HT3706: About EFI firmware updates

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ghostofelvis100

Q: Can't update the EFI firmware.

When trying to update the EFI firmware, I get the message: 'This computer does not need this update.' even though my firmware is out of date.

 

My firmware version is:

 

Model Name:          Mac mini

  Model Identifier:          Macmini3,1

  Processor Name:          Intel Core 2 Duo

  Processor Speed:          2.26 GHz

  Number Of Processors:          1

  Total Number Of Cores:          2

  L2 Cache:          3 MB

  Memory:          2 GB

  Bus Speed:          1.07 GHz

  Boot ROM Version:          MM31.00AD.B00

  SMC Version (system):          1.35f1

  Serial Number (system):          YM9381HS9G5

  Hardware UUID:          4366F0EE-B742-5F78-B3C2-01C6D0DAD36F

 

 

and Apple recomends:

 

Mac mini (Early 2009)Macmini3,1MM31.0081.B06 (EFI 1.2)

 

Is the 00AD part of the version number in Hexadecimal? in which case it is a higher version and does not need the update.

 

The reasons for my confusion is that I'm trying to install new memory modules, which are either failing due to incompatability or due to firmware versions, so I'm simply trying to rule something out....

 

Thanks

Mac mini (Late 2009), Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Mar 19, 2012 3:50 PM

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Q: Can't update the EFI firmware.

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  • Helpful answers

  • by den.thed,

    den.thed den.thed Mar 19, 2012 5:31 PM in response to ghostofelvis100
    Level 7 (27,651 points)
    Mar 19, 2012 5:31 PM in response to ghostofelvis100

    You don't need a Firmware update, you just need compatible RAM.

     

    An Early 2009 Mac Mini 3,1 takes "PC8500 DDR3 1066MHz 204 Pin" modules.

     

    for the full spec's, see > Mac mini: How to remove or install memory

     

    Also note: that both OWC and Crucial are highly recommended suppliers here in the forums.

     

    Apple Mac mini Memory DDR3 / Ram upgrades for 2009 Mac mini & 2010 Mac mini unibody models

     

    Computer memory upgrades for Apple Mac mini (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz) DDR3 - Late 2009 Desktop/PC from Crucial.com

  • by ghostofelvis100,

    ghostofelvis100 ghostofelvis100 Mar 20, 2012 5:28 PM in response to den.thed
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 20, 2012 5:28 PM in response to den.thed

    Thanks,

     

    Was just double checking, before I returned perfectly compatible RAM.

     

    The RAM I tried was indeed "PC8500 DDR3 1066MHz 204 Pin", but I guess there are more subtleties than that...

     

    So, for anyone wishing to avoid my problems, then it was:-

     

    Kingston RAM

    Part No: M51264H70

     

    and this was the most info I could glean about them:-

     

     

    Speed: DDR3-1066 / PC3-8500
    Technology: DDR3 SDRAM
    ECC: No

    Unbuffered
    Voltage: 1.5V
    Form Factor: 204-pin SO-DIMM

     

     

    None of the above conflicts with what apple recommend.

     

    I had located the Crucial ones before posting, so I'll probably go with them as they are based in the UK.

     

    Thanks

     

    Andy

  • by den.thed,Helpful

    den.thed den.thed Mar 20, 2012 8:17 PM in response to ghostofelvis100
    Level 7 (27,651 points)
    Mar 20, 2012 8:17 PM in response to ghostofelvis100

    Those spec's look good, however some folks have reported problems with there value RAM.

     

    Try reinstalling the modulesand be sure to push them firmly into the slots before tilting them down into the clips.

    Screen shot 2012-03-20 at 7.57.06 PM.jpg

    Then if they still do not work go with either Crucial or OWC, both ship worldwide.

     

    I bought a 8GB Crucial kit last year for my 2010 Mini and haven't had a problem.

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Mar 20, 2012 8:28 PM in response to den.thed
    Level 10 (123,775 points)
    Mar 20, 2012 8:28 PM in response to den.thed

    some folks have reported problems with there value RAM.

