14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has released a new firmware update for MacBook Pro (15-inch and 17-inch) users, in an attempt to fix heating issues by adjusting the systems' fan behavior. Apparently, users have been experiencing problems when doing intensive tasks. The update is free to download and install for systems running Mac OS versions X 10.4.11 through 10.5.7 (the latest version of Leopard available).
System Management Controller (SMC) firmware updates for Intel-based computers update the micro-controller on the logic board that controls the power functions for the respective system. Functions controlled by the SMC include power and thermal management, the Sleep LED, and battery, as well as the fans, the Sudden Motion Sensor, ALS, and the power switch.
As usual, Apple's description of the new firmware follows below.
About MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.3 This SMC Firmware update adjusts the fan behavior in MacBook Pro systems (15-inch and 17-inch) when running under high workload conditions.
The updater application will be installed in the /Applications/Utilities folder and will launch automatically. Please follow the instructions in the updater application to complete the update process.
The company also links to a Support article titled “About the SMC Firmware Updates,” for more information on the update. The piece contains instructions for installing the firmware properly, a topic we'll be covering later on today.
Version: 1.3 of the MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update, posted May 28, 2009, is a small 833KB download requiring the user to run any Mac OS X version between 10.4.11 (Tiger) and 10.5.7 (Leopard). Supported languages include Deutsch, English, Français, Español, Italiano, Nederlands, Dansk, Norsk Bokmål, Polski, Português, Português Brasileiro, Pусский, Suomi, Svensk.