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Apple Releases Mac Mini EFI Firmware and SuperDrive Firmware Updates

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Apr 12, 2001
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Apple today released a pair of firmware updates, one addressing memory compatibility in Mac minis and another addressing optical noises on startup and wake from sleep in the iMac and Mac mini.

- Mac mini EFI Firmware Update 1.2 improves compatibility with the latest memory kits.
This update improves compatibility with the latest Apple memory kits on Mac mini computers.

To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/Mac mini EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the installation is complete.
Click to expand...
- SuperDrive Firmware Update 3.0 eliminates noise made by the SuperDrive during startup and wake.
This update will eliminate the noise made by the optical disk drive during system startup and wake from sleep on your Mac. This update works with the following EFI updates:

- iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.4
- Mac mini EFI Firmware Update 1.2

To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/SuperDrive Update.app).
Click to expand...
Apple's new Wake on Demand feature in OS X Snow Leopard requires machines to wake periodically to register with the Bonjour Sleep Proxy, and this update may be intended to address concerns over noises made by iMacs and Mac minis while using this feature.

Article Link: Apple Releases Mac Mini EFI Firmware and SuperDrive Firmware Updates
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2009/08/31/apple-releases-mac-mini-efi-firmware-and-superdrive-firmware-updates/
My early 2008 MBP has this sound as well. I got used to it, but it certainly isnt something that I love to hear... it is weird.
 
well, apple acknowledges that the mac mini exists in its current form at least. maybe they can update it. maybe give it blu ray, maybe give it apple tv functionality. maybe create a super hybrid of apple tv/iphone app like sdk/blu ray/tivo media monster to compete with current media hub and gaming consoles which make the mini and apple tv look like a joke . . .
 
Just installed them both on a 2009 mini. Strangely, the drive still makes the sound on startup. Not that it really annoys me, but it's kinda strange that the update didn't do the one thing it was supposed to.
 
Mk2 said:
Just installed them both on a 2009 mini. Strangely, the drive still makes the sound on startup. Not that it really annoys me, but it's kinda strange that the update didn't do the one thing it was supposed to.
Click to expand...
Worked for me.
 
It says: "For detailed information about this update, please visit this website: About EFI firmware updates."

However there is no actual information about the update on that page, just some information about updates in general.
 
On my '09 iMac the drive still makes the noise on startup, but not on wake-from-sleep.

While it would have been nice not to here the little whirling on startup, I'll survive somehow.
 
I got the Mac mini EFI Firmware Update 1.2 OK from SU (which downloaded and launched a package, the package requires a reboot), but SU didn't recognize my SD as needing the SuperDrive Firmware Update 3.0. I downloaded that and ran the installer package (which did recognize my mini as needing the SD firmware, go figure).

Updating and rebooting now; if you don't hear from me, somebody organize a search party! ;)
 

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I have a 2009 iMac and I'm getting an error that my computer does not need this update, but it has the same model drive and annoying noise. Help?

System Profiler says:
Model: OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5670S
Revision: 2AHC
 
Well it ran fine; I don't know why SU didn't pick it up but it's not like its the first time. :shrug:

My superdrive is really no quieter on bootup (it makes two quick seek noises over about a half second is all).

OTOH the superdrive is absolutely dead silent waking from sleep; I can barely hear the hard drive spinning up, but I hear nothing at all from the superdrive.

Good work, Apple! :cool:

FYI: Early 2009 Mac mini (Macmini3,1) with Optiarc DVD RW AD-5670S, if that helps anyone.
 
Software update said I needed the EFI firmware update but nothing about the SuperDrive update. Tried to directly run the installer but it came back reporting my superdrive doesnt need to be updated.

It is a PIONEER DVD-RW DVRTS08 out of a 2009 mac mini (3,1)
 
Ran it both on my mini no problem, my iMAc with a superdrive cannot take the superdrive update because it requires firmware 1.4 to install the superdrive firmware, my iMac has firmware 1.3 and it cannot take the iMac update to 1.4 because I have a special ordered iMac with an upgraded NVIDIA 9800 instead of the standard NVIDIA, this does not make any sense, anyway for me to get the 1.4 EFI update for my iMac so I can update the superdrive?
 
Mac Pro

I've been running Snow Leopard since it's first beta, and I've always wondered why it would periodically spin the drives, never thought to connect it with the new wake on demand feature (possibly the bonjour sleep proxy?). Wonder why there isn't a fix for the Mac Pro...
 
This is really great news from a HTMac perspective, in addition to the whole Wake-on-Wireless functionality that I think it was meant for. :apple: :D
 
iMac 2009 firmware and drives models

I download iMac firmware 1.4 for my 2009 imac as it implied this was a dependency and received the same message, however the superdrive 3.0 firmware loaded OK. My imac firmware is 1.37f3, my drive model is HL-DT-ST DVDRW GA11N and is now (post update) revision KA16


PurrBall said:
I have a 2009 iMac and I'm getting an error that my computer does not need this update, but it has the same model drive and annoying noise. Help?

System Profiler says:
Model: OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5670S
Revision: 2AHC
Click to expand...
 
PurrBall said:
I have a 2009 iMac and I'm getting an error that my computer does not need this update, but it has the same model drive and annoying noise. Help?

System Profiler says:
Model: OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5670S
Revision: 2AHC
Click to expand...

Did you install the mini EFI Update 1.2 first (and restart)? Afterwards, I had to manually download the superdrive 3.0 update and install from there.

I'm up to revision: 2AHI
OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5670S:

Firmware Revision: 2AHI
Click to expand...
 
After applying the Mac Mini EFI Firmware update I've noticed what seems to be a more efficient use of memory by the OS and other applications then I was getting in 10.6 and 10.5.x. Anyone else??:cool:
 
John.B said:
Did you install the mini EFI Update 1.2 first (and restart)? Afterwards, I had to manually download the superdrive 3.0 update and install from there.

I'm up to revision: 2AHI
Click to expand...

I already ran EFI Update 1.4. My drive's revision seems to be older than what the updater is looking for; I wonder if calling up Apple would get me anywhere.
 
KyleAwesome said:
Software update said I needed the EFI firmware update but nothing about the SuperDrive update. Tried to directly run the installer but it came back reporting my superdrive doesnt need to be updated.

It is a PIONEER DVD-RW DVRTS08 out of a 2009 mac mini (3,1)
Click to expand...

Same here.
 
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