BSOD - Infrequent, browsing mostly. IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

The video memory should be clean, then. The not supported messages just mean that your card does not support those particular tests and so the messages can be ignored.

Let us know how the other tests go. :)

Sorry it took me a while to get back to you, I've been a lil busy lately because I've been helping prepare my degree show.
I've done the three Prime tests, and all of them came back clean.

I did the Small FFT for about 3.5 hrs. The Large FFT for about 4.5hrs, and the third test for about 6 hours.
I'm not sure if temperatures are of interest?

The temperatures got highest on the Large FFT test. 81/86/83/80 (Core 0-3). But for the most part, the temps 'averaged' about 2 degrees less than the highest recordable temps, across all cores, and on each test.

Since I have a stock cpu cooler, I suppose 86degrees isn't that surprising (and it is still 10degrees from the TJ Max), but do you think I ought to be concerned about that? At stock, my CPU is about 30-32 across the cores.


Next up, burntest?

The safest temperature for an Intel i5-2500K processor is 78 C. That is not to say it will not operate fine above that temperature, but we usually give conservative maximum temperatures to ensure that the processor is functioning as it should. In your case, 72.6 C is the T_CASE, and 77.6 C would be the maximum recommended temperature for that processor.

T_CASE + 5 C provides more likely stability than T_Junction does.

Intel® Core™ i5-2500K Processor

Hmm, I see. Why do you think my temp is so high then? And what do you think I should do about it? Should I stop doing any more tests until it's lower?

I already have Arctic Silver paste applied, and I followed a guide when I was applying it. I'm sure my cooler is seated properly too. I don't think my case has the best cooling in the world, but it doesn't seem bad enough to be causing such a high temp. :/


What should I do next?

All the best,
Dan.

What heatsink/fan system do you have for the processor?

It's just the stock intel 2500k heatsink/cooler, I don't know if it has a particular designation. I just see it referenced to as the 'stock cooler' when I see it mentioned.

One thing I forgot to mention; I've got my turbo boost turned off on my 2500k (3.3ghz instead of 3.7ghz), so that probably makes the high temps even a bit more worrying.

In terms of the case fans, in case it's helpful, they're just stock Zalman fans, 1 intake on the front, 1 on the side, 1 exhaust on the top at the rear, and one exhaust on the back. Nothing special I presume.

Sounds like my setup in my desktop designed by HP. My processor runs in the high 70s to low 80s as well, which would be considered too high by some. I've never had a problem though. I would focus on other possible problems first and we can look into the temperature one later. Continue with the final tests and post back how it behaves. If your temperatures get over 85 C, then you might worry a little more.

Sorry for another long gap between posts. Helping assemble my university degree show took some time up.

I ran Intel Burn test on the Standard setting, following the steps in the tutorial that was linked. It was stable/had no errors, and the max temp was 81degrees C.

I subsequently ran it on high, but the temperature reached above 85 degrees C, so I stopped the test.


I ran seven passes of the boot version of memtest 86+, and it game back clean, no errors. I then ran the windows extended memory diagnostic for 5 passes, and that too came back clear.


I don't know if that information gives you any clues to what the root issue could be with regard to the bluescreens. And, of course, the CPU temps are a bit troubling, they shouldn't reach that high even with the stock intel fan.


All the best, Dan.

Yes, those temperatures do seem a bit high. I am not sure I remember which processor you have, but 85 C is high for many. It may be easier if you fill in your system specs in your profile and not in a post in this thread: System Info - See Your System Specs. I am literally helping in hundreds of threads, so taking time to find which post of yours includes those specs takes away from me being able to help others.

I appreciate you filling in the specs. It is respectful to those helping and to your peers who are trying to get help. :)


As to the high temperatures, make sure you heatsink is attached well to the CPU. Gently wiggle it with your finger; you should not feel any give. Also, you may consider re-applying the thermal compound: Thermal Paste and How To Use It | techPowerUp

As you add and remove hardware (or wiggle a heatsink), follow these steps for ESD safety:

1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
2. Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
4. Make sure you are grounded by using proper grounding techniques, i.e. work on an anti-static workbench, anti-static desk, or an anti-static pad. Hold something metallic while touching it to the anti-static surface, or use an anti-static wristband to attach to the anti-static material while working. If you do not have an anti-static workbench, desk, or pad, you can use your computer tower/case by finding a metal hold in it, such as a drive bay.

Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.

Thanks for the prompt reply.

I've updated my system specs as well as I am able. And I'll experiment with my fansink & possibly reapplying the thermal paste.

When I first built my computer, I did experience some issues with CPU temperature initially (due to my inexperience, and fear of damaging any components, the push-pins on the heat sink were not fully IN), and as a result of this, I had to fiddle with the fansink/thermal paste quite a lot. So, I'm not too optimistic I'll be able to eek out any cooler temperatures, but I'll have a go anyway. It's been a while and it will be useful to reacquaint myself with the inside of my PC.


In fact, when I first powered my PC up back in november, two of the push-pins worked themselves loose and the fansink ended up leaning away from the cpu 10 or so degrees! I nearly had a heart attack when I saw that (in the bios, the CPU temp was registering 97degrees C), anyway, I don't think it was that hot for more than a dozen or so seconds, but, still, is it possible that incident could be responsible for the higher than normal temperatures I'm seeing during stress testing?

All the best, Dan.