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MacRumors
May 16, 2006, 09:45 PM
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System Management Control firmware updates are available for certain Intel-based Mac models.


The SMC Firmware Update addresses intermittent boot issues.

The SMC Firmware Update 1.0 is a System Management Control (SMC) firmware update for certain Intel-based computers, including iMac (Early 2006), Mac mini (Early 2006) and MacBook Pro (15-inch) computers.

The updates can be found here:

iMac (early 2006) SMC Firmware Update (http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/imacearly2006smcfirmwareupdate.html)

MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update (http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macbookprosmcfirmwareupdate.html)

Mac mini (early 2006) SMC Firmware Update (http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macminiearly2006smcfirmwareupdate.html)

Installation instructions (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303725) can be found in Apple's Knowledge Base. Note that two of the three download pages have bad links to the Knowledge Base article at the time of this posting, so use this link until those pages are corrected.


yankeefan24
May 16, 2006, 09:49 PM
As I have said before, the more upgrades either software or hardware, is good.

It looks like the new MacBook has this.
miketcool
May 16, 2006, 09:53 PM
Perhaps this is the solution for the latest security update and issues people with bootcamp and rosetta startup items.
furryrabidbunny
May 16, 2006, 10:08 PM
Not to sound naive... but what exactly does this update improve?
yankeefan24
May 16, 2006, 10:09 PM
Not to sound naive... but what exactly does this update improve?

From what I have heard, it turns the fans on sooner on these macs so they run cooler. maybe more, but that's all I have heard.
astral
May 16, 2006, 10:29 PM
Yep, its a temp management update. It appears to address the "mooing noise" (the fan stays on instead of constantly revving up). My MBP was on all day (which always led to the mooing) and was mooing at constant 5 second intervals until I installed the update. The fans now appear to be running constantly at a really low speed. Definitely install this to kill the moo-cow.
Scottyk9
May 16, 2006, 10:34 PM
Yep, its a temp management update. It appears to address the "mooing noise" (the fan stays on instead of constantly revving up). My MBP was on all day (which always led to the mooing) and was mooing at constant 5 second intervals until I installed the update. The fans now appear to be running constantly at a really low speed. Definitely install this to kill the moo-cow.

SMC = "stop mooing computer"?

My MPB does not "moo", nor is the temperature too bad. I am a little wary of installing an update to fix a problem I don't have. Has anyone without the above problems given this a try?
Todd H
May 16, 2006, 10:35 PM
Just ran the update. So that's what the fans on my iMac sound like. I've never heard them before. :)
hob
May 16, 2006, 10:48 PM
I like my fans how they are thank you!

I just blindly install updates like a fool though...

I love how quick updates are on the iMac though. This one took less than 90 seconds with two restarts!
Todd H
May 16, 2006, 10:55 PM
Yep I like them the way they are too. I have a PC on the desk next to the Mac. I'm amazed at how the Mac is almost silent compared to it.

Installing the update was the first time I ever heard the fans. Luckily it lasted about 5 seconds while the firmware updated. After that, back to silence.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to install the update since I don't have any problems, but when I ran Software Update it was listed. Figured I'd give it a go.
truz
May 16, 2006, 11:18 PM
About time :) ever since the last secuity updates that was like 100+mb in size and caused issues with intel macs, my boot options did not work. I could not boot to my mac CD to reload the os. Anyways, I was also not able to boot into windows or machd, I had to change the boot settings before restarting..

Now that they fixed this issue, everything is good again :)
hob
May 16, 2006, 11:19 PM
I've heard them before, but only to go woosh as you switch on. I listened out for it because it's the same noise my old PowerMac G5 used to make when you switched it on but about 90% quieter!
jsw
May 16, 2006, 11:24 PM
Updated my mini core duo, my 17" iMac, and my employer's MBP.

No issues whatsoever.
rishey
May 16, 2006, 11:27 PM
Has anyone who did the heatsink mod to their Macbook Pro tried this update? Is it working OK?

Thanks
darwin022
May 16, 2006, 11:32 PM
I updated my 15.4" 2.0GHz MBP to this tonight.

pre update idle: 65* C CPU temp. post update: 63*
pre update maxed (both cores, using SystemLoad.app): 88* C post update: 81* C

So I would say it is an improvement.

