SU (incorrectly?) shows an EFI update - is SU infallible?

Question

Level 2

231 points

SU (incorrectly?) shows an EFI update - is SU infallible?

I do updates by looking at SU, finding what I need, downloading it and then installing it manually. I do this for software updates, for firmware updates I’ve been told it’s safer to go via Software Update directly. Whenever I do the downloads, I always check the system requirements listed.

I have a 21.5” iMac (mid 2011) Model identifier: iMac12,1 Boot ROM Version: IM121.0047.B00

I am running SL 10.6.8.

SU shows this update is available - iMac EFI Firmware Update v1.9.

I look at the download page for this update and it shows system requirement for v1.9 as OS X Lion 10.7.3 http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1498

But when I look here http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237 at EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs, it shows that for my model identifier, I do need the 1.9 update - and it doesn't say anything I can find about system requirements.

Computer -iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011) Model identifier - iMac12,1 EFI boot rom version IM121.0047.B1F (EFI 1.9)

I plan to call AppleCare but I just wanted to get as much information as I can before making that call.

Does SU know that this EFI Firmware update will work on Snow Leopard? I should think that firmware is independent of OS, but I’m not sure any more; I’ve read lots of posts from folks with problems with the same release of the EFI firmware for MacBook Pros who are running SL and did the install and had to get the logic board replaced:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3769394?answerId=17723255022#17723255022

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3776501?start=15&tstart=0

Has anyone with the same model iMac as mine running SL done this update? What happened???

Thanks,

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Jun 2, 2012 2:09 PM

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Answer 1

RRFS

Level 5

4,522 points

Jun 2, 2012 2:29 PM in response to Mrs H

You do realize that the discussions you referenced were for Macbook Pros? And the update referenced was 2.7. Your question was originally about update 1.9?

Why don't you just let SU do it's job?

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Answer 2

Mrs H Author

Level 2

231 points

Jun 2, 2012 2:38 PM in response to RRFS

RRFS wrote:

You do realize that the discussions you referenced were for Macbook Pros? And the update referenced was 2.7. Your question was originally about update 1.9?

Why don't you just let SU do it's job?

Yes I do realize that. I said

Mrs H wrote:
...I’ve read lots of posts from folks with problems with the same release of the EFI firmware for MacBook Pros who are running SL and did the install and had to get the logic board replaced...

Sorry for my shorthand description.

I should have indicated that I know the version number is different, but the release date is the same and the description of what the update does is the same - just different firmware updates for different computers - see here:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57384051-263/apple-releases-efi-firmware-up dates-for-2011-macs/

But for all of the updates, with the exception of the one for the MacBook Pro in fact, the system requirement is Lion (for the MBP it's 10.6.8).

Certainly for the iMac the system requirement says 10.7.3 on the installer download page - and I'm running Snow hence the confusion.

And, hence my concern over installing a Firmware update for the wrong OS.

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

238,997 points

Jun 2, 2012 3:37 PM in response to Mrs H

Generally, Firmware Updates are not dependent on OS, but Hardware only. 🙂

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Answer 4

Mrs H Author

Level 2

231 points

Jun 2, 2012 4:01 PM in response to BDAqua

Hi BDA,

Long time no see 😉

I know what you say is true, and yet and yet...

The update download page for the version for the MBP 2.7 specifically says under system requirements - OS10.6.8 and 10.7.3, whilst v1.9 for my iMac says only 10.7.3.

Something doesn't seem right here and I'm leary of getting myself into trouble unnecessarily (though I will do it via SU as suggested when, and if, Apple tells me it's just a system requirement error on the info page)

You don't have the same iMac as I do, do you?

Thanks for finding me here

Mrs H

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

238,997 points

Jun 2, 2012 4:19 PM in response to Mrs H

No, your iMac is far newer.

Firmware Updates are out of the ordinary updates, but if you're not having any problems, you can always do it later. 🙂

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Answer 6

Mrs H Author

Level 2

231 points

Jun 5, 2012 7:56 AM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua wrote:...

Firmware Updates are out of the ordinary updates, but if you're not having any problems, you can always do it later. 🙂

Thanks so much BDA for your reply.

Mrs H

So, to repeat, in case someone new out there is reading this thread - Has anyone with the same model iMac as mine running SL done this update? What happened???

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Answer 7

Mrs H Author

Level 2

231 points

Jun 16, 2012 7:38 AM in response to Mrs H

Mrs H wrote:

So, to repeat, in case someone new out there is reading this thread - Has anyone with the same model iMac as mine running SL done this update? What happened???

Anyone - any thoughts?

I'll be calling AppleCare next week and I just wondered if anyone else out there has an opinion on this.

Software Update - infalllible in its recommentations????

Thanks,

Mrs H

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Answer 8

terra63

Level 1

0 points

May 10, 2013 2:43 PM in response to Mrs H

My OS is 10.6.8. I can do Update Firmware

IM121.0047.B1F (EFI 1.9) ???

Thanks.

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