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Released April 2010 / 2.4, 2.53 GHz Core i5 or 2.66 GHz Core i7 Processors

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Possible problem with a logic board component cause crash.

Hello,

For a few months now I am having crashes, the screen goes black and only a hard reset is needed to get it working again until it goes again.

I have read a lot about this problem after a while I also went to apple authorized reseller after talking to a senior advisor at the apple US support. We thought it was this problem that apple recognizes in these 2010 models.

At the Apple reseller they have told me they have ran the tests to check if this indeed is the problem and found no problem.

I went home and contacted Apple again, after some engineers from Apple us went over my crash reports, they have said I have a problem with the Logic Board.

I have decided to open my Macbook and take a look if I see anything out of the ordinary, and I found what I think can cause the problem. As in the photo, the component seem to be black, almost burnt like.

(sorry for it being out of focus, taken with an iPhone 3gs)

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My question Are, what is this component?

Can this be the cause of the cashes?

Can this be fixed since a new logic board cost like a new laptop?

Thanks for the help.

Thanks for the note Machead3 and oldturkey03.

Added some new better quality images.

This was after I have cleaned the component with an ear cleaner and some 70% alcohol

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From the other side I have atached an image from ifixit page and marked where I think the component is located.

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Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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8 Comments

A more clear shot of the component/area that's burned. I can't identify it though.

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There are a few components in that particular area. In order to get a proper answer you'll have to either get better images, or get some images from the ifixit device page and mark the images. Right now it is almost impossible to give you an accurate answer. Also, give us the last three digits of your serial number. This will help us to properly identify your logicboard.

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Thanks for the help, I have added more images of the component.

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Hi guys,

just to update you on the progress.

The technicians I have gave the mac to have replaced the components but the problem still exists. The mac seem to work fine or even better (i'm not sure if it is just the move back from my old macbook) until it crushes again.

They said it might be the multi chip (or something like that, I can'r really remember) and that replacing this has a danger of killing the logic board all together. if they replace it and it fixes the problem than it would be about 250USD.

Now I am facing with the dilemma of what to do.

buying a new logic board.

trying to fix this one.

or selling my macbook for parts and buying a new one

Still can't believe that replacing these components did not fix it.

Regards

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My father often said "It's the tightwad that ends up spending the most money" In other words forget dropping the money on the questionable fix and either buy a replacement (you can upgrade to the fastest one of that model year) or part out the machine.

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Chosen Solution

Unless you repair logic boards/small electronics for a living this is not a DIY repair. Desoldering/re-soldering logic board components requires special tools, and skills.

Once you identify the component obtaining it and finding someone to do the repair will tell you if that's an economically viable solution.

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Thanks machead3, I sure do not want to try fixing this myself. I am trying to understand what exactly is this component, is it fixble and would it be economically as you say.

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Most Helpful Answer

Oded, according to the arrows on your images, the two components are as follows:

Reference designator U3303 is a MAX4249 operational amplifier. Get the datasheet from here. It will tell you all you need to know about its size and function.

The other part your arrow points to, is reference designator R1126 which is a resistor 750 ohm 1% 1/16W 402 package and is part of your CPU Clock/Misc/JTAG circuitry. So, yes either one of these parts could be responsible for your computers behavior. Like machead3 already pointed out, this would not be an easy repair. Looking at the damage on your board, you also need to make sure that the traces are in good working order, and you need to figure out why these parts got destroyed. Hope this helps, good luck.

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Thank you for your detailed reply, it is much appreciated!

I know that it was clear that I need to take it to a local labs to get it fixed I just wanted to know if what I have found can and probably is the reason for my macbook behavior. I found a lab just next to my office so I will take it and see if they can get this done and how much will it be, and let you know how how it went. Do you have any idea what can be the cause of the component getting to this point? Can this be a heating problem maybe since it looked like burnt...

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Yes, it could be, but it is also possible that the circuit somehow overloaded and shorted the components. A good look at all the components and traces should revel more. Bad air circulation as well as overheating could be the prime factor, basing this on the close proximity to the processors etc.

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Some people have use MacBooks on a bed… (bad idea) environment can have a lot to do with overheating.

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Oded will be eternally grateful.
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