Addressing ongoing BSOD with Event 41 and no available dump file
Addressing ongoing BSOD with Event 41 and no available dump file
Hey reader, the issue: While running demanding games (like World of Tanks, Risk of Rain 2, Astroneer, It Takes Two), my PC frequently displays BSODs after just a short time. (5-10 minutes). Event Viewer reports a critical error code 41 and "kernel-power". This used to occur occasionally before upgrading from a Ryzen 3600 to a 5800X on an x570 board, but now it happens consistently without any exceptions. My system setup includes:
- Windows 11 Pro
- Corsair 650W Gold (~5 years)
- MSI MPG X570 gaming Wi-Fi (latest BIOS)
- Ryzen 5800X (no overclocking)
- Crucial 2x16GB at 3200MHz
- Samsung 990 EVO 2TB (boot) + two older SATA SSDs
- MSI RTX 2070 Super (no overclocking, but OC’d previously)
- 4K monitor
- Cooling solutions for CPU and GPU are sufficient, though I’m considering a GPU replacement due to aging and high temperatures (often reaching 90°C).
What I’ve tried so far:
- Fresh Windows 11 install on a brand new M.2 drive (BSODs also appeared on the old drive and during installation)
- Updating BIOS to the latest version
- Setting RAM to 2133 MHz base speed instead of 3200 MHz (its spec)
- Running MemTest86 – no errors after four runs
- Checking motherboard voltages via HWinfo64 and HWmonitor – readings are normal, within ±0.01V or significant drops
I’m unsure how to resolve this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
*P.S.: Windows didn’t generate any dump files. Or perhaps I can’t locate them in the troubleshooting guide?*
P.P.S: Something else I overlooked that might help – sometimes the screen turns off automatically to save power, and if Spotify is playing it keeps running but won’t wake up unless I hold the power button until shutdown, then restart.
Remove one RAM stick, use just one stick, test each one separately in the machine, check stability in that setup.
An Event 41 indicates an issue within the electrical network. Initial actions: Inspect every power cord, ensure cables from the power source to the motherboard and GPU are secure and properly connected. Examine all internal cables. Consider replacing or swapping the UPS, surge protectors, extension leads, or multi-plugs. Disconnect all unnecessary drives, USB peripherals (except keyboard and mouse), and any non-essential components drawing power. Turn off overclocking if active. Adjust Windows settings to full performance mode. Modify the wall fuse or test a different cable between the power supply and outlet. If problems persist, replace the power supply unit.
This refers to any system shutdown or restart outside the traditional Shut Down/Restart menu, such as freezing, BSOD, hard crashes, power loss, or holding the power button. It includes both power-related events and other interruptions.
It's interesting I can run risk of rain for more than half an hour now without issues. Just pulling out my second RAM stick (slot four) makes sense, but I'm not sure why or how it works. It seems confusing, and I'm not sure if it's actually working right now. I'll keep testing it longer than this. Over the past couple of days I've managed only about 30 minutes before needing a break. Tomorrow morning I'll try the other stick in slot one to see how it goes.