New pc build - BSOD occurs when increasing RAM speed
New pc build - BSOD occurs when increasing RAM speed
Hello everyone! I recently assembled a new PC using these components:
CPU: i7 12700k
GPU: Nvidia T400
SSD: WD BLACK SN770 2TB M.2
Motherboard: MSI PRO B760M-P DDR4
Power Supply: Corsair RM650
Since the first boot, I’ve encountered random BSODs with the error code "CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED." These crashes appear unpredictably—sometimes just after logging into Windows, other times after hours of inactivity, even when the system isn’t under heavy use (like while browsing Chrome or tweaking settings).
At first, I thought it might be related to the RAM. My original kit was a new Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2x8GB DDR4 3200MHz). I ran both Windows Memory Diagnostic and Memtest86, but no issues were detected. I returned the kit and temporarily used an older Kingston HyperX Fury set (2x4GB DDR4 3200MHz) without any BSODs. This led me to believe the Corsair unit was defective. I then ordered a new one from Crucial Pro (2x16GB DDR4 3200MHz), but the problem persisted.
It seems unlikely both the Corsair and Crucial units are faulty. I noticed that lowering the RAM frequency in the BIOS from 3200MHz to 2133MHz reduces the number of BSODs (they don’t disappear completely, but occur much less often). For instance, opening Cinebench at 3200MHz triggers BSODs, but it works fine at 2133MHz. Enabling XMP actually makes things worse. All components are rated for 3200MHz, yet I still experience some crashes even at 2133MHz.
I also attempted a fresh installation of Windows 11 from scratch using a different USB drive, but that didn’t help.
If the RAM isn’t the cause, could this be related to the motherboard? I’m running out of ideas—any suggestions or test steps would be greatly appreciated!
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! Here’s what you need to know about your system: BIOS version, RAM slots, CPU details, motherboard suggestions, and recent issues. Your setup includes an i7 12700k processor, MSI PRO B760M-P DDR4 motherboard, and a K KU CPU. It would have been better to choose a board with heatsinks in the VRM area and a Z790 chipset for better performance. Early crashes have appeared with the error code "CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED." Did you install all necessary drivers automatically or did you add them manually after installing the OS offline?
The RAM is installed in slots 2-4, as indicated on the motherboard ("2-4 first"). I also tested slots 1-3 but the problem continues. I updated the BIOS to the latest version available on the MSI website. For drivers, I attempted two different approaches. The first time I installed the driver using the MSI utility that launches automatically at startup. The second time (after formatting and reinstalling Windows) I allowed Windows to handle it and downloaded the drivers automatically (I always have internet access). The issue occurs in both cases.
About the motherboard, well... Is the Z790 better? Honestly, I purchased this board because it was slightly cheaper than others. I don’t plan to overclock or heavily stress the CPU, so I thought it would be sufficient...