdep.cpu.cache.size: 256

machdep.cpu.tlb.inst.small: 64

machdep.cpu.tlb.inst.large: 7

machdep.cpu.tlb.data.small: 64

machdep.cpu.tlb.data.large: 32

machdep.cpu.tlb.shared: 512

machdep.cpu.address_bits.physical: 36

machdep.cpu.address_bits.virtual: 48

machdep.cpu.core_count: 4

machdep.cpu.thread_count: 8

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.desired: 63

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.min: 12

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.max: 22

machdep.cpu.tsc_ccc.numerator: 0

machdep.cpu.tsc_ccc.denominator: 0

machdep.vectors.timer: 221

machdep.vectors.IPI: 222

machdep.pmap.hashwalks: 242708

machdep.pmap.hashcnts: 446877

machdep.pmap.hashmax: 21

machdep.pmap.kernel_text_ps: 2097152

machdep.pmap.kern_pv_reserve: 8000

machdep.memmap.Conventional: 8579637248

machdep.memmap.RuntimeServices: 319488

machdep.memmap.ACPIReclaim: 159744

machdep.memmap.ACPINVS: 1036288

machdep.memmap.PalCode: 0

machdep.memmap.Reserved: 8781824

machdep.memmap.Unusable: 0

machdep.memmap.Other: 0

machdep.tsc.frequency: 2925999627

machdep.tsc.deep_idle_rebase: 1

machdep.tsc.at_boot: 0

machdep.tsc.rebase_abs_time: 14739653739

machdep.tsc.nanotime.tsc_base: 43128221406

machdep.tsc.nanotime.ns_base: 0

machdep.tsc.nanotime.scale: 1467863241

machdep.tsc.nanotime.shift: 0

machdep.tsc.nanotime.generation: 2

machdep.misc.fast_uexc_support: 1

machdep.misc.panic_restart_timeout: 1266874889

machdep.misc.interrupt_latency_max: 0x5 0xde 0x29f7b5

machdep.misc.timer_queue_trace:

machdep.misc.nmis: 0

machdep.xcpm.mode: 0

machdep.xcpm.hard_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.hard_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.soft_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.soft_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.power_source: 0

machdep.xcpm.bootplim: 0

machdep.xcpm.bootpst: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_ns: 0

machdep.xcpm.vectors_loaded_count: 0

machdep.xcpm.ratio_change_ratelimit_ns: 500000

machdep.xcpm.ratio_changes_total: 0

machdep.xcpm.maxbusdelay: 0

machdep.xcpm.maxintdelay: 0

machdep.xcpm.mbd_mode: 1

machdep.xcpm.mbd_applications: 0

machdep.xcpm.mbd_relaxations: 0

machdep.xcpm.forced_idle_ratio: 100

machdep.xcpm.forced_idle_period: 30000000

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_log: 0

machdep.xcpm.qos_txfr: 1

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_count: 0

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_last_stats: n/a

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_total_stats: n/a

machdep.xcpm.cpu_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.gpu_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_control_engages: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_control_disengages: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_filtered_reads: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_cst_control_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.ring_boost_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_epp_boost_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.epp_override: 0

machdep.eager_timer_evaluations: 3

machdep.eager_timer_evaluation_max: 93338

machdep.x86_fp_simd_isr_uses: 0

signature: 0x106a4

microcode_version: 0x11

processor_flag: 0x1

Mac-Pro:~ default$

Step two output:

Last login: Sun Aug  5 05:54:10 on ttys000

Mac-Pro:~ default$ sysctl machdep; /usr/libexec/ucupdate -q

machdep.user_idle_level: 0

machdep.cpu.max_basic: 11

machdep.cpu.max_ext: 2147483656

machdep.cpu.vendor: GenuineIntel

machdep.cpu.brand_string: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU         940  @ 2.93GHz

machdep.cpu.family: 6

machdep.cpu.model: 26

machdep.cpu.extmodel: 1

machdep.cpu.extfamily: 0

machdep.cpu.stepping: 4

machdep.cpu.feature_bits: 43034600568257535

machdep.cpu.extfeature_bits: 4967106816

machdep.cpu.signature: 67236

machdep.cpu.brand: 0

machdep.cpu.features: FPU VME DE PSE TSC MSR PAE MCE CX8 APIC SEP MTRR PGE MCA CMOV PAT PSE36 CLFSH DS ACPI MMX FXSR SSE SSE2 SS HTT TM PBE SSE3 DTES64 MON DSCPL VMX EST TM2 SSSE3 CX16 TPR PDCM SSE4.1 SSE4.2 POPCNT

