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Frequent BSOD crashes on newly built PC

Jack Carlson 0 Reputation points
2025-09-20T01:32:43.5566667+00:00

The computer normally runs fine, but when downloading large games through steam or other launchers, my computer will crash. It also crashed once just after booting up and once while checking for Windows updates The most frequent errors are IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (ntoskrnl.exe) and KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED. For whatever reason, trying to install the Epic Games client always causes a BSOD. At first it was HYPERVISOR_ERROR that I got around by disabling virtualization in my BIOS but now it crashes with Kenel Auto Boost Invalid Lock Acquisition and FLTMGR FILE SYSTEM.

Reinstalling windows on a different SSD

Tested each ram stick individually

Ran memtest86

Ran SFC /scannow in terminal

Ran chkdsk /f /r in terminal

Made sure that all of my drivers are up to date

Stress tested the computer for 4 hours (this caused no crash)

My specs are:

AMD Ryzen 5 9600X

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT

Teamgroup T-Create Expert DDR5-6000 16GBx2

Windows 11

MSI B850 Tomahawk Max Wifi

I even tried taking my PC to a computer repair shop to get looked at, but they were only able to identify it as a possible problem with the SSD, which I've already tested by changing to another. He also said it could perhaps be a motherboard issue, seemed pretty convinced it was some form of hardware problem.

Dump files: https://www.mediafire.com/folder/n6jphkw87s2ku/Minidump

Anyone have an idea of what the problem might be?

   The computer normally runs fine, but when downloading large games  through steam or other launchers, my computer will crash. It also  crashed once just after booting up and once while checking for Windows  updates The most frequent errors are IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL  (ntoskrnl.exe) and KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED. For whatever reason,  trying to install the Epic Games client always causes a BSOD. At first  it was HYPERVISOR_ERROR that I got around by disabling virtualization in  my BIOS but now it crashes with Kenel Auto Boost Invalid Lock  Acquisition and FLTMGR FILE SYSTEM.     

   Reinstalling windows on a different SSD     

   Tested each ram stick individually     

   Ran memtest86     

   Ran SFC /scannow in terminal     

   Ran chkdsk /f /r in terminal     

   Made sure that all of my drivers are up to date     

   Stress tested the computer for 4 hours (this caused no crash)     

   My specs are:     

   AMD Ryzen 5 9600X     

   AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT     

   Teamgroup T-Create Expert DDR5-6000 16GBx2     

   Windows 11     

   MSI B850 Tomahawk Max Wifi     

   I even tried taking my PC to a computer repair shop to get looked  at, but they were only able to identify it as a possible problem with  the SSD, which I've already tested by changing to another. He also said  it could perhaps be a motherboard issue, seemed pretty convinced it was  some form of hardware problem.     

   Dump files:  [https://www.mediafire.com/folder/n6jphkw87s2ku/Minidump](https://www.mediafire.com/folder/n6jphkw87s2ku/Minidump)
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

1 answer

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  1. Emmanuel Santana 39,040 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-20T02:22:12.79+00:00

    Hi Jack. A possible hardware issue, like a faulty SSD or motherboard it's a valid concern, but based on your minidump files and behavior patterns, hardware isn’t the most likely cause right now.

    Here’s why: your crashes consistently happen when launching or installing large apps (Epic Games, GOG Galaxy), but not during stress testing or idle use. That kind of situational crashing usually points to unstable drivers, system overlays, or BIOS-level settings, not a failing component. You’ve already replaced the SSD and tested the RAM, so we can rule those out for now.

    What the minidump files show:

    • 2 crashes (GOG Galaxy) point to win32kbase.sys, a core part of the graphics/UI system. These happen when apps interact with the GPU at high interrupt levels, often triggered by overlays or unstable display drivers.
    • 2 crashes (Epic Games Launcher) involve the file system filter (fltmgr.sys) and a corrupted kernel lock (ntoskrnl.exe). These suggest interference from third-party drivers, like antivirus or RGB software, modifying how files are accessed or tracked.
    • 1 crash (System process) hit PpmUpdatePerformanceFeedback, a power management routine. This often crashes when BIOS power boost features like PBO, CPPC, or EXPO are misconfigured or unstable, especially on newer Ryzen CPUs.

    All signs point to software or firmware instability at the kernel level, not failing hardware. But if the system keeps crashing after the steps below, then yes, it could be the board.

    Try these steps next:

    1. Clean Reinstall AMD GPU Driver (No Overlays) The full Adrenalin software can add background processes and overlays that crash launchers.

    • Download DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller).
    • Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options).
    • Run DDU and remove all AMD display drivers.
    • After reboot, install the basic AMD driver only from amd.com, avoid the full Adrenalin suite.

    2. Disable Third-Party Kernel Drivers (Filter Conflict Isolation) RGB tools, antivirus, or fan control apps may leave behind drivers that corrupt file or memory handling.

    • Download Autoruns from Microsoft.
    • Open it, go to the Drivers tab.
    • Uncheck any non-Microsoft drivers, especially anything from ASUS, MSI, Corsair, iCue, Razer, or antivirus brands.
    • Reboot and test.

    3. Update BIOS and Reset Power Settings to Stable Defaults

    • Go to MSI’s support site and download the latest non-beta BIOS for your B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi.
    • Flash it using M-Flash via USB.
    • After flashing, clear the CMOS (use the jumper on the board or remove the battery for 30 seconds).
    • Once in BIOS:
      • Disable EXPO/XMP (memory overclocking)
      • Disable PBO and CPPC
      • Manually set memory speed to 4800 MHz

    If you’ve ever used apps like Armoury Crate, iCue, MSI Center, Razer Synapse, or third-party antivirus, feel free to remove it if anything.

    Let me know your current BIOS version and whether the crashes persist after these steps.

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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