WHEA Logger error, event ID 1 (only on clean bootup from a shutdown state)

[BlackDevil780]

Hello everyone. I've built my PC 2 months ago and since then and I'm trying to troubleshoot and figure out how to fix this error (Also please note that there are no crashes at all). After so much time troubleshooting the issue, I reached the following:
1- The error only appears on Windows start up (not when restarted but when opened from fully being shutdown)
2- the error appears once only during the first startup but if I restart, it wouldn't appear again in the Event Logger. If I shutdown and open up again, It will appear.
3- After trying to shortlist the hardware causing the issue, I got it shortlisted to either the GPU or the PCIE x16 slot. This is mainly because when I connect my monitor to the Displayport in my Mobo, No errors appear at all whatsoever. even after 10 shutdowns and boots. but when I connect my monitor to my GPU, the error appears on every startup after a clean shutdown.
4- I've tested the GPU very heavily with so many stress tests and benchmarks to make sure it's functioning properly and so far not even 1 crash or anything that looks abnormal. it's working perfectly as intended.

So I'm really not sure why I'm having this error. I would appreciate if anyone can help me in solving it.

Notes:
- Removing XMP profile didn't do anything
- Resseting BIOS and CMOS battery did nothing
- testing while removing other hardware like the HDDs, Cooler, fans, etc did nothing
- doing a clear install of windows with no drivers/3rd party apps installed still changed nothing and error still appears on boot up.



Error Raw Data from event Viewer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

PS: I tried converting the Raw data from hex to string to try to get any useful info but so far no luck.

PC Specs:
OS: Winows 11 Pro 64-Bit (Build 22000)
CPU: i7-12700 (power unlocked)
MB: Asus prime h670 plus d4 (latest BIOS update)
GPU: Nvidia RTX 3070Ti Aorus Master
Cooler: Aorus Waterforce x280
Ram: 64GB (32x2) Gigabyte Designare 3200MHz CL16 (XMP1)
PSU: XPG Core Reactor 750W 80+ Gold
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB // x3 1 TB HDDs

 

[BlackDevil780]

NVM, the Issue is solved, I downloaded the latest Intel ME driver from the BIOS/Firmware section at my Mobo's website and the problem is gone.

even though the latest Intel ME firmware was bundled with the latest BIOS update for my board (which I installed before), I had to install it separately once again for the error to disappear.