Apple addresses MBP heat/whine(?) problem with SMC firmware update

javester · 12:16 AM

Apple just released a cryptically named software update called "MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update".

It has a one-liner description - "The SMC Firmware Update addresses boot issues with the MacBook Pro"

After some googling, SMC, it turns out, stands for Systems Management Controller.

Looking it up on Apple's 15" MBP Developer Note:

"The 15-inch MacBook Pro uses an advanced system management controller (SMC) to manage thermal and power conditions, while keeping the acoustic noise to a minimum. The SMC is fully independent of the operating system." (emphasis ours)

Various reports on the web and our own experience shows that the MBP now runs appreciably cooler after the update. Using CoreDuoTemp, our own MBP 1.83Ghz, for example used to run at 72 degress celsius (171 degrees Fahrenheit). After the update, it now hovers around 58 degress (136.4 degrees Fahrenheit) - a full 14 degress celsius cooler (57.2 degrees Fahrenheit)!

We never did have the whine/mooing problems on our MBP, so we can't confirm if this update also fixes these problems, but there are reports on Apple's Discussion forum that the whine/mooing is still present.

Digg it!!!

Quote:

MTC Take: Way to go Apple! Now, what about throwing us 1.83Ghz MBP owners a bone? We could use some love now that our 1.5 month old MBP is actually slower than a MacBook several hundred dollars cheaper.

I know, I know.... its apples to oranges (or is it?

), but a free iWork license, Mighty Mouse or some iTunes gift certificates wouldn't hurt.... A free upgrade to Leopard would be nice too

Bernie · 02:18 PM

MacTelChat

I bet removing this helps it run cooler too.

JPT · 08:40 PM

Edit: My bad, didn't realize something x.x D'OH!

Bernie · 05-27-2006, 08:28 PM

I know that! Surprised that you did not post it here also. That is all. If someone was interested in that topic, and only found this posting, they might think we missed a beat.
Hey they find the Forum this way too. This site is big. I am still learning my way around and am sure others are also.