Hey everyone! I updated my computer about a year ago and it's been running like a dream until the last week or so. My specs are: 14900KS CPU, Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Pro X motherboard, 64GB CL30 Corsair RAM at 6000MHz, a 4TB 990 SSD, and a Dark Power 13 1000W PSU, plus a fresh install of Windows 11. Recently, I've started getting random blue screens of death (BSOD) that seem to pop up at odd times. Sometimes my Chrome tabs also crash with the annoying 'Aw, Snap!' error. The specific BSOD errors I've encountered are: "fltmgr.sys", "kernel_security_check_failure", and "page_fault_in_nonpaged_area".
I've tried all the usual fixes: updated drivers, scanned my SSDs, refreshed SSD software, ran SFC and memory diagnostics, monitored temperatures, and checked for malware - but everything seems fine. Now I'm starting to suspect the 14900KS CPU after being a bit skeptical about it when I bought it due to my old CPU dying. Has anyone else faced similar issues with their 14900KS? Sometimes my computer runs perfectly for hours, and then suddenly, it crashes into a bluescreen loop. I've noticed it tends to be more stable in safe mode with internet access. Additionally, running SFC in normal mode sometimes leads to crashes, but it's been stable in safe mode. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
It sounds like your blue screen issues might be related to voltage. Some CPUs can be a little picky about their power settings. If you're doing any overclocking or undervolting, try slightly raising the core voltage by a small amount, like 0.010 to 0.020 volts. It's not uncommon to need to adjust voltage as processors age, especially if they were optimized at first and then began to exhibit instability. Running a stress test could help you spot if that’s the issue.
Intel's 13th and 14th gen CPUs, including the 14900KS, are known for factory overvolting to keep up with AMD competition. If you're getting a replacement CPU from Intel, make sure to update your motherboard's BIOS afterward to get the fixes that slow down the overvolting issues. It might help with stability!
The KS model should have a lot of those issues ironed out since it was released after many fixes. Still, updating the BIOS is a smart move.
Yeah, I’d be cautious with voltages too. I’ve heard that Intel chips were prone to this. Maybe tweak it gently and see if you get better stability.