Desktop PC crashes with IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, but why?

Question

I am more the software guy, but a friend of mine asked for help on his brandnew desktop (gaming) PC. He has the following components:

• Gigbyte Overclocked GeForce GTX470
• AMD Phenom II X6 1090T
• Mainboard M4A89GTD Pro
• 8 Gig RAM.

Now the PC is crashing with a bluescreen, indicating a memory fault (ot at least I think so). He has made a photo of the bluescreen: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL After the four hex values in () is no hardware name etc visible.

The PC is only crashing when I add one of the memore sticks. Not a specific one. I can use each of them. I can even use both slots. Just when I add them all it is crashing.

I have made a memory check with this windows tool (memory check or so). At one day it showed me a failure, but then never again. I thought it might be related to overheating at this day (somehow the cooler was not installed proberly). After cooling day it was fine.

Somewhere in the internet I have read about virus. I cannot imagine a virus can do that. So, now I would love to hear some more suggestions, I am really frustrated with this PC.

Cheers + Thanks, Christian

Answer 1

BSODs indicate, almost certainly,¹ hardware or driver problems.

If you suspect memory tools like Memtest86+ will perform extensive low level testing (and boot off USB – it doesn't depend on an OS). For other hardware about the only option is swapping out and seeing if the problem persists.

For drivers avoiding cutting edge (including beta) drivers is often a good start – stick with the ones from MS (for video this might limit the latest performance tweaks, but not working fast is not better than working).

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¹ MS has been mostly successful in eliminating Windows kernel defects.

Answer 2

You indicated that the use of all memory banks caused this problem. That's very well possible. IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL could very well be caused by a memory corruption, e.g. a bit flipping from 0 to 1. And a problem with a memory bank can certainly cause memory corruption.

Now, it's hard to precisely pinpoint where the error occurs. Typically gaming PC's are run very close to the technical&design limits. And you are running your videocard beyond design specs ("overclocked"). You may be able to slow down your memory a bit. E.g. run it at a standard rate, instead of a higher non-standard speed.

Memory voltage is trickier. To run fast, you need higher voltages to keep the voltage/time swing rate within limits, but higher voltages cause a lot more heat. The DDR3 standard voltage is 1.500 Volt, which is enough for operation at standard speeds.