Applies to:

• MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013)
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013)
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)*
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)*
  *Not as common but there have been reports

Component affected:

• CPU VRM (voltage regulator module)

Symptoms:

• Sudden shutdowns when a change in CPU load occurs.
• Kernal Panics when a change in CPU load occurs.
• Mac powers on, fan spins, CPU may get warm but no chime or video output.

Apple Repair program:
None.

The Problem:
– On 15″ models, this is caused by the use of inadequate CPU VRM’s, which over time begin to fail and are unable to deliver the adequate power required to switch between proper CPU power requirements and produce unclean power during this crucial period.
– On 13″ models, the cause is unknown but it is suspected to be caused by VRM’s inside the actual CPU itself failing for mysterious reasons.

The fix:
Logic board replacements suffer the same issue so the best way to fix this for the 15″ models is to solder on new, better, VRM’s. For 13″ models there is no fix as of yet. If you can not or do not want to fix the 15″ model yourself, contact a shop that offers microsoldering repairs.