NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE
What is this error?
A Non-Maskable Interrupt was triggered by a hardware failure. This is a serious hardware error that cannot be ignored by the CPU.
Common causes
- RAM hardware failure
- motherboard hardware failure
- CPU failure
- PCIe device failure
- power delivery hardware failure
How to fix it
- Test RAM with memtest86
- check all hardware connections
- test components individually
- check for failing hardware
Too many steps? Crashless can diagnose this automatically — checks your drivers, temps, VRAM, and 400+ known error patterns.
Get free AI diagnosis Detailed analysis
Bug check 0x00000080 (NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE) is a critical hardware error. A Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI) means hardware sent an emergency signal that the CPU MUST handle — something physically failed.
This is one of the most serious BSODs because it almost always indicates actual hardware failure.
How to diagnose and fix:
- Run memtest86 overnight — RAM failure is the most common NMI cause
- Test each RAM stick individually in slot 1 — isolate the faulty module
- Reseat ALL hardware — GPU, RAM, CPU cooler, all power cables
- Check the motherboard for visible damage — bulging capacitors, burn marks, corrosion
- Test with minimum hardware — remove GPU (use integrated if available), use one RAM stick, disconnect all USB devices
- Check PSU voltage stability — use a PSU tester or multimeter on the 12V, 5V, and 3.3V rails
- If memtest passes, test the CPU with Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool or AMD's equivalent
- This BSOD can also occur from electrical issues — check your power strip/UPS, ensure proper grounding
When to seek help
If this error keeps happening after trying the fixes above, it may point to a deeper hardware or system issue. Consider professional help if:
- The crash occurs across multiple games or applications
- You see the same error after a clean Windows install
- Your PC is less than a year old (could be a warranty issue)
- You smell burning or hear unusual sounds from your PC
Or let Crashless do the deep analysis for you -- our AI checks drivers, temps, event logs, and 400+ known patterns automatically.
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