What causes periodic kernel panic when playing video content

Boot-up diagnostics were triggered by use of Option-D upon power-on and that came up with ADP000 which means no error found, but I get periodic kernel panic shutdowns when I play video content such as YouTube videos. The machine also starts the fan and feels warmer than usual when this happens and it will happen repeatedly unless I let the machine cool before restarting.


But even if I don't let it cool, sometimes I am able to reboot and if I act quickly I can close the Safari tab-page in which the video is playing before it crashes again and then the next restart will result in a regular session in which the fan shuts down and the machine feels cooler.


I have not had this problem occur in any situation other than playing videos and there are some sites with video content that I can play for an hour and NOT trigger this condition.


The most recent error was triggered while watching a YouTube video (before running the diagnostics) was NOT kernel panic. Instead, it was "CPU Machine Check Architecture Error Dump" and "CATERR detected! No MCA data found."


I have used a pressurized duster to blow dust out of the vents and around the keys and I did see dust come from the cooling vents.


The only way I'll know if dust-related cooling issues were the problem is if I return to those videos and see if it triggers it now but I hesitate to intentionally trigger the condition because there is no guarantee that the result won't be some permanent damage.


I'm using this machine now and there are no apparent problems. Since this MBP is from 2016 I am anticipating replacing it but I've also considered getting a cooling pad to see if that will extend its life.


I am not far from an Apple Store and I could make a Genius Bar appointment if there are diagnostics they could run that I don't know about or if they could examine logs that would tell them something helpful.


I don't know if there is a way to display CPU and GPU temperatures while watching videos to see if this offers more clues.


Suggestions?

Posted on Jun 14, 2023 8:33 AM

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Jun 14, 2023 12:50 PM in response to MikeInTaos

<< "CPU Machine Check Architecture Error Dump" and "CATERR detected! >>


That message indicates serious internal errors inside the processor chip, such as an internal cache error.


it is unlikely (but possible) that aftermarket Virus Scanner software could cause such error. If you have any of those installed, remove them.


Do not waste your time monitoring temperatures, your Mac is doing this already, and ramps up the fans when things start to warm up.


Your Mac can continue to operate correctly at any acceptable temperature. If the CPU ever gets unacceptably hot, it will do an emergency uncontrolled power off, NOT throw a machine check.

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What causes periodic kernel panic when playing video content

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