Read through this.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1452267/
It's a nasty problem and needs to be addressed, sooner rather than later.
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Performance reduced after EFI update on MacBook Pro Retina
- Thread starter jisongkun
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Read through this.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1452267/
It's a nasty problem and needs to be addressed, sooner rather than later.
Update my 15" Retina base is still the same no signs of throttling even with batch video encoding using Handbrake with temps touching 100C, Intel`s power monitor showed no indication of reduction of CPU frequency a solid 3.1GHz all the way over several hours of encoding, even overnight
Maybe this is why Apple is not releasing an immediate fix for those machines effected. if all 15" Retina`s were effected it would likely be an easy fix, as the issue appears to be sporadic this no doubt complexes any solution. I would be interesting to see what systems are effected; mine is a Base 15" 2.3GHz, 8Gb, 256Gb Retina, now 28 weeks old. OS X only.
[MOD NOTE]
Since you're discussing this very problem I merged the two threads.
[NON MOD NOTE]
As a user I've not incurred any problem
Update my 15" Retina base is still the same no signs of throttling even with batch video encoding using Handbrake with temps touching 100C, Intel`s power monitor showed no indication of reduction of CPU frequency a solid 3.1GHz all the way over several hours of encoding, even overnight
Maybe this is why Apple is not releasing an immediate fix for those machines effected. if all 15" Retina`s were effected it would likely be an easy fix, as the issue appears to be sporadic this no doubt complexes any solution. I would be interesting to see what systems are effected; mine is a Base 15" 2.3GHz, 8Gb, 256Gb Retina, now 28 weeks old. OS X only.
I have the same (base spec) and Ive never had any throttling either when playing any games in both OSX and windows.
I also use a video conversion program so I can watch films on my iPad and that gets the temps right up in the 95-100c but still no throttling whatsoever.
What program/s have you used to monitor your actual CPU frequencies to make sure you're not being throttled?
Just to add...
I used to have this bug. It was pretty bad, too. I had to reset SMC a few times a day or my work would be stalled.
And then out of the blue, it seemed like the computer had just one too many SMC resets, and it decided to stop throttling.
And now I can't replicate this bug.
And yeah, that also includes encoding a handbrake video while having the rMBP wrapped inside a blanket. Nothing happened. The fans just went full blast. Whereas before, there was no fan at all. I think it has more to do with the fans than with temperature.
Exactly why your Retina, and not mine, why did the throttling suddenly cease. This complexity is why the solution may not be forthcoming from Apple. I have deliberately tried to induce thermal throttling on my 15" Retina with absolutely no effect, regardless of time. Same tests on my Late 2011 15" MBP (2.4GHZ i7) result in almost instantaneous throttling. The resultant throttling brings a significant reduction in performance; The Retina processes a typical 720p video at 90fps or greater, my Late 2011 MBP struggles to hit 60fps, solely due to throttling...
All my previous portable Mac`s have either been underpowered or suffered thermal throttling, for me the Retina is a revelation; virtually workstation performance in a ultra portable package, yet for many it would appear this is not the case....
Update my 15" Retina base is still the same no signs of throttling even with batch video encoding using Handbrake with temps touching 100C, Intel`s power monitor showed no indication of reduction of CPU frequency a solid 3.1GHz all the way over several hours of encoding, even overnight
Maybe this is why Apple is not releasing an immediate fix for those machines effected. if all 15" Retina`s were effected it would likely be an easy fix, as the issue appears to be sporadic this no doubt complexes any solution. I would be interesting to see what systems are effected; mine is a Base 15" 2.3GHz, 8Gb, 256Gb Retina, now 28 weeks old. OS X only.
I've been using the same app from Intel, and notice no throttling or reduction of CPU frequency! rMBP specs in sig.
In bootcamp I use throttlestop to check the CPU frequencies and when gaming I have an overlay from MSI afterburner that will tell me the current GPU clocks and temperatures/ fan speeds whilst playing.
Sometimes used HWinfo too with the rivatuner statistics server running.
Im not really sure of a way to check the frequencies in OSX but games performance is usually a good enough way and in my case its very consistent and has never had sudden lag, where the fps has dropped to unplayable levels all a sudden.
Seems unclear what really is the issue judging from all inconsistent reports here. Can only assume it is related to EFI update that may or may not affect all machines, perhaps even hardware defects?
However, this problem sounds like what have plagued many PC gaming laptops. They have a protection mechanism coded into the firmware, that checks for temperature conditions and power consumptions, and if certain thresholds or combinations are reached, the CPU or GPU throttles back. This drives people mad, and would drive me mad as well.
