Will XP melt your Mac?
By Marc Perton 
posted March 20th 2006 12:28PM
posted March 20th 2006 12:28PM
Now that narf and blanka's solution for booting into XP on Intel Macs is out
in the wild and people are using it to actually run XP on their Macs, some bugs are showing up. That's not surprising,
and we fully expect to see fixes within the near future (though we don't expect Colin to start handing over cash for
each bug fix). One rumored bug should, however, give you pause before you decide to use this as anything more than a
proof-of-concept: according to a thread on MacRumors, the current XP install doesn't include a fan driver, which means
your Mac's fan never goes on. That may not be a big issue if you're using an iMac for limited periods in a
well-ventilated space, but if you're planning on running XP on a MacBookPro, you may find things getting mighty hot.
We're not dissing narf and blanka here; they won the contest and deserve their $13,000. But you may want to be a little
careful before trying out their solution at home.Update: Well, you can't say Mac users don't hunt down rumors and quash them quickly (though some are, of course, just as guilty of spreading rumors)! It appears that the fans in Macs do indeed go on regardless of which OS is running, though there is apparently some concern about how the fans are regulated by software over time. Several commenters have pointed out that even in some earlier Mac models, running non-Apple OSes (i.e., Linux) could result in the fans running constantly, due to a lack of Apple power-management software. So, the good news seems to be that, no, XP won't melt your Mac. The bad news? Your fans may whirr constantly, causing a bit of noise pollution, and possibly draining your batteries before their time if you're using a MacBookPro. We do have every confidence that narf, blanka and the rest will resolve this issue -- and probably for a lot less than $13,000.
[Thanks, Syl]
Elias, Josh: Hook, line, sinker...
Rip out the harddrive of your mac. Turn it on. The fans spin.
I doubt it's dependent on Windows. Further, I don't see any fan drivers in my system folders... Hrmm...
My apologies, but you can understand, given the caliber of certain posters (on both sides of the mac/windows non-debate) that it is completely rational to think someone posting a comment like that is serious (stupid, but serious). Just look in any of the vista threads.
In retrospect I suppose the quotes where your means of designating the post as sarcastic, but given that I don't know you, your attitude, or posting style, and also given the number of ignorant mouth breathers that do seriously post that crap, I think it is pretty easy to misconstrue your comment
Why so many people write about anything with out just the little knowledge to talk about?
Windows XP run better than OS X on the Intel Mac, period. You have to install the right drivers that are available, because Microsoft was working on Enhanced SpeedStep years before than APPLE.
Apple did just small tricks to have the Power Management unit of OS X with the new hardware, but never, and I can show you the information that demonstrate that never take advantage of the processor poer management at all.
In Windows XP you can select the operation mode and the processor should run at a very low voltage and mhz when idle, never under OS X.
Don't blame about what you don't know.
ANd I prefer OS X than WIndows XP, but the facts are the facts.
I think there are a lot of mixed feelings about the ability to run Windows on a Mac. I think of it as a "consumer solution" to problems that are very much alive right now, if it is stable and not reversible by either MS or Apple.
I'm going to postulate the following:
-Apple is unable modify their computer/OS design at this stage; they are behind in the market as it is
-MS won't make changes to their old OS just to address this; their resources are tied up in Vista, and any patch that affects XP users will create Apple customers
-hackers will work out basic hardware support and come up with an all-in-one solution in 6 to 12 months
-therefore, this solution is irreversible
Benefit to consumer:
-Apple users: able to use all the stuff that works for PCs, which is, let's face it, most of the stuff out there (with exceptions, including PCMCIA devices, but including PC GAMES); bonus for devices with dual OS compatibility
-PC users benefit: while worrying about Vista upgrades and waiting for more dual-core PC laptops or a mini-style computer now have an alternative to Vista upgrades...without added cost, if they have the XP Pro install CDs; even the 6pin FW support can be huge for the right application
Regarding the corporations, if the solution is irreversible:
-Apple's computers shoot up in value by about the cost of a computer, and OSX is actually in competition with Vista
-3rd party component manufacturers have to do minimal work to support dual OS compatibility...again
-Windows XP, just as it is phasing out, finds a new market as well, acquiring consumers that MS used to try to steal from Apple
-PC manufacturers must respond to this development in the market, in competition on the basis of not just design but value and functionality
Questions:
-If Vista is compatible with every existing PC running Windows XP, will it be compatible with the Intel Macs?
-If both Vista / XP are bootable on Macs, will MS support Vista / XP on Macs?
-Will Apple support Vista / XP on Macs in any way, e.g., with a hardware and OSX warranty?
Regarding the fan drivers:
-there are more device drivers for PC than for Mac in general, by a long shot
-if it's so hard to write a driver, what about that guy who puts out the freely available, highly superior Omega driver for ATI graphics cards?
