NUC11PAHi5 unstable

[Nogsx3]

I have NUC11PAHi5 with the intel certified memory (HX432S20IB2K2/16) running bios PATGL357.040 with a Samsung 980 Pro nvme.

The device freezes (locks up) after a few minutes. The CPU/GPU are not hot or under any load. The ram in any combination of dual, single slot 1 or 2 same difference. I also have some Crucial memory same spec 1.2v DDR4 3200, again any combination has the same result.

All drivers and firmware are updated including the bios. The device just locks up and turns itself off as I said. I have a fault logged with Intel support but nothing conclusive at this point.

I'm out of ideas on what to do next and building up to just returning the NUC as its unusable. I've seen a few posts on here and reddit for this model and similar issues. If anyone has anything to suggest next to get this working stable please let me know.

PS I have disabled the realtek card reader in Win 10 device manager as a few posts suggest thats problematic driver. It made no different enabled or disabled so I don't think it's that.

[n_scott_pearson]

This can also be caused by a failing Samsung 980 Pro as well. The fact that it is new doesn't mean that it can't be responsible. There have been other reports of brand new Samsung drives failing like this. A way to test this is to remove the SSD and try booting and running from a Ubuntu Live (USB flash) drive.

Hope this helps,

...S

[Nogsx3]

Thanks. I checked the Samsung 980 with its Magician software and all reports healthy as does its S.M.A.R.T details.

I tried Ubuntu on from a USB pen drive and it worked for about 90 mins no issues.

I tried a Crucial SSD again SMART reports all healthy and pulled from a working Win 10 laptop. I wiped it and did a clean install and the system started hanging as soon as I got to Win desktop. The 980 is nvme and the Crucial is SATA. 

I ran Windows update and it did a few, restarted and then I got into hanging over and over... I don't think its memory but perhaps I/O but using two different interfaces both hang repeatedly and often but work in other devices (intel based)

[MdJ83]

Mine seems to be working well, but suddenly after a BIOS update its making a loud processing noises the whole time. Its not a fan sound but more like the sound of what a computer would make in the 90s when writings to the hard drive. Any suggestions or help

[Nogsx3]

Given the NUC only moving part is the fan I'd double check that.....

[n_scott_pearson]

Sometimes, reinstalling the BIOS update will make a difference. If there's any question in my mind, I recommend installing it again twice, once normal F7 update and once using the Recovery BIOS and the BIOS Recovery process.

After what BIOS Update? What version were you using previously and what version are you using now?

Hope this helps,

...S

[qOvop]

The Ethernet driver or Card Reader driver seem to be unstable, my NUC11 used to freeze 3 or 4 times in a single day, then I disabled LAN and SDHC Controller in BIOS, guess what, NUC11 works normally over than 2 days. So if you don't need those functions , just have a try, even if it doesn't work, you cost nothing.

[Nogsx3]

Thanks, I had the card reader disabled anyway after seeing it mentioned on another forum. I disabled the ethernet port as well but it didn't make a difference. Win 10 installs but starts hanging /freezing immediately and repeated several times so worth a try but didn't fix for me

[DeividA_Intel]

Hello Nogsx3, 

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities.   

In order to better assist you, please provide the following:  

1. Run the Intel® System Support Utility (Intel® SSU) to gather more details about the system.  

· Download the Intel® SSU and save the application on your computer:  https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/18377/25293/intel-system-support-utility-for-windows.html?countrylabel=Asia%2520Pacific

· Open the application, check the "Everything" checkbox, and click "Scan" to see the system and device information. The Intel® SSU defaults to the "Summary View" on the output screen following the scan. Click the menu where it says "Summary" to change to "Detailed View".  

· To save your scan, click Next and click Save.  

Regards,    

Deivid A. 

Intel Customer Support Technician 

[DeividA_Intel]

Hello Nogsx3, 

Were you able to check the previous post and get the information requested? Please let me know if you need more assistance.   

Regards,  

Deivid A.  

Intel Customer Support Technician  

[Nogsx3]

I would post the details but the device is currently under a warranty return direct with Intel after going through various options and not resolving them.

[DeividA_Intel]

Hello Nogsx3, 

Thanks for the update, 

I understand the situation, I will proceed to close this thread since you were able to replace it directly with us. However, if the issue persists with the new unit or you have a different issue with our product, do not hesitate to create a new thread.

Regards,  

Deivid A.  

Intel Customer Support Technician  

[Nogsx3]

Just to udpate, warrenty repair replacement and the 2nd device is working perfectly. I've stayed with the original bios for now, using the same memory and nvme this has been rock solid now for days.