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Screen iMac i7: firmware update, to update or not?

W

Wrathwitch

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Dec 4, 2009
1,303
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Ahhh I am torn. When given a video card update (esp from using windows) it almost always improves the video card. Apple releases the flicker fix update and I don't have a flicker issue. No screen issues at all really.

I feel like it's Russian roulette. Update or not? I know some people will say don't fix what ain't broke, but what exactly is IN the fix? Is it exclusively for the flicker issue or does it update/upgrade other aspects on the card? Mine has the ATI card in it.

Any advice??

cheers!
 
I also didn't have the screen flicker and held off installing update until a couple days ago - haven't thus far seen any ill effects.

Did anyone ascertain what the update actually did - I was wondering if it was some sort of forced PRAM or SMC reset?
 
I didn't have any flickering issues prior to the patch, but after i applied it my screen started flickering and get blackouts :p
I did a PRAM reset (command option P R during boot) and the three hours i tested it after that it seemed fine then i had to go to work :-/
 
Apple are shipping all new iMacs with this update installed so I really don't see how it can make things worse?

On a side note, how about you do a Gaming Benchmark before and after :)
 
I am having the same dilemma. If not for Software Update reminding me that I need to install it, I would have forgotten about it by now and would be enjoying my flicker-free display. I say don't do it. It's taken me a long time to learn to leave well-enough alone.
 
I had no flicker or blackout problems on my i7, but went ahead and installed it. After installing I noticed that the loupe in Aperture was running a lot smoother on zoomed in images with adjustments. It was sticky on my old iMac, so I thought I probably needed a mac pro for it to work right.
So I would say to install it , it might fix a problem you didn't know you had.
 
Haha, dilemma? Come on.. As another user said, all new imacs are shipped with this, it won't break your imac.. DO IT.
 
wesleyh said:
Haha, dilemma? Come on.. As another user said, all new imacs are shipped with this, it won't break your imac.. DO IT.
Click to expand...

Yeah but did you also notice that two other forum members like myself (no known problems)installed the update and developed the problems that the update was supposed to fix?

They may be shipping it with the update but people are still receiving them with the problem. I guess I will hold off and research what the update is supposed to do on my own. I was just hoping that there was someone who actually knew what the patch was supposed to enhance with the fix.
 
Wrathwitch said:
Yeah but did you also notice that two other forum members like myself (no known problems)installed the update and developed the problems that the update was supposed to fix?

They may be shipping it with the update but people are still receiving them with the problem. I guess I will hold off and research what the update is supposed to do on my own. I was just hoping that there was someone who actually knew what the patch was supposed to enhance with the fix.
Click to expand...

Apple Support document http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3181

About 27-inch iMac Graphics Firmware Update 1.0
Updates the graphics firmware on ATI Radeon HD 4670 and 4850 graphics cards to address issues that may cause image corruption or display flickering.

The iMac Graphics Firmware Update will update the graphics firmware on your iMac.
 
That would be sad if the update to stop screen flickering actually caused it. There is no way this could be the case. I'm calling coincidence on the 2 cases you mention.

If Apple new why the screens were flickering, there would be a fix for it. There's not. Do it, or don't do it, doesn't seem to matter.
 
The firmware didn't work on my flickering i7 and it was installed at the Apple Store by an Apple tech.

I have since had the screen and cable replaced at the Apple store (1/7/10) and so far this has seemed to cured the problem. :D
 
Well just as a finisher to this thread. I went ahead and bit the bullet so to speak. Installed the update last night. So far no issues and I have had it up and running for a couple of hours, playing bit torrents and surfing. So I suspect that the patch wouldn't GIVE you the issues. If there was flickering it is likely that it was either there already or about to happen.

Here's hoping that after typing that my S*** doesn't go to hell in a handcart!

Cheers!
 
I bit the bullet too, upgraded the firmware a couple of days ago and no issues.

My i7 did flicker a few times out of the box, however I did a complete re-install of the OS using the supplied DVD, and the flickering went away (and stayed away). It was working quite well (still is) for several weeks.


Flicker free here.
 
I just saw my Week 52 screen flicker for the first time...i got this computer about a week ago. It's the 3rd iMac after replacements. I don't know what to do...should I update or not???
 
GadgetAddicted said:
I just saw my Week 52 screen flicker for the first time...i got this computer about a week ago. It's the 3rd iMac after replacements. I don't know what to do...should I update or not???
Click to expand...

Yes, absolutely.

The only reason not to update is if you aren't experiencing flicker -- .i.e., if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Unfortunately, you no longer fit into that category.

If that doesn't help, you're going to have to call up Apple and probably go through all the trouble yet again. Hopefully it works for you (as far as I can tell, it works for some people but not for others -- but it's hard to tell since it comes and goes).
 
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