14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has released a new SMC firmware update for owners of a 13-inch polycarbonate MacBook. The update addresses an issue with startup time on NVIDIA 9400M-enabled computers – Early 2009 models.
Apple's Support page reveals that the 1.3 MacBook SMC Update “improves overall system stability and performance on MacBook computers.” Posted yesterday evening, the update is to be installed only on 13-inch systems running Mac OS X 10.5.6.
Apple also links to a knowledge base article detailing this update. An excerpt from the post is available below.
Summary
This SMC Update improves startup time on some MacBook computers when starting up from the battery.
Products Affected MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009)
Polycarbonate MacBook computers released in early 2009 may display slower performance when started up using battery power only. Restarting using battery power may not clear the condition.
You can resolve this issue by downloading and applying this update.
Apple notes that some firmware updates for Intel-based Macs may not be displayed automatically using Software Update. In such a case, they must be downloaded manually (you can use the link below to download the MacBook SMC Update 1.3). Don't worry if you are not sure about your computer needing this update. By downloading and opening the update installer, your Mac will alert you whether the respective firmware update is already installed or not.
About SMC Firmware Updates
According to Apple, SMC Firmware Updates refer to the System Management Controller (SMC) firmware update for Intel-based computers. The SMC is a micro-controller on the logic board that controls the power functions for your computer. The SMC controls various functions, including:
- Power and thermal management, the Sleep LED, and battery. - Controlling the fans, supporting Sudden Motion Sensor, ALS, and the power switch.