Rog Strix z690-e continually throwing BSODs in Windows 10

[DrR0Ck]

Hi there!  I recently purchased a Rog Strix z690-e to go with an i5 13600k and 2x16 gb g.skill 6400 cl32 RAM.  With BIOS settings nearly all at default, and RAM not even at XMP, I get repeated BSODs in Windows 10.  I have tried the following to troubleshoot: RAM has passes 7+ hours of memtest86.  I have purchased another set of RAM, tried running with single sticks in several different RAM slots, clean Windows install, reseated memory and video card, updated BIOS twice, ME firmware is up to date.  All latest drivers installed.  System is completely unstable and I cannot open a web browser, copy files, or idle very long past login without a blue screen error.  

The BSOD errors include: Kernel security check failure
Irql_not_less_or_equal
System_service_exception
Page fault in non-paged area

About the only thing I haven't been able to do is replace the CPU, as I do not have another.  Am I right in thinking at this point that it's most likely the motherboard that is faulty?  My first thought was RAM issues, but I can't believe two brand new sets would cause the same issues, especially given how thoroughly I have tested.  Are there any suggestions as to things I might try to stabilize?

Let me know if there is any further information I can provide that might help.  

Thanks!

[JohnAb]

Are you on 2305 by any chance? That has caused quite a few people stability issues. 

[DrR0Ck]

For BIOS, I started on 2004, updated to 2153 (I think it was) and currently on 2204.  After each update, I reset to defaults.  But always the same behavior.  As mentioned, I have tried two sets of RAM, the first set passed 7 hours of memtest86 and the second set about an hour and a half.  I tried single sticks in three different RAM slots.  So given this, it seems unlikely I got 4 bad RAM sticks from two separate brand new pairs.  The only thing I haven't replaced is the CPU, because I don't have another and am not about to buy another (my wife would kill me!).  Since I have complete confidence in the other parts as they were working without issue in my old build, I think I am going to try to RMA the board.  Once it's out, I will reassemble the old build - if anything is not 100% stable, I will be very surprised, but will report back.

[JohnRo79]

Amazon has a nice and easy return process (if your account is solid)

Get one of their open box warehouse cpu's and then return it 

[DrR0Ck]

Not a bad idea.  I have initiated the RMA process with ASUS.  If they tell me the MB is fine, then will perhaps go that route for the CPU.

[JohnAb]

Well that's good at least. Give 2305 a miss. It's locked and you won't be able to go back to 22xx. 2204 is good, so probably not the BIOS then. Before you think about an RMA, did you upgrade Windows MEI drivers and ME firmware?

[DrR0Ck]

ME is running the .2020 version, which I believe is the latest.  And I try to do my homework: I wasn't in a hurry to update to 2305 based on reports I was seeing.

[JohnAb]

Unlikely to be the cause I think, but no harm in updating those if out of date. 

[nedryg]

I have a similar issue on a z790 strix e-gaming with a 13700k processor. I put 12600kf, 13900kf, 12900kf works fine.

[DrR0Ck]

Sounds like you are flush with processors.  If you lived down the street from me, I could borrow one!  Unfortunately, I don't know anyone with a 12th or 13th gen cpu to lend, much less spare cpus lying around.

[DrR0Ck]

Well, all of the older parts are back in the old build and working fine.  No crashes, BSODs or other issues.  I shipped the board out to ASUS RMA this morning.  Fingers are crossed they can find an issue and repair or replace the board.  Thanks everyone for your input and suggestions.