machdep.cpu.extfeatures: SYSCALL XD EM64T LAHF RDTSCP TSCI

machdep.cpu.logical_per_package: 16

machdep.cpu.cores_per_package: 8

machdep.cpu.microcode_version: 18

machdep.cpu.processor_flag: 1

machdep.cpu.mwait.linesize_min: 64

machdep.cpu.mwait.linesize_max: 64

machdep.cpu.mwait.extensions: 3

machdep.cpu.mwait.sub_Cstates: 4384

machdep.cpu.thermal.sensor: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.dynamic_acceleration: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.invariant_APIC_timer: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.thresholds: 2

machdep.cpu.thermal.ACNT_MCNT: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.core_power_limits: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.fine_grain_clock_mod: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.package_thermal_intr: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.hardware_feedback: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.energy_policy: 0

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.version: 3

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.number: 4

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.width: 48

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.events_number: 7

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.events: 64

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.fixed_number: 3

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.fixed_width: 48

machdep.cpu.cache.linesize: 64

machdep.cpu.cache.L2_associativity: 8

machdep.cpu.cache.size: 256

machdep.cpu.tlb.inst.small: 64

machdep.cpu.tlb.inst.large: 7

machdep.cpu.tlb.data.small: 64

machdep.cpu.tlb.data.large: 32

machdep.cpu.tlb.shared: 512

machdep.cpu.address_bits.physical: 36

machdep.cpu.address_bits.virtual: 48

machdep.cpu.core_count: 4

machdep.cpu.thread_count: 8

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.desired: 63

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.min: 12

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.max: 22

machdep.cpu.tsc_ccc.numerator: 0

machdep.cpu.tsc_ccc.denominator: 0

machdep.vectors.timer: 221

machdep.vectors.IPI: 222

machdep.pmap.hashwalks: 1011491

machdep.pmap.hashcnts: 1705154

machdep.pmap.hashmax: 24

machdep.pmap.kernel_text_ps: 2097152

machdep.pmap.kern_pv_reserve: 8000

machdep.memmap.Conventional: 8579637248

machdep.memmap.RuntimeServices: 319488

machdep.memmap.ACPIReclaim: 159744

machdep.memmap.ACPINVS: 1036288

machdep.memmap.PalCode: 0

machdep.memmap.Reserved: 8781824

machdep.memmap.Unusable: 0

machdep.memmap.Other: 0

machdep.tsc.frequency: 2925999627

machdep.tsc.deep_idle_rebase: 1

machdep.tsc.at_boot: 0

machdep.tsc.rebase_abs_time: 16641116575

machdep.tsc.nanotime.tsc_base: 48691900962

machdep.tsc.nanotime.ns_base: 0

machdep.tsc.nanotime.scale: 1467863241

machdep.tsc.nanotime.shift: 0

machdep.tsc.nanotime.generation: 2

machdep.misc.fast_uexc_support: 1

machdep.misc.panic_restart_timeout: 1266874889

machdep.misc.interrupt_latency_max: 0x7 0xde 0x2c5f02

machdep.misc.timer_queue_trace:

machdep.misc.nmis: 0

machdep.xcpm.mode: 0

machdep.xcpm.hard_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.hard_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.soft_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.soft_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.power_source: 0

machdep.xcpm.bootplim: 0

machdep.xcpm.bootpst: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_ns: 0

machdep.xcpm.vectors_loaded_count: 0

machdep.xcpm.ratio_change_ratelimit_ns: 500000

machdep.xcpm.ratio_changes_total: 0

machdep.xcpm.maxbusdelay: 0

machdep.xcpm.maxintdelay: 0

machdep.xcpm.mid_applications: 0

machdep.xcpm.mid_relaxations: 0

machdep.xcpm.mid_mode: 1

machdep.xcpm.mid_cst_control_limit: 0

machdep.xcpm.mid_mode_active: 0

machdep.xcpm.mbd_mode: 1

machdep.xcpm.mbd_applications: 0

machdep.xcpm.mbd_relaxations: 0

machdep.xcpm.forced_idle_ratio: 100

machdep.xcpm.forced_idle_period: 30000000

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_log: 0

machdep.xcpm.qos_txfr: 1

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_count: 0

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_last_stats: n/a

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_total_stats: n/a

machdep.xcpm.cpu_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.gpu_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_control_engages: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_control_disengages: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_filtered_reads: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_cst_control_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.ring_boost_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_epp_boost_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.epp_override: 0

machdep.eager_timer_evaluations: 41

machdep.eager_timer_evaluation_max: 168087

machdep.x86_fp_simd_isr_uses: 0

signature: 0x106a4

microcode_version: 0x12

processor_flag: 0x1

Mac-Pro:~ default$

Kernel panic:

I'm back on the 0085 firmware.