It does NOT improve battery life. In fact, Before the update, my battery would last a whopping 8 minutes, after, 4 minutes (from a full charge. Apple seems to have their hands up their ass as far as sending me a replacement battery)
smiley
May 16, 2006, 11:34 PM
Installed the firmware update on my MBP. No problems so far and the infuriating processor whine has gone away! It's also running a LOT cooler now. Way to go Apple!
thejadedmonkey
May 16, 2006, 11:37 PM
Installed the firmware update on my MBP. No problems so far and the infuriating processor whine has gone away! It's also running a LOT cooler now. Way to go Apple!
The CPU whine and heat was a FIRMWARE ISSUE?
ReanimationLP
May 16, 2006, 11:54 PM
The CPU whine and heat was a FIRMWARE ISSUE?

Its quite possible if the firmware wasnt controlling the fan and CPU voltage correctly.

I'm glad Apples fixed it.
truz
May 17, 2006, 12:18 AM
I updated my 15.4" 2.0GHz MBP to this tonight.

pre update idle: 65* C CPU temp. post update: 63*
pre update maxed (both cores, using SystemLoad.app): 88* C post update: 81* C

So I would say it is an improvement.

It does NOT improve battery life. In fact, Before the update, my battery would last a whopping 8 minutes, after, 4 minutes (from a full charge. Apple seems to have their hands up their ass as far as sending me a replacement battery)


Is your macbook pro one of the recalls??

http://www.tuaw.com/2006/05/03/apple-recalling-macbook-pro-batteries/
Pistol Pete
May 17, 2006, 02:46 AM
Its quite possible if the firmware wasnt controlling the fan and CPU voltage correctly.

I'm glad Apples fixed it.


\and just before the mass call on the 20th hhahaha
pincho
May 17, 2006, 02:49 AM
cpu whine is still there :( :(
jobberwacky
May 17, 2006, 04:27 AM
Installed the firmware update on my MBP. No problems so far and the infuriating processor whine has gone away! It's also running a LOT cooler now. Way to go Apple!
So the firmware update mended the bad soldering? Great! Did it also do the dishes?:D
pincho
May 17, 2006, 04:38 AM
^haha lol

it hasnt fixed the whine for me, testing the heat now :P
TBi
May 17, 2006, 05:10 AM
My MBP is still whining, although not as hot.
Temujin
May 17, 2006, 06:07 AM
Idle: 47-50C (only iTunes)
Full load: hit 82C then went to 77-78C and stayed there

Before the firmware update my MBP would stay around 82C full load and 56 idleC. So an improvement.

Still have the whine though :mad:
jesaja
May 17, 2006, 06:12 AM
Hei!

My 1.83er is a lot cooler now, only hat it idle since, but temp came down from ~60-65 to 48-52 ° Celsius... That's definitely an improvement for me!

And woooaaa:eek: installing it I thought it would take off sonner or later, the fans sounded like an airplanes engines. Never heard that before, nor even near that when it was runnung at ~90°C....

And yes - doesn't moo anymore but still whistles...

jojo
jive
May 17, 2006, 06:16 AM
It took me 87 seconds >_>


Also - dugg: http://digg.com/apple/Mac_Firmware_update


Also, how do you find out the temp? I'm on a 17" iMac
Mac Me Up
May 17, 2006, 09:25 AM
I just updated my intel mac mini (before reading this thread). It was previously running silent (possible hot, who knows), but now the fans come on (not as loud as they do as it's updating, but loud enough to notice when it's quiet.

That's a bit of a downer, especially since I'm using it as a home theater PC. It's by no means loud, but definately not silent anymore.

I guess it's a good thing for it to run cooler, so I'll just have to put up with it...has anyone out there with a mac mini experienced crashes before this update that are now fixed?
dr_lha
May 17, 2006, 09:41 AM
I have to say, the fans at full speed on my mini shocked me! Amazing how noisy they were.

Afterwards the comptuer sounded the same though.
MacBoyX
May 17, 2006, 10:00 AM
Still have the whine though :mad:

Call AppleCare (don't go to the store) and they will replace your logic board causing the whine. They fixed mine.



