Apple Releases MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 2.8

Tuesday February 28, 2012 12:38 PM PST by Jordan Golson
Apple just released an update for the MacBook Pro 15-inch, late 2008 model. It requires Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.8, Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.8, or OS X Lion 10.7.3.
About MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 2.8

This update is recommended for MacBook Pro (15-inch, late 2008) models. The update resolves a graphics issue that may cause the internal display to flicker.
Weighing in at 1.79MB, the update can be downloaded from Apple's software update page.
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claygreenberg
87 months ago
Finally!

This has been a known issue with hundreds upon hundreds of posts on Apple's support forums since the computer came out in 2008. I'm impressed it only took 3.5 years to release a fix. Let's hope it actually fixes it and doesn't create any new problems.
Rating: 6 Votes
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gmcalpin
87 months ago
So far so good! The flicker was annoying enough that I just set my computer to "higher performance" (the 9600M GT chip) and left it there forever. Not a single flicker since the update.

My workaround didn't bother me because most of what I do benefits from the extra graphics horsepower to some extent or another, but on those rare occasions that I can't be plugged in and just wanted to surf for the internet or write or whatever (like on an airplane), the loss of battery life and extra heat has been a pain in the… lap.
Rating: 3 Votes
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AriX
87 months ago
Good on Apple for targeting this for all of the recent OSs.
Rating: 3 Votes
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Elijahg
87 months ago
I have this problem too occasionally. Didn't think there's ever be an update to fix it, though.

What is with all these firmware updates coming out lately? We barely ever used to see firmware updates for devices past their warranty expiry, now there seems to be an update for every model made since '08! Perhaps Tim is authorising them whereas Steve wouldn't. :o
Rating: 2 Votes
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Aniday
87 months ago
That loud beep that happens sometimes after an efi firmware updated scared the bejeezus out of me. I thought something awful happened. It's apparently normal. Never happened to me before, though.
Rating: 2 Votes
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NY Guitarist
87 months ago
So far all good here too!
Rating: 1 Votes
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Ralphalph
87 months ago
Awesome

I'm so stoked they just fixed this. Just today I popped a new SSD in my late 2008 MBP, and with this fix it's like a new computer!
Rating: 1 Votes
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AndyR
86 months ago
You are kidding me!!!!!

My late 08 MBP ran out of AppleCare last month and just before it did this I started getting the flickering. Took it into a repair center (no apple store in NZ) and they had it for over a month trying to find the fault, and in the end I ended up buying a refurb 2011 MBP which I'm really happy with. My 08 MBP came back with a new logic board, but glad to see if was a firmware problem and not an inherent fault so I can sell it now without worrying about the flicker coming back hopefully! Phew!
Rating: 1 Votes
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Mexikaner
86 months ago
Crazy!

I had just bought my Late 2008 MBP 15" a week ago and thought I had made a huge mistake as I had sold my 2010 MBP 13" which had been working flawlessly only for wanting something with a bigger screen was my reason for selling. I had only just recently found out about the flickering screen with 15" 9400 nvida cards. I was disappointed to say the least but, now it seems as God sent to get this firmware update within a matter of a week of owning this computer! I feel bad for the people that have waited almost 4 years to get this fixed and for me to get this within a week well... what can I say! :)
Rating: 1 Votes
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rcha101
87 months ago
Better late than never

Thank you so much Apple! My display is now rock solid. I plan on upgrading my machine this year and can sell it knowing that it is in mint condition. Until then I'll enjoy my "new" display.

If something like this happens again please acknowledge the issue!
Rating: 1 Votes
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