10.6.3 - Huge graphics performance update to OpenGL for the MBA???

[Jasonmis]

Hot! After upgrading to 10.6.3

My Air 1.6 Rev B got too hot to touch after upgrading. I rebooted a second time and things seem to be going quite well! Now, just need to replace that pokey harddrive with an SSD and all will be well!

 

[gwsat]

I installed 10.6.3, rebooted, and experienced the fan going flat out at 6200rpm for about 2 hours. Don't think that was due to reindexing or anything.

I had to reboot/PRAM reset. Since then, maybe I am imagining it but in general use, the fan seems to kick in a lot less often, which is great

My MBA's fans' speed seems to have been unaffected by 10.6.3. They have both always run at almost exactly 2,000 RPM and are still doing so.

 

[Scottsdale]

I installed 10.6.3, rebooted, and experienced the fan going flat out at 6200rpm for about 2 hours. Don't think that was due to reindexing or anything.

I had to reboot/PRAM reset. Since then, maybe I am imagining it but in general use, the fan seems to kick in a lot less often, which is great

Actually, I would think that anyone who uses their MBA for 3D objects would notice a big difference in CPU temperatures once they install 10.6.3. It's really good news in my estimation. This has concerned me ever since my 10.6 "upgrade," which didn't seem much like an upgrade until 10.6.3. Like I said before, I really thought Apple was going to use the lower OpenGL numbers to accept moving back to Intel's GMA IGP. I have to believe that is not even an option, because the Intel GMA would definitely report far worse numbers with OpenGL.

 

[marknz88]

Anybody else experiencing far superior battery life? (RevB)

Im at 145 cycles and now after the update seem to be getting 4 hours battery life consistently while before I was only getting ~3hrs?

 

[agaskew]

Anybody else experiencing far superior battery life? (RevB)

Im at 145 cycles and now after the update seem to be getting 4 hours battery life consistently while before I was only getting ~3hrs?

Haven't had a chance to test this yet, but it kinda makes sense if the system/fans are not working as hard. Here's hoping...

 

[Scottsdale]

Anybody else experiencing far superior battery life? (RevB)

Im at 145 cycles and now after the update seem to be getting 4 hours battery life consistently while before I was only getting ~3hrs?

I haven't tested mine since the upgrade. I will try it and report back. It would be great, but I was getting 4 hours before with the display turned down. Maybe it will get over 4 now.