Are these BSODs happening more often when starting up or while using intensive tasks like gaming?
Are these BSODs happening more often when starting up or while using intensive tasks like gaming?
Hi,
I've been dealing with this problem for over ten months on my Asus TUF A15 2021- FA506IC Laptop.
The specifications are: Ryzen 7 4800H, RTX 3050, 16GB RAM, WD SN570 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD.
What I did was clean the installed Windows three times, updated all drivers, ran a memory diagnostic and MemTest, stress tested CPU and GPU, and tested the SSD using Crystal Disk Mark. The BSOD (ntoskrnl.exe) kept occurring. After replacing the SSD, the disk mark test succeeded but the main issue remained unresolved. I also changed the laptop's power adapter to address potential power problems.
I have links to recent system crash minidump files here: minidump
The reports emphasize heavily on RAM issues. There’s no sign these BSODs are caused by third-party drivers. Thank you for testing your RAM, did you use Memtest86 (free)? If not, please try. Remember, no memory tester can confirm your RAM is flawless—it only marks it as faulty.
When using Memtest86 with the free version, after four rounds of 13 tests, if no errors appear, restart the tool and repeat four more times. Even without errors, if you have multiple RAM modules, remove one at a time and run tests for several days to check stability. This helps identify unstable modules.
When reinstalling Windows, note where you obtained the drivers. How did you update them? Have you checked temperatures regularly? If not, download HWMonitor (free) and capture screenshots of CPU and GPU temperatures during idle and full load. Laptops often overheat.
How did you stress test the CPU and GPU?
Installed all drivers from the manufacturer's official site, such as Asus.
I usually just install the files I downloaded.
Temperatures seem normal for a gaming laptop.
Here are the screenshots:
I used different programs like CinebenchR23, Heaven Benchmark, 3d mark time spy, Aida64, etc.
After running Memtest86, I removed one RAM stick I had installed myself, but the issue continued. Since I don’t have any other RAM, I plan to replace the manufacturer’s RAM with my own and test it on an 8GB configuration. I’ll update you on the outcome.
I also tried Linux and encountered problems such as freezes and unresponsive black screens.
Here are some additional minidump files from recent crashes:
moreminidump
If you also face issues with Linux on this PC, it's likely a hardware issue. The temperatures appear normal, particularly for a laptop. RAM or CPU are typical causes, though other components could be involved. Testing RAM by swapping it and using Memtest86 is recommended. For an AMD CPU, Prime95 is the best option to stress-test the processor, but use caution as it can overheat laptops. If you haven't used Prime95 before, consider seeking advice. Do Asus offer any hardware diagnostic tools for your laptop?
I had no experience with Prime95 prior. The hardware diagnostic tool indicates everything is fine. I'm curious about determining if the motherboard might be the issue.
Before we begin testing the CPU, I want to examine its cooling system, particularly because these issues tend to occur under heavy usage. Download HWMonitor (free) and take two screenshots of the CPU temperatures—showing each core separately. One should display idle temperatures and the other at maximum load. What make, model, and size of PSU do you have?
It is a laptop equipped with a 180W adapter included in the packaging.
I realized it was a laptop, but the temperatures are acceptable.
For testing the CPU, I recommend executing Prime95. However, this may cause your CPU to overheat significantly, so it’s important to have a temperature monitor (such as HWMonitor) running alongside. Make sure the laptop vents and heat exchanger are clean—remove any dust, raise the device to let air circulate underneath, place it on a metal base instead of wood or plastic (metal retains less heat), and ensure there’s enough space for cool air to enter and hot air to exit.
Run all three Prime95 tests (small FFTs, large FFTs, Blend) for an hour each—if possible. If Prime95 encounters errors, causes a crash, or displays BSODs, or if the CPU temperature surpasses 100°C (the maximum for your Ryzen 7 4800H is 105°C), stop the tests and inform us of the outcome.
Here's what happened during these tests:
- Ran
smallest FFTs
for 1 hour and so. CPU temps were quite fine i.e.
below 97° C. Got no BSOD.
- Ran
small FFTs
again for 1 hour. CPU temps were same.
Got no BSOD.
- Ran
large FFTs
and there were the
same BSODs
that I usually get. As it's a RAM heavy test. I thought I should run a
customized test
that's more heavy on RAM. Found a relevant Reddit thread which suggested these settings:
- unchecked in-place
- range from 448K to 409
- allocated 70% of my RAM
same BSOD
happened on this test too.
- Haven't ran Blend after this
We had already understood that there was a hardware issue here, and this just reinforces that. You're correct that the extensive FFT tests put more strain on RAM compared to smaller FFT tests.
Previously you mentioned this...
It's crucial that RAM is installed in matched pairs, so I recommend swapping both RAM cards in one pack—make sure they match your laptop model before purchasing. I can't promise this will fix the problem, but the other option would be replacing the CPU or motherboard, which for a laptop means getting a new one.