random BSODs error 0x000000b8/490@01010004

Any BSOD or crash recently?

Hmm.
Take memtest. Run for 8 passes and test each stick in a know good slot for an additional 6 passes.

• RAM - Test with Memtest86+
• Guide to using Memtest86+ - Geeks to Go Forums

The goal is to test all the RAM sticks and all the motherboard slots.

Check your motherboard manual to ensure the RAM sticks are in the recommended motherboard slots. Some motherboards have very specific slots required for the number of RAM sticks installed.

If you get errors, stop the test and continue with the next step.

1. Remove all but one stick of RAM from your computer (this will be RAM stick #1), and run Memtest86 again, for 7 passes.
Be sure to note the RAM stick, use a piece of tape with a number, and note the motherboard slot.
If this stick passes the test then go to step #3.

2. If RAM stick #1 has errors, repeat the test with RAM stick #2 in the same motherboard slot.
If RAM stick #2 passes, this indicates that RAM stick #1 may be bad. If you want to be absolutely sure, re-test RAM stick #1 in another known good slot.
If RAM stick #2 has errors, this indicates another possible bad RAM stick, a possible motherboard slot failure or inadequate settings.
3. Test the next stick of RAM (stick #2) in the next motherboard slot.
If this RAM stick has errors repeat step #2 using a known good stick if possible, or another stick.
If this RAM stick has no errors and both sticks failed in slot#1, test RAM stick #1 in this slot.
4. If you find a stick that passes the test, test it in all the other motherboard slots.

If Part 2 testing shows errors, and all tests in Part 3 show errors, you will need to test the RAM sticks in another computer and/or test other RAM in your computer to identify the problem.

In this way, you can identify whether it is a bad stick of RAM, a bad motherboard, or incompatibility between the sticks.

Errors are sometimes found after 8 passes.
Do this test overnight, before going to bed.

Memtest is a very good idea. I would also keep a watch on CPU temps and GPU temps. I use Core Temp for CPU temps. Asus may have a GPU utility for for GPU temps, if not use MSI's Afterburner. It is an overclocking utility, but also monitors temps. I would strongly suggest you not overclock anything on your laptop. GPUz is also a good utility. The last problem you had with the screen turning red suggests a GPU issue. I would check Asus web site to see if they have an updated driver for your card. If they do, I can give some advice for updating the driver.

It's good you found a new driver. GPU drivers are difficult to uninstall, and elements of 2 drivers can cause problems. The new Nvidia drivers don't uninstall the old way. What I do, is go to C:/Windows/nvidia, inside you will find a folder called display drivers, open that. It should include folders for every driver you have ever installed and will be called 306.23 for example. Delete all of those, but do not delete the display driver folder itself. Then go to control panel, uninstall programs. You will find several entries for Nvidia. There should be an entry for NVidia PhysX, 3D manager, and display driver. Uninstall all of those, BUT, UNINSTALL THE NVidia DISPLAY DRIVER LAST. Disconnect from the internet to keep Windows update from installing a generic driver. Then uninstall the display driver and reboot. Windows will install a graphics adapter when back in Windows, this is OK. Open the new Nvidia driver you have downloaded, agree to the terms and select custom install. Make sure the 'clean install' box is checked. De select everything you don't use. No one uses the HDMI driver and few people use the 3D driver and manager. Install the display driver and the PhysX driver only unless you use any of the other ones. You will be prompted to reboot, do so. Reconnect to the internet and you should be good to go. I know this sounds like a lot, but it is simple and takes less than 5 minutes. That's the way I do it and I never have trouble with drivers (so far).

Can I chip in with a suggestion if the others draw a blank? Not sure if its appropriate in this case, so am happy to defer to the more experienced

There have been some examples where power-cycling the system fixes BSOD's related to SSD issues - I had one myself not that long ago, and it seemed to solved the problem (the title implies a GFX problem, but that was a red herring):

https://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-d...ia-driver.html

The instructions for power-cycling can be found in this post.