Issues with repeated BSODs after installation
Issues with repeated BSODs after installation
I began experiencing blue screens after a recent build. Initially, turning off memory context restore in the BIOS resolved the issue, eliminating the BSODs and allowing the PC to run smoothly for five days. However, I later encountered looping BSODs where the system would crash shortly after booting.
I documented the BSOD sequences as they happened:
- Kmode exception not handled – dxgkrnl.sys/netio.sys/afd.sys/iorate.sys
- System service exception – wdfilter.sys/fltmgr.sys/ntfs.sys
- System thread exception not handled
- irql not less or equal – ntoskrnl
- Memory management issues
- PFN list corrupt
- Registry errors
- Page fault in non paged area
- Kernel security check failure
- DPC watchdog violation
- Kernel mode heap corruption
- Critical process died
I attempted to resolve the problem by checking RAM individually, running memtest86, using safemode for DISM and sfc scans, and even considering a clean Windows 11 installation. Despite these efforts, BSODs persisted during both installations.
I suspect a driver conflict might be the cause, but I opted not to use the driver verifier tool. Instead, I proceeded with a fresh Windows 11 install, which also triggered BSODs during setup. I created a boot USB for Windows 10, which worked temporarily for about four hours before the issues returned. Eventually, Windows 10 prompted a recovery screen indicating potential installation problems. From there, I reinstalled Windows 10, but the cycle continued with repeated blue screens and hard locks, eventually displaying a black screen.
I’m unsure if further steps are needed before concluding hardware failure. If it is indeed hardware-related, which component should I investigate next? Also, since my RAM passed memtest86, what other signs might indicate a problem?
Thanks for your assistance.
I reviewed MSI's memory compatibility list for my motherboard and discovered the RAM I bought wasn't included. Initially, the PC part picker had confirmed compatibility, so I didn’t investigate further. I returned my original RAM for a refund and ordered a new one from MSI's list, but the issue persisted. After installing the replacement RAM, I reset the CMOS, installed the new sticks, and tried a fresh Windows 10 setup. The first two attempts triggered memory management errors, while the third caused a Windows installation error 0xC0000005 and a System service exception for ntfs.sys. The new RAM appears to be more problematic, making Windows installation difficult. I’m unsure what to do next.
Thank you for the video, I reviewed it and have some questions about his Tras time. He sets it to 28, but the manufacturer adjusts it to 96. Is the suggested manual timing really that much lower? Also, he mentions these settings are only compatible with Hynix chips and won't work with others. The G.skill page for my RAM doesn't list the specific dies, but the MSI compatibility page lists them as SK Hynix. Do you think that means it will function correctly?
After adjusting the timings and voltages precisely as shown in the video, I still experienced a memory management error during my Windows installation. It's worth noting that after configuring the settings and restarting my PC, it couldn't communicate with BIOS. I kept the system running for roughly five minutes before powering it down by pressing the power button. When I tried to boot again, BIOS became accessible, and after confirming my settings were saved, I proceeded with the installation.
I completed memtest86 using the custom RAM configurations, and after roughly ten minutes the process stopped because of excessive errors. I repeated the test twice—once after a full BIOS reset and once with expo enabled—and both times it failed due to errors. My original RAM passed the test, but I sent it back because it wasn’t recognized by my motherboard. The new RAM matches the compatible model (F5-6000J3038F16GX2-TZ5N), so if the test continues to fail, it likely points to a hardware issue.
Since it sounds like you're getting failures with or without EXPO I'd have to say it does sound like a faulty kit of DRAM.
I haven't really heard of this happening on Zen 4, but sometimes mounting pressure on the CPU can cause problems (either too tight or not tight enough). It would be worthwhile checking to make sure you've got good mounting pressure on the CPU, because while the other kit might not have been on the QVL it should have worked fine at base JEDEC timings/settings.
It's also not impossible there's something wrong with the actual DIMM slots themselves, but that's pretty hard to diagnose unless there's obvious marks/damage.
I think the memtest outcomes likely aren't caused by pressure issues, given the inconsistent results. It's possible I have a defective setup and a poor mounting. I attempted to apply even pressure when installing the cooler, but that doesn't guarantee I wasn't at fault.
My next actions should involve running each stick individually, sending them back if needed, and possibly re-seating the cooler. It seems improbable both sticks would fail completely, which could point to a motherboard or CPU issue. Regarding the cooler, it's acceptable to slightly loosen the screws and retighten them evenly before reattaching. Pulling the board out entirely isn't necessary if you're comfortable doing so.