[SOLVED] PLEASE HELP!! Very strange CPU issue, cant figure out if its faulty hardware or some sort of virus/malware.

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JordanCanFly2

Honorable
Dec 27, 2013
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10,525
Hello all,

I have spent the best part of a week attempting to sort out my current computer problem, but have had limited success and now am reaching out to you for help. As of 1 week ago my computer has been having issues with my CPU randomly, on idle, with an unchanged voltage, skyrocket in temperature to the point that within minutes it hits the max temp and shuts down.

I have attempted dozens of scans on my computer with Malwarebytes, Roguekiller and a full scan PC scan with Microsoft Defender but it crashes before it can even get close to finishing most. I managed to split the scans into much smaller parts and thus completed a full scan of my pc with Malwarebytes over the course of a few days, which found nothing. I then attempted a Windows Defender Offline scan, which upon completion found 5 unwanted files/viruses/malware and had deleted it. This has definitely reduced my BSOD crashes and the amount that the issue is occurring for the first day or so, but the issue is back in full force.

I have attached a video of the issue (its not the best recording, but you get the picture):
View: https://youtu.be/nqajEsR_msI?t=90


As can be seen on the video, my temps are surging while task manager claims the CPU is idle and there are no suspicious programs running. Resource Manager says the same thing. I'm just at a total loss at this stage, its been a week and I still haven't been able to figure out if my PC is having dire driver issues, infected with a virus/malware, or if the CPU is simply faulty after just under 3 years of use (meaning warranty is still active).

This is especially baffling to me because the overclock is stable and can run for hours on end (last time I think 4hrs prime95 before I stopped it). It reached a max temp of around 65c at full load, however this issue occurs at 'idle', with the same voltage (according to CPU-Z & HWiNFO) and reaches 90c within minutes before turning off due to thermal max.
Another interesting thing to note, is that this issue only appears to occur when the computer is idle. Meaning that so far my only real 'protection' is running a video game in the background while using the computer. Over the course of the past few days I can run the computer for hours on end with a game running, but it will have the CPU overheating issue if idle any time 5 minutes or so after startup. So far I dont think the PC has lasted more than 90 minutes idling, or having a lesser workload (e.g a system scan with anti-virus).

While typing this I think I have heard the CPU fans ramp up around 4 times (indicating a 15c+ rise in temp instantly), but because I have a game running in the background the temperatures do not continue to rise leading to the inevitable crash due to thermals.

P.S. Most of the time when I get a BSOD (only happened once since the Offline Defender scan 2 days ago) it gives the error: 'Kernel Auto Boost Invalid Lock Release'

I'm honestly quite desperate for some fresh ideas and would be super appreciative for any support![/MEDIA]
 
Last edited:
Solution
So. I've replaced the CPU and had it running the best part of 2 days and there have been no crashes since, my guess is the previous CPU has simply become faulty after 2 years or so of usage.

I'm away from home a few days and will have time to do more regular usage again after I'm back. I will update the thread once again if the issue does come back with the new CPU, fingers crossed it wont!

Thanks again everyone for all your suggestions.
All the best,
Jordan.
Couple things. I would use the AMD software to confirm temps:
https://www.amd.com/en/technologies/ryzen-master
You aren't the only one I have seen report this:
 
Couple things. I would use the AMD software to confirm temps:
https://www.amd.com/en/technologies/ryzen-master
You aren't the only one I have seen report this:
Okay I'll give that link a read. However I cant install Ryzen Master on this computer, everytime I attempt it it says that an equivalent or newer version is installed. Yet its nowhere to be found on the computer, and I have already deleted Ryzen Master a few weeks ago through programs and features. Not sure whats up with that.
 
Couple things. I would use the AMD software to confirm temps:
https://www.amd.com/en/technologies/ryzen-master
You aren't the only one I have seen report this:
That guy's issue has similarities with the CPU spiking in temp while on idle, though its usually quite small spikes unless he moves the mouse (which doesn't seem to be a cause for me). My CPU just goes into meltdown while idle for seemingly no rhyme nor reason and with no strange programs or services running :S
 
Okay I'll give that link a read. However I cant install Ryzen Master on this computer, everytime I attempt it it says that an equivalent or newer version is installed. Yet its nowhere to be found on the computer, and I have already deleted Ryzen Master a few weeks ago through programs and features. Not sure whats up with that.

Hi,

I must insist on this, I would start by setting BIOS options to "default", and then do a fresh/clean install of Windows with only the basic software: Windows 10+Drivers+1 Browser (if you don't like Edge or IE) + 1 or 2 games. Then test your PC for a day.

If everything works well I will then adjust memory fecuency on BIOS, either using XMP or just fixing the speed your memory said in the box. Then same procedure test your PC for 4 to 6 hours before adding more software or doing more chnages.

And soo on.
 
Hi,

I must insist on this, I would start by setting BIOS options to "default", and then do a fresh/clean install of Windows with only the basic software: Windows 10+Drivers+1 Browser (if you don't like Edge or IE) + 1 or 2 games. Then test your PC for a day.

If everything works well I will then adjust memory frequency on BIOS, either using XMP or just fixing the speed your memory said in the box. Then same procedure test your PC for 4 to 6 hours before adding more software or doing more changes.

And so on.
Hi again,

Yes I agree with you. However I cant really do anything until next week because I am currently on a limited wifi, so a clean re-install of Windows is not possible. When I arrive at my new place next week I'll have unlimited and faster internet so that will be a good time for a clean re-install of Windows.

My new Ryzen 3700x chip will have arrived a few days before then, so I'll install that chip first. If the issue is still occurring I will perform a re-install of windows in the manner you recommended, if a new CPU fixes the problem then I will simply RMA the chip and have a repaired/new Ryzen 1600 chip as a spare.

Hope that makes sense!
I'll update the thread on what fixed the issue when I find out next week :)
 
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So. I've replaced the CPU and had it running the best part of 2 days and there have been no crashes since, my guess is the previous CPU has simply become faulty after 2 years or so of usage.

I'm away from home a few days and will have time to do more regular usage again after I'm back. I will update the thread once again if the issue does come back with the new CPU, fingers crossed it wont!

Thanks again everyone for all your suggestions.
All the best,
Jordan.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RodroX
Solution