Windows 7 Troubleshooting BSOD 0x00000124: High CPU Temps and Unexpected Crashes During Gaming

kemical said:

Code:

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*                        Bugcheck Analysis                                    *
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Use !analyze -v to get detailed debugging information.

BugCheck A, {0, 2, 1, fffff80002c9bc3f}

*** WARNING: Unable to verify timestamp for SYMNETS.SYS
*** ERROR: Module load completed but symbols could not be loaded for SYMNETS.SYS
Probably caused by : NETIO.SYS ( NETIO!WfpExpireEntryLru+17 )

Followup: MachineOwner

Hi,
although two dump files were Bugcheck 124 the rest were like the above and it looks like Norton was involved. The error that generates this bug check usually occurs after the installation of a faulty device driver, system service, or BIOS.
Bugcheck 124 can mean a hardware error occurred although can also be caused by out of date bios, corrupt software, overheating.

BaseBoardManufacturer = ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
BaseBoardProduct = Z97-A
BiosVersion = 1008
BiosReleaseDate = 05/29/2014
You have bios updates pending many of which improve system stability and performance:
http://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/Z97A/HelpDesk_Download/
Please double check I have the correct information for your board.

Norton is a well known troublemaker and cause of bsod. Back in the mists of time Norton (circa 2002) was the best AV suite one could use but sadly no more. It wraps it's tentacles into everything and it really is quite amazing how invasive it is. If the Bios update fails to stop the bsod then I would next try removing Norton. Use the removal tool though:
https://support.norton.com/sp/en/uk/home/current/solutions/kb20080710133834EN_EndUserProfile_en_us
Try replacing Norton with MSE as it's very stable:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/security-essentials-download

You also mentioned your CPU temperature with an average of 80c? That is pretty high even for a modern Intel CPU which do run a tad warm anyway. See this thread on other users using the same chip:
Link Removed
It sounds like the stock cooler isn't up to the job and purchasing an after market model would reduce temps considerably.

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