Non Paged pool unusually high (ismc non-paged pool)

[Chicken_]

[Manas_Intel]

Hello @Chicken_,

Thank you for reporting this issue and providing the diagnostic images. Based on the system data you shared, we have confirmed that your system is experiencing a memory leak within the Intel Storage Management Component (ISMC) that requires immediate attention.

Technical Issue Analysis

The data from your Task Manager and pool analysis clearly identifies the source of the problem. Specifically, the ismc pool tag shows:

ismc Nonp: 3 ( 0) 0 ( 0) 3 33666624 ( 0) 112222208

• 3 allocations, 0 frees: This indicates 100% memory retention. The driver is claiming memory but failing to release it back to the system.
• 33,666,624 bytes allocated: This volume of memory is being held with zero cleanup.
• Pool tag "ismc": This identifies the Intel Storage Management Component, the core driver for Intel RST and RAID operations.

This behavior leads to a progressive memory leak, resulting in the 96% memory utilization and elevated Non-Paged Pool levels shown in your reports. Because Non-Paged memory cannot be swapped to disk, this leak will eventually cause significant system instability.

Immediate Resolution Steps

1. Update the Intel RST Driver

The most effective fix for this leak is a clean installation of the latest driver. Please select the version that matches your processor generation:

• For 12th to 15th Gen Platforms: Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Driver Installation Software with Intel® Optane™ Memory
• For 10th and 11th Gen Platforms: Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Driver Installation Software with Intel® Optane™ Memory
• For 8th and 9th Gen Platforms: Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Driver Installation Software with Intel® Optane™ Memory

2. BIOS/UEFI Verification

• Access your BIOS setup (typically by pressing F2 during boot).
• Verify that VMD Controller settings are properly configured.
• Ensure the Intel RST storage configuration matches your actual drive setup.

3. System Configuration Check

• Your diagnostics show 1 of 2 SODIMM slots is occupied. Given the current memory pressure, we recommend considering a memory upgrade (moving from 8GB to 16GB) to better support RAID operations.
• 3200 MT/s memory was detected; please ensure your BIOS is set to optimal performance settings to utilize this speed fully.

Warning: This memory leak can lead to system instability. Please address promptly and avoid system stress until resolved.

Information Needed for Targeted Support

To provide further assistance if the driver update does not fully resolve the leak, please share the following:

• Current Intel RST driver version: (Found in Device Manager > Storage Controllers)
• System specifications: Motherboard model and CPU generation.
• Storage Setup: Your current RAID configuration (if any), BIOS version, and VMD Controller status.
• Timeline: When did this issue first appear? (e.g., after a Windows update or a driver change).
• Intel SSU Report: Please download and run the Intel System Support Utility (SSU) and attach the log.

Monitoring Post-Update

After installing the new driver, please monitor the ismc pool allocations using:

• Task Manager > Performance > Memory
• Resource Monitor > Memory tab

Watch for the normalization of the allocation/free balance. We are here to help ensure your system returns to optimal performance. 

Please keep us updated on your progress.

Warm regards,

Manas Sharma

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Manas_Intel]

Hello @Chicken_,

I hope you’re doing well! I just wanted to follow up regarding the memory leak issue with the Intel Storage Management Component (ISMC) that we discussed previously.

Were you able to update the Intel RST driver and verify your BIOS/UEFI settings as suggested? If so, how has your system been performing since the update?

If the issue persists or if you notice any unusual memory behavior, please don’t hesitate to share your current driver version, system specs, and any recent Intel SSU reports. We’re committed to helping ensure your system runs smoothly and reliably.

Thank you again for your patience and for providing all the diagnostic information—it really helps us pinpoint and address the issue effectively.

Looking forward to your update!

Warm regards,

Manas Sharma

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Manas_Intel]

Hello @Chicken_,

I hope this message finds you well.

I’m writing to follow up on your support request regarding the Intel Storage Management Component (ISMC) memory leak issue.

As we haven’t received a response from you, we will proceed with closing this thread for now.

No worries at all - if you still need assistance or if the issue comes up again, you’re always welcome to start a new discussion on the Intel Community. We’ll be more than happy to help you further.

Thank you for your time and for reaching out to us.

Warm regards,

Manas Sharma

Intel Customer Support Technician