Still have the whine though :mad:

[QUTOE=darwin022]
I updated my 15.4" 2.0GHz MBP to this tonight.

pre update idle: 65* C CPU temp. post update: 63*
pre update maxed (both cores, using SystemLoad.app): 88* C post update: 81* C

So I would say it is an improvement.[/QUOTE]

Where can I get this SystemLoad.app?
tbrinkma
May 17, 2006, 11:11 AM
Where is everyone finding their CPU temp? A downloadable utility, or some included app?
bigfib
May 17, 2006, 11:14 AM
Where is everyone finding their CPU temp? A downloadable utility, or some included app?

http://macbricol.free.fr/coreduotemp/
darwin022
May 17, 2006, 11:20 AM
Is your macbook pro one of the recalls??

http://www.tuaw.com/2006/05/03/apple-recalling-macbook-pro-batteries/
Yes, but they won't admit that. Apparently the techs didn't get the memo. I had to pretty much specifically ask that they send me a new battery. It's been a week and the battery still hasn't shipped.
tbrinkma
May 17, 2006, 11:34 AM
http://macbricol.free.fr/coreduotemp/

Thanks.
Kingsly
May 17, 2006, 12:42 PM
I updated my 15.4" 2.0GHz MBP to this tonight.

pre update idle: 65* C CPU temp. post update: 63*
pre update maxed (both cores, using SystemLoad.app): 88* C post update: 81* C

So I would say it is an improvement.
Great. Fully one day after I sent my MBP in for heat/whine issues. :o
avensis087
May 17, 2006, 12:54 PM
i updated my intel iMac last night...and WOW were those fans loud. i'd never heard 'em that loud (much less any computer i've owned). don't really notice a difference in fan noise after the update...still 'whisper quiet' :)

mr
sparkleytone
May 17, 2006, 01:19 PM
Sounds like the "fix" involving editing kernel extensions was just an indication of the real problem. The kernel extension, when edited, just ignored the hardware sensors. The real problem was probably miscommunication from the sensors to the OS. Hence, firmware update.
LastZion
May 17, 2006, 01:22 PM
Call AppleCare (don't go to the store) and they will replace your logic board causing the whine. They fixed mine.

Just updated, that core due temp app is wack... it was at 27 (lowest I have ever seen it) then afterwards it is up to 75, now sitting at 72.

I still have the whine though, so you have had experience with applecare replacing your logic board cause of teh whine (the one that disappears when you open PhotoBooth)?
MacBoyX
May 17, 2006, 04:05 PM
Just updated, that core due temp app is wack... it was at 27 (lowest I have ever seen it) then afterwards it is up to 75, now sitting at 72.

I still have the whine though, so you have had experience with applecare replacing your logic board cause of teh whine (the one that disappears when you open PhotoBooth)?

Oh totally. However only after the "Genius" at the Apple Store embarassed me. The tech I spoke to told me there was a problem with the MBP and the iSight and they'd fix it. They also said they'd test the heat.

Got it back, no whine, hot as ever. Call AppleCare directly.

mbx
TheAnswer
May 17, 2006, 10:41 PM
...does this update include the stuff in the Boot Camp enabling update? Or do I need to run both?

Thanks in advance.
Dave the Great
May 18, 2006, 12:18 AM
http://macbricol.free.fr/coreduotemp/

I am just wondering if this program is accurate.

I downloaded the current version this afternoon and it states that my MBP is at 10*C (50*F).

I have installed the update from Apple.

I still have the whine. I still seem to have heat issues. I have not done anything heavy, just downloaded a few things and surfed the web, yet, it is still hotter than my PB. It is uncomfortable to leave your hand lay on the mid/upper left side.
G-Funk
May 18, 2006, 12:39 AM
just got me a 17" macbook pro from my local apple store .. just downloaded the firmware update and also istalled the CoreDueTemp. here are my readings :

47 Degrees C
Current CPU Frequency 1600Mhz
CPU usage 3.2 %

No whine . the only nempreture rise i noticed is when i plugged the power adapter in.. i noticed a tempreture increase the really scarred me. but it cooled down verry quickly .. hope this is a good sign >??
godspeed
May 18, 2006, 07:19 PM
Never had any problems with whinning aka moo prior to the firmware update, the thing did run hot though. Ever since the update however my wireless connection sporadically drops out and fails to reconnect...... Any way to reverse a firmware update?
TBi
May 19, 2006, 05:30 AM
Never had any problems with whinning aka moo prior to the firmware update, the thing did run hot though. Ever since the update however my wireless connection sporadically drops out and fails to reconnect...... Any way to reverse a firmware update?

The whining and the "moo" are different things. I had both in my machine and you can distinctly tell the difference.
Craigy
May 19, 2006, 07:47 PM
I am just wondering if this program is accurate.

I downloaded the current version this afternoon and it states that my MBP is at 10*C (50*F).

I have installed the update from Apple.

I still have the whine. I still seem to have heat issues. I have not done anything heavy, just downloaded a few things and surfed the web, yet, it is still hotter than my PB. It is uncomfortable to leave your hand lay on the mid/upper left side.
Installed the update on my 15" MBP this morning and was getting lower temps than before = averaging out at around 62 deg. Getting 68 deg now.

