HP Omen 15-ax251nb WHEA Logger hardware errors 0x8086:0xA118 pointing to faulty Samsung Nvme 960 SSD

[maXterls]

Hii Community/HP Repair service,

I have already sent out my HP Omen laptop 15-ax251nb [Personal Information Removed]  back twice (LCD troubles + sudden freezes BSOD + FAN broken) for repairs about sudden BSOD's, and WHEA logger issues pointing out to hardware failure. My laptop always comes back from HP and nothing has changed or has been repaired besides the LCD and FAN. They didn't find any extra hardware issues what so ever.

Although the evidence I provide to HP is very clear. I started having these Intel PCI-express Root port #9 errors (as seen in this photo below), so at first I thought it was due to bad or faulty outdated drivers by Intel (Vendor ID 0x8086).

My FAN's RPM revs up-and down when these WHEA errors occur (Probably the reason of premature FAN Bearing failure).

I have updated everything from top to bottom. HP assistant, HP website itself, BIOS, Windows updates, Intel Driver updater, DSIM, SFC Scan and every driver/Windows integrity/UEFI Diagnostics checkup, everything checked out fine. Still I had these sudden BSOD's from time to time and these WHEA Logger issues. So I started digging further into the details of the error. I started realizing the device that is coupled at this port is de Samsung SSD 960 NVMe PCIe SSD.

After trying the look at the Samsung Support/Driver website, I found A firmware upgrade for the retail version of this type of SSD. But after I tried to install it, the firmware updater immediately stopped me and said it wouldn't install due to not OEM part (You will have to contact your original manufacturer for updates). The reason this is, is because HP uses bulk version of this type of SSD's to put in there laptop's.

So I have 50 days warranty left, and no clue or solution..

Really getting tired of digging out these problems, while HP should be doing the proper diagnostics.

@Community: What else can I try to get rid of this problem?

@hpRepair Center: Why are you still not recognizing this problem? Updates for this type of SSD ?

Thanks to any helpers!

Greetings Tom - maXterls - BELGIUM

[maXterls]

So HP Technician came to my house and swapped out the motherboard and the FAN's.

This solved my problem with the WHEA Hardware errors, they are gone now.

HOWEVER....

When the tech guy left my house. And did further inspecion of the computer, it come to my attetion that there is A problem with my Nvidia 1050GTX card not being recognized. Some "3D VideoController" Driver is not installed or supported.

If you try to install the drivers from Nvidia website itself, that also doesn't work (No hardware found to install Nvidia drivers)

Contacted HP by phone, there solution was to reinstall the whole laptop. Downloaded myself A new fresh copy of windows and installed it. To my surprise.. the same error (no hardware), again updated every driver I could find on the HP support site or Nvidia/Intel + HP Support assitant. Same problem..

HP Diagnostics doesnt recognize the problem either (The hardware simply doesn't exist/work).

Please HP..

[maXterls]

HP Remote support could not help me with this problem.

They are still convinced the problem is due to software. Even though this only occured after HP installed A new"defective" motherboard and the client reinstalled with fresh 1809 Win10 copy and updated everything there is to find on HP and Nvidia drivers.

HP is now coming over, for A new onsite repair too personally reinstall my OS.

Really can't believe this 😛 they better have A new board with them.

Repair number 4, can't wait pff

Keep you posted...

Greetz maXterls