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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 even though my firmware is out of date.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

Reply
12 replies

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

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

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.

User uploaded file

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can't update the EFI firmware.

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