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SMC FAN CONTROL ODD MAC
If you have an older Mac that chimes at boot, hold down the keys until you hear a second startup chime. Then let go and allow your Mac to continue starting normally.
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If the values in this memory got out of whack for one reason or another, your Mac might not start up correctly or might exhibit any of numerous odd behaviors afterward. The P in PRAM stood for parameter (the RAM was just RAM-random access memory), and it referred to a small amount of special, battery-backed memory in every Mac that stored information the computer needed before it loaded the operating system. Zap the NVRAM (or PRAM)īack in the day, the standard list of quick fixes for random Mac ailments always included clearing the PRAM. For M1 Macs, try shutting down the computer, waiting for several seconds, and then boot it up. M1 Macs don't have a procedure for zapping the NVRAM, and they don't have an SMC.
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The procedures here apply to Intel-based Macs. Your repair repertoire should also include a couple of additional procedures that can occasionally eliminate otherwise inscrutable problems-zapping the NVRAM and resetting the SMC. This most recent version adds support for every current MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mini.When your Mac starts acting up, you'll probably run through some common troubleshooting procedures, such as restarting it, running Disk Utility, and perhaps performing a Safe Boot. As with any settings-tinkering software, you'll want to use smcFanControl judiciously-but fortunately this application always keeps fans in automatic mode (so speed will increase along with CPU load) and never lets you set the fan speed below the Apple-recommended minimum. SmcFanControl lets you monitor the current temperature (in Celsius or Fahrenheit), assign different minimum speeds for each fan using sliders, and even apply different settings when your power source changes (for example, going back to default fan speed when using battery power). This free, GPL-licensed utility has a single purpose: letting you increase the minimum speed of built-in fans, so your Intel computer will run cooler.
SMC FAN CONTROL ODD PRO
If you've got burnt thighs from an old MacBook Pro or you notice that your computer is always overheating and crashing from using CPU-intensive apps (like playing PC games in a virtual Windows environment), you might want to check out smcFanControl. SmcFanControl lets the user set the minimum speed of the build-in fans.
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