** Update on Stability of Asus ROG Strix Z690-i WiFi mini-ITX System **
Despite increasing the speed of VRM fan, I continued to experience periodic total system crashes in both macOS and Windows. Thinking I may have applied too much thermal paste and the CPU was experiencing period heat-related problems, I decided to remove the CPU, replace the thermal paste, and reinstall it.
There was indeed a bit too much paste, but not enough to cause system instability. Nevertheless I applied a thinner amount, which actually led to reduced CPU temps.
Idle temps:
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But those pesky total system crashes occurred again.
Although I ran
MemTest before (for only a few minutes) I decided to replace both memory modules with those from my Asus ProArt Z690-Creator. So far the system has been solid, but I'm going to stress this thing out and report the outcome.
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Update 1:
Just installed the suspicious DDR5 memory modules into the ProArt Z690-Creator and macOS crashed on first boot right after logging in. Now filing an RMA with G.Skill...
Update 2:
Over 5 hours on uptime now. No crashes.
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Update 3:
20 hours without crash.
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Update 4:
Over 26 hours now without a problem. Numerous sleep/wake cycles performed flawlessly.
Case closed: Replacing the two DIMMs has solved the problem. Now I'm totally satisfied with my first and only mini-ITX build!
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