Completely new PC, built around 3 months ago. Frequent PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSOD.

Analyzing Persistent PFN_LIST_CORRUPT Blue Screen on a Newly Built High-End Gaming PC

Introduction

Building a new gaming PC is an exciting venture, but encountering stability issues can be frustrating. Recently, a user reported experiencing frequent Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors on a freshly assembled system, the most common of which is the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error. This guide aims to shed light on this specific error, examine potential causes, and suggest effective troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue without resorting to a complete system reset.

System Specifications

The affected system comprises high-performance components, including:
– Operating System: Windows 11 Professional (x64), Build 26100.4946 (24H2)
– Motherboard: ASUS ROG CROSSHAIR X870E HERO
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-Core
– Graphics Card: ASUS ROG ASTRAL GeForce RTX 5090 OC
– Memory: 2x DDR5-6200 / PC5-49600 DDR5 SDRAM UDIMM

Understanding the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT Error

The PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error relates to the Windows Memory Manager. It indicates that the system’s page frame number (PFN) list has become corrupted, often due to issues with device drivers, faulty hardware, or problematic memory modules. This error can manifest unpredictably, especially in systems with recent hardware or software changes.

Initial Observations

The user notes that the error did not occur immediately after system setup, suggesting that it may have arisen after installing specific software or driver updates. Additionally, the user has not identified other error types, which points toward a driver or hardware fault rather than a software conflict.

Troubleshooting Strategies

Review Recent Changes
Recall any recent software installations, driver updates, or hardware modifications. Roll back recent driver updates if applicable, especially for graphics cards and motherboard chipsets.
Update Device Drivers
Ensure all drivers are up-to-date, particularly for the graphics card, motherboard chipset, and any peripherals. Use official manufacturer websites rather than third-party sources to obtain the latest stable drivers.
Run Memory Diagnostics
Use Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool:
- Restart the system and press Win + R, then type mdsched.exe and hit Enter.
- Choose ‘Restart now and check for problems’.