MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION (0x9C)

What is 0x0000009C?

0x0000009C shows up as a critical-severity processor (CPU) fault. A Machine Check Exception (MCE) is a hardware error detected by the CPU itself, indicating a fatal hardware failure. Commonly caused by hardware overheating, unstable overclocking multipliers, incorrect CPU core voltages, or failing motherboard power regulators. Follow the steps below to fix it.

Common Causes

• CPU core degradation or overheating
• Unstable CPU core voltage offsets
• Motherboard VRM power delivery failure
• Insufficient power supply unit (PSU) wattage

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

• 1
  Reset BIOS multiplier and voltages to stock

  Reset BIOS multiplier and voltages to stock is the first thing worth trying, since it resolves 0x0000009C for most affected systems.

• 2
  Monitor thermal temps and replace thermal paste

  When the first step isn't enough, the later steps handle the edge cases tied to cpu instability.

• 3
  Test with a different high-quality power supply

  "Test with a different high-quality power supply" targets motherboard VRM power delivery failure, one of the documented causes of 0x0000009C.

• 4
  Inspect motherboard for bulged VRM capacitors

  This step, "Inspect motherboard for bulged VRM capacitors", specifically rules out motherboard VRM power delivery failure.

Commands & Diagnostics

Frequently Asked Questions