Dear Stuart,
Based on the WHEA-Logger Event ID 18 and 46 errors you've provided, the PC is experiencing a fatal hardware error related to the CPU and its communication with the memory.
The errors, specifically "Processor Core," "Machine Check Exception," and "Bus/Interconnect Error," point to instability in the core components of the system. This is not a simple software bug.
Here are the most likely causes and the straightest path to resolving them:
1. Unstable RAM Settings (Most Likely Cause): The memory is likely not running stable with the CPU. This is very common when using memory profiles like XMP or DOCP.
- Action: Go into the PC's BIOS/UEFI.
- Disable XMP/DOCP: This will run your RAM at its slower, default JEDEC speed. If the crashes stop, you have found the source of the instability.
- Update the BIOS: Check the motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS version. BIOS updates often include improved memory and CPU compatibility and stability. After updating, you can try re-enabling XMP/DOCP to see if it's now stable.
- Manually Tune RAM: If disabling XMP works but you want the RAM's rated speed, you may need to manually set the DRAM voltage and primary timings in the BIOS. Look for guides related to your specific RAM and motherboard. A small increase in DRAM voltage can sometimes improve stability.
- Update the BIOS: Check the motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS version. BIOS updates often include improved memory and CPU compatibility and stability. After updating, you can try re-enabling XMP/DOCP to see if it's now stable.
- Disable XMP/DOCP: This will run your RAM at its slower, default JEDEC speed. If the crashes stop, you have found the source of the instability.
2. CPU Voltage Instability: The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X might not be receiving stable voltage, or a setting is causing it to be unstable under certain loads.
- Action: In the BIOS/UEFI:
- Reset BIOS to Optimized Defaults: This will clear any potentially unstable overclocking or undervolting settings.
- Check CPU Voltage Settings: Ensure CPU voltage is set to "Auto" and that there are no negative voltage offsets if you are unfamiliar with manual tuning.
- Reset BIOS to Optimized Defaults: This will clear any potentially unstable overclocking or undervolting settings.
3. Faulty Hardware: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it's possible a component is failing.
- Action:
- Test the RAM: Use a tool like MemTest86 to test each RAM stick individually. This will require creating a bootable USB drive and letting the test run for several hours (ideally overnight) on each module to identify a faulty one.
- Check Power Supply (PSU): An aging or failing PSU can provide unstable power, leading to these types of hardware errors. If you have access to a known-good PSU, swapping it out for testing can rule this out.
- Reseat Components: As a last resort before considering component replacement, reseat the CPU and RAM. This ensures a solid connection and can sometimes resolve intermittent issues. If you are not comfortable doing this, it is best to take it to a professional.Based on the WHEA-Logger Event ID 18 and 46 errors you've provided, the PC is experiencing a fatal hardware error related to the CPU and its communication with the memory. The errors, specifically "Processor Core," "Machine Check Exception," and "Bus/Interconnect Error," point to instability in the core components of the system. This is not a simple software bug. Here are the most likely causes and the straightest path to resolving them: 1. Unstable RAM Settings (Most Likely Cause): The memory is likely not running stable with the CPU. This is very common when using memory profiles like XMP or DOCP.
- Action: Go into the PC's BIOS/UEFI.
- Disable XMP/DOCP: This will run your RAM at its slower, default JEDEC speed. If the crashes stop, you have found the source of the instability.
- Update the BIOS: Check the motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS version. BIOS updates often include improved memory and CPU compatibility and stability. After updating, you can try re-enabling XMP/DOCP to see if it's now stable.
- Manually Tune RAM: If disabling XMP works but you want the RAM's rated speed, you may need to manually set the DRAM voltage and primary timings in the BIOS. Look for guides related to your specific RAM and motherboard. A small increase in DRAM voltage can sometimes improve stability.
- Action: In the BIOS/UEFI:
- Reset BIOS to Optimized Defaults: This will clear any potentially unstable overclocking or undervolting settings.
- Check CPU Voltage Settings: Ensure CPU voltage is set to "Auto" and that there are no negative voltage offsets if you are unfamiliar with manual tuning.
- Action:
- Test the RAM: Use a tool like MemTest86 to test each RAM stick individually. This will require creating a bootable USB drive and letting the test run for several hours (ideally overnight) on each module to identify a faulty one.
- Check Power Supply (PSU): An aging or failing PSU can provide unstable power, leading to these types of hardware errors. If you have access to a known-good PSU, swapping it out for testing can rule this out.
- Reseat Components: As a last resort before considering component replacement, reseat the CPU and RAM. This ensures a solid connection and can sometimes resolve intermittent issues. If you are not comfortable doing this, it is best to take it to a professional.
- Action: Go into the PC's BIOS/UEFI.
Best Regards,