Blue Screen Error: thermal shutdown

[AmacG9]

Hello. Upon starting the PC, we receive the following error:

"A thermal shutdown occurred. The computer shut down previously to avoid overheating. Overheating can occur if the vents are blocked or if the operating temperature exceeds the system specifications. The computer should return to normal operation once the situation is resolved.

System temperature (90D)

Enter - Continue startup."

We recently upgraded the video driver to MSI Geforce GTX 1660 super. There was no issues for the last month. 

When I hit enter, we receive beep codes: 4 long and 2 short. I can't find the error corresponding to these.

If I hit Ctrl Alt Delete, the system attempts to start, the fans run super loud, and then it shuts down. I can't get into recovery mode. I tried a few times and getting a blue screen of death. The stop code: SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION and what failed: dxgkrnl.sys.

We ran a full system check using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI and everything passed. I tried to replace the video card back to the old one based on the failure code above. Still no luck.

Can anyone assist with the next steps to troubleshoot? 

[Bill_To]

Hi @AmacG9 

The 4:2 error code is probably a hot CPU.

You probably have a heatsink/fan CPU cooler. Your PC has a 65 watt TDP Intel 8700 processor.

You may have to replace the CPU heatsink, and/or the CPU fan, or AIO Liquid cooler. Clean the CPU heat spreader and apply new CPU thermal paste. Try a new CPU cooler or try a different CPU fan on the factory CPU heatsink if possible.

I would also use a dust buster to remove all dust inside the chassis if you haven't done this recently. It is possible the CPU heatsink/fan or other chassis' fans are clogged with dust.

Having limited chassis' airflow or limited dissipation of heat from the CPU heat spreader to the heatsink/fan will create a hot CPU.