Games Crashing on Startup – Intel i9-14900K

[floby]

Dear Intel Community,

I am experiencing issues with my system where games crash shortly after launching, regardless of whether they use DirectX 11, DirectX 12, or Vulkan. I have already run the Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool, and it passed without any errors. However, the issue persists.

Here are my system specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K
• GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming Trio
• RAM: Kingston Fury Beast 4x16GB 6000MHz DDR5
• Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E WiFi II
• Case: NZXT H7 Elite
• Cooler: NZXT X73 RGB Hybrid Cooler
• PSU: Corsair RM1000i

I have already tried updating my drivers, checking temperatures, and verifying game files, but I haven't been able to resolve the problem. Do you have any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this further? Could this be related to my CPU in any way?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Best regards,
floby

[pressed_for_time]

Are these crashes generating any log entries or error messages? If so what are they?

[floby]

Nope, no log entries or error messages.

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi floby, 

Thank you for posting in the community, and thanks to @pressed_for_time for initiating troubleshooting in the thread. To further investigate this situation, I have a few questions and a recommendation you might want to try. Please start by answering the following questions:

1. Is your BIOS updated to the latest version, specifically version 1801?
2. Can you confirm if you are currently using the Intel Default Settings?
3. If you've performed swap testing with an identical or compatible motherboard or processor, could you share the exact model of the processor with me?
4. Is your system newly built, or has it been in use for some time?
5. Has this issue occurred before, or is this the first time you are experiencing it?
6. Have you tried overclocking your processor, either in the BIOS or through an application? If so, could you provide the name of the application? Please note that overclocking, including adjusting voltage/frequency beyond the processor's supported specifications, may void the warranty.
7. Besides games, are there any other applications or browsers that crash on startup?

Additionally, please review the following troubleshooting steps to see if there are any actions you have or haven't taken:

• Update Windows*. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
• Start the system in minimal configuration. Minimal configuration: motherboard, processor, power supply unit, and one DRAM module.
• Check the power supply to ensure it is suitable for your self-built system.
• Check for memory issues:
  • Try to have a sufficient amount of memory in your build system.
  • Try different memory sticks.
  • Make sure the memory is seated well.
• Try another motherboard if possible.
• Run CPU stress test using the Intel Extreme Utility for 30 minutes.
  • While the test is running, press the "File Logging" button to record the data. Once the stress test is complete, retrieve the file by clicking the folder ico
• Try to get a fresh image of the operating system.

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi floby, 

I'm curious if you've had a chance to review my previous inquiries regarding your issue. Please provide your responses at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[floby]

Hi Dhanniel,

Thanks for following up. Here are the answers to your questions:

• BIOS is updated to the latest version (1801).
• I’m not using the exact Intel Default Settings. The only BIOS changes I made are:
  • SVID Behavior: set from "Auto" to "Intel’s Fail Safe"
  • CPU Load Line Calibration: changed from Level 5 to Level 4
  • CPU System Agent Voltage: set from Auto to Manual Mode
• I haven’t done any swap testing with a different motherboard or processor. My current build has been in use since November, after switching from a previous setup (Gigabyte X399 + Threadripper 2920X + 32GB RAM).
• The issues started occurring between late January and mid-February.
• I haven’t overclocked the processor, either in BIOS or through software.
• Occasionally, Discord crashes, but aside from that, other apps and browsers work fine.

As for the recommended steps:

• Windows 10 is fully updated.
• I haven’t yet tried running the system in minimal configuration.
• I’m using a 1000W PSU, which I believe is sufficient.
• I haven’t tested with different memory sticks or reseated them yet.
• I ran a CPU stress test using Intel Extreme Utility last week—no issues occurred.
• I did a clean install/reset of Windows about 2–3 weeks ago.

Let me know what the next steps should be, or if you’d like me to try the remaining suggestions like booting in minimal config or checking memory.

Best regards,
Floby

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi floby, 

Certainly, please complete the last two steps for testing and let me know if the issue persists.

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi floby, 

I'm just following up to see if you've completed the two steps I recommended. If you have, please let me know if they helped isolate the issues.

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi floby, 

Since I haven't received a response from you, I will proceed to close this inquiry. If you require further assistance, please feel free to submit a new question, as this thread will no longer be monitored. Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician