Q: Firmware update and SATA II hard drive

I am having the same exact problem but I own a white Macbook (early 2009 edition). This started 3-4 weeks ago and progressively got worse rendering my computer useless. It happened when I was using WD 320 GB HD (WD3200BEVT). I then replaced this with the stock hard drive which is a 120 GB Fujitsu and no longer happens (of note, the WD HD works completely fine when connected through a USB external enclosure). Given the small capacity of the stock drive, I opted to use a 160 GB Seagate drive I had and now it is no longer freezing but the computer started to fail to startup today (after being completely fine for few days). Resetting the PRAM does inconsistently help (and only for one cycle when it does). The drive seems to function normally once it boots. Disk Utility, Hardware Test and the TechTool Deluxe all gave no errors with any hardware combination I had.

Is there anybody who has a MBP with 1.7 who doesn't have any problems?

powerpak wrote:
Peter: If you can, try the firmware downgrade mentioned in:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=8414998&posted=1#post8414998

It seems to have solved the random hanging issues with my 13" unibody. I was using the stock Apple-supplied Hitachi 160GB drive.

This will save you a lot of time getting perfectly fine hardware replaced.

This is old news, but it seems to keep getting batted about as a silver-bullet for everyone. I've left the subject alone, but with how often I see it evangelized indiscriminately, I should point out...

Yes, there is a 1.7 to 1.6 firmware rollback tool that Apple released to their retail store genius bars as an avenue of support.

Yes, this firmware rollback tool has leaked online. And some who are unable to get to an Apple Store to have a rollback done are finding the leak useful.

No, this is not a fix -- it is a band-aid. When you roll back your firmware, your laptop is frozen in time unless or until a future firmware update resolves the SATA II issues (Apple has not indicated such an intent).

Yes, borking a firmware rollback can be a serious problem (assumption: to the extreme of bricking your laptop).

Yes, applying the firmware rollback tool yourself _voids your warranty_ (if Apple finds out).

Yes, if the genius bar of an Apple retail store borks a firmware rollback, they will cover any damages to get you up and running again.

My advice: only do the rollback if you know what you are doing, if you understand the risks associated with the activity, and if you also cannot get to an Apple retail store. Using firmware tools not vetted for release to the public is playing with fire -- you'll probably be ok, but you can get burned... and if you do, you are on your own.

I have the stock Hitachi 320 GB drive and EFI 1.7 (upgraded after purchase on 10 July), and I don't have any problems with this hardware. In fact, it runs like a dream. I'm here on this thread because I'm concerned about future upgrade possibilities.

MBP15 wrote:
Is there anybody who has a MBP with 1.7 who doesn't have any problems?

There are lots of people out there who report not having problems with 1.7.

So it's sort of a hit or miss when one purchases a MBp correct?

I guess that's true. Mine may have the problem too, but I haven't found it because I haven't upgraded the drive. That's what worries me...

MBP15 wrote:
So it's sort of a hit or miss when one purchases a MBp correct?

That's the best that we have been able to gather.

It is difficult to say anything for certain about this because the only information we have to go on is user-submitted accounts of what they see or don't see. It's not an objective and consistent methodology for collecting data upon which to draw solid conclusions.

But what we can say for certain is that there are a number of people who report seeing pretty similar adverse behavior in a population of hardware.

Err. I just ordered a 2.8Ghz 15inch 500gb 7200rpm mbp before the free itouch online rebate offer ended. I hope my Mbp doesn't have that problem miraculously.

If so, am I able to bring it to the retail store and get a full refund since it was bought less than 14 days? Anyone ever tried this? Also, if I return just the MBP, would I still be able to get the 229 rebate in the mail?

Please clarify if you know.

Thanks.

fishbert wrote:

Yes, there is a 1.7 to 1.6 firmware rollback tool that Apple released to their retail store genius bars as an avenue of support.

Yes, this firmware rollback tool has leaked online. And some who are unable to get to an Apple Store to have a rollback done are finding the leak useful.

No, this is not a fix -- it is a band-aid. When you roll back your firmware, your laptop is frozen in time unless or until a future firmware update resolves the SATA II issues (Apple has not indicated such an intent).

Yes, borking a firmware rollback can be a serious problem (assumption: to the extreme of bricking your laptop).

Yes, applying the firmware rollback tool yourself _voids your warranty_ (if Apple finds out).

Yes, if the genius bar of an Apple retail store borks a firmware rollback, they will cover any damages to get you up and running again.

My advice: only do the rollback if you know what you are doing, if you understand the risks associated with the activity, and if you also cannot get to an Apple retail store. Using firmware tools not vetted for release to the public is playing with fire -- you'll probably be ok, but you can get burned... and if you do, you are on your own.

I'm also wary of doing the downgrade myself given the origin of the "do-it-yourself" method. But what's the alternative for people who can get to an Apple Store, but the genius denies that there's a problem and that there's a way to take care of it? It would help if someone in the know could tell us the specific name of Apple's rollback tool.

Is it anything that triggers this beachball freeze? I'm sitting with Capture Data 8.2 trying to trigger it, because most often I forget to start it so I can't record it when it happens, and when I start it it doesn't happen.

I got my MPB 15" back from Apple. They did not attempt to roll back the Firmware, instead they replaced the main board. The bottom of the case was missing a screw, which I wasn't happy about. I noticed it at the store and had them replace it.

I put the machine though its paces running multiple apps at once that all wanted to use the hard drive. I'm seeing no problems at startup or wake from sleep. It "feels" fast.

The Apple tech said the MB has EFI 1.6. I asked what happens if I put EFI 1.7 on it and it break again. He said to bring it in again.

The repair was a week turnaround. I'm not happy with facing that prospect again. Every tech I spoke to (4 at Apple Briarwood) said this was a very unusual problem and I should not expect it to happen again. I'm an upgrader though and I'll be a bit miffed if this breaks again after warranty...

News on the issue...

http://www.maclife.com/article/news/macbookpro_owners_experience_more_hard_driveproblems

jgcamil wrote:
News on the issue...

http://www.maclife.com/article/news/macbookpro_owners_experience_more_hard_driveproblems

ha! See the same issue is on the MBP 17"

You have to read carefully COOLAS...

On the 9to5MAC they didn't said that the problem are in the 17 inch MBP...

They said the problem is about the 1.7 firmware and they indicate this thread.

The news on MacLife comitted a mistake mentioned the 17 inch MBP.

So, back again, the problem indicate only 13 and 15 inch MBP at this time.


Well, maybe apple will hear us because many websites that review and give apple news are pointed out this problem...

Can we expect something from Apple soon?

Regards!