Mac hardware GENIUS TIPS
What causes
kernel panics?
> Kernel panics are often
caused by hardware
faults: memory or disk
failure, or early failure in
a processor. Faults in
graphics cards can
become panics as they
worsen. You can also
get bugs or conflicts
in kernel extensions.How do I test for
an intermittent
memory fault?
> Try extended tests
in Diagnostics mode,
engaged by holding the
D key during startup.
Try this with your Mac
cold, first thing in the
day, and when warm
later on. Micromat
offers extensive tests
in Techtool Pro, and its
dedicated app ATOMIC.Hardware
quick-fire
questionsDECEMBER 2019 | MACFORMAT | 57that could be responsible. Also ensure that
you don’t have a third-party app installed
which is set to override any of those settings.
These controls take effect through your
Mac’s SMC and NVRAM. If they’re set correctly
but don’t change its behaviour, try resetting
both SMC and NVRAM.
If it still persists in starting up of its own
accord, there might be a hardware fault in
its Power button. That would need to be
assessed in an Apple Store or similar and,
for some models at least, should be a
relatively inexpensive repair.Q
How can I disable encryption
on my Mac mini’s internal SSD
to improve its performance?
by ETHAN LEEA
In Macs equipped with a T2
Security Chip such as the
current Mac mini, that chip- among many other functions it
performs – acts as the disk controller
for its internal storage. All data passed
to and from your Mac mini’s internal
SSD is transferred through and by
the T2 chip.
The T2 chip encrypts using
hardware, not software, and is a
blisteringly fast SSD controller, among
the best in its class. It works in two
modes: in one, it encrypts
and decrypts using only its
internal key, which it stores
in its secure enclave, and
which can’t be read from
outside. In the other mode,
it also uses your password
in the hierarchy of keys
which lock access to internal
storage; this is a special
form of FileVault.
Adding an unencrypted
path for data to be transferred via
the T2 would inevitably reduce its
performance in data transfer. Because
encryption is built into its hardware and
not optional, it adds essentially no
overhead to the process. Encryption isnot only built in, but happens whether
or not you add the protection of your
own password to turn it into FileVault.
So it cannot be disabled. Even it could,
it would also open the risk of security
vulnerabilities, of course.Decrypting a T2 Mac?
Mac wakes itself up each morning
Scheduled startup isn’t recorded
in System Information > Power.
Check in the Energy Saver pane.macformat.com @macformatQ
When I shut my Mac down overnight,
in the morning it has always started
up again by itself. Why is this, and
how can I stop it?
by ANN FARRA
Check its settings in the Energy Saver
pane. First click on the Schedule...
button at the bottom of the pane, and
ensure that it hasn’t become scheduled to
start up automatically at any time. Then make
sure that the ‘Wake for network access’ box is
unchecked. If it’s left connected to a network,© .com
T2 CHIPThe T2 chip acts as the disk controller for a Mac’s internal
storage, and encrypts that disk automatically.