2010 Macbook Pro

Try running the Apple Diagnostics to see if any hardware issues are detected. On some systems the diagnostics are broken and will not run.

Besides a drive issue another common problem would be a possible memory issue especially if using third party memory (or a bad memory slot since the slot nearest the bottom case tends to develop issues due to cracked solder joints).

See if there are any Kernel Panic log reports in "/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports". The Kernel Panic log file names will begin with "kernel" and end in ".panic". If there are any recent panic logs, then post several of them here using the "Additional Text" icon which looks like a piece of paper.

Try running the laptop in Safe Mode to see if it works any better. Safe Mode disables Login Items and all third party drivers (plus even some Apple drivers such as for the camera and advanced GPU drivers).

Disconnect all external devices in case one of them is causing the problem.

Does the issue occur even when using the charger?

Is this a 15" or 17" model? If so, then perhaps you are encountering known GPU failures common with those 15" & 17" models.

All of the Kernel Panics are referencing a GPU failure. Your only possible option is to force the laptop to use the Intel GPU instead. You can do this using gfxCardStatus:

https://github.com/steveschow/gfxCardStatus/releases/tag/v2.4.4i

https://codyschrank.github.io/gSwitch/

Or by using the instructions in this article:

http://dosdude1.com/gpudisable/

You are now using the Intel GPU which is not as powerful as the discrete GPU of Nvidia/AMD and the Intel GPU may not include some features of those discrete GPUs which Teams and Zoom may be using to optimize their performance.

mikescott99 wrote:

I have a 2010 Macbook Pro that's been upgraded and is using OS 10.13.6. It shuts down and restarts in a totally random fashion and this has been happening more frequently recently. I'm not sure how to get the problem identified and fixed or whether to give up and get a newer Macbook., as this one is quite old (but works fine most of the time!) Any help appreciated - but I'm not massively knowledgeable about either software or hardware, so it needs to be very simple and straightforward!

Is this the OEM mechanical HD that shipped new with your Mac...(?)

One way to bypass the internal HD is to create a bootclone. Once complete you can boot off the external to compare your results.

How to create a boot clone https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-10081