Error message appears on a brand new system after installing fresh Windows 10 Pro.
Error message appears on a brand new system after installing fresh Windows 10 Pro.
System details: Mainboard model NZXT N7 B550, CPU AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, RAM G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB (2 x 32GB), DDR4 2666 (PC4 21300), GPU NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, PSU Corsair CX650M, Storage Samsung 980 PRO 2TB, NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD. I’ve been using an outdated AMD FX system for a long time, and alerts appeared about apps failing to receive updates on Windows 7. When upgrading, I replaced the mainboard, CPU, cooler, RAM, and NVMe drive. I retained the old GPU and PSU since they were recently upgraded. I installed Windows 10 Pro on the NVMe and ensured all drivers were present. The computer operates normally. While playing GTA 5, I paused the game on the map and encountered a WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR crash. I tried troubleshooting by disconnecting non-essential hardware, testing one memory module at a time, but the error persisted with either. I removed the NVMe and installed Windows 10 on another SSD for testing. Initially I didn’t let Windows update, but after completing all updates and drivers, the game ran without issues. Then I allowed full updates again, and it worked. However, when connecting the NVMe via an external hub and attempting to open a diagnostic folder, the error reappeared—this was the first time without GTA 5 running. I ran chkdsk on the NVMe, which took a long time but showed no errors or bad clusters. Currently, I’m using memtest86 and haven’t detected any faults. I’m uncertain about the next steps: should I return the mainboard for another brand? Is there a clearer method to identify whether the problem is hardware or driver-related? If it’s hardware, what further tests can help isolate the issue? Since my budget is spent, replacing parts will be difficult.
Yes, I use the most recent BIOS for my motherboard and download the latest AMD chipset drivers straight from AMD.
I tested Samsung Magician on the NVMe drive and it worked smoothly. Memtest86 also reported no RAM issues. Likely the problem lies with the motherboard or the drivers.
I tried whoCrashed and found the problem likely comes from driver issues tied to authenticamd.sys. I followed the suggested steps—turned off fast startup and ran SFC. Now we're just waiting to see if it resolves.
I'm still getting this error after a few hours of GTA 5 running. All my drivers are up-to-date and per NVIDIA support's instructions I uninstalled my graphics drivers, ran their cleaning tool, and then reinstalled the drivers using the "clean install" option. I also just upgraded my PSU to the Seasonic Focus 850PX The PC runs fine as long as I don't use it to game. Steps taken so far: • CHKDSK • MEMTEST86 • Confirmed latest system drivers • Installed Latest Windows updates • Reinstalled graphics drivers • Ran SFC /scannow • Ran Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth • Reset BIOS to defaults • Updated to latest BIOS Any suggestions?
I’ve explored many troubleshooting methods and uncovered something unusual. At first, I believed turning off PBO would fix the problem, but it didn’t work. With my NZXT N7 B550 board and CAM tool installed, I need to lower my GPU clock speed by 200Mhz for smooth gameplay and set the power limit to 90% to prevent crashes. I’m still testing, but it seems the core issue might be with my GPU or its compatibility with other parts. When I contacted AMD support, they suggested returning the CPU if it’s still within their return period. Should I consider replacing the CPU just to be safe? The WHEA error feels like a car’s check engine light—many possible causes.
It’s quite similar yet different. It doesn’t resemble a typical car with many hard-to-reach components; most of them are simpler to access. There are probably around 6 or 7 key parts, and at least one of those is likely the source of the problem. Your motherboard choice was questionable, as well as adding a cam module, which often leads to complications like BSODs. In short, it’s not overly complicated technically, but it does demand some work—uninstalling unused apps, reinstalling drivers and BIOS, checking parts, swapping components, and verifying everything. The main culprits are probably the PSU or motherboard/Bios; RAM is another possible factor—make sure it’s up-to-date and run MemTest 64 thoroughly. You mentioned you ran MemTest, do it again, and seriously review the QVL for any poorly optimized software. The CPU isn’t on the list, so it’s unlikely to be the issue, though a faulty one can’t be ruled out. GPU and hard drives are less likely, but still worth checking. In short: RAM, motherboard/Bios, and RAM health are the most probable causes.
I still check various motherboards but often find reasons to skip them. Many options I consider are delayed or no longer available. Just for fun, which mainboard do you recommend? I'm aiming for a budget-friendly build under $200, so the one I chose was perfect because it was on sale during the holidays and in stock. I need at least one standard PCI slot for my soundcard, though most boards now include built-in audio. I've tested the system with a clean Windows install and no other devices connected. I've replaced the power supply, RAM, and tried both NVMe and SSD drives separately as the sole attached drive. I'm also waiting to install another GPU, which should be ready by Wednesday or Thursday.