I've been experiencing major issues with my PC over the past week, encountering multiple BSODs showing a CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED error while the computer is just idling. After some troubleshooting, I discovered a WHEA-Logger ID 18 error in the Event Logger, which indicated a fatal hardware error from the processor core due to a cache hierarchy error.
In an attempt to fix the problems, I updated all my drivers and eventually replaced the CPU with a new AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D. The performance improved slightly, but the computer still lags significantly during basic activities like launching programs or scrolling through YouTube. It even crashed again while trying to play Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition, and the new error logged was again a WHEA-Logger 18 with a different Processor APIC ID.
I've already checked several things:
- Updated GPU and chipset drivers, but newer versions made things worse.
- Ran RAM diagnostics with no issues found.
- Ensured the PSU connections are secure.
- Used DISM and sfc /scannow but didn't find any solutions.
Currently, my CPU usage is abnormally high, often exceeding 70% even during simple tasks, and rebooting feels sluggish too. I really could use some advice on what else I might try to resolve this frustrating issue! Here are my specs:
- Motherboard: ASRock B550M Phantom Gaming 4 (latest BIOS)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT (16 GB)
- RAM: 2x Corsair Vengeance RGB (16 GB each)
- SSD: Silicon Matter 2 TB NVMe
2 Answers
It sounds like you've done quite a bit of troubleshooting already! One thing you might want to check is if your BIOS is set to the correct CPU settings after the upgrade. Sometimes, motherboards need manual adjustments to optimize performance with newer CPUs. Also, make sure that your RAM is properly configured for the speed it's rated for. Sometimes, the default settings can lag performance. As for the errors, I recommend collecting those dump files as mentioned; they can give insight into the BSOD causes. If you can grab them, it could help narrow down the issue further!
I’ve seen similar issues where a bad power supply can lead to strange behavior like this. If you've ruled out the CPU and RAM as faulty, it might be worth testing with a different PSU if you have one available. Additionally, monitor your system temperature; overheating can also cause crashes and performance issues like you described. Sometimes, a little thermal paste replacement can do wonders for clearing up hidden problems with overheating.
I'll definitely look into that! I haven't checked the PSU yet, but it's a good angle to consider. I'll also keep an eye on the temps while gaming.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll check the BIOS settings again and see if I need to adjust anything. Hopefully, those dump files can give us a clue too!