    Good point, don't know about IntelMacs, but "Value RAM" doesn't work on PPC Macs at all, wrong number of chips per stick in my experience.

  • by ghostofelvis100,

    ghostofelvis100 ghostofelvis100 Mar 21, 2012 12:14 PM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 21, 2012 12:14 PM in response to BDAqua

    Hey thanks folks,

     

    But, without wanting to drag this out any longer than it needs.

     

    Yes. Re-seating the chips was the very 1st thing I tried. No joy.

     

    Didn't think it was 'Value RAM'. I saw some listed on the sellers site and thought I'd steer clear!

     

    Will post back if I succeed with different RAM.

     

    Thanks again everyone.

     

    Andy

  • by wayne248,

    wayne248 wayne248 Sep 11, 2012 11:35 AM in response to ghostofelvis100
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 11, 2012 11:35 AM in response to ghostofelvis100

    Did you have any success? I'm running a early 2009. I also had the right type for upgrade and running PNY mac compatable. My problem has run into size. apparently the early 2009 can not handle 8MB. Apple says to download the firmware 1.2 which I already have yet the system still restarts. Was wondering if you found a solution.

  • by ghostofelvis100,

    ghostofelvis100 ghostofelvis100 Sep 11, 2012 11:55 AM in response to wayne248
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 11, 2012 11:55 AM in response to wayne248

    Sorry folks, should have followed through with the outcome.

     

    I sent back my Kingston RAM to dabs (no problem). Then bought the Crucial memory recommended from their site. Now running 8Gb no problem.

     

    I've not noticed massive speed improvements like people claim, but it does handle much more complex stuff, and I can run a lot more apps along side each other.

     

    I couldn't find any difference on the specs of the chips though, and it wasn't the firmware.

     

    Hope this solves it for you too.

  • by wayne248,

    wayne248 wayne248 Sep 11, 2012 12:19 PM in response to ghostofelvis100
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 11, 2012 12:19 PM in response to ghostofelvis100

    Thank you for the update. I bought this ram from BestBuy so I know they will take it back. I'll order the Crucial memory and give it a shot.

  • by hbuchwitz,

    hbuchwitz hbuchwitz Nov 14, 2012 12:05 PM in response to ghostofelvis100
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 14, 2012 12:05 PM in response to ghostofelvis100

    Argh!  I bought Corsair off of Amazon - and it is just giving me slow 1 beep...I actually asked OWC - because I was going to buy there & then changed bc I had an Amazon credit to use.....

  • by wayne248,

    wayne248 wayne248 Nov 14, 2012 12:09 PM in response to hbuchwitz
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Nov 14, 2012 12:09 PM in response to hbuchwitz

    I took back the memory I had and bought 8 GB from Crucial and it's working wonderfully. You may want to do the same.

  • by hbuchwitz,

    hbuchwitz hbuchwitz Nov 14, 2012 12:59 PM in response to ghostofelvis100
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 14, 2012 12:59 PM in response to ghostofelvis100

    I tried it in the MacBook Pro (SOOO much easier changeout than the mini) - and it works!  So - I will send back the other package & get OWC for the mini - sounds like the mini is pretty finicky about memory.  Odd - although technically the mini only takes 4GB & I am putting in 8GB - with a new firmware it takes it..... but I guess not any old brand.

  • by wayne248,

    wayne248 wayne248 Nov 14, 2012 1:06 PM in response to hbuchwitz
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Nov 14, 2012 1:06 PM in response to hbuchwitz

    The early 2009 mini is much more finicky. From what I've researched, anything after early 2009 should have much easier success at an 8GB upgrade. If you have the latest OS you should not need the firmware update; but the system will tell you if you try to install. I to upgraded from 4 to 8 on my early 2009. The PNY would cause random restarts. I changed the cards in the bank to see if it was bad Ram but it sill did it at close to the same memory ussage as before. So, I took it back and the Crucial works wonderfully.