Last Updated: 2025-03-21
If you've landed on this page because either our Hardware Tester utility or another specialized testing tool like Prime 95 has flagged your system as unreliable, this guide will walk you through some steps to address the issue without needing to replace hardware.
Potential Fixes
In the following sections, we'll outline several potential solutions to the issue you're facing. Keep in mind that the built-inHardware Tester isn't ideal for validating these fixes. For more reliable testing, we recommend using a robust hardware testing tool like Prime 95 to verify the results after applying any of the fixes described here.
Step 1: Update Your BIOS
The first thing you should do is update your BIOS, particularly if you have an Intel 13th or 14th generation CPU. These CPUs are known to have a critical issue that gradually degrades the CPU until it becomes completely unusable. While the damage caused by this flaw is irreversible, updating the BIOS with the latest microcode can help prevent further crashes and protect your system from additional damage.
Step 2: Disable Overclocking
Overclocking or undervolting any of your computer's components can lead to instability. Be sure to disable all overclocking settings, including those that may be enabled by default in your BIOS. Some motherboard manufacturers enable overclocking by default, so it's important to check and reset any such settings.
Step 3: Run memory tests
Although most hardware failures identified by testing utilities are typically linked to faulty CPUs, defective RAM can also lead to similar issues. To rule out RAM as the cause, we recommend running memtest86. If the test indicates that your RAM is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
Step 4: Return Your CPU (Intel 13th or 14th Gen Only)
If you have one of the affected Intel CPUs, it's likely that your processor has already experienced permanent damage. If the CPU is still failing to perform correctly, even after updating your BIOS and ensuring it's operating within recommended parameters, we suggest contacting Intel for a return. Intel is offering extended warranties for these specific CPUs.
Step 5: Underclock Your CPU
If returning the CPU isn't an option, underclocking may help stabilize it, though it will come at the cost of reduced performance. You can use Intel XTU to lower the Performance Core multiplier from x55 to x54 or x53, which can help restore stability.