14 DAY TRIAL // Alongside the Xserve EFI Firmware Update 1.2, Apple has posted a Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.4 on the Downloads section of its website. The update, according to Apple, improves compatibility with virtualization products utilizing VT-d, enhances storage performance under Windows XP for Boot Camp users, and improves system reliability during the boot process.
As usual, Apple advises customers to follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/MacPro EFI Firmware Update.app), in order to complete the firmware-update process. The Mac maker assures users that the updater will launch automatically when the installation is complete. However, those who need more assistance are advised to head over to Apple’s Support section, where tech note HT1557 holds valuable information regarding the update process.
Besides the usual set of idiot-proof instructions, the Support document in question also includes a few cautionary steps. One of them says, “Do not unplug, shutdown, or restart your computer while the update is taking place. Interrupting a firmware update can render your computer unusable. If this happens, take your machine to an Apple store or authorized service provider or perform the recovery yourself using another Macintosh computer to download the Firmware Restoration CD disk image from http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/. This software allows you to create a CD which you can use to restore your machine to working order.”
Not coincidentally, Apple has issued Firmware Restoration CD 1.8 in tandem with the recent EFI firmware updates for Xserve and Mac Pro computers. The Firmware Restoration CD can restore the firmware of an Intel-based Macintosh computer. In this unfortunate case, users will need to exercise caution, and download the correct Firmware Restoration CD image. Apple provides all the necessary instructions for this operation as well.