How do I know I have a bad CPU?

[Rapier]

Hello community, hope to get some answers here for my problem.

I bought components for a new PC in November 2023 and since then I had only issues. The config is as follows:

MB: Asus ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi

CPU: Intel I9 14900KF

RAM: 32GB (2x16GB kit) Kingston Fury Renegade 6400MHz XMP (4800 MHz base)

Drive: Samsung SSD 990 PRO PCIe 4.0 1TB

Cooling: NZXT Kraken Elite 280 RGB AIO cooler.

Video: Asus TUF RTX 4070ti Gaming OC

Power: Corsair Hxi Series HX1000i, 80 PLUS Platinum, 1000W

Case: AeroCool P7-C1 Tempered glass

I had constant game crashes with the system untill I found about the SVID setting in BIOS and put it on "Intel Fail Safe". All the other OC settings were explicitly disabled (Asus Multicore Enhancement and Intel Adaptive Boost Technology, also XMP). After that, system was apparently working fine till last week when I got errors from the OneDrive saying my account has issues and to login again. Also Windows showed like I was using a "local" account, despite the fact I was using my Microsoft account.

Finally I decided to re-format the SSD and reinstall Windows...I made 3 different install kits from the Microsoft website on three different USB sticks. All install attempts were ending in errors/crashes (BSOD) just from the start, right after booting from the USB mostly saying that "Windows installation encountered an unexpected error. Verify that theinstallation sources are accessible, and restart de installation. (error code 0xC0000005)". After several searches, after trying the USB kits I had on another pc and working fine, after also changing the RAM (bought a G.SKILL DDR5 6400MHz kit to replace the Kingston) but having same results, I tried with a last USB kit I had, an original retail Windows 10 PRO USB stick.

This version installed without any issues but the problem is that it is so old that nothing works or installs on this windows, asking for a newer build. This kit has build no 1803 (from 2018 I guess) and I tried to upgrade it through Windows Update...all the update tries were failing with errors, nothing was installed. I tried then by downloading the Microsoft Media Creation Toolkit to update or make another Windows 10 newer install kit. Nothing helped, all my tries were ending in errors.

I finaly decided to send the CPU back to the seller (there is no local Intel representative I think) and opened a service request. Now the CPU is at service and I wait for a resolution but I would like to ask for advice. Don't know how they test it but what do I do if they send it back saying everything is ok (maybe they test it on another board or don't know)?

These kind of errors and BSOD are usualy due to CPU or RAM not motherboard and I already replaced the RAM.

I am open to suggestions...I have paid alot for all the parts, to end up staring at an open case with no CPU inside

[Rapier]

UPDATE: For anyone that might have been interested whether I solved it or not. Authorised Service decided it is a faulty CPU and sent a replacement unit. I did not received it but I'm pretty sure all these errors will be gone

[그래요ITech]

Hi there Rap

It seems like you've been through a lot of troubleshooting already. It's good to hear that the issue with your 14900KF was identified and that a replacement unit is on its way. Once you receive the new 14900KF CPU, it should indeed resolve the errors you were experiencing. If you need any assistance with the installation or setup once it arrives, feel free to ask here... Wishing you a smooth and error-free computing experience ahead! 

Cheers,,

Max

[RobertCR]

We all are having similar issues as this... I have a 14900KF with quite a lot of issues when under stress... It seems the BIOS "Auto"/"Default" settings on the motheboards may undervolt or overvolt your CPU.

Optimizing Stability for Intel 13900k and 14900k CPU’s : r/overclocking (reddit.com)

I fixed all my issues with the above. You can use it as prevention for your new CPU as it may present the same problems.

Intel must inform the motherboards manufacturers about this and have the BIOS updated.