Is SMC programming logic board model dependant?

[Beto_MFC]

As far as i know there's only 2 chip that provide smc function on apple's logic boards. But when i'm replacing the smc it has to be from a same model board (of course considering is the same chip)?

 

[smiba]

Yes, the programming on it will only work on that specific board.

 

[Beto_MFC]

I remember Louis mentioning he used to buy pre programmed SMC's from ebay. That raised this question.

 

[smiba]

Yes, pre-programmed and pre-balled SMC's pulled from dead boards. China sometimes has these but they've become more rare for some
You can still find them for a couple of boards though, check aliexpress

I don't think there is a way to export full SMC firmware and flash them onto a new blank chip. But if anyone knows something about it its probably duke

 

[Beto_MFC]

Yes, that's what i was guessing. As long as is the same chip and it has apple programming on it it will work. Not board model dependant. And you're right, those chips have a protect bit that erases itself when you try to read with a programmer. F*ck Apple! Thanks for the input!

 

[Beto_MFC]

Just in case anyone has this same question, here's the video where Louis says he used to buy programmed smcs from ebay:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj9RXw6D1H8

 

[dukefawks]

SMC can only be pulled from identical donor boards, every board model has unique firmware.

 

[Beto_MFC]

SMC can only be pulled from identical donor boards, every board model has unique firmware.

The program is board dependant but you can boot in smc bypass mode and with a little fiddling force the machine to write the correct smc.

 

[dukefawks]

Yes, but I don't want to find out if the board will boot or not from an incompatible SMC.

 

[Beto_MFC]

Good point.