SMC Firmware Clamps Processor Speed?

What did you do? I am stuck at 1GHz also.

did anyone here actually read this page?? --> http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303725

Thanks, Mr Macer for pointing it out.

Yes and no.
When I checked last time the link was there, but the actual paper was missing... till now.

Mine's fine, and I purchased a customized 2 GHz machine three weeks ago; its serial begins with W86160, and I have 1.5 GB RAM in it.

CoreDuoTemp reports my Max at 2000 Mhz, with a temp of 58 degrees C and a CPU usage of 13.7% while running Mail, Safari, firefox, iChat, Ecto (PPC Rosetta), iTunes, StickyBrain, Photoshop CS2 (rosetta) System Preferences and of course CoreDuoTemp itself.

Not everybody has the CHUD tools installed. He may not have the "Processor" prefpane.

I have the same result.

Anyone care to explain what's all this hypes is about?

While I did not see any difference in my average CPU speed (hovering around 1.5GHz), I see that some people have CPU clock speed capped at 1.0GHz. I also noticed that I have reduced the CPU temp by 5C, but mine is not overly hot to begin with (avg 65C before to avg 60C after).

Here is an interesting point: what was the CPU temp before the update for those with 1.0GHz capping? My theory is ... if your MBP is over 80C before the update, the update might significantly lower your CPU speed to greatly reduce the heat generated by the CPU.

Also, if you read carefully, the article states that the update is 'for certain Intel-based computers, including iMac (Early 2006), Mac mini (Early 2006) and MacBook Pro (15-inch) computers.' What are the different types of MacBook Pros besides the speed difference?

I just installed the SMC firmware update on my MBP 1.83 Ghz . Coreduotemp was showing 65C before the install and 63C after - no change in the frequency. The MBP isn't any cooler to the touch but maybe mine isn't one of the hot ones.

I now am noticing a slight whine that wasn't there before. But, to balance things out, the constant whooshing noise - I guess from the fan - is slightly reduced.



iMac G5 20 & Mac mini 1.42Ghz, PB G4 1.67Mhz, Mac mini core duo Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Mine doesn't seem to have clamp according to Coreduotemp. I'm running at around 50 c. That's a cooler then before when just surfing would get my machine up around 58-60. When put at 100% activity it gets up to 79 but settles at 76. It does seem a bit cooler to the touch at the bottom, but still very hot when at 100%. Does anyone know if Compusa is an authorized repair center? Do they replace the paste if I take it in there?

I'm just saying that even tho this page does not address the "heat issue" it is my opinion a fan related + CPU firmware type update, and yes i installed it, so it either fixes it if you do have the problem or, if the MBP doesn't have the problem, it just makes sure that the MBP is correct according to the "Apple's Specified Specs" but thats just my opinion... 😉

Mac J and YES I do!! ;-P 2 CPUS still running at 1.83 GHz...

Did a PMU reset and the cores speed are back now.

OK Was a bit worried about the whole Clamping thing. I installed the upgrade, wow the fans don't half kick in dont they.

Well I'm doing the whole yes > /dev/null thing in two term windows and processesor isn't making it about 84 degs, infact it's jsut dropped to 83 degs and the fans are oscilating somewhat not annoyingly just chillin' out.

My pre upgrade and post upgrade mini and maxi numbers are the same, ie
mini:1000
maxi: 2000
Current is moving about appropriately and hitting the 2 GHz mark
Before upgrade the processor would hit 90+ degs with two yes > /dev/nulls running.

Pre Upgrade I had whine and it had gotten worse after keyboard upgrade which also stopped magic working. Post SMC upgrade whine is still there but only on battery now and I think, obviosuly it's all subjective, it's quieter as I can no llonger hear it when I'm working unless I concentrate hard or put ear pretty close.

While writing temp had upped to 85 degs. Hope this info is helpful / interesting.

I installed the firmware update but didn't have too much time to play around with it. While plugged in, my CPU temperature under "normal" operation (e.g., web browsing) is still about the same as before the update--60-65C. However, the fans now come on much stronger when the CPU is under load. Running two "yes > /dev/null"s, the CPU temperature gets up to 90C at first, but then drops back down to 79C after about another minute. The case also feels cooler, but again this was just after about 10 minutes of testing.

The CPU speed idles around 1500MHz while plugged in, and it does get up to 1833 under load. I haven't unplugged the thing yet though (still conditioning the battery).