Apple has released a couple of firmware updates for their Pro and Server computer systems. These updates improve the performance and compatibility of the systems when running both virtualization products (those that use VT-d virtualization) and boot camp. The updates also address system reliability during the boot process.
VT-d is a subset of VT technologies that are used to enable direct mapping of I/O devices to the virtual machine. Keep in mind that VT-d is not used by Parallels Desktop or VMWare Fusion client software, and of common virtualization solutions for the Mac is so far only implemented in Parallels Sever.
XServe EFI Firmware Update 1.2 (1.81MB)
- Improves compatibility with virtualization products utilizing VT-d
- Improves system reliability during the boot process
Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.4 (1.96MB)
- Improves compatibility with virtualization products utilizing VT-d
- Improves storage performance under Windows XP for Boot Camp users
- Improves system reliability during the boot process
Along with the firmware updaters, Apple has updated the firmware restoration CD, which is a safeguard disk that can be used to restore a previous version of the system's firmware in the event of a failed update. Be sure you have this CD burned and that you can boot from it before applying the firmware update.
Firmware Restoration CD 1.8 (22.5MB)
These updates should download and install to the Utilities folder, from where they can be run and installed. For more information about Apple's firmware updates, and for instructions on how to apply and troubleshoot them, see this Apple knowledgebase article: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1557
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