2026-06-04 15:38:23 +01:00
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# Mac Pro 3,1 (Early 2008) — install notes
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Flake host: `lyrathorpe-macpro31`. Desktop (`portable = false`, imports
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`../../modules/desktop.nix`). Files: `configuration.nix`,
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`hardware-configuration.nix`.
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## Hardware configuration
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2026-06-10 14:56:58 +01:00
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`hardware-configuration.nix` here is the real config generated by
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`nixos-generate-config` on the machine. Root is an **LVM** logical volume
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(`/dev/mapper/MacPro-Root`, ext4); the ESP (vfat) and swap are referenced by
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UUID. The initrd carries `dm-snapshot` for the LVM root. Regenerate and commit
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if the disk layout changes.
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2026-06-04 15:38:23 +01:00
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## Bootloader
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The Mac Pro 3,1 has **64-bit EFI**, so it uses **systemd-boot** (no GRUB/CSM
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shim). `canTouchEfiVariables = false` because Apple's firmware does not reliably
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accept `efibootmgr` NVRAM writes.
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Apple-EFI quirk: if the firmware boot picker does not show NixOS after install,
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either
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- uncomment `boot.loader.efi.efiInstallAsRemovable = true;` in
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`configuration.nix` (installs the fallback `\EFI\BOOT\BOOTX64.EFI`), and/or
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- "bless" the ESP from macOS.
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Partition the disk GPT with an ESP (vfat).
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## Graphics
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The stock card varies between units — **ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT** or **NVIDIA
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GeForce 8800 GT**. No proprietary driver is hardcoded; Sway relies on in-tree KMS:
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- ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT → `radeon` (or `amdgpu`) KMS
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- NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT → `nouveau` KMS
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These come up automatically. If a card needs forcing, set
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`services.xserver.videoDrivers` and/or add the module to
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`boot.initrd.kernelModules` for early KMS (see the comment in
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`configuration.nix`).
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## Networking
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Wired Ethernet via NetworkManager (from `desktop.nix`) — the Mac Pro has two
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gigabit ports.
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2026-06-09 18:14:00 +01:00
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## Login
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Graphical login via a Wayland greeter — `greetd` running ReGreet inside the
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`cage` kiosk compositor — configured centrally in `lyrathorpe/swaywm.nix` for
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every Sway host (gated on `features.swayDesktop.enable`). The greeter is forced
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to the Dvorak layout to match the console and Sway session. Set the user
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password (`passwd lyrathorpe`) after install, or the greeter cannot
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authenticate. Requires working KMS (radeon/nouveau — see Graphics).
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2026-06-04 15:38:23 +01:00
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## Apply
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```sh
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sudo nixos-rebuild switch --flake .#lyrathorpe-macpro31
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```
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