Check your preferences because mine kept on reverting from deg C to deg F and back for some strange reason.
tehdee
May 24, 2006, 10:37 PM
i performed the firmware update, so i could install bootcamp.

i have a week 13 build MBP.

since doing the firmware update, opening the mirror widget NO LONGER stops the MBP whine.
hob
May 24, 2006, 11:10 PM
i performed the firmware update, so i could install bootcamp.
Different firmware update, i think!
michealwillard
May 25, 2006, 12:41 AM
Any word on when this is comming out for the 17 inch? This processor buzz/whine/humm gives me a headache, and the strip of shell above the keyboard does get wicked hot, not quite burn me hot, but still hot. Wish I had this during the winter ... sit this in my lap and save money on the heating bill. One other questions as long as I'm making a post, is anyone else's disk drive wicked loud? mostly just when its taking a disk in/starting it up or switching chapters. I was running this on a stainless steel table at work, hoping the thermal conductivity of the material would keep it cool, still got very hot just running iTunes and the Sudoku widget for 3 hours, and the table was pretty toasty as well.
Hugh
May 25, 2006, 07:07 AM
I just updated my intel mac mini (before reading this thread). It was previously running silent (possible hot, who knows), but now the fans come on (not as loud as they do as it's updating, but loud enough to notice when it's quiet.

That's a bit of a downer, especially since I'm using it as a home theater PC. It's by no means loud, but definately not silent anymore.

I guess it's a good thing for it to run cooler, so I'll just have to put up with it...has anyone out there with a mac mini experienced crashes before this update that are now fixed?

I did the firmware update and man that was the first and only time (so far) that I have heard my fans at full. Wow that fan can get laud! LOL

As for the Mini still being quiet, it is. I haven't noticed any differnce in the fan noise before or after the updater.

Hugh
timswim78
May 25, 2006, 07:40 AM
My Intel mini was having video problems. They went away after the firmware update.
timswim78
May 25, 2006, 07:42 AM
My Intel mini was having video problems (some icons had artifacts and random squares of pink showed up on my screen). They went away after the firmware update.
tehdee
May 25, 2006, 05:27 PM
Different firmware update, i think!

why is that?
LimeiBook86
May 25, 2006, 09:52 PM
why is that?
I believe he was referring to the original BootCamp firmware update that was released a while back. This new SMC update is different from that one :D

I have a 20" iMac Core Duo and I'm hesitant to install the update, I heard on some of the MacBook Pros it changed the clock speed of the CPU or something...should I install it or not...:confused:
hob
May 26, 2006, 04:38 PM
I believe he was referring to the original BootCamp firmware update that was released a while back. This new SMC update is different from that one :D

I have a 20" iMac Core Duo and I'm hesitant to install the update, I heard on some of the MacBook Pros it changed the clock speed of the CPU or something...should I install it or not...:confused:
Spot on!

Go ahead and install it on your iMac. No worries there. The MacBook Pro's constantly change clock speed to keep the temperature down. I've not noticed this on my iMac at all!
dr_lha
May 26, 2006, 05:00 PM
I believe he was referring to the original BootCamp firmware update that was released a while back. This new SMC update is different from that one :D

I have a 20" iMac Core Duo and I'm hesitant to install the update, I heard on some of the MacBook Pros it changed the clock speed of the CPU or something...should I install it or not...:confused:
My mini became more noisy (fans) after the upgrade. If you want a quiet life, don't install it.
Cybergypsy
May 27, 2006, 07:17 PM
my macbook whines after the update....so reinstalled OSX....no update for me
NJuul
May 28, 2006, 09:00 AM
my macbook whines after the update....so reinstalled OSX....no update for me

This thread is about the firmware update, not OS update. You should always update the OS, it wont make your 'Book whine, just fix bugs 'n stuff.
The MacBooks I believe already have the latest firmware update from the factory.
Nate4747
May 28, 2006, 10:34 PM
The MacBooks I believe already have the latest firmware update from the factory.

Which will hopefully be patched soon to fix this annoying 'moo' that is driving me mad.
neoelectronaut
May 29, 2006, 01:06 AM
The MacBooks I believe already have the latest firmware update from the factory.
Nope. Seems that the 2.16Ghz 15" that my cousin purchased today had the SMC Firmware update in his software update.

Edit: Oh, wait, Macbooks...

Not Pro.

Hmm.