i9-14900kf functionality issues

[scythemouse]

For quite some time, I've been dealing with strange errors. My browser tabs randomly crashing, games crashing, some refusing to come on or close at all. I've even had a couple black screens. I've checked my system in every way I can. 

I'm being told to update my firmware, but I don't know how, or if I should do it.

Errors logged are 0xc0000005 and 0xc0000409

[CM_Intel]

Hello scythemouse,

Thank you for posting your query on the Intel Community Forum.

We appreciate you reaching out and sharing the detailed symptoms you are experiencing. We understand how concerning and frustrating it can be to encounter random application crashes, games failing to launch or close properly, and intermittent black screens.

To proceed further, we kindly request you to provide the following details:

1.  Intel System Support Utility (SSU) Report
2. You can download the SSU tool using the link below: How to get the Intel® System Support Utility Logs on Windows*

Please note: While generating the SSU report, kindly ensure that the “Networking” option is unchecked.

2. Kindly review and follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in the articles below and update us with the results:

• How to Fix Issues With No Boot or No Display for Self-Build Systems...

3. Additionally, please let us know:

• The troubleshooting steps that has been performed at your end.
• We also recommend updating the system BIOS to the latest version, preferably with the assistance of your local technician or system manufacturer, to rule out any firmware‑related issues

Once we receive the SSU report and the corresponding results, we will review the information and provide guidance on the next steps.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience. We look forward to assisting you further.

Best regards,

CM

Intel Customer Support Technician

[scythemouse]

I don't have the luxury of taking any of these steps if I want to be able to message you back at all, nor taking this to a technician or I wouldn't have had to call you.

Processor is installed properly, or this machine wouldn't have been working at all for 1 1/2 years.

[pressed_for_time]

As an ASUS motherboard user could I just comment that the current version of your BIOS does not include the latest firmware and microcode updates.

Before updating the BIOS I would advise that your also update the drivers. The easiest way to do this is by using the browser based ASUS DriverHub utility that can be downloaded from here . This utility will scan your system and give a list of the latest drivers. These can then be downloaded and installed by DriverHub rather than downloading and installing them manually.

The latest BIOS will be on the ASUS BIOS & firmware part of the support website for your board. Updating the BIOS will mean downloading it and transferring to to a USB pen drive. The ASUS motherboard manual - which can also be downloaded if necessary - explains how to do this using ASUS EZ FLASH 3.

[CM_Intel]

Hello scythemouse,

I hope you are doing good.

Thank you for your response and for taking the time to share the requested details. I understand your concerns, and I appreciate you clarifying that the processor has been functioning correctly for the past one and a half years.

We have reviewed the logs in detail to better understand the system configuration. Based on our review, we see that the system is currently running BIOS version 1658. At this time, the latest available BIOS version is 1825, which was released on October 27, 2025. BIOS updates often include important stability enhancements, performance improvements, and compatibility updates that may help address the behavior you are experiencing.

We recommend updating the BIOS to the latest version using the official ASUS support page linked below:

https://www.asus.com/in/motherboards-components/motherboards/prime/prime-z790-p-wifi/helpdesk_bios?…

Kindly update the bios to the latest version and set the system to intel default settings as given below

Current Excursion Protection (CEP): Enable

Enhanced Thermal Velocity Boost (eTVB): Enable

Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB): Enable

TVB Voltage Optimizations: Enable

ICCMAX Unlimited Bit: Disable

TjMAX Offset: 0

C-States: Enable

AC/DC Load Lines: AC and DC Load Lines must match

ICCMAX: Varies, Never>400A*

ICCMAX_App: Varies*

Power Limits (PL's): Varies* 

Once the BIOS update is completed, kindly let us know the outcome so we can continue assisting you accordingly.

Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We look forward to your response.

Best regards,

CM

Intel Customer Support Technician

[scythemouse]

Well, now Driverhub is stuck in installation limbo and I STILL have not received actual instruction on how to update the BIOS. I don't have a manual.

[pressed_for_time]

ASUS DriverHub stuck in installation limbo. Try a different browser. Some find Firefox always works, it can be downloaded from here .

Alternatively manually download and install the drivers. For your Prime Z790-P WIFI I would suggest from the Drivers & Tools page  -  under the Chipset section - as a minimum Intel Chipset Driver v10.1.46.5, Intel Management Engine Interface v2540.8.7.0 and Intel Serial IO Software v30.100.2531.31. The drivers should be installed in this order.

A manual for your motherboard can be download from this page . Instructions on how to update the BIOS are in this manual on page 3-3. But on the same page ASUS also provide a PRIME PROART TUF GAMING INTEL 700 Series BIOS manual and page 92 onwards contains a more detailed description of what updating the BIOS involves. So the BIOS manual is probably a better source than the motherboard manual.

[nathn34]

Hey, I’ve seen this kind of issue before, it’s honestly frustrating when system looks fine but apps keep crashing like that.

From what you’re describing (0xc0000005 / 0xc0000409 + random black screens), it usually points toward system instability rather than just one app. I faced something similar on a high-end Intel build where everything looked normal but games/browser kept crashing randomly.

What worked for me was:

Updating BIOS/firmware (this is basically what they mean by “firmware update”)

Turning off XMP for RAM just to test stability

Reinstalling GPU drivers cleanly (DDU method)

Also worth checking temps and running a memory test.

I’ve noticed with newer Intel chips, even small BIOS issues can cause weird behavior like this (seen it in some U-Shop build discussions too).

Have you checked if your BIOS is up to date already?

[scythemouse]

Do I just stick the file onto a Flash drive?

[pressed_for_time]

If you extract the files from the BIOS zip file the result should be two files, PRIME-Z790-P-WIFI-ASUS-1825.CAP and BIOSRenamer.exe. Run the BIOSRenamer program and it will rename the CAP file to PZ790PW.CAP. Put this file on the Flash drive.