In other words, they don't design their laptops to be able to fully use the hardware they charge for. It seems Apple have designed this laptop so thin, they now also need to start this practice. I would ask for a refund if you have this issue, since it's been over 3 months this issue occurred and no information from Apple. Getting back 'it is within spec' from a genius must feel unacceptable.
However, this problem sounds like what have plagued many PC gaming laptops. They have a protection mechanism coded into the firmware, that checks for temperature conditions and power consumptions, and if certain thresholds or combinations are reached, the CPU or GPU throttles back. This drives people mad, and would drive me mad as well.
In other words, they don't design their laptops to be able to fully use the hardware they charge for. It seems Apple have designed this laptop so thin, they now also need to start this practice. I would ask for a refund if you have this issue, since it's been over 3 months this issue occurred and no information from Apple. Getting back 'it is within spec' from a genius must feel unacceptable.
I won't be running bootcamp, and sadly MSR Tools doesn't seen to work with Mountain Lion.
Since an SMC reset I haven't had problems though, and I no longer get sound stuttering watching videos or flash online like I did before.
I'll have to see later when I get a chance to play some Borderlands 2, or EVE.
No Idea.
Although I've been running the Intel Power Gadget app lately and it seems when Idle my 2.6Ghz CPU runs between 1.2-1.5Ghz until I start something that needs it.
Can others here check to see if the same is true for you? The Intel app is OS X compatible so you don't need to have windows to run it.
When running a 4K video in VLC I have seen the CPU get up to 3.5+ Ghz, so I'll keep the monitor open to see if that bug hits me again.
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Unlikely it`s related to the design of the rMBP or all machines would react the same. As stated my own Base Retina will not throttle regardless of how much load is applied, as do other Retina`s. My machine is well ventilated, although ambient is around 26C - 28, i have tried dev/null, video encoding, intensive 3D games, combinations of and simultaneously, yes applications do slow due to the sheer load on the CPU/GPU, yet CPU frequency remains above 3GHz all cores fully loaded, or another approach with apps in isolation, an extended video encode will not drop fps, nor a 3D game drop fps.
As for the hardware there is potential for some difference due to Intel`s "binning" process be it due to performance or demand; is my Retina`s 2.3 a "binned" down 2.6 due to demand? Would this result in greater stability under extreme load? I seriously doubt as TDP of 45W is the same for both, still no real idea here ....
I was playing Borderlands 2 perfectly fine today and it was buttery smooth. Now it's a laggy mess, any any and all settings bar 800x600 at low which is playable.
The Intel Power gadget shows my cpu is running normally, now I wonder if my GPU hasn't underclocked it self.
EDIT: Yup, reset my SMC and it's buttery smooth again. FFS Apple, support your customers
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The EFI bug severly affects my rmbp experience
Seriously this is unacceptable...
why are retina owners forgotten by Apple?
This EFI thing seriously hinders my entire experience with this -otherwise- great machine. The EFI bug does not affect only gaming, but even user interface performance. When you open spaces or launchpad the machine slows down. Reset the SMC and everything is perfect again, but this is no solution... how many times must I reset my SMC this is stupid and looks completely non apple.
Every machine out there is already updated their EFI, even though they didnt even have a problem of the same magnitude as the retina does.
And please, if your rmbp works perfectly fine and you have zero EFI issues, dont make posts like "no problem here" or "mine works fine" or "I dont know what you are talking about"... Seriously if your machine works fine, good I am happy for you, but this thread is for people who HAVE the issue and it is a very serious issue. So leave the thread for those with the actual problem.
We need to take some action, this is really unacceptable for a machine that costs 2,500$++
Seriously this is unacceptable...
why are retina owners forgotten by Apple?
This EFI thing seriously hinders my entire experience with this -otherwise- great machine. The EFI bug does not affect only gaming, but even user interface performance. When you open spaces or launchpad the machine slows down. Reset the SMC and everything is perfect again, but this is no solution... how many times must I reset my SMC this is stupid and looks completely non apple.
Every machine out there is already updated their EFI, even though they didnt even have a problem of the same magnitude as the retina does.
And please, if your rmbp works perfectly fine and you have zero EFI issues, dont make posts like "no problem here" or "mine works fine" or "I dont know what you are talking about"... Seriously if your machine works fine, good I am happy for you, but this thread is for people who HAVE the issue and it is a very serious issue. So leave the thread for those with the actual problem.
We need to take some action, this is really unacceptable for a machine that costs 2,500$++
It's actually getting down right embarrassing. Apple still refuses to admit there is any issue with the SMC. There are multiple post on apple's on forums, and there hasn't been one OFFICIAL reply from apple in any of them.
I wonder if we could start a petition or something to get Apple's Attention. This can't continue like this.
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i am up for any such movement. If apple doesn't give a rats ass about their customers (and in fact their top tier customers) then something must be done...
This is unbelievable...
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