Mac freezes when logging in as >console [logging in to terminal directly without launching the GUI]
Too long; won't read: Set the Retina resolution as 'Best (Retina)' or below to fix console login crashing and freezing issue.

On my Retina 15in late 2013 MacBook Pro running OS X 10.9.5 Mavericks, the Retina causes console login to crash [if you changed Retina settings to above 'Best (Retina)', logout then console log back in] or crash with a kernel panic [if you changed Retina settings above 'Best (Retina)', reboot then console login].

This explains why Safe mode is unaffected by that bug, as Retina settings are reverted back to original ones.



Unless a fix rolls out, the best to do to fix that problem is to set Retina preferences as 'Best (Retina)' maximum; below, console login will work flawlessly and above, console login will crash or freeze [following if you logged out the console logged back in or reboot the machine, respectively].

Note that if you were in any setting above 'Best (Retina)', the Mac must be reboot to stop the console login from crashing or freezing.

Too long; didn't read: Set the Retina resolution as 'Best (Retina)' or below to fix console login crashing and freezing issue.