how can i prevent a PowerSpec G478 Gaming PC CPU from getting too hot and crashing?

ShawnInSanDiego2002

I'm running a vide recompression task using Handbrake on a 22tb10 bit HDR video file, trying to recompress it down to around 4.6 tb 10 bit HDR video file using x265 codec using CPU encoding.

The process runs for quite a while, then the pc does a hard reboot, most likely because the CPU got too hot.

The pc is was bought last November so its still very new and has been crashing on occasion, mostly when recompressing 4k videos like this (occasionally particular 1080p videos, but that's really rare).

Is there a way to make the CPU more aggressive in cooling or tell it to throttle itself back instead of crashing if it gets too hot?

In case someone asks, yes, I tried NVIDIA 10bit h.265 hardware encoding and it compressed 1/4 of the video and then was black the rest of the video. plus I prefer the smoothness of CPU comressed video vs the result of hardware encoding which seems to have slightly more artifacts. No idea why the hardware encoding is failing too.

Moosetanks

I would try undervolting or tuning down your cpu if you really just want it to finish an encode. Intel extreme tuner with some tutorials online for your specific CPU are what I'd do. turn the voltage and speed down til its stable. Render. Default values after for gaming :)

PowerSpec_MikeW

@Moosetanks

That should never happen. The design of the processor is to maximize performance within the 100c temperature limit. It'll run right at 100c and maximize performance based on the cooling. Better cooling will improve performance. Also overheating results in a shutdown, not a reboot.

Update to the latest BIOS here:

https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/15058/powerspec-bios-intel-default-settings-8-23

That will set default power limits (255W PL1=PL2) and updates the microcode to prevent the possible degradation of the CPU. If it still continues to crash we need to service it. Reboots without a BSOD sounds more like a power issue. Failing PSU/board VRM than a faulty or degraded CPU though.

vexras

@PowerSpec_MikeW I am having similar issues. I have the Z790 Edge Wifi (Powerspec G478 as well).

First - 0x12B Microcode fails to install (BIOS says it is not MSI or something and can't be used). 0x129 DOES install.

Initially, Intel Extreme Tuning utility stress test fails after a couple minutes with continual Thermal Throttling. With 0x129, Intel utility is giving me PASS results but with both thermal AND power throttling.

How do I get 0x12B to install? How necessary is it if I have 0x129 installed?

I can give more details but I don't want to saturate this post.

PowerSpec_MikeW

@vexras

Are you flashing from Advanced Flash Mode? Control + Alt + T from the BIOS. If that's not working, probably a corrupt download. But yes, you want the 0x12B firmware. Not it won't overheat and crash either way. The concern is momentary voltage spikes will degrade the CPU over time.

vexras

@PowerSpec_MikeW

Thank you for your help. I got it working - I had the file extracted to a subfolder and when I moved it the root folder it installed. Any chance this update fixes the following errors I just realized I have been getting via Windows Event Viewer? Some of them coincided with when my machine crashed (froze then turned off) on heavy load.

A corrected hardware error has occurred.

Reported by component: Processor Core
Error Source: Corrected Machine Check
Error Type: Internal parity error / Translation Lookaside Buffer Error
Processor APIC ID: 48

PowerSpec_MikeW

@vexras

It's supposed to address instability, it may resolve the issue depending on if the CPU has degraded over time. Test it out, if you have a problem then it may be time to use the warranty.