Applies to:

• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)

Component affected:

• GPU power supply circuit component (C9560)

Symptoms:

• Kernel panics
• Freezing
• Not displaying video on internal or external display

Apple Repair program:
Started: October 26, 2011
Ended: 2015
Archived URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20120117124443/http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4088
Current URL: N/A

Apple fixed affected Macs for free until three years from date of purchase. The MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) was discontinued in February 2011 and the repair program officially ended in late 2014 or early 2015.

Repair Program Issues:
Apple replaced affected boards (kernel panics were not listed as a symptom) but of course replacement boards had the exact same issue where the C9560 capacitor would fail. Some say Apple was never able to figure out why these boards failed, others say they knew but replacing boards with the same was cheaper as re-manufacturing each board that came in for repair. Which sounds more like Apple to you?

The Issue:
A capacitor (C9560) on the power rail for the GPU and GPU memory fails. Much like the issue seen in the 2009-2009 MacBook Pros. In this case the issue doesn’t cause the Mac to not power on at all but it will cause kernel panics instead.

The Fix:
If you have soldering skills and the right microsoldering equipment, you can replace this capacitor yourself. It is noted that while replacing this capacitor will likely fix the issues if your symptoms match those mentioned above but there is a chance it will not fix the issues as well. You can also contact a company that offers board repair services.