New in OS X: Get MacRumors Push Notifications on your Mac

Resubscribe Now Close

Apple Releases MacBook Pro Firmware Update to Fix Unexpected Shutdown Issue

Thursday November 10, 2011 4:13 pm PST by Jordan Golson
Apple has released MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.5. The update fixes an issue where the machine would shut off unexpectedly under heavy processor load, even when plugged in.
This update resolves an issue where a MacBook Pro being used with a power adapter may unexpectedly shut down under heavy workload if the battery charge level is near empty.

Your computer's power cord must be connected and plugged into a working power source, or your battery must be at least 25% charged.

When your computer restarts a gray screen will appear with a status bar to indicate the progress of the update.

Your computer's fans will run at full speed during the update but will return to normal speed once the update completes.

Do not disturb or shut off the power on your computer during this update.
MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.5 can be downloaded from Apple's support website.

The update applies to owners of MacBook Pro models 8,1, 8,2, and 8,3. These include both MacBook Pro (Early 2011) and MacBook Pro (Late 2011).

[ 66 comments ]


Top Rated Comments

(View all)

Avatar
longofest
103 months ago
From the package

MacBookPro8,1','MacBookPro8,2','MacBookPro8,3


function InstallationCheck(prefix) {
var models = ['MacBookPro8,1','MacBookPro8,2','MacBookPro8,3',];
....


So, that's all 2011 MacBook Pro models (all sizes)
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
rafaltrus
103 months ago
I've never had this problem, but it's good that Apple resolves such defects.
Rating: 4 Votes
Avatar
alphaod
103 months ago
Software Update shows the update for me:


Before installation, the warning:


Before installation my SMC version was 1.69f1


Now the SMC version is 1.69f3


Early 2011, 15" MacBook Pro (MacBookPro8,2)
Rating: 4 Votes
Avatar
NY Guitarist
103 months ago

Apple has released MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.5 (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1474), for all Intel-based MacBook Pro's. The update fixes an issue where the machine would shut off unexpectedly under heavy processor load, even when plugged in.



Message I get when attempting to run the firmware update on a 2008 MacBook Pro: "ALERT: This software is not supported on your system."

So maybe not for *all* Intel-based MacBook Pro's?
Rating: 3 Votes
Avatar
longofest
103 months ago
Guys,

I only posted a portion of the script - the portion that specified what models were supported. You need to make sure you're running at least 10.6.8 or 10.7.2 in order to install the update. You'll get those messages if you aren't up to date with at least one of those OSs.
Rating: 3 Votes
Avatar
iVoid
103 months ago

It said "all intel Macbook Pros" on the part written by Macrumors.


I'm more amazed that this problem apparently dates back to the very first MBP and it's just getting a fix now.

:)
Rating: 2 Votes
Avatar
840quadra
103 months ago

From the package

MacBookPro8,1','MacBookPro8,2','MacBookPro8,3


function InstallationCheck(prefix) {
var models = ['MacBookPro8,1','MacBookPro8,2','MacBookPro8,3',];
....


So, that's all 2011 MacBook Pro models (all sizes)


Nice Digging work Longofest!
Rating: 2 Votes
Avatar
Tonewheel
103 months ago
Here's the message I get on my MBPro 15" model 8,2 (late 2011)
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
torid110
102 months ago



Now the SMC version is 1.69f3


Early 2011, 15" MacBook Pro (MacBookPro8,2)


That explains it. I'm already on that SMC version from the factory. Ordered the laptop on announcement date.
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
ChrisTX
103 months ago

I've never had this problem, but it's good that Apple resolves such defects.


Agreed, I have a first gen MacBook Pro, and an early 2011, and I've never had this problem on either machine.
Rating: 1 Votes

[ Read All Comments ]