-If the project is delayed beyond their six month time frame, it will be because of BIOS rather than driver problems
Finally: when I hear "fan speed problem that is potentially fixable in software", I hear, "hack that baby and tell me how the CPU overclock went".
Funny thing... .
We now have people that argue and complain about problems they would not have had if they would just let XP get lost... .
Why don't you do it just like it was for years:
Mac is OS X
PC is XP.
And, for heaven's sake, just wait for a windows layer to be implemented in OS X.
"No kidding. If you wanted to run XP why not buy a resonably priced computer that actually has a decent resolution display and doesn't use pathetic integrated graphics..."
Uh, what computer are you referring to? The MacBookPro has what I would consider to be a reasonable resolution display (ie not one you have to squint to read) and it most definitely does NOT use integrated graphics. In fact, the only Mac to ever use integrated graphics (in the last decade at least) is the Mac Mini, which has no display whatsoever.
A melted mac is better looking than a brand new Dell or HP PC!
Uh, yeah rolleyes*.
No OS "driver" controls when the fans turn on, or how they operate. Sure, software can force the fan to start, and even how it runs. If the system needs to be cooled, however, fans will be started by low-level hardware logic, and no driver can stop that.
Any claims otherwise are FUD.
XP Melting Your Mac is a Load of Bull! I mean comone there are only about 6 different reasons why this story is completely false.
Fan driver? That's like checking your car for blinker fluid.
Mac's were designed to run the Mac OS, obviously, so if there are some issues than don't complain about them, XP is totally not supported, and totally not gauranteed to work correctly. It would be cool if it worked fine but oh well. Guess i'll just have to build a seperate PC just for HL2/CS. Hell of a waste of money though... oh well.
http://digg.com/apple/XP_will_NOT_melt_your_MAC_
lol engadget is getting slated on digg too..
http://digg.com/technology/Engadget:_Busted_for_Unethical_Blogging_
"No kidding. If you wanted to run XP why not buy a resonably priced computer that actually has a decent resolution display and doesn't use pathetic integrated graphics..."
Yeah.. um, Macs are definetly more cost effective in terms of cost/performance. And yes the graphics are integraded on most models, but they are damn good integraded graphics. Radeon X1600? Yeah that totally sucks, with its 128mb of vram, that sucks compared to an HP with intel integraded graphics and 64mb shared.
I work at CompUSA and almost every PC desktop has ZERO video card. Just a few media centers with a very poor performing video card, and a sony with a decent X600. On the other hand, almost every macintosh has a dedicated graphics accellerator, with stand alone video ram, thus giving you excellent performance. The only exception currently, is the new Mac mini, whith has the GMA 950 (i think thats what its called) which is a consumer based integraded chipset, and actually has good performance, better than a Radeon 9200, and supports 2 HD streams, etc.. plenty of power for a consumer machine for basic tasks.
Apple does NOT skimp on hardware, everything performs as it should, for it's entry point in the market. In fact, the iMac (consumer level) is typically far more power than most consumers need, and some professionals use them for photoshop/video editing. Apple is generous with performance.
"Uh, what computer are you referring to? The MacBookPro has what I would consider to be a reasonable resolution display (ie not one you have to squint to read) and it most definitely does NOT use integrated graphics. In fact, the only Mac to ever use integrated graphics (in the last decade at least) is the Mac Mini, which has no display whatsoever."
That was largely me being sarcastic in reference to another thread and not meant to incite a flame (of course the other comment was also being sarcastic so it was pretty pointless for me to also do so).
Concerning the crappy display, as a caveat I am a display nazi and the quality of a laptop display is a make or break factor for me when considering a new machine. That being said I'm sorry, but for two and a half grand I should get a display with significantly better resolution than I get on my $1500 12.1" toshiba tablet pc (which, incidentally, has to include the magnetic sensory circuit for pen based writing, making the 15" Apple screen all the more lacking by comparison) and I don't think this is just me being picky. From my perspective this is inexcusable. No matter how nice the machine design is, if it is sadled with poor resolution I find that a glaring flaw. I spend far more time looking at the screen than at how sexy the case is. For a $2500 machine 1440 x 900 is unacceptable. The screen may be bright, but that is all it has going for it. You may make a comment about not squinting at a screen, but it is significantly easier for you to increase the system font and icon size than it is for me to magically produce more screen realistate. For a $2000 or $2500 I should get a much nice screen than that. Hell, my roommate bought a dell inspiron 6000 a couple months ago for about half that that had a 1920x1280 ultrabright screen and pretty high end specs at the time.
Now that the macbook boots windows I'd gladly throw down the money if it had a nice dispay and a two button trackpad (Apple, please just admit the unibrow mouse sucks) because it does have a very appealing form factor. Sadly, as I said, for me the display makes or breaks the deal and most especially at that price point.
