G5 Firmware Update

[Ned_Soltz]

While not specifically FCP related, G5 users should note that there is a G5 firmware updater available via Software Update. It claims to improve PCI-X behavior as well as fan behavior, particularly in open firmware mode. I have already updated my G5 and no problems so far. Pay particular attention to the update directions which will pop up once Software Update as downloaded the file.

Ned Soltz
2-pop Guide

[David]

Ned:

I'm wondering if this will address the poor performance using PCI X FW800 boards.

I've e mailed this to Rob Morgan at barefeats.com.

Hopefully, this will double the performance of two PCI board RAIDs.

[David]

Barefeats.com indicates that this firmware update DID NOT remedy the slow write speeds on a multislot FW800 RAID . . . unfortunately.

[FrankTheTank]

I had trouble running this Firmware update correctly... I never heard the sound indicating the Firmware update had begun. Perhaps this is because I didn't have my speakers turned on. I'll have to try again with the speakers powered on. How long approx. is it before the tone goes off? After about 10-15 seconds of holding down the power button my 17" Studio Display comes up to a gray screen with small text in the upper left corner saying I have the option to "shut-down" or "mac-boot". I typed in "mac-boot" and when the machine powered up again it said the Firmware update did not successfully install. I hope I didn't
screw anything up.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

[chrisbabbitt]

Ned,
I downloaded it through Software Update, along with a couple of other updates, and I got no message. Do I need to do it again?

[Ned_Soltz]

Hi Chris

There is a whole procedure for the firmware update that is outlined in the read me file, including installing, shutting down, holding the power button until you hear a long beep, updating and then restarting. If you did not go through this whole sequence, better download again and run it once more.

Best wishes

Ned

[chrisbabbitt]

Thanks Ned, I got it. It had saved the file for me. I just had to find it, open it & follow the instructions. Everything has been acting up a bit since this upgrade. Don't know if it's related. I repaired permissions, but Compressor, FCP3 & FCP4 are not as stable as before.

[David]

Chris, have you updated all those apps, as well.

Most are in version 1.1.1 or better.

[chrisbabbitt]

Yes, everything is up to date, except I didn't bother with 4.1.1