I have never had a problem with this machine until 2 months ago when it began to crash badly (black screen) and frequently. I found one answer -- to disable switching between ordinary graphics and hi quality graphics. I disabled the switching so that the hi quality graphics is always in use and the crashing went nearly to zero. I also disconnected the 2nd monitor I was using. But I am still experiencing random seeming crashes and the reports seem to indicate graphics problems. Is anything to be done? or am I looking at a total replacement? (I also took it to the local Genius Bar and as was reported here, their tests did not detect any problem!)
"My MacbookPro6,2 was experiencing GPU Panics. There are a lot of reports with regards to Apple previously replacing the boards and after a little while, the problem reappears. I did a lot of research on this issue when my MBP started to crash (GPU Panic) 5-6 times a day.
Results from my research, the issue is the Tantalum capacitor used to regulate power to the dGPU. When the dGPU is running at high performance settings, it requires a lot more voltage. Because the bad capacitor can't handle the voltage anymore, it cause the GPU Panic.
Solution was to replace the bad tantalum capacitor; not just with a similar part! If you do that, you'll end up with the same issue later down the road. The solution is to replace the bad capacitor with a better part! Louis Rossmann recommended using Aluminum Polymer capacitor because they are highly reliable! Here is the link to his video (https://youtu.be/DzcgT_fiVTA) ... just don't mind the language used! I used a Panasonic Aluminum Polymer Capacitor (https://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en...).
Since I had the logic board out of the laptop enclosure, I decided to clean and replace all the original thermal paste that Apple applied. Note ... it is quite the mess they've created! Using more than actually needed.
Last image highlights the Aluminum Polymer Capacitor I used in my fix.
Overall results ... no GPU panic since replacing the bad capacitor. MBP is running very smoothly.
My Mac: MacbookPro6,2; MacOS Sierra -10.12.2; 8 GB; 512 GB SSD; External Display - Dell U2713HM @ 2560x1440."
You have an 820-2850 board. There are issues inside the vias in the board on these models. Some theorize it is an issue with pgood signal for VRAM dropping, some theorize it is LVDS_MUX issues inside the PCB. There are mods people have proposed to make the pgood signal more stable but they don't work. I've tried my own, no difference.
I think it's just a pile of junk. Apple knows it. http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203554
With other models you can replace the GPU and it works, with this board it really is just unfixable. Even the replacement Apple will give you under that program will not work properly.
I take pride in fixing all of the issues that other people say are unfixable, but I know my limits. When it comes to the 820-2850 board inside of 15"" A1286 2010 models, it's time to give up. Unfortunately that machine belongs in the bin. :("
Had the same problem as OP and others here, system would just shutdown randomly eventually through weeks of troubleshooting narrowed it down to the nvidia card causing the issue. As others mentioned in the post the problem is not fixable but there is a work around. I use the gfxcardstatus 2.3 app to force the os to only use the integrated video card. Some applications will force your os to turn dynamic back on and go to the nvidia card gfxcardstatus notifies you of this and you just have to click integrated only back on. You will noticed the screen change color a little when the cards switch. Pretty useful tool I'd say system runs 90% of the time smoothly but eventually crashes here and there when os force switches cards without you noticing. Also unfortunately you can't use the minidisplay port out to hdmi/TV anymore since that requires the nvidia card for 2nd monitor which will crash the system. It seems the nvidia card is being overloaded or something.
"@Ron - Check zzz's answer above, he seems to know what he's talking about. I've opted for a replacement board from www.aliexpress.com, a used but certified 820-2850 i7 2.66Ghz (same as I have now). It comes directly from China, money back guarantee, 90 day warranty, etc. same as Apple. Cost me USD 480 but shipping is free, delivery in 3-5 days. It's not cheap, but it is cheaper than coughing up 2000+ for a new current model running El Crapitan.
Apparently the GPU can be replaced, as the one I'm buying has an AMD / Radeon CrossFire GPU instead of Nvidia 330, and I don't remember Apple offering that custom option back then, so I figure previous owner or ""macexpert"" the outfit selling it (http://www.aliexpress.com/store/208174) must have done the surgery.
As mentioned previously in a similar thread (Can you install any A1286 logic board in 15"" Unibody?) I'll report back when up and running with the new MB."
"I had/have the same issues. Apple fixed mine once under the program and it lasted a few cycles then crapped out too. Apple said they would fix it again, sent me a box, shipped it, looked at it then sent me an email to cancel the repair order saying it was a vintage mac. Here is the rub, when they sent it back, the screen wouldn't come on at all. I see it on the network and can use screen sharing for a second but then it craps out then too. So with or without the built in screen, which i now sort assume apple disconnected then forgot to reconnect, the problem persists.
It appears that apple sold a piece of crap and just expects it's customers to accept that they bought a disposable, unfixable, unmaintainable computer.
They should at least return my computer in the condition it was in when i sent it."
