There is a another software fix, which simply disables (through renaming) the Thunderbolt Ethernet driver in macOS (see [https://outluch.wixsite.com/rmbp-crash|here] for full details and instructions). Works much better than the above mentioned app by Real Mac Mods (which keeps the CPU busy), but downside is that Thunderbolt Ethernet is gone and system must be re-patched after every macOS update.
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There is a another software fix, which simply disables (through renaming) the Thunderbolt Ethernet driver in macOS (see [link|https://outluch.wixsite.com/rmbp-crash|here] for full details and instructions). Works much better than the above mentioned app by Real Mac Mods (which keeps the CPU busy), but downside is that Thunderbolt Ethernet is gone and system must be re-patched after every macOS update.
However, there is a permanent fix, as I just figured out:
== Found permanent Hardware fix ==
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== TL; DR ==
-
Replaced the factory-installed Apple Samsung F-Type SSD (imprinted Model ID ends to /0A6) with an Apple Samsung G-Type SSD (Model ID ends to /0A4). Machine now behaves totally normal.
== Full story ==
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I bought a bunch of 512 GB Apple Samsung SSDs last week for resale, of which one was intended to be an upgrade for a 'random-shutdown' MacBook Pro Retina (15" Mid-2014; it worked OK with the Thunderbolt-Ethernet-Driver removed ... but then of course lacked the Thunderbolt Ethernet).
The MacBook had an Apple Samsung SM0256F (so an F-Type; Model ID MZ-JPU256T/0A6) installed when bought. Did blank out after a few seconds, fans spun up, followed by shutdown shortly thereafter. The known problem.
I first tested consecutively 4 pcs. Apple Samsung SM0512F (so again F-Type; Model ID MZ-JPU512T/0A6) - sudden shutdown pattern on each of them.
Then I tested 2 pcs. Apple Samsung SM0512G (note: G-Type!; Model IDs MZ-JPV5120/0A4 and MZ-JPV512S/0A4) ... and to my big surprise, no sudden shutdown with those installed. The MacBook behaved totally NORMAL!
Even better side effect is that according to Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, the G-types are significantly faster than the F-types.
* G: ~ 1,320 MB/s Write & 1,500 MB/s Read
-
VS.
* F: ~ 700 MB/s Write & 720 MB/s Read
-
-
I assume that the G-types have more PCIe channels, which perhaps draws a bit more power, thus likely prevents the CPU to cross that low-voltage threshold, which AFAIK causes the shutdown issue. See [https://beetstech.com/blog/apple-proprietary-ssd-ultimate-guide-to-specs-and-upgrades|here] for more info on the various Apple SSD models, wherein the PCIe channels differences are described.
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I assume that the G-types have more PCIe channels, which perhaps draws a bit more power, thus likely prevents the CPU to cross that low-voltage threshold, which AFAIK causes the shutdown issue. See [link|https://beetstech.com/blog/apple-proprietary-ssd-ultimate-guide-to-specs-and-upgrades|here] for more info on the various Apple SSD models, wherein the PCIe channels differences are described.
It remains to be tested, if this only did the job in my particular random-shutdown MacBook or if it works for your MacBooks as well.
There is a cheaper solution since quite some time now, which gives you more bang for the buck: Instead of installing a genuine Apple Samsung OEM SSD (which you'll only find used), you install an NVMe SSD in m.2 form factor using an adapter to the proprietary Apple SSD connector.
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The adapter I suggest (and have successfully used countless times) is the Sintech ST-NGFF2013. Follow this [link|http://eshop.sintech.cn/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=130_132&products_id=1139|link].
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(There are similar adapters from other manufacturers, but this is the only one I know, which works reliably).
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My suggestion for the SSD itself is the Samsung 970 EVO M.2 PCIe NVMe series. Depending on your budget you can chose between 500 GB, 1 or 2 TB. No need to go for the 970 EVO plus or 980, as you won't benefit from the faster speeds AFAIK (the bus in those old Macs sets the limit).
There is a another software fix, which simply disables (through renaming) the Thunderbolt Ethernet driver in macOS (see [https://outluch.wixsite.com/rmbp-crash|here] for full details and instructions). Works much better than the above mentioned app by Real Mac Mods (which keeps the CPU busy), but downside is that Thunderbolt Ethernet is gone and system must be re-patched after every macOS update.
However, there is a permanent fix, as I just figured out:
== Found permanent Hardware fix ==
-
-
Folks, I thought that you might be interested in my recent find of what looks to be a permanent hardware fix to the infamous random shutdown issue.
