Windows 10 Permanent IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (a) on Intel Z170 Chipset

[va-deam]

Hi everyone!


Since I moved to Windows 10 last year, I’m having intermittent blue screens of death. Not overclocking anything.


=========80% of cases=========

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (a)

An attempt was made to access a pageable (or completely invalid) address at an interrupt request level (IRQL) that is too high. This is usually caused by drivers using improper addresses. If a kernel debugger is available get the stack backtrace.

Arguments:

Arg1: 0000000000000320, memory referenced

Arg2: 0000000000000002, IRQL

Arg3: 0000000000000000, bitfield:

bit 0: value 0 = read operation, 1 = write operation

bit 3: value 0 = not an execute operation, 1 = execute operation (only on chips which support this level of status)

Arg4: fffff80774da8f10, address which referenced memory



=========10% of cases=========

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA (50)

Invalid system memory was referenced. This cannot be protected by try-except. Typically, the address is just plain bad or it is pointing at freed memory.

Arguments:

Arg1: ffff8c8063200000, memory referenced.

Arg2: 0000000000000000, value 0 = read operation, 1 = write operation.

Arg3: fffff8031b20dca8, If non-zero, the instruction address which referenced the bad memory address.

Arg4: 000000000000000b, (reserved)



=========10% of cases=========

SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (3b)

An exception happened while executing a system service routine.

Arguments:

Arg1: 00000000c0000005, Exception code that caused the bugcheck

Arg2: fffff8000bc50bbd, Address of the instruction which caused the bugcheck

Arg3: ffffa88bdcc1e910, Address of the context record for the exception that caused the bugcheck

Arg4: 0000000000000000, zero.

===========================



WinDbg Preview points to ntkrnlmp.exe – which is a crucial windows component.


My current configuration:

Windows 10 Pro 64-bit build 20H2, BIOS v1.I0

CPU Intel Core i7-6700K / MB MSI Z170A Gaming M5 / VGA nVidia GeForce GTX 1070 8Gb Founders Edition/ RAM 2x8Gb Kingston DDR4-2400 / SSD Samsung 950 Pro NVMe / PSU Corsair RM750i / HDD WD2005FBYZ, 2xSamsung HD103SJ in RAID / PCIe card Behold TV T8 / DVD LG GH20LS15 / Logitech G15 keyboard, G700s mouse.


PC was custom built using mostly MSI-qualified components (MSI Global).




What I have already tried with no luck:

1. Different Windows 10 builds: 19H1, 19H2, 20H1, 20H2. Tried both cumulative updates and clean install.
2. Installed all available updates from Windows Update. Tried not to install updates at all.
3. Updated drivers to the latest versions from MSI website. Used default Windows drivers since all hardware is recognized well.
4. Tried different BIOS (UEFI) versions, cleared CMOS with battery removal, replaced the battery with a new one. Tried manufacturer’s BIOS defaults.
5. Installed Meltdown / Spectre patches (kb4589212).
6. Scanned for malware and viruses.
7. Bought new PSU with more output power.
8. Replaced SATA cables with new ones.
9. Disconnected all HDDs since OS installed on SSD.
10. Got rid of RAID and tried AHCI mode.
11. Disconnected External GeForce video card, tried with Intel built-in one.
12. Tested memory from MemTest86 bootable USB flash drive over a night (8 passes), no error.
13. Tried to boot with each single RAM stick, changed slots.
14. Tested with Intel Processor Diagnostic tool 4.1.5.37, all passed.
15. Checked with Intel MEmanuf – operation passed.
16. Stress-tested for temperature (82*C was peak for CPU) for several hours.
17. Changed thermal grease on CPU.
18. Visually inspected motherboard for damage, curving, blown capacitors, burns, dust or scratches – found nothing.
19. Reinstalled, refitted every PC hardware component.
20. Tried Driver Verifier. I pointed to Corsair, Logitech, Killer Ethernet drivers with standard preset – blue screens were happening more often.

Observations:

1. Sometimes I am able to play full-screen video games for several hours without a glitch, but more often apps suddenly crash (1-10 minutes) to desktop or cause BSOD. No direct relation to inner temperatures.
2. Corsair service, Killer network manager, Intel Rapid Storage (if installed) is likely to cause BSOD in 10-60 minutes after start-up. Temporarily have to disable them.
3. Read/write-intensive file operations (e.g. copying 10000 of small files or videogame setup) will likely cause BSOD.
4. Intel Processor Identification Utility – unable to use at all, app hangs whole OS, only reset button helps.
5. There is a small chance to install Windows 10 from optical media, setup may hang or continuously reboot.
6. Before current 20H2 build, I was unable to boot into safe mode.
7. It is weird but IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL parameter one 00000000`00000320 – repeats on several installations. I mean I’ve installed different OS builds several times, but many times this value sustains.
8. No hang while in BIOS or in third-party bootable apps. If WinPE is used – it acts the same as usual with a hang or an instant reboot.

Unfortunately, after frequent unexpected shut-downs my previous 2Tb Seagate HDD has passed away. Had to buy a new HDD.



So, I believe this is some kind of a software error. Maybe I have missed something.


I’ve prepared a lot of minidumps and MSinfo report. (BSOD)



So far, I’m desperately seeking a solution. Thank you in advance!

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