 

[tsialex]

Okay. Once I updated to 0087, I got a kernel panic.

Step one output:

Last login: Sun Aug  5 05:30:49 on console

Mac-Pro:~ default$ sysctl machdep; /usr/libexec/ucupdate -q

machdep.user_idle_level: 0

machdep.cpu.max_basic: 11

machdep.cpu.max_ext: 2147483656

machdep.cpu.vendor: GenuineIntel

machdep.cpu.brand_string: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU         940  @ 2.93GHz

machdep.cpu.family: 6

machdep.cpu.model: 26

machdep.cpu.extmodel: 1

machdep.cpu.extfamily: 0

machdep.cpu.stepping: 4

machdep.cpu.feature_bits: 43034600568257535

machdep.cpu.extfeature_bits: 4967106816

machdep.cpu.signature: 67236

machdep.cpu.brand: 0

machdep.cpu.features: FPU VME DE PSE TSC MSR PAE MCE CX8 APIC SEP MTRR PGE MCA CMOV PAT PSE36 CLFSH DS ACPI MMX FXSR SSE SSE2 SS HTT TM PBE SSE3 DTES64 MON DSCPL VMX EST TM2 SSSE3 CX16 TPR PDCM SSE4.1 SSE4.2 POPCNT

machdep.cpu.extfeatures: SYSCALL XD EM64T LAHF RDTSCP TSCI

machdep.cpu.logical_per_package: 16

machdep.cpu.cores_per_package: 8

machdep.cpu.microcode_version: 17

machdep.cpu.processor_flag: 1

machdep.cpu.mwait.linesize_min: 64

machdep.cpu.mwait.linesize_max: 64

machdep.cpu.mwait.extensions: 3

machdep.cpu.mwait.sub_Cstates: 4384

machdep.cpu.thermal.sensor: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.dynamic_acceleration: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.invariant_APIC_timer: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.thresholds: 2

machdep.cpu.thermal.ACNT_MCNT: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.core_power_limits: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.fine_grain_clock_mod: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.package_thermal_intr: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.hardware_feedback: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.energy_policy: 0

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.version: 3

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.number: 4

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.width: 48

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.events_number: 7

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.events: 64

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.fixed_number: 3

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.fixed_width: 48

machdep.cpu.cache.linesize: 64

machdep.cpu.cache.L2_associativity: 8

machdep.cpu.cache.size: 256

machdep.cpu.tlb.inst.small: 64

machdep.cpu.tlb.inst.large: 7

machdep.cpu.tlb.data.small: 64

machdep.cpu.tlb.data.large: 32

machdep.cpu.tlb.shared: 512

machdep.cpu.address_bits.physical: 36

machdep.cpu.address_bits.virtual: 48

machdep.cpu.core_count: 4

machdep.cpu.thread_count: 8

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.desired: 63

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.min: 12

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.max: 22

machdep.cpu.tsc_ccc.numerator: 0

machdep.cpu.tsc_ccc.denominator: 0

machdep.vectors.timer: 221

machdep.vectors.IPI: 222

machdep.pmap.hashwalks: 242708

machdep.pmap.hashcnts: 446877

machdep.pmap.hashmax: 21

machdep.pmap.kernel_text_ps: 2097152

machdep.pmap.kern_pv_reserve: 8000

machdep.memmap.Conventional: 8579637248

machdep.memmap.RuntimeServices: 319488

machdep.memmap.ACPIReclaim: 159744

machdep.memmap.ACPINVS: 1036288

machdep.memmap.PalCode: 0

machdep.memmap.Reserved: 8781824

machdep.memmap.Unusable: 0

machdep.memmap.Other: 0

machdep.tsc.frequency: 2925999627

machdep.tsc.deep_idle_rebase: 1

machdep.tsc.at_boot: 0

machdep.tsc.rebase_abs_time: 14739653739

machdep.tsc.nanotime.tsc_base: 43128221406

machdep.tsc.nanotime.ns_base: 0

machdep.tsc.nanotime.scale: 1467863241

machdep.tsc.nanotime.shift: 0

machdep.tsc.nanotime.generation: 2

machdep.misc.fast_uexc_support: 1

machdep.misc.panic_restart_timeout: 1266874889

machdep.misc.interrupt_latency_max: 0x5 0xde 0x29f7b5

machdep.misc.timer_queue_trace:

machdep.misc.nmis: 0

machdep.xcpm.mode: 0

machdep.xcpm.hard_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.hard_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.soft_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.soft_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.power_source: 0

machdep.xcpm.bootplim: 0

machdep.xcpm.bootpst: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_ns: 0

machdep.xcpm.vectors_loaded_count: 0

machdep.xcpm.ratio_change_ratelimit_ns: 500000

machdep.xcpm.ratio_changes_total: 0

machdep.xcpm.maxbusdelay: 0

machdep.xcpm.maxintdelay: 0

machdep.xcpm.mbd_mode: 1

machdep.xcpm.mbd_applications: 0

machdep.xcpm.mbd_relaxations: 0

machdep.xcpm.forced_idle_ratio: 100

machdep.xcpm.forced_idle_period: 30000000

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_log: 0

machdep.xcpm.qos_txfr: 1

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_count: 0

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_last_stats: n/a

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_total_stats: n/a

machdep.xcpm.cpu_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.gpu_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_control_engages: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_control_disengages: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_filtered_reads: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_cst_control_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.ring_boost_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_epp_boost_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.epp_override: 0

machdep.eager_timer_evaluations: 3

machdep.eager_timer_evaluation_max: 93338

machdep.x86_fp_simd_isr_uses: 0

signature: 0x106a4

microcode_version: 0x11

processor_flag: 0x1

Mac-Pro:~ default$

Step two output:

Last login: Sun Aug  5 05:54:10 on ttys000

Mac-Pro:~ default$ sysctl machdep; /usr/libexec/ucupdate -q

machdep.user_idle_level: 0

machdep.cpu.max_basic: 11

machdep.cpu.max_ext: 2147483656

machdep.cpu.vendor: GenuineIntel

machdep.cpu.brand_string: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU         940  @ 2.93GHz

machdep.cpu.family: 6

machdep.cpu.model: 26

machdep.cpu.extmodel: 1

machdep.cpu.extfamily: 0

machdep.cpu.stepping: 4

machdep.cpu.feature_bits: 43034600568257535

machdep.cpu.extfeature_bits: 4967106816

machdep.cpu.signature: 67236

machdep.cpu.brand: 0

machdep.cpu.features: FPU VME DE PSE TSC MSR PAE MCE CX8 APIC SEP MTRR PGE MCA CMOV PAT PSE36 CLFSH DS ACPI MMX FXSR SSE SSE2 SS HTT TM PBE SSE3 DTES64 MON DSCPL VMX EST TM2 SSSE3 CX16 TPR PDCM SSE4.1 SSE4.2 POPCNT

machdep.cpu.extfeatures: SYSCALL XD EM64T LAHF RDTSCP TSCI

machdep.cpu.logical_per_package: 16

machdep.cpu.cores_per_package: 8

machdep.cpu.microcode_version: 18

machdep.cpu.processor_flag: 1

machdep.cpu.mwait.linesize_min: 64

machdep.cpu.mwait.linesize_max: 64

machdep.cpu.mwait.extensions: 3

machdep.cpu.mwait.sub_Cstates: 4384

machdep.cpu.thermal.sensor: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.dynamic_acceleration: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.invariant_APIC_timer: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.thresholds: 2

machdep.cpu.thermal.ACNT_MCNT: 1

machdep.cpu.thermal.core_power_limits: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.fine_grain_clock_mod: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.package_thermal_intr: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.hardware_feedback: 0

