What causes the blue error message and sudden shutdown on your computer?
What causes the blue error message and sudden shutdown on your computer?
My build details:
Asus Z97-A ATX Motherboard
Intel 4690K
Hyper 212 EVO
2 x 8GB Corsair Vengeance Pro 1600
2 x 4GB Corsair Vengeance Pro 1866
GeForce GTX 960 SSC 4GB
NZXT H440 Case
6 Corsair Case fans
Corsair CXM 750W 80+ Bronze PSU
When I first assembled this system in 2015, overclocking was straightforward with the 5-Way Optimization Firmware. For the past three years I haven’t used the optimization feature, yet the machine operates normally on default configurations. Recently, I chose to attempt a new overclock via the BIOS Setup Wizard. The system functions well until demanding tasks such as gaming are executed. Temperatures stay under 40°C, but I encounter a Blue ERROR message stating 'something happened with your system memory and your computer needs to reset'. What should I do to safely increase my CPU and RAM performance in this scenario?
It seems like the information might be unclear due to memory issues. Likely removing the 8gb dimm could resolve the issue completely. It's interesting that your CPU is only a 40C overclocked with many fans running; double-checking with tools like hwinfo64 and real temp would confirm if it's truly at 40C, which would be very good.
As mentioned, remove the 8gb stick.
Incorrect memory is probably the main issue.
For successful overclocking, memory must align in speed, timing, and capacity. Just adding another 16gb won’t guarantee improvement.
You might try purchasing a matching 16gb stick, but results will still differ.
The most reliable solution to exceed the 16gb limit is to acquire a new setup.
Even with 16gb, it’s sufficient for gaming.
I own a 6700K and 1080 Ti that are overclocked, and I play at high settings in all titles at 1440p. I’ve never required more than the 16gb I currently have.
If you aim for dual-channel performance, investing in a 2x8gb kit would be ideal.
Alternatively, you can continue using your existing single stick without mixing 16 and 8.
Once you’re stuck with just the 16gb, consider setting it to an XMP profile before attempting further CPU overclocking.
It’s best to reset the BIOS to defaults and start anew.
I have two 4GB memory modules operating at 1866GHZ, then upgraded with another two 8GB modules at 1600GHZ. All four sticks are running simultaneously at 1600GHZ with consistent latency and timing. When checking the system properties, it displays a total of 24GB of memory. I encountered the same error message before installing the new 8GB sticks.
I've tried other programs before, but my CPU never exceeded 46°C even after long gaming sessions and when I increased it from 3.5Ghz to 4.2Ghz.
The decision to retain all four sticks stems from the fact that immediately after starting and without launching any programs, the system is consuming 4GB of RAM for applications. I've adjusted the settings so that no applications launch at startup. Is it typical for a Windows 7 Ultimate edition to occupy such a large amount of memory by default?
The bsod issue appeared before you installed the new memory? Perhaps your vCore isn’t optimized for the overclock check out.
This thread might help. I don’t have direct experience with 4690k, but I think your memory should work fine once you identify your CPU model.
Use cpu-z to check.
You might want to adjust your Windows installation settings via a service optimization guide to release some memory, though it’s likely limited. My Windows version uses about 5gb idle, possibly reserving space from Samsung Rapid Mode for my SSD with Samsung Magician—this depends on the programs you start and any services running, including those that operate as background services.
If you plan to run a stress test like Prime95, ensure you’re using version 26.6 that avoids AVX instructions which can overheat the CPU.
It seems you tried an overclock but didn’t perform any tests, leading to unexpected errors and uncertainty about the cause.