14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has issued a software update aimed at reducing CPU workload during the playback of audio files, or even recording music. It was earlier revealed that Mac Pros exhibited a strange behavior when using iTunes, QuickTime or keeping USB audio interfaces plugged in.
Talking about the Mac Pro Audio Update 1.0, Apple says, “This update is for Mac Pro (Early 2009) computers running Mac OS X v10.6.2. This update reduces processor utilization during audio activities, such as playing or recording music.” Weighing roughly 1.6MB, the update is available as a free download from Apple’s Downloads section, via the Mac OS X built-in Software Update mechanism and, of course, Softpedia itself.
As noted above, earlier reports signaled there might have been issues with the Mac Pro, from an audio standpoint. Ars Technica revealed in a report that Mac Pros exhibited a strange behavior when using iTunes, Quicktime or keeping USB audio interfaces plugged in. The site claims, “The problem manifests as what has been described as excessive increases in power use and processor core heat.” At the time, it cited a young hacker “involved in the hackintosh scene” who seemed to have isolated the cause of these issues. The person believed the driver in charge of controlling newer features of the Nehalem Xeons was at fault.
By generating a hacked power-management kernel extension that disabled these features, the hacker was able to eliminate the high heat and power-draw issues, while playing audio using the aforementioned applications. The CPU immediately began to draw more power at idle, as soon as SpeedStep was disabled, the report said. For full instructions on how to apply the new Mac Pro Audio Update, see Apple’s Support section here. Readers should note that, if the “Your computer does not need this update” message appears, their computer does not require the update.