Q: MacBook Pro (2010) Freeze

tokmakoff wrote:

 

It looks as though Apple has (formally) recognised the issue and is looking into it...!

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4086

 

That's good news - but the problem description (loss of video, grey/black screen) is different from the problems reported originally in this thread (where the computer just showed frozen video while still operating).

It might be related... at least one other thread:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2715802?start=0&tstart=0

was explicitly linked to this one by a poster.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for a fix; I have experienced (non-deterministic) trouble (Kernel Panics) on wakeup for about 6 months and it seemed to start after one of the system upgrades that tweaked the NVidia drivers/graphics subsystem.

I am having exactly the same error as the original issue described - Random Freezing with MBP 15" (Mid 2010). Screen(s) go black but keyboard background lights are on - power button has to be hold down for 5seconds to shutdown the computer. This absolutely annoying error occurs "randomly" - usually after waking up from sleep-mode (after 5-10 seconds). I have been digging the console logs, but with no answer what might cause this error (see line below). EFI Firmware 1.9 updated (http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3423). Any idea if SSD needs firmware upgrade? (i have apple preinstalled ssd drive)

System:

PROCESSOR 2.4GHz Intel Core i5

HARD DRIVE 128GB Solid State Drive

DISPLAY MBP 15"HR Antiglare WS Display

Following line is typical in the console logs after the error has occured:

WindowServer[90]          com.apple.coregraphics          kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.

I'm having the same issue even after the update.

I've narrowed it down to playing Starcraft II and having skype open. When just playing SC2 alone, no problems. When I'm with friends on skype, it freezes about 20-30 seconds into a match.

This is really bothering me. I've had no issues with this game and computer before.

I think the game is not being. I have also freezes due to skype

The problem has been identified: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4088

ELempinen wrote:

 

The problem has been identified: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4088

I do not fully update helped. I am from Russia. I called the local Apple support, they are not even aware of the problem.

Apple just released a fix through software update

Didn't really fix it for me. It's still hapenning...

It is crazy that this issue is STILL unresolved.

My MBP is about 1.5 years old. I got mine almost when it first came out in May 2010.

It worked fine until about 6 months ago. The freezing seems to have gotten worse.

I have erased and reformatted twice since then, have taken it into the Mac stores 3 times (2 different stores), have talked to an Apple representative over the phone, have followed everyone's advice (even ran OnyX like a crazy person religiously for a while), but no cure.

The technitians couldn't find any problems, so I can't even get it repaired.

On top of all the freezing, once I got a frozen beach ball, a grey screen, failed reformat, and a black screen.

How can there be nothing wrong with this machine when it is incapable of doing anything?

I'm a designer, and am losing my clients because I can't produce work on this machine.

Applecare is still unused even though that cost me a decent amount of money.

What a waste.

The fix didn't work for me. Had a freeze five minutes after applying the video update. gfxCard on discrete, hooked to external monitor.

Well last night I installed it (after upgrading to Lion).  Installed the updates after the boot and...  It works! 

Tested the following ways mine used to die with:

Using JUST the discrete graphics card.  (WORKS NOW)

Running Safari and going to Top sites (WORKS NOW)

Running WOW or any other 3D full screen game with the discrete card or letting it switch (WORKS NOW)

So far, it's fine with me, but I guess that could change.  Before leaving for work this morning, I forced to use discrete only with a game running. I hope to see it running when I return tonight.

I tried the gfxCard install as well. And disabled sms.

I haven't had it completely freezing on me yet, and it seems to run a little better, but I still get the same problems. Just not as often.

I have decided to capture the problems on video whenever it happened and sent the footage and screenshots to the local Apple Service Centre. And now they have ordered a new logic board for me.

I am a bit relieved to have purchased Applecare since this sounds like a running issue for all Macbook Pro models.

I also read even with the logic board replacement, the problems tend to come back.

Getting the replacement in 2 days, so we shall see.

UPDATE:

The problem doesn't seem to happen as much now, but still does happen. Before the patch, it would happen as soon as the GT 330 card was used, under even a minimum 3D load. Now it takes anywhere from one to two hours (based on use) to happen. Same old kernel panic, same black screen. I guess I will take it in...

I took my MBP into the store.  I showed them the KB article TS4088.  The 'genius' ran a video system test, but THE TEST PASSED!!!!  He said there's nothing he can do right there, so either I will have to come back later to see if the test fails at other time or contact Apple directly. 

OF COURSE, right after I came back from the Apple store, I booted my mac up, bam!!!, it froze immediately again. 

It's really frustrating to say the least.   I am going to try calling Apple like the technician suggested, but I am not sure what I can expect