MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.1 released: Solves most random shutdowns, units now passing dev/null test
UPDATE: A number of users are reporting that MacBooks previously susceptible to a sudden shutdown when performing the dev/null test (entering the Terminal command, yes >/dev/null & that indirectly triggers high temperatures) are now immune.
MacFixIt reader Rick Borie writes:
"I have a MacBook that would shut down but rarely. When I ran the test listed on one of your pages 'yes >/dev/null &' it would shutdown pretty consistently. I just installed the firmware update and have been running the test as well as least 6 apps and it hasn't shutdown yet.'
----
Apple has released the MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.1, which is intended to resolve a widely reported issue where MacBooks suddenly shut down during normal operation. According to Apple, the update "improves the MacBook's internal monitoring system." It is recommended for all MacBooks, even those that have already undergone warranty repairs for the sudden shutdown issue.
This is an issue we've covered extensively on MacFixIt:
- Repair, delays waiting for parts; Parts being replaced: Heat sink, Logic board; more
- More sudden shutdown commentary; faulty temperature sensors
- Possible hardware fix for sudden shutdowns
- Sudden shutdowns -- possible fixes
- More on sudden shutdowns
- MacBook (13"): Suddenly shutting down
You must have Mac OS X 10.4.8 installed to see this item in Software Update. However, it can be installed under Mac OS X 10.4.7 or later.
Like many other firmware updates and other Apple updater utilities, this download will place an application in the /Applications/Utilities folder.
Apple's instructions for installing the update are as follows:
- Make sure the power cord is connected, and power is flowing.
- Quit all other open applications.
- Launch the MacBook SMC Firmware Update application (locaed in Applications/Utilities), then click Restart in the MacBook SMC Firmware Update window and wait for your computer to restart.
- The SMC firmware update starts automatically. A status bar indicates the progress of the update. During the update your computer fans will run at full speed, but will return to normal once the update completes.
The update is available as a sub-1MB standalone download.
If your sudden shutdown problems stop after installing this update, please let us know.
Resources
<p>
I've decided not to start smcFanControl until I hear more.
</p>
I ran smcFan Control for about an hour after applying the update, and found no difficutlies.
Running smcFanControl with the fans >= 2500 prevented the shutdown. The operating temp measured by Thermodock was under 50 deg C.
I installed this new update and so far so good. The computer is running much cooler, under 40deg C. The default fan speed seems to have been increased from 1000 rpm to 1500 rpm, using smcFanControl to check the minimum.
Oct 14, I bought an Apple customized Mac Book Pro 2.16 GHz, but not direct from Apple, so it may have been on a shelf for a few weeks.
Downloaded the SMC update and it reported "This computer does not need this update." The System Profiler says the firmware is SMC Version 1.2f10
You both have the MacBook Pro computer. That isn't a MacBook, which is why you don't need the update.
Software Update shouldn't even suggest the update to you; that's probably an oversight.
BUT I noticed my battery was not charging. Keeping the adapter plugged in merely kept it at the same %. So I figured it was a battery memory problem and let it run down to zero. No change. Since then I've reset the PRAM & the PMU with absolutely no success. When I plug in the adapter the light stays green and doesn't turn orange indicating it is charging and the battery level has a permanent X in it.
I've had a similar experience. My MacBook never suffered from the unexpected shutdowns but like a dutiful Mac user I nevertheless installed the firmware update. Ever since then the fan runs continuously and even on a full charge and the prefs set to 'better energy savings' I get less than an hour of use before I'm out of juice..
Can't be right can it?
- by jordanshoesmall November 23, 2008 11:06 PM PST
- Air Jordan shoes store,We Offer Cheap Jordan Shoes, Nike Air Jordan Shoes,Nike Shox,Jordan shoes.Wholesale:Jorans,Nike Shoes,nike ..Nike Jordan ShoesNike Air Jordan Shoesair force one
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(10 Comments)wholesale air force oneair force one wholesaleCamitta Bros. Inc, shoes, wholesale shoes,