machdep.cpu.thermal.energy_policy: 0

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.version: 3

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.number: 4

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.width: 48

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.events_number: 7

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.events: 64

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.fixed_number: 3

machdep.cpu.arch_perf.fixed_width: 48

machdep.cpu.cache.linesize: 64

machdep.cpu.cache.L2_associativity: 8

machdep.cpu.cache.size: 256

machdep.cpu.tlb.inst.small: 64

machdep.cpu.tlb.inst.large: 7

machdep.cpu.tlb.data.small: 64

machdep.cpu.tlb.data.large: 32

machdep.cpu.tlb.shared: 512

machdep.cpu.address_bits.physical: 36

machdep.cpu.address_bits.virtual: 48

machdep.cpu.core_count: 4

machdep.cpu.thread_count: 8

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.desired: 63

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.min: 12

machdep.cpu.flex_ratio.max: 22

machdep.cpu.tsc_ccc.numerator: 0

machdep.cpu.tsc_ccc.denominator: 0

machdep.vectors.timer: 221

machdep.vectors.IPI: 222

machdep.pmap.hashwalks: 1011491

machdep.pmap.hashcnts: 1705154

machdep.pmap.hashmax: 24

machdep.pmap.kernel_text_ps: 2097152

machdep.pmap.kern_pv_reserve: 8000

machdep.memmap.Conventional: 8579637248

machdep.memmap.RuntimeServices: 319488

machdep.memmap.ACPIReclaim: 159744

machdep.memmap.ACPINVS: 1036288

machdep.memmap.PalCode: 0

machdep.memmap.Reserved: 8781824

machdep.memmap.Unusable: 0

machdep.memmap.Other: 0

machdep.tsc.frequency: 2925999627

machdep.tsc.deep_idle_rebase: 1

machdep.tsc.at_boot: 0

machdep.tsc.rebase_abs_time: 16641116575

machdep.tsc.nanotime.tsc_base: 48691900962

machdep.tsc.nanotime.ns_base: 0

machdep.tsc.nanotime.scale: 1467863241

machdep.tsc.nanotime.shift: 0

machdep.tsc.nanotime.generation: 2

machdep.misc.fast_uexc_support: 1

machdep.misc.panic_restart_timeout: 1266874889

machdep.misc.interrupt_latency_max: 0x7 0xde 0x2c5f02

machdep.misc.timer_queue_trace:

machdep.misc.nmis: 0

machdep.xcpm.mode: 0

machdep.xcpm.hard_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.hard_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.soft_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.soft_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_plimit_max_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_plimit_min_100mhz_ratio: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.power_source: 0

machdep.xcpm.bootplim: 0

machdep.xcpm.bootpst: 0

machdep.xcpm.tuib_ns: 0

machdep.xcpm.vectors_loaded_count: 0

machdep.xcpm.ratio_change_ratelimit_ns: 500000

machdep.xcpm.ratio_changes_total: 0

machdep.xcpm.maxbusdelay: 0

machdep.xcpm.maxintdelay: 0

machdep.xcpm.mid_applications: 0

machdep.xcpm.mid_relaxations: 0

machdep.xcpm.mid_mode: 1

machdep.xcpm.mid_cst_control_limit: 0

machdep.xcpm.mid_mode_active: 0

machdep.xcpm.mbd_mode: 1

machdep.xcpm.mbd_applications: 0

machdep.xcpm.mbd_relaxations: 0

machdep.xcpm.forced_idle_ratio: 100

machdep.xcpm.forced_idle_period: 30000000

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_log: 0

machdep.xcpm.qos_txfr: 1

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_count: 0

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_last_stats: n/a

machdep.xcpm.deep_idle_total_stats: n/a

machdep.xcpm.cpu_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.gpu_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_thermal_level: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_control_engages: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_control_disengages: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_filtered_reads: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_cst_control_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.ring_boost_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.io_epp_boost_enabled: 0

machdep.xcpm.epp_override: 0

machdep.eager_timer_evaluations: 41

machdep.eager_timer_evaluation_max: 168087

machdep.x86_fp_simd_isr_uses: 0

signature: 0x106a4

microcode_version: 0x12

processor_flag: 0x1

Mac-Pro:~ default$

Kernel panic:
View attachment 774467

I'm back on the 0085 firmware.

So, with this we have some answers:

1) Bloomfield i7 CPU cores need the microcode on the BootROM to run macOS, unlike Nehalem/Westmere/Gulftown Xeon cores that can boot macOS without any microcode on the BootROM.

2) Apple did update the microcode.dat on 10.13.6 to support 0x106a4 CPUs, from 0x11 to 0x12.

 

[Zeke D]

Sounds about right. I'll wait a few hours, and if there are no other tests that anyone wants me to perform, I'll flash my personalized firmware backup and reinstall the 2.6Gh QC Xeon.

 

[tsialex]

Sounds about right. I'll wait a few hours, and if there are no other tests that anyone wants me to perform, I'll flash my personalized firmware backup and reinstall the 2.6Gh QC Xeon.

If you want to keep running the i7-940, you could try to add 0x106a4 microcode to 0089, like we did with 0087 when Apple forgot to include the microcodes.