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Level 1

22 points

Clock running fast

Since updating to Mavericks, I think probably specifically the latest update, the clock is running fast on my 2012 (thin) iMac. It can gain a minute in a day.

I'm set to Apple Europe (time.euro.apple.com.). If I turn this setting off and on again, the computer fetches the correct time.

Until recently I also had Set time zone automatically using current location (I'm on CET), but I've now unselected this to see if it makes any difference.

As a control, I have an older iMac running Snow Leopard sitting next to it on the same connection which has perfect time.

This 2012 iMac had no problem either with the time before Mavericks.

P.S. Also since updating to Mavericks I've had all sorts of sync problems with Mail/Gmail, 1Password and Dropbox, usually resulting in missing files. I wonder now if this isn't all clock related as it must be difficult to sync without an accurate clock.

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Nov 15, 2013 4:08 AM

21 replies

Jan 20, 2014 10:28 AM in response to jonv408

I also had this problem of a fast system clock with Mavericks (10.9.0 and 10.9.1) on my iMac 12,1 (mid 2011 27-inch). The other suggestion of a safe boot had no effect (I tried twice), and so also with trashing the prefs plist.

In the end I tried another suggestion of editing ntp.conf (/private/etc/ntp.conf) directly and putting in a list of nearby ntp servers (I entered 5), using an online list of ntp servers. Just make sure to use Tier 2 servers, not primary ones.

So far this seems to have worked- even after the weekend my clock is in step. Beforte this it would have been 4-5 minutes fast.

Drew Reece

Level 6

10,660 points

Jan 20, 2014 10:56 AM in response to Erik Jensen

Erik, doesn't /etc/ntp.conf use the same value as set in 'System Preferences > Date & Time > Set time automatically'?

You should be able to assign a local server in that list instead of manually editing system files.

Change the system preference then see the change in ntp.conf via …

cat /etc/ntp.conf

pet3r

Level 1

10 points

May 13, 2014 10:18 AM in response to macgabe

I am also noticing a very similar problem. I'm running a 2013 8-core Mac Pro and I leave it on for days at a time. Today I noticed the clock was 5 minutes fast. If I click on the clock and open the preferences, it'll revert back to the actual time. I've seen this happen 2 or 3 times now in the past 3-4 weeks no. Never had a problem like this before, so it's definitely odd.

jonv408

Level 1

0 points

May 16, 2014 11:19 AM in response to macgabe

It's been just over 24 hours and my iMac is still in sync after installing 10.9.3. Anyone else getting similar results?

May 16, 2014 12:06 PM in response to jonv408

So far I've been stable since the update as well, like you about 24 hours. A good sign at this point!

jonv408

Level 1

0 points

May 20, 2014 11:36 AM in response to macgabe

The good:

5 days on and I'm still in sync. Looks like it is actually fixed.

The bad:

I'm still furious that Apple has chosen to simply ignore me about this issue. The last communication I had from them was the beginning of December except for the one time I called in with a 'new' issue and promptly gave them my old case number after I got a person.

Apple: This lack of a simple customer courtesy such as informing me the issue is still being looked into you know.. say at least once over the last 5 months.. is unforgivable.

The ugly:

Apple products have gone from being my first choice when looking for a new system to next to last place. Only my hatred for Microsoft keeps you from last place. Since you (Apple) have refused to make any public mention of this issue even once, even after fixing the issue (I have contacted them outside the forums, multiple times) I am gladly sharing my experiences to everyone that asks my opinion of Apple products. That has gone from 'it's a UNIX system you don't have to screw around with to make useful' to 'at least it's not a Surface'.

Clock running fast