Kernel-Power 41 (Bugcheck 278)

[Gab_08]

System Specifications:

• Model: HP Pavilion Desktop TP01-0xxx

• Motherboard: HP 8653 

• CPU: Intel Core i7-9700F

• GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ventus 2X OC (Upgraded)

• PSU: S-Union 500W 80+ Gold - Model L05757-800 (Upgraded)

• RAM: 32GB Corsair Vengeance (2x16GB) @ 2666 MHz (Upgraded)

• OS: Windows 11

• BIOS Version: F.31 (Date: 06/09/2021)

I am experiencing sudden system crashes followed by automatic reboots while gaming, (this happens frequently even with very light games like League of Legends or Roblox, but it might not occur with heavier titles) both monitors go black instantly, and the PC restarts.

Upon checking the Windows Event Viewer, I consistently find a Critical Error: Kernel-Power 41, Looking into the XML details, the BugcheckCode is 278, which points toward a Video TDR failure. 

The PC ran perfectly for about a year after the GPU and PSU upgrades. These crashes started occurring about a month ago with no hardware changes in between. I have already performed a clean Windows format/reinstallation and I have used DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) in Safe Mode multiple times to perform a clean installation of the latest NVIDIA driver. I have tried limiting the GPU Power Limit to 85% using MSI Afterburner, but the issue persists.

I have attached screenshots of the errors found in the Event Viewer around the time of the crashes for better clarification.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Gab_08 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing the detailed system specifications and the Event Viewer logs. The Kernel-Power 41 error with Bugcheck 278 indeed indicates a Video TDR (Timeout Detection and Recovery) issue, which aligns with the symptoms you described. Let’s go through  recommended steps to help stabilize the system:

Step 1: Update BIOS and Firmware

• Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page for your HP Pavilion TP01-0xxx model.
• Check if a newer BIOS version than F.31 is available. If so, update to the latest release, as BIOS updates often improve hardware stability and compatibility.

Step 2: HP App – Diagnose & Fix

• Open the HP App (this replaces HP Smart).
• Run Diagnose & Fix to automatically check for hardware and driver conflicts.
• Allow the tool to apply any recommended fixes.

Step 3: Power Settings Adjustment

• Open Control Panel → Power Options.
• Select High Performance.
• Under Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings, ensure:
  • PCI Express → Link State Power Management is set to Off.
  • Processor power management → Minimum processor state is set to 100%.

Step 4: HP Support Assistant

• Launch HP Support Assistant and run a full system check.
• Apply any driver or firmware updates it recommends, especially chipset and graphics-related updates provided through HP.

Step 5: Hardware Validation

• Use the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) tool:
  • Restart the PC and press F2 during boot.
  • Run System Tests → Extensive Test to validate memory, GPU, and PSU stability.
  • This ensures the upgraded components are functioning correctly with the HP motherboard.

Step 6: Thermal and Power Monitoring

• Within the HP App, check system health reports for temperature and voltage readings.
• Confirm that the PSU is delivering stable power and that cooling is sufficient during gaming sessions.

Step 7: Windows Updates

• Ensure Windows 11 is fully updated via Settings → Windows Update.
• Stability patches are frequently released that address TDR-related issues.

By following these HP-guided steps, you will be able to isolate whether the issue is driver-related, firmware-related, or hardware compatibility. Since the system worked well for a year after the upgrades, applying BIOS updates, running HP diagnostics, and ensuring correct power settings should help restore stability.

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye