MacBook Pro - Unexpected re-start - Hardware?

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MacBook Pro - Unexpected re-start - Hardware?

Specs: MacBook Pro mid-2012, i5, 8 GB RAM, 306GB used of 500 GB on SSD, and Catalina 10.15.7

As long as my MBP is not picked up or wrists rest "so very lightly" on the edges in the front of the keyboard, my laptop is fine and stable.

As soon as I pick it up to move it by the edges (with thumbs on top of the surface on the keyboard with display open) or rest my wrists on the edge of the keyboard, the laptop is now re-booting and I receive an error message report that I cannot decipher, except that there was an unexpected re-start.

Once in a while when I grip the laptop solidly, with my thumbs to move it, I momentarily see some characters across portions of the display - almost like the motherboard might be shorting out from the case (e.g., where my thumbs are).

My MBP has been a real trooper all of these years, but I wonder if there is something going on inside that is common to this vintage in terms of the case, the motherboard, et al. The laptop has never been dropped, no liquids, and no abuse of any kind.

What does the community have to say? Is it now a desktop configuration? I was hoping to hold out until next year (late 2022 or 2023) for a MBP M1 or MBA. I do plan to visit the Genius Bar at the nearest Apple Store (80 miles) someday but I hope for any armchair insights.

Thanks in advance.

Posted on Jan 31, 2022 4:15 AM

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Answer 1

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leroydouglas

Community+ 2024

Level 10

188,286 points

Jan 31, 2022 8:36 AM in response to Gdrenick

Gdrenick wrote:

Specs: MacBook Pro mid-2012, i5, 8 GB RAM, 306GB used of 500 GB on SSD, and Catalina 10.15.7

As long as my MBP is not picked up or wrists rest "so very lightly" on the edges in the front of the keyboard, my laptop is fine and stable.

As soon as I pick it up to move it by the edges (with thumbs on top of the surface on the keyboard with display open) or rest my wrists on the edge of the keyboard, the laptop is now re-booting and I receive an error message report that I cannot decipher, except that there was an unexpected re-start.

almost like the motherboard might be shorting out from the case

Thanks in advance.

This is typically affecting the RAM banks..especially known issue on older mid 2012 the holding clips can crack/break or the bank becomes slightly distorted (ie no longer flat)

I will say that typically it is from lifting from the bottom panel causes some movement, however all cables within the mac are mylar cables more like little circuit boards—and faults can develop...so a hardware issue non the less.

There are some know work-a rounds (fixes of sorts)

Try re-seating the RAM: MacBook Pro:

How to remove or install memory - Apple Support https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201165

 you are testing for both bad RAM or bad bank—

one stick at a time in each bank, If the RAM sticks prove to work individual—and banks work individually.

 Other known issues see:

worn clips

or

RAM banks slightly distorted/out of flat (use shims)

a classic RAM failure type distortion—

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Answer 2

Gdrenick Author

Level 1

25 points

Jan 31, 2022 2:17 PM in response to leroydouglas

@leroydouglas, thank you very much. Your guidance and experience helped me to quickly rectify the issue.

The problem proved to be the RAM memory - either the memory boards or the seating. The clips were fine.

Although not part of the recommended protocol, I opted not to run the individual tests. Instead, I chose to install two new 8 GB memory sticks (16 GB total) which I had on hand for my daughter's MBP.

I experienced no problems at all.

The new RAM was instantly recognized.
No weird displays on the screen.
No unexpected re-booting.
No errors upon running Internet Recovery to test RAM (which I could not initiate with the original memory).

Finally, I then ran SMC re-set and the NVRAM re-set as precautions since the MBP was running a bit warm too.

I truly thank you for your insights and assistance.

Gary

P.S.: Now, I just need to buy the 16 GB of memory upgrade for my daughter's MBP mid-2012 before she notices. It only has 41 battery cycles since new. :>)

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MacBook Pro - Unexpected re-start - Hardware?

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