Well, as it is said several times above, the fans do work! People were wrong! No drivers are needed! So we can stop bashing windows now about not having "fan drivers" since they don't exist?
Could anyone answer this question for me?
Is the functonality of running XP on these Macs the same as running XP on a PC? Specifically, will XP drivers and peripherals work? These to me are the important questions as to whether or not I'd consider buying an Intel Mac in the future.
Mac Fanboys are vicious, but to be honest, the market for PC related software and hardware is too high for me to even consider switching to a Mac without XP. When I used to own a Mac, I always had to wait at least a few months for games/peripherals to be released on Macintosh... just frustrating. Sure the functionality and ease of use of a Mac is arguably better, but for the tech-savy person, these advantages pale in comparison to software availability. The only thing I can say I ever had to wait longer than a Mac user to use on my PC was for the first generation ipod... But the latest generation ipods show such a huge memory increase and price drop, that I don't really care anymore that some lucky apple customers owned a 2GB ipod earlier than the rest of the world.
I can say with complete confidence that being able to run windows on a Mac will definetely make me consider buying one in the future, as it should for every PC user.
Burn, baby, burn. A melted Mac is a good Mac.
Nice graphic Salvador........
I can say with complete confidence that being able to run windows on a Mac will definetely make me consider buying one in the future, as it should for every PC user.
---
Every PC user? Since most PC users don't know MS Office runs on OS X, how would they know about this latest development in the Mac-Intel story...?
if you wanted to put XP on a mac, why even buy the mac in the first place...?
To me its sounds like a big insult to mac saying that people don't like their software and would rather have a windows XP operating system.
But, that might just be, becuase I am going insane.
But, there is still the virtual PC for mac so you can put XP on it to run basic applications.
But still, why buy a mac if you want XP, defeats the purpose of even buy one!
HELLOOOOO!!!!
LOL! i have a fan on my desk next to my G4, and whenever i turn the fan on my mac comes on too! I guess it has something to-do with the mac and fan being in the same extension.
Okay, time to give my thoughts on this whole thing. Working in an office with a large art department, I have to deal with the headaches of making Macs function correctly alongside PCs. Before you Apple fan boys jump on me saying it's because of the windows network, think again. Macs 100% proprietary will always hold them back. "Fan driver"... give me a freaking break. Like someone said before, be sure to check your Mac's turn signal fluid. While you're at it, you might want to make sure that the flux capacitor is still "fluxing" also. I get so damn tired of hearing about how Macs are so much more stylish than PCs.. yep.. and every single Mac you buy looks just like any other... that's artsy indiviuality for you. While your vanilla Mac looks like any other, I'll be enjoying my custom modded PC that looks like no other PC out there. As far as the noise of a fan.. this is a joke, right? If the sound of a fan bothers you, you are DEFINATELY the type of person to be a Mac addict. You know what PC users do if they need to have total control of their fans? They install a fan controller. Why not do the same on a Mac? Oh yeah.. because there's no expandability for one! Don't blame the OS because the manufacturer of your computer is so caught up on themselves to follow any standards whatsoever. Be pissed at Apple, or at yourself for buying one.
As for the "virus giving Windows"...HA! Welcome to the largest group computer users in the world. Virus writers actually give a damn about you now.
Ok its time to clear this up once and for all. First of all obviously XP WILL NOT melt your Mac. The fans in the Intel Macs will run regardless of what operating system you run. This is because all Intel based Macintosh computer systems use an advanced system management controller. The SMC is designed to manage thermal and power management conditions, while keep the acoustic noise to a minimum/ The SMC is fully independent of the operating system.
So everyone Install your Linux, or Windows XP it will NOT harm your Mac. All this crap posted on here is just a bunch of junk made up to serve only one function.... to waste board space.
You have to know what u r doing when installing xp on macbook and pro. I have both mac's with xp installed. Plus after u do install xp, u have to know how to extract the drivers and apps from the OS X disk. which can be hard if u dont know how to do it.
oh and no your mac wont melt. Even if u install xp wrong on it. The fan will still come on but dont trust ur work if ur new to this.
Macintosh Driver / Macbook Driver.
http://rapidshare.com/files/70723993/Install_Macintosh_Drivers_for_Windows_XP.zip
http://rapidshare.com/files/75809112/Install_Macintosh_Drivers_for_Windows_XP.z01
Download both, then extract and install.
Pls note that i'd tested it myself on my Macbook, everything works even iSight works fine!!
Macbook Windowns Driver.(Macintosh Driver or Macbook Driver for Win2K, XP & Vista)
http://rapidshare.com/files/70723993/Install_Macintosh_Drivers_for_Windows_XP.zip
http://rapidshare.com/files/75809112/Install_Macintosh_Drivers_for_Windows_XP.z01
Download both, then extract and install.
Pls note that i'd tested it myself on my Macbook, everything works fine even iSight!!
ramjanw@gmail.com