Please help. Getting BSODs and crashes that don't allow the system to POST.

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dedicated_diamond

PCHF Member
Feb 1, 2023
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Hello and thanks for looking into this.

I have been having random BSODs, seemingly out of nowhere, for the past year or so.
Sometimes these happen during gaming, other times these happen over zoom calls and some times they happen due to having too many Chrome tabs open (I think). Other times they happen even when the system is not under any significant load. There are periods where several months pass without having any, then there are days with 3 or 4 crashes in a row.

After a BSOD, there's a 50% chance that my PC will not POST and the status light on my motherboard stays orange. A successful POST has the status light cycling from red to white.
To get around this, I typically either reseat my RAM, or change its slot. (more on this below). Sometimes this works right off the bat, other times I need to keep doing this for 3-4 times before the system starts POSTing normally.


BSODs (roughly from most encountered to least encountered):
  • Kernel security check failure
  • Kmode exception not handled
  • Memory management
  • IRQL not less or equal
  • Unexpected kernel mode trap
  • System service exception nvlddmkm.sys
  • PFN list corrupt
  • DPC watchdog violation

Things I've tried:
  • Updating BIOS
  • Updating drivers
  • Fresh windows installs
  • System file checker (sfc /scannow)
  • CHKDSK
  • Memtest. Passed but the hammer stage took a really long time. 5+ hours.
  • Tried running the system with RAM Stick 1 in slot A, then after getting another BSOD, moving it in slot B. Then tried running with RAM Stick 2 in slot A, then in slot B. Then tried running it with the sticks reversed, or in their original position. I don't have a clear conclusion for this experiment, but what I know for sure, is that if I run the system with both RAM sticks at the same time, the chance of getting a BSOD increase considerably. So that left me with sitting with half of my available RAM for the past year or so.
  • I am not overcloking anything

Specs:
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600x
  • CPU Cooler: EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB
  • Motherboard: Asus ROG Strix B550-i
  • Memory: G.Skill Trident Z Neo 32 GB
  • Storage: ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro 1 Tb
  • Power Supply: Corsair SF750 750 W 80+ Platinum
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660
Yes, I am aware that my GPU is ancient. I have ordered a 3060 TI.



Please guide me towards what other tests I should be running to figure out what the issue is, before I go buying new RAM or sending my motherboard for RMA.

Thank you very much.
 
It is important that you take advise from one (1) help forum at a time.
Because we do not know what the other site advises you to do you could end up with a non-working system.
So, you need to decide between here and Tech Support Guy.
If we cannot help, then you can go to Tech Support Guy or any other site
Just not two sites at once.

Can you Download and run and then post. https://www.ccleaner.com/speccy/download
To publish a Speccy profile to the Web:​

In Speccy, click File, and then click Publish Snapshot.​

In the Publish Snapshot dialog box, click Yes to enable Speccy to proceed.

Speccy publishes the profile and displays a second Publish Snapshot dialog box. You can open the URL in your default browser, copy it to the clipboard, or close the dialog box.

The last part of each URL is randomized, so only people you provide with the URL will be able to find your profile.

The information given in Speccy cannot be used by anyone to hack your system
 
Hello

What OS are you using?

Win 10.


It is important that you take advise from one (1) help forum at a time.
Because we do not know what the other site advises you to do you could end up with a non-working system.
So, you need to decide between here and Tech Support Guy.
If we cannot help, then you can go to Tech Support Guy or any other site
Just not two sites at once.

Fair point. Sorry for the multipost.


Can you Download and run and then post. https://www.ccleaner.com/speccy/download


 
system service exception nvlddmkm.sys
Do you know how to check which version video driver you have? Click on me if you are not using the latest version.
Download the latest video driver - Latest might not be the best, but it is a point to start.

GeForce Security Update Driver - WHQL​

Driver Version: 474.14 - Release Date: Tue Dec 20, 2022 Click on me
Can you download DDU Click on me
Make a restore point Click on me
Boot to safe mode Click on me
Run DDU to uninstall current driver.
Install latest driver.
 
I just received that new GPU I ordered so I will be installing it + fresh windows install + fresh drivers install today.

I'll also add both of the RAM sticks and run another set of diagnostics (3dmark, Unigine Heaven, Superposition, CinebenchR23, Prime95, memtest).

Will update with results.
 
Before doing any install, it is a good idea to go to the support page for your system.
Download the drivers you are going to need i.e. chipset, sound, video, wireless, etc.
WhilstWin10 has a lot of native drivers, Microsoft drivers are designed for ease of use and are NOT designed for any type of performance.
Store these drivers on another usb or you can even just make a folder on your install usb when you are finished making the install usb.
Copy the drivers into that folder.

When you are finished with the Windows install, then install your drivers.

  • Chipset or Motherboard
  • Sata or hard drive
  • Video adapter
  • Network interface card (NIC)
  • Audio
  • Touchpad
  • Any other hardware drivers needed for your particular model.
Reboot after installing the drivers
 
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