Here’s an update to an earlier tech tip (see inSync 4/12/01) about firmware updates: the same programmer that provided the DIMMCheck utility for testing your RAM has also made another application that actually ‘fixes’ (you might say it “reprograms”) RAM that will not survive the new firmware’s stricter adherence to RAM specs. It’s called DIMMFirstAid, and it is a free download.
Although this application has proven to be an effective cure to the RAM issue (there have been no reported problems with it thus far), be aware that most memory manufacturers have already responded that they will replace RAM that fails the firmware upgrade, so in either case your options are open – though one may leave you with some ‘RAM down-time’.
Regardless, as there have been no other issues to report about this firmware update, we can now issue our own “thumbs up – you are cleared for takeoff” for the G4 firmware updates. However, be sure to have DIMMCheck and DIMMFirstAid ready just in case – and also note that you don’t HAVE to update the firmware if you don’t want to! If you happen to like the way your system is currently running, then why mess with a good thing? (“If it ain’t broke,…”) It’s your call…read more about it on Apple’s site.