vgk.sys Error Troubleshooting (13900k/14900k processors only)

Hardware Recall

If the below steps don't work, this may be a hardware issue that can only be resolved by contacting Intel for a replacement CPU. Check Intel's Site for more details.

If you're experiencing BSOD (bluescreen) crashes that point to a vgk.sys driver AND you're on a 13900k or 14900k processor, there are a few steps you can take that should resolve the issue.

Update Your BIOS

DO THIS BEFORE ANY OTHER STEPS!

Many manufacturers have already addressed these issues with recent updates to their firmware, so before trying anything else, make sure you have the latest updates installed for your motherboard/processor. Once you've updated, go into BIOS and choose the settings listed below, and you should be set.

MSI

After updating, go into your BIOS and select Intel Default Settings.

ASUS

After updating, go into your BIOS and select Intel Baseline Profile.

Gigabyte

After updating, go into your BIOS and select Intel BaseLine.

Additional Troubleshooting

The following steps should only be used if you updated your firmware and restored default/baseline settings as described above, but your computer keeps crashing with the same error.

Intel XTU

Install Intel XTU and lower your Performance Core multiplier from x55 to x54 or x53. You may still experience one crash after these adjustments and you'll have to save the profile to ensure the changes are maintained. Note that this is one of the quickest ways to resolve the issue without going into your BIOS.

General BIOS Setting Adjustments

IMPORTANT: About editing your BIOS settings

If you’re not familiar with navigating through your BIOS, please reach out to a professional. Incorrectly configuring BIOS settings can cause issues with your computer–including having it fail to start up.

On top of this, the BIOS is highly variable depending on the brand and type of computer or motherboard you are using. As such, we highly recommend that you reach out to your computer or motherboard manufacturer's support resources to assist you with this. 

Disable Overclocking

Turn off any settings that promote overclocking, including "AI" or "automatic" overclocking. Some BIOS enable overclocking by default, so even if you haven't chosen these settings yourself, it's worth investigating. Visit ark.intel.com first to see where the recommended limits for your processor are.

Since every BIOS uses different names for their overclocking settings, here are a few things you can look for:

Power Limits

  • SVID behavior → Auto
  • Long duration power limit or Processor Base Power → reduce to 125W
  • 13900/14900 CPUs only: Short duration power limit → reduce to 253W

"Enhanced" Modes

  • enhanced turbo or enhanced multithreading → disabled
  • ASUS MultiCore Enhancement → disabled (not Auto)
  • ASUS Performance Enhancement 3.0 → disabled

Maximum Clock Rate

  • maximum P core multiplier → reduce from 55x to 54/53x
  • maximum turbo boost clock rate → turn down
  • thermal velocity boost → turn off/down

Motherboard-Specific Steps

ASUS

After trying each of these solutions, be sure to run the XTU test and see if the AVX2 test passes. Then run the crashing Riot game and see if the issue persists.

  1. Go into your BIOS
  2. Select ADVANCED (F7)- SVID Behavior
  3. Change to Intel's Fail Safe
  4. Reboot your computer

Gigabyte

After trying each of these solutions, be sure to run the XTU test and see if the AVX2 test passes. Then run the crashing Riot game and see if the issue persists.

Solution A:

  1. Go into your BIOS
  2. Select ADVANCED MODE
  3. In the Tweaker tab, locateCPU Vcore and select the Normal option
  4. Select Dynamic Vcore(DVID) and change it from "Auto" to "+0.005V"
  5. Increase the DVID by +0.005
  6. Reboot your computer

Solution B:

  1. Go into your BIOS
  2. Select ADVANCED MODE
  3. In the Tweaker tab, locate Advanced Voltage Settings and select CPU/VRAM Settings
  4. Adjust the CPU Vcore Loadline Calibration. Start from Low and adjust to Medium until the system is stable.
  5. Reboot your computer

MSI

After trying each of these solutions, be sure to run the XTU test and see if the AVX2 test passes. Then run the crashing Riot game and see if the issue persists.

Solution A:

  1. Go into your BIOS
  2. Select OC > Advanced CPU Configuration
  3. Change CPU Lite Load Control to Intel Default.
  4. Reboot your computer

Solution B:

  1. Go into your BIOS
  2. Select OC > CPU Core Voltage Mode > Offset Mode
  3. Adjust the +(By PWM) until the system is stable (don't increase by more than 0.025V each time)
  4. Reboot your computer

Solution C:

  1. Go into your BIOS
  2. Select OC > DigitALL Power
  3. Change CPU Loadline Calibration Control. Start with Mode 7 and keep lowering until your system is stable.
  4. Reboot your computer
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