04-13-2023 07:57 PM
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!
Solved! Go to Solution.
06-02-2023 06:49 AM
Well, it's been over a month since my last post. I RMA'd the motherboard and it was replaced, but I had the same issues on the replacement board. So the only thing left is the CPU. I bought a replacement and sure enough everything works beautifully now. Faulty CPU is the last thing I would have suspected. I'm in the process of getting it replaced by Intel.
Thanks everyone for your input along the way.
04-14-2023 02:17 AM
Is the memory on the QVL? Power supply adequate? List all your hardware for everyone to review.
04-14-2023 06:16 AM
My apologies; I should have detailed all of this.
PSU: Superflower 1200 Platinum
GPU: Radeon RX 6900 XT
NVME 1: ADATA XPG SX8200 1TB
NVME 2: WD SN850x 2TB
I will note that the CPU is installed using a Thermalright contact frame installed per the directions on Gamer's Nexus.
All of the hardware above was running rock solid in my prior build, with the exception of the WD SN850x, which is new. I will also note that crashing behavior was displayed regardless of which NVME was installed. Because the hardware above ran without issue in my prior build, I ruled it out as potentially problematic with regard to troubleshooting.
As for the memory QVL, the second set of RAM is indeed in the QVL (F5-6400J3239G16GA2-TZ5K). The original set (F5-6400J3239G16GX2-RS5K) is not explicitly in the QVL, but I believe is the exact same RAM (same timings, specs, etc.), but with a different heat spreader. I got the same crashes regardless of which set was installed, and this was running them both at stock 4800 speed, and not even at XMP.
Please let me know if there is anything else I have overlooked, or if there is any other detail I can provide.
Thanks again for taking a look!
04-14-2023 06:24 AM
Tricky to guess what the problem might be, but perhaps try reinstalling the CPU and remounting the frame and cooler. Some problems like this have been caused by overtightening. Having said that, it's far less likely with a frame. I would still be tempted to re-mount and check for any tiny specks of dirt under the CPU.
04-14-2023 06:26 AM
Maybe also try a fresh install of Windows if the CPU re-mount feels like a big job. You might get lucky...
04-14-2023 06:30 AM
Thanks for the suggestions! I did a clean reinstall of Windows, but have not tried to re-mount the CPU. Will see if I am able to give that a go and will report back. Does seem like a long-shot.
04-14-2023 07:47 AM
Well, I disconnected everything, removed the cooler, removed the frame, cleaned everything up, and reinstalled the CPU, frame, cooler, etc. Booted up and same behavior. Able to log in, but BSOD immediately upon opening the web browser. So short of a faulty CPU, which seems the least likely possibility, what's left?
04-14-2023 07:51 AM
...also, I double checked to ensure the pins did not appear to be bent, not dirt was present. All appeared to be fine.
04-14-2023 08:02 AM
That's sad, faults like this are so tricky. Think I would put my bets on memory then, but you said it passed tests right? Could be a faulty CPU, wouldn't be the first time, but usually not likely. What parts do you have that you could try swapping?
04-14-2023 08:03 AM
Have you set the BIOS to all defaults? What BIOS are you on?