iMac Firmware

Question

Level 2

358 points

iMac Firmware

Has anyone installed the new iMac Core Duo firmware? What effect has it had on your system? I like to keep up to date, but I also like to know how others are fairing.

If I update the firmware I am doing it for the sake of updating, not to run Boot Camp. I hope that is not the only reason to update. I am not interested in running Boot Camp, as I am perfectly happy waiting until Leopard before I decide if I want to dual boot. I like my iMac the way it is (the way it was meant to be), running OS X.

Thanks.

15-inch PowerBook G4, 20-inch iMac Core Duo, Mac OS X (10.4.6), Old system that I miss most - My 12-inch iBook G3

Posted on Apr 5, 2006 9:26 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 5, 2006 9:32 AM in response to mofli

So far as I have noticed nothing new. Maybe a slight performance increase overall but that might also be from the recent OS update that is said to have 'modest performance enhancements'

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Answer 2

suzuken

Level 1

15 points

Apr 5, 2006 9:37 AM in response to CTHouters

I'm also curious to know what the firmware update changes. Anyone find any documentation on this? Was it included in the installer?

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Answer 3

Apr 5, 2006 9:45 AM in response to suzuken

There was no documentation included, only an installation .pkg on the .dmg.

Intel iMac 2.0Ghz 1G SDRAM 256 VRAM & Late model eMac Mac OS X (10.4.5) 30gig iPod Video & 10gig iPod (3G)

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Answer 4

mofli Author

Level 2

358 points

Apr 5, 2006 9:51 AM in response to CTHouters

I have noticed some performance increases since I upgraded to 10.4.6. Firware updates always make me a lot more apprehensive than software updates. I noticed that there is a Firmware restore CD which you can download from Apple that allows you to restore your Intel iMac to the factory firmware. This is great but makes me feel less secure about the upgrade. I have updated firmware on dozens of machines before but I am leery because these Intels are so new. With a PowerPc machine I don't think I would hesitate so much.

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Answer 5

mofli Author

Level 2

358 points

Apr 5, 2006 10:05 AM in response to mofli

I've looked over that document and even read the installation manual. Although it is true that one requires the firmware upgrade to run Boot Camp, there is no indication that there are no other benefits. That is unless I missed it.

I understand what you are saying but since nothing implies that the firmware only prepares an iMac for Boot Camp I am not going to assume that, yet.

Thanks.

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Answer 6

Apr 5, 2006 10:07 AM in response to suzuken

Looks like is is here to make your Intel Mac BootCamp compliant.

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Answer 7

Apr 5, 2006 10:23 AM in response to mofli

That's also my interpretation . . . you must have the latest firmware update to run Boot Camp, but there's no indication that the firmware is exclusively for Boot Camp

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Answer 8

Apr 5, 2006 12:09 PM in response to Richard Platt

I want to know if it fixes anything before I do it. If it's only to run bootcamp, then I'll pass.

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Answer 9

mofli Author

Level 2

358 points

Apr 5, 2006 12:17 PM in response to Richard Platt

Agreed. That is why I initiated the question.

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Answer 10

mofli Author

Level 2

358 points

Apr 5, 2006 12:19 PM in response to jwoods5000

I feel the same way. My only concern is needing to do it anyway when another firmware upgrade is eventually released to address something new down the road.

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Answer 11

Apr 5, 2006 12:39 PM in response to mofli

It smells bad if Apple has also prepared a Restore CD...

Mmm, I won't do it.

Antonio

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Answer 12

mofli Author

Level 2

358 points

Apr 5, 2006 12:41 PM in response to Antonio PureMacOnly

I think it is just a precaution. Besides there are always people who rush into things without a second thought. A "rescue disc" of sorts is not always a bad thing.

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Answer 13

Apr 5, 2006 12:49 PM in response to mofli

You're right, but I've never seen a restore CD for a previous firmware update before.

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Answer 14

mofli Author

Level 2

358 points

Apr 5, 2006 1:13 PM in response to Antonio PureMacOnly

True, but we are dealing with a completely new architecture for a Mac as well with people who are willing to do anything to boot XP. I think it is wise on Apple's part to provide some sort of ability to restore to a previous state. I can imagine how many people will run Boot Camp without following the directions to the letter and erase their drives. People like that are likely to want to go back to the factory settings and pretend the whole ordeal never happened 😉

In all seriousness I think Apple is being smart with this architecture change. Providing a firmware restore disc just means that Apple has all bases covered. I am glad for it. I would much rather have that than Apple throwing new machines at us and saying "good luck" without the kind of support we are seeing.

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Answer 15

mofli Author

Level 2

358 points

Apr 5, 2006 1:16 PM in response to mofli

Let me help steer this discussion in the direction I think it is going. If anyone can find out, for a fact, that the firmware upgrade is exclusive to Boot Camp I will consider my original question answered.

I think with everyone's collective searching powers we can come up with a concrete answer.

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