Written by
Yvonne Feng
Summary: Read to know how to fix the DCP Panic - Assert AppleDCPDPTXPowerController.cpp error using several methods, including disabling sleep, disabling screensaver, reprogramming ROM, updating macOS, etc.
My Mac keeps experiencing kernel panics (AppleDCPDPTXPowerController.cpp:538) after waking from sleep, despite reinstalling macOS and creating a new user. Any fixes? - Apple Community
"DCP Panic - Assert" is a kernel panic error related to display or graphics control. Many M2 MacBook Air users have reported encountering this issue when their Mac wakes up from sleep or after the display is turned off, especially on the 13-inch and 15-inch models.
Fortunately, this problem can be fixed! Even if you haven't experienced it, reading this article will help you learn more about it. Let's dive in!
How to fix the DCP Panic - Assert AppleDCPDPTXPowerController.cpp error
There are several methods provided below, you can try to fix the DCP Panic - Assert AppleDCPDPTXPowerController.cpp error. Let's take a look at them one by one!
Disable sleep
This error typically occurs when your Mac wakes up from sleep, so disabling the sleep function can help avoid triggering the issue. By doing this, your Mac won't enter sleep mode, preventing the related kernel panic.
Here's how to do it:
- Go to “System Settings” > “Lock Screen”.
- Set both “Turn display off on battery when inactive” and “Turn display off on power adapter when inactive” to "Never".
- Click “Options…” in the lower-right of the Lock Screen settings.
- Enable “Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when display is off”.
Don't interact with your Mac when waking it up
After turning on the display, wait a few seconds before touching the trackpad or pressing any keys. This gives macOS enough time to properly interact with the display controller, preventing the error.
Disable screensaver
The screensaver might conflict with the wake-up process of the display system. Disabling it can help avoid potential interference. While many users report that this method's effectiveness is limited, it's still worth trying.
Update macOS
A bug in macOS could be the root cause of the DCP Panic - Assert error. It is recommended to try updating your macOS, as this may fix known bugs and compatibility issues.
You can go to "System Settings" > "Software Update" to check for and install any available updates.
Reprogram ROM
ROM reprogramming can resolve certain hardware-to-software compatibility issues. Although this is not a long-term solution, it may buy you more time while waiting for updates or hardware replacement.
You can contact Apple Support to inquire about ROM reprogramming. However, this is typically a temporary fix and can serve as a stopgap solution until a permanent fix is released.
Replace Hardware Components
If the above methods don't resolve the issue, it may be due to a hardware fault, particularly with the display controller (TCON) or the display itself. Replacing the damaged components may be the only permanent solution.
You can contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store for hardware diagnostics. If a hardware issue is found, they can replace the display controller or the display.
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Why does the DCP Panic - Assert AppleDCPDPTXPowerController.cpp error occur
The DCP Panic - Assert error is usually related to the display control and graphics processing system on MacBooks, especially involving the transmission and control of display signals. This issue primarily affects M2 MacBook Air models, particularly the 13-inch and 15-inch versions.
- Hardware issues: A common cause of this error is related to the Timing Controller (TCON), which is connected to a sensor that detects when the screen lid is opened. When this component fails, the MacBook may freeze during wake-up or recovery, causing a kernel panic.
- Issues during sleep and wake-up: During wake-up, macOS may encounter problems interacting with the hardware. This could be due to issues in the low-level code related to the display controller, graphics hardware, or power management.
- macOS and hardware compatibility issues: There may be compatibility issues between macOS and the M2 processor or display-related hardware components. This problem is particularly prominent in macOS versions like Monterey 12.5 to Sonoma 14.6.
- Conflict between display system and power management: During wake-up, conflicts between the display system and power management can occur. The interaction between display output and graphics hardware may cause certain parts of the AppleDCPDPTXPowerController.cpp code to fail, leading to a system crash.
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