Developers: Mac OS X 10.4.3 pre-release builds do not fix PowerMac G5 single-processor 1.8 GHz issues

We've extensively covered an issue where single-processor 1.8 GHz Power Mac G5 exhibit a number of strange issues, including an inability to fall asleep, sudden lack of system responsiveness -- especially when running full screen video or processor intensive applications -- or constant fan running while asleep ((see articles 1, 2 and 3 or search for "single processor G5").

Apple subsequently addressed in the issue in Knowledge Base article #302212, stating:

"These symptoms only occur with the 1.8 GHz model of Power Mac G5 (Late 2004) computers. Apple Engineering has identified the cause of these symptoms and is developing an update to address the issue. At this time we can not provide a specific date when the update will be available, but this document will be updated as more information becomes available.

Early speculation held that this statement indicated a software-based fix would be incorporated into the upcoming Mac OS X 10.4.3 release.

However, we've now received word from developers (who wish to remain anonymous) that Mac OS X 10.4.3 does not include a fix for this issue, and that a separate firmware update will likely be required.

One developer tells us:

"Mac OS X 10.4.3(8F46) although loaded with over 550 fixes, has not resolved even one of the numerous freeze-ups and Energy Saver related problems reported on the 1.8GHz Power Mac G5 (late 2004) systems."

In the meantime, the only viable workarounds, as previously published on MacFixIt, are as follows:

• Under the Sleep tab: Drag the slider under "Put the computer to sleep when it is inactive for:" to Never; Drag the slider under "Put the display to sleep when the computer is inactive for:" to Never
• Under the Options tab: Set Processor Performance to the "Highest" setting instead of "Automatic".

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