Discussion Can bad firmware produce kernel panics and other misbehaviour in OS X?

[Rodion15]

I find it strange that firmware can produce a kernel panic, since, correct me if I'm wrong, firmware is supposed to be only used during startup and after log on it's replaced by OS X such as kernel extensions.

For example, look what this article says:
One common thread among external devices (and internal ones as well) with regard to kernel panics: Up-to-date firmware is key. Iterative updates to Mac OS X can introduce new conflicts with devices, and manufacturers are constantly scrambling to bring hardware drivers and firmware in line.

 

[McHenryB]

Kernel panics often happen during startup.

 

[Rodion15]

right, thanks