== TL; DR ==
Replaced the factory-installed Apple Samsung F-Type SSD (imprinted Model ID ends to /0A6) with an Apple Samsung G-Type SSD (Model ID ends to /0A4). Machine now behaves totally normal.
== Full story ==
I bought a bunch of 512 GB Apple Samsung SSDs last week for resale, of which one was intended to be an upgrade for a 'random-shutdown' MacBook Pro Retina (15" Mid-2014; it worked OK with the Thunderbolt-Ethernet-Driver removed ... but then of course lacked the Thunderbolt Ethernet).
The MacBook had an Apple Samsung SM0256F (so an F-Type; Model ID MZ-JPU256T/0A6) installed when bought. Did blank out after a few seconds, fans spun up, followed by shutdown shortly thereafter. The known problem.
I first tested consecutively 4 pcs. Apple Samsung SM0512F (so again F-Type; Model ID MZ-JPU512T/0A6) - sudden shutdown pattern on each of them.
Then I tested 2 pcs. Apple Samsung SM0512G (note: G-Type!; Model IDs MZ-JPV5120/0A4 and MZ-JPV512S/0A4) ... and to my big surprise, no sudden shutdown with those installed. The MacBook behaved totally NORMAL!
Even better side effect is that according to Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, the G-types are significantly faster than the F-types.
* G: ~ 1,320 MB/s Write & 1,500 MB/s Read
VS.
* F: ~ 700 MB/s Write & 720 MB/s Read
I assume that the G-types have more PCIe channels, which perhaps draws a bit more power, thus likely prevents the CPU to cross that low-voltage threshold, which AFAIK causes the shutdown issue. See [https://beetstech.com/blog/apple-proprietary-ssd-ultimate-guide-to-specs-and-upgrades|here] for more info on the various Apple SSD models, wherein the PCIe channels differences are described.
It remains to be tested, if this only did the job in my particular random-shutdown MacBook or if it works for your MacBooks as well.
There is a another software fix, which simply disables (through renaming) the Thunderbolt Ethernet driver in macOS (see [https://outluch.wixsite.com/rmbp-crash|here] for full details and instructions). Works much better than the above mentioned app by Real Mac Mods (which keeps the CPU busy), but downside is that Thunderbolt Ethernet is gone and system must be re-patched after every macOS update.
However, there is a permanent fix, as I just figured out:
== Found permanent Hardware fix ==
Folks, I thought that you might be interested in my recent find of what looks to be a permanent hardware fix to the infamous random shutdown issue.
== TL; DR ==
Replaced the factory-installed Apple Samsung F-Type SSD (imprinted Model ID ends to /0A6) with an Apple Samsung G-Type SSD (Model ID ends to /0A4). Machine now behaves totally normal.
== Full story ==
I bought a bunch of 512 GB Apple Samsung SSDs last week for resale, of which one was intended to be an upgrade for a 'random-shutdown' MacBook Pro Retina (15" Mid-2014; it worked OK with the Thunderbolt-Ethernet-Driver removed ... but then of course lacked the Thunderbolt Ethernet).
The MacBook had an Apple Samsung SM0256F (so an F-Type; Model ID MZ-JPU256T/0A6) installed when bought. Did blank out after a few seconds, fans spun up, followed by shutdown shortly thereafter. The known problem.
I first tested consecutively 4 pcs. Apple Samsung SM0512F (so again F-Type; Model ID MZ-JPU512T/0A6) - sudden shutdown pattern on each of them.
Then I tested 2 pcs. Apple Samsung SM0512G (note: G-Type!; Model IDs MZ-JPV5120/0A4 and MZ-JPV512S/0A4) ... and to my big surprise, no sudden shutdown with those installed. The MacBook behaved totally NORMAL!
Even better side effect is that according to Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, the G-types are significantly faster than the F-types.
* G: ~ 1,320 MB/s Write & 1,500 MB/s Read
VS.
* F: ~ 700 MB/s Write & 720 MB/s Read
I assume that the G-types have more PCIe channels, which perhaps draws a bit more power, thus likely prevents the CPU to cross that low-voltage threshold, which AFAIK causes the shutdown issue. See [https://beetstech.com/blog/apple-proprietary-ssd-ultimate-guide-to-specs-and-upgrades|here] for more info on the various Apple SSD models, wherein the PCIe channels differences are described.
It remains to be tested, if this only did the job in my particular random-shutdown MacBook or if it works for your MacBooks as well.