14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has released an SMC firmware update that the company recommends for all Mac Pro (Late 2013) models, addressing issues with low-speed USB devices and enabling the computer to enter Power Nap without running the fan.
According to KB article DL1724 on Apple’s Support site, “This update is recommended for all Mac Pro (Late 2013) models.”
Mac Pro SMC Firmware Update 2.0 is a small 544KB installer package which “enables Mac Pro to enter Power Nap without running the fan for most Power Nap activities, and addresses a rare issue where a low-speed USB device may not be detected at boot.”
Under “System Requirements,” Apple lists only Mac Pro Late 2013.
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For those of you who aren’t very familiar with SMC firmware updates, these usually small installer packages update the System Management Controller (SMC) firmware on Intel-based computers.
This micro-controller that resides on your Mac’s logic board controls the power functions of your computer as well as various other functions, such as thermal management, LEDs, the battery, the fans, the Sudden Motion Sensor, ALS, and the power switch.
Users who are unsure if their computer requires an SMC firmware update can just waltz over to the “EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs” Support document and scroll through the list of available updates.
“In some cases System Profiler may report later versions of firmware than those listed [in the table]; if this is the case, your computer does not require any additional firmware updates. If your firmware version is lower than the one listed in this table, you should upgrade by following the link provided,” Apple states.
Of course, there’s always the Updates panel in your Mac App Store application, which can let you know if a such an update is indeed available.
However, as Apple itself points out in KB article HT1237, “Some firmware updates for Intel-based Macs may not be displayed automatically using Software Update. If they do not appear in Software Update, they must be manually downloaded from the Apple Downloads site.”
Softpedia readers can immediately download Mac Pro SMC Firmware Update 2.0 at the supplied link and apply it right now. Note that firmware updates are sensitive and you must not tamper with your Mac during the installation process.