Is your problem related to CPU wear and tear?
Is your problem related to CPU wear and tear?
Hello everyone,
I’ve been experiencing ongoing crashes and BSODs on my Aftershock prebuilt PC over the last couple of months. The machine was recently sent in for repair, and Aftershock stated that they replaced the CPU. Despite this, the same problems persist, leading me to think there might be a connection to the Intel 13th/14th Gen CPU instability or degradation that has been reported.
Here’s a summary of recent events:
- 14th May: Setup and gameplay without issues.
- 15th May: Idle crashes with BugCheck 0x7E, minidump recorded; games resumed afterward.
- 16th May: KCD II froze and triggered DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BSOD; other titles ran normally.
- 17th May: KCD II failed once but then worked again. Multiple crashes started in other games, especially related to VRAM in Space Marine 2.
- 18th May: No games launched. BIOS update included a microcode fix for Intel issues, but problems remain.
Software updates:
- Updated and reinstalled NVIDIA drivers via app, web, DDU.
- Tried older versions; removed NVIDIA HD Audio.
- Restored permissions for nvlddmkm.sys.
- Adjusted power settings in Windows and NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Disabled overclocking, reset to default, underclocked GPU.
- Performed a fresh Windows install with registry tweaks.
Hardware changes:
- Reseated GPU, RAM, and all cables.
- Replaced the RAM entirely.
- Cleaned all components thoroughly.
I’m unsure if the CPU is still affected by Intel degradation or if the replacement wasn’t done correctly. It seems possible the issue could be with the CPU itself, or it might stem from GPU or driver problems.
Could you suggest any additional steps I haven’t tried that might help stabilize the system, even if performance drops?
Appreciate your advice!
Minidumps - Before CPU Swap
:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UlVWNMy...drive_link
Minidumps 12-03-2025.zip
drive.google.com
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ScLnBWZ...drive_link
Minidumps - After CPU Swap:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lZoZqZB...drive_link
Power configurations at their limit indicate you might have accidentally enabled overclocking. Consider adjusting windows to a standard normal setting.
Is the chip overclocked or is it RAM? A lot of BSODs occur when the chip has an unbalanced OC.
The BIOS is at its default settings, though I have played with it to attempt to set the CPU back to original specs. I may be messing it up though.
By Windows to Balanced Normal, do you mean the 'Balanced' power plan? If so I've tried this as well.
🙁
XMP and re-sizeable bar have both been on and off without success. The default MOBO/BIOS settings are also used, though I believe this overclocks the CPU by default?