Apple releases firmware update for single-processor G5 1.8 GHz PowerMacs: Purported to fix widespread sleep/freeze issues

We've extensively covered an issue where single-processor 1.8 GHz Power Mac G5 exhibit a number of strange issues, including an inability to fall asleep, sudden lack of system responsiveness -- especially when running full screen video or processor intensive applications -- or constant fan running while asleep ((see articles 1, 2 and 3 or search for "single processor G5").

Apple subsequently addressed in the issue in Knowledge Base article #302212, stating:

"These symptoms only occur with the 1.8 GHz model of Power Mac G5 (Late 2004) computers. Apple Engineering has identified the cause of these symptoms and is developing an update to address the issue. At this time we can not provide a specific date when the update will be available, but this document will be updated as more information becomes available.

Apple has now apparently resolved these issues with the release of a new Firmware update for the single-processor 1.8 GHz Power Mac G5. The release notes for the firmware state:

"This update improves the reliability of your Power Mac G5, especially after it has been inactive for two hours."

The firmware update is available as a standalone download [493k].

If you have applied this update, please let us know if it fixes your previously existent freezing/sleep issues.

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