BSOD after fresh install and replacing just about every component. At a loss now.

Troubleshooting Repeated Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Occurrences Following Hardware Replacement and Fresh Windows Installation

Introduction

Encountering Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors can be a frustrating experience, especially after undertaking significant hardware upgrades or reinstallation of the operating system. Recently, a user reported recurrent BSOD errors on their wife’s computer shortly after replacing several components and performing a clean installation of Windows 11. This article explores potential causes and troubleshooting steps for resolving such issues, with insights drawn from a real-world case.

Case Overview

System Specifications:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Memory: G.Skill TridentZ 32GB DDR4 3200MHz
Motherboard: MSI X570S MPG EDGE MAX WiFi
Storage: Western Digital Black SN750 NVMe SSD
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650 G+ 650W 80 Plus Gold
Graphics Card: EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 KO

Background

The user reported that their wife’s PC experienced two BSOD errors within a week following extensive hardware swaps from their primary PC, as well as after performing a fresh installation of Windows 11. Despite analyzing minidump files provided for troubleshooting, the user was uncertain about how to interpret the data or identify the root cause.

Troubleshooting Considerations

Hardware Compatibility and Stability
Memory Modules: Ensure that the G.Skill TridentZ RAM is running at the correct speeds and voltages specified by the manufacturer. Utilize tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86 to check for RAM stability issues.
Motherboard Settings: Verify BIOS/UEFI firmware is up-to-date, and check for any pertinent settings such as XMP profiles, voltage adjustments, or other overclocking features that might affect system stability.
Driver and Firmware Updates
Post-Windows reinstallation, confirm that all device drivers are properly installed and updated, especially chipset, GPU, and storage drivers.
Check the motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest BIOS/UEFI updates, which can resolve compatibility issues with newer hardware or improve system stability.
Power Supply and Hardware Interactions
While the EVGA 650W power supply meets the system’s apparent power requirements, ensure that all power connections are secure and that the PSU functions correctly—consider testing with an alternative unit if issues persist.
**Analyzing Minidump Files