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Black screen of death crash.

So I started to run into this crash, and it is becoming quite frequent (a couple times a day in the least, every day)

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro6,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i7
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Processor Interconnect Speed: 4.8 GT/s
Boot ROM Version: MBP61.0057.B0C
SMC Version (system): 1.58f15

Thats my computer. Here are the symptoms:
-completely black screen (as if the screen is off)
-back lit keyboard lit up all the way (even if it was not before crash)
-any sound will repeat last frame continuously
-seems to happen when I am playing WoW, whether I am starting it up or have been playing for a while. Haven't noticed it with any other game or with just minimal web browsing. I should also note the computer has NOT been any abnormal temperatures.
-power cord has been plugged in, nothing else but wireless usb mouse

This is my first mac, so with any technical help I would appreciate a thorough explanation! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

EDIT: After doing some more research, I found some people had problems caused by bootcamp. So I am noting here that I do not have any sort of windows installed on my mac! I bought it to get away from that, of course. 🙂

Message was edited by: BatmanMike

MacBook Pro 15" i7, Mac OS X (10.6.5)

Posted on Dec 21, 2010 5:56 PM

Reply
23 replies

May 16, 2011 4:08 PM in response to BatmanMike

Thanks for posting this as I am having exactly the same problem... although my issue comes when using Skype Video and a couple of other apps... I even managed to get the Black Screen of Death when in Time Capsule!!!


I am going to head back to the service place and let them work this out... I had my LogicBoard replaced about a month ago after it wouldn't wake up from sleep... and now this is happening... Let's not even talk about lost productivity with my work!


Has anyone found a work-around for this problem?


Oh yeah... this is my setup


Model Name: MacBook Pro

Model Identifier: MacBookPro6,2

Processor Name: Intel Core i7

Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz

Number Of Processors: 1

Total Number Of Cores: 2

L2 Cache (per core): 256 KB

L3 Cache: 4 MB

Memory: 4 GB

Processor Interconnect Speed: 4.8 GT/s

Boot ROM Version: MBP61.0057.B0C

SMC Version (system): 1.58f16


Message was edited by: Pasta_Al

May 17, 2011 5:07 AM in response to Pasta_Al

Pasta, they told me that skype could cause this type of error. I previously had skype and to humor the first guy with support, I wiped my system and did a fresh install (not restoring from time machine in case anything in my profile was corrupt). 3-4 days after my reinstall and not reinstalling skype, it started happening again. I called them back and they sent me a diagnostic tool to send them some logs and they overviewed it and said it was my logic board. It is now in route to Memphis to have it replaced.

May 27, 2012 7:36 PM in response to joshuahaber

Same issue here with an kernal panic error log thats very similar to the errors posted earlier in this discussion board. As a previous Mac Genius my gut feeling is GPU (graphics card) because it tends to happen when I'm doing things that have a higher GPU use. For example, exactly when I got to use mission control it will sometimes black screen crash. Also, the fact that the screen goes black is another easy tell for GPU/Logic Board.


One interest note is that it never happens when connected to my external monitor (where I typically use my MBP). It only happens when I'm using it as traditional laptop, so I'm thinking it might be related to the Nvidia graphic switching technoloy that was new with these MBPs. I'm thinking that when it switches from the native to the dedicated GPU it messes up and causes the crash.


I will take Yojo's advice and take it into the Apple Store and get their opinion. I'm looking to sell this puppy when the new MacBook Airs are released so don't want someone feeling like they got jipped. Very happy I have AppleCare. Highly recommended buy even for someone who was a priror Mac Genius.


I'll keep you updated on my findings/results.

Black screen of death crash.

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