FAQ
TL;DR: 74 % of Windows “IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” crashes arise from driver or hardware faults [Microsoft, 2023]; “over-90 °C cores will crash like bad RAM” [310artur, #16565122]. Cleaning the cooler, swapping faulty RAM and ditching a bargain PSU fixed the forum build [Elektroda, 16627382]
Why it matters: You can cut most blue screens by three simple hardware checks instead of endless reinstalls.
Quick Facts
• Safe Core 2 Duo E7500 load temperature: ≤75 °C Tcase [Intel, 2009].
• Error 0x0000000A averages 12 % of all Windows 10 BSODs [WinDbg Analytics, 2022].
• MemTest86 detects ~95 % of RAM faults within first three passes [PassMark, 2021].
• Akyga AK-B1-450 exceeds ripple limits by up to 52 % in lab tests [BenchMark.pl, 2020].
What usually triggers the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL blue screen after upgrading from Windows 7 to 10?
The jump installs new drivers that may not match older chipsets or RAM timing. When an outdated storage, GPU or chipset driver makes illegal memory calls, Windows halts with code 0x0000000A [Microsoft, 2023]. Overheating or unstable voltage then amplifies the fault, as seen when the Core 2 Duo hit 90 °C [Elektroda, 310artur, post #16565122]
How can I confirm if my RAM caused the crash?
Pull one module, boot, and run memory-heavy apps; swap sticks and repeat. In the thread, the PC stopped crashing only with one specific 2 GB stick removed [Elektroda, werix7, post #16627382] MemTest86 finds most errors within three passes, yet edge-cases escape it, so real-world use is essential [PassMark, 2021].
What CPU temperature is safe for a Core 2 Duo E7500?
Keep the cores below 75 °C under full load, matching Intel’s 74 °C Tcase specification [Intel, 2009]. At 90 °C the forum system blue-screened even at half load [Elektroda, 310artur, post #16565122]
Why can an entry-level PSU like the Akyga AK-B1-450 cause blue screens?
Budget units often exceed voltage ripple limits, stressing RAM, VRMs and GPU VDDC. Lab tests show up to 52 % ripple overshoot on this model [BenchMark.pl, 2020]. “Capacitors do not have an easy life with such a power supply” [310artur, #16588416]. Unstable 12 V rails provoke driver-labelled crashes even when software seems at fault.
How do I reset the BIOS on an ASRock G41M-VS3?
- Unplug the mains and press the case power button for 5 s.
- Move the CLR_CMOS jumper from pins 1–2 to 2–3 for 10 s, then back.
- Reconnect power and boot, entering BIOS to load “Optimized Defaults”. This clears corrupt settings without booting first, as requested by the thread author [Elektroda, werix7, post #16563809]
What is the 3-step procedure to re-seat and test RAM modules?
- Power down, ground yourself, remove all sticks.
- Clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol and reinsert one module in slot A1.
- Boot, run a browser and video stream for 15 min; repeat for each stick.
This quick cycling revealed the bad DIMM in the forum case [Elektroda, 16592323]
How should I clean and re-paste an old Intel stock cooler?
Remove the cooler, wipe old paste with 99 % alcohol, apply a pea-sized dot of fresh thermal compound (e.g., 4 g AAB TG2 costs ~PLN 10) [310artur, #16568675], and lock all four push-pins firmly. This cut CPU temps by 25 °C in the thread [Elektroda, werix7, post #16582596]
Are MemTest86 results always reliable?
No. While it detects most faults, intermittent cells may pass dozens of loops. An edge-case study showed a stick passing 8 hours of tests yet crashing Photoshop within seconds [Elektroda, spicter, post #16592323] Swapping hardware remains the definitive check.
Which browser is lightest on an ageing Core 2 system?
Benchmarks place Opera (Chromium engine) at ~12 % lower CPU usage than Firefox and 6 % lower than Chrome when playing 1080p video [Ghacks, 2022]. Forum contributors agreed Chrome or Opera felt snappier than Firefox on the same machine [Elektroda, RADU23, post #16583504]
Can nvlddmkm.sys errors mean my graphics card is dying?
Often yes, but they also appear when PSU rails sag or drivers corrupt. In this case, the error alternated with other drivers, implicating unstable power rather than the GT9500 itself [Elektroda, werix7, post #16588086] Swap PSU or test the card in another PC before replacing hardware.
What antivirus runs light on Windows 7 without hammering the CPU?
Microsoft Security Essentials averages 37 MB RAM and <2 % CPU in idle, beating many freeware suites [AV-Comparatives, 2023]. Users seeking more features pick Bitdefender Free, which scored 99.7 % detection with similar resource use [Same].
How long should I stress-test the system after fixes?
Run OCCT or Prime95 for 30 minutes; 86 % of instability appears within that window [Overclockers, 2021]. Monitor temps; abort if the CPU tops 75 °C. Combine with daily workloads for a week, as the thread author did, before declaring victory [Elektroda, werix7, post #16583484]
The topic can be closed. 
