What is AacKingstonDramHal_x64.exe?

Written by Robert Bailey
AacKingstonDramHal_x64.exe” is a software component developed by ASUS that is associated with the Kingston DRAM module installed on your computer. This program is designed to enhance the performance and stability of your system by managing the settings of your DRAM module.

ASUS Aura Creator (AAC) is a software suite that provides a range of tools for customizing and optimizing ASUS hardware components. One of the programs included in the suite is “AacKingstonDramHal_x64.exe,” which is specifically designed to manage the performance settings of the Kingston DRAM module. Its purpose is to ensure optimal performance and stability of the DRAM module.

The DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) module is a critical computer memory component that stores data for rapid access by the CPU. It plays a vital role in the overall performance of a computer system by efficiently storing and retrieving data. The “AacKingstonDramHal_x64.exe” program is specifically developed to manage the settings of the Kingston DRAM module, which is a well-known and widely used brand of computer memory.

Through the optimization of DRAM module settings, the “AacKingstonDramHal_x64.exe” program can contribute to enhancing the overall performance and stability of your computer. This optimization can lead to faster load times, smoother performance, and a reduction in crashes or errors.

Is AacKingstonDramHal_x64.exe virus?

In summary, “AacKingstonDramHal_x64.exe” is a legitimate program developed by ASUS that is designed to improve the performance and stability of your computer by managing the settings of your Kingston DRAM module.

If you are experiencing high CPU usage from the “AacKingstonDramHal_x64.exe” process located in the temporary folder, the program may be encountering an error or conflict that is causing it to use excessive system resources.

Here are some steps you can take to try to resolve the issue:

  • End the process: Open the Task Manager, locate the “AacKingstonDramHal_x64.exe” process, and click “End Task”. This will stop the process from running and using system resources.
  • Delete the temporary file: Since the process is located in the temporary folder, there may be a corrupt or incomplete file causing the issue. Try deleting the file and restarting your computer. The program should recreate the necessary files when it runs again.
  • Reinstall the program: If the issue persists, try uninstalling the “AacKingstonDramHal_x64.exe” program and then reinstalling it from a trusted source, such as the official ASUS website.
  • Update drivers: Ensure that you have the latest drivers installed for your hardware components, including the Kingston DRAM module. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues and lead to high CPU usage.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, there may be Trojan Coinminer Virus

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Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe Windows Process

Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe – Extremely high CPU and GPU usage

Besides CPU utilization, some coin miners also use GPU power. In that instance, you will also struggle to see the mouse arrow moving – GPU is often utilized at 100%. It is not as important as the processor for system work, so Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe coin miner viruses do not waste time on trifles and utilize it all. It often may cause sad effects.

Shortly about cryptocurrency mining

Crypto mining term means the action of calculating the transaction block hash. That is a basic element of anything based on blockchain technology. Since this action takes a lot of calculations, a very powerful computer is required. The GPU is better for this purpose because they have more cores available. Cryptomining farms usually consist of tens and hundreds of GPUs to complete their task efficiently. Such computer systems are useless for “normal” gaming or web browsing. Fraudsters who make profit via this coin miner use someones’ hardware instead, even if they are used for regular activity.1

List of the typical coin miner symptoms

  • Microsoft Defender is stopped;
  • CPU and GPU is loaded at 80-90% exactly after the system starts
  • Cooling fans are running at high speed and create a lot of noise
  • A single process in Task Manager consumes all CPU and GPU power
  • How dangerous is the Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe miner?

    Coin miners do not deal damage to your files. However, they do a lot of unpleasant things with the whole system

    First, Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe malware makes your PC overloaded. It is unable to run your applications now, because all processor power is consumed by malware. That malware does not care for your demands. All it pays attention to is generating profits on you. Even if you are patient, and you waited until web browser is open, you will likely experience exceptionally slow efficiency. Pages will open up for years, any kind of logins will take about a minute – just a nightmare for a person who works online.

    Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe Technical Summary.

    File Name Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe
    Type Trojan Coin Miner
    Detection Name Trojan:Win32/CoinMiner
    Distribution Method Software bundling, Intrusive advertisement, redirects to shady sites etc.
    Similar behavior Ezupdt.exe, Dipawaymode.exe, Auepmaster.exe
    Removal Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware for automatic Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe removal.

    “Visible” harm is not a solitary unpleasant activity coin miners perform to your PC. Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe coin miner additionally deals damage to your OS. To carry out all malicious operations correctly, it wrecks the protection mechanisms of your system. You will likely see your Microsoft Defender disabled – malware halts it to avoid detection. If you check the HOSTS file, you will likely see a number of new notes – they are brought in by this trojan miner to connect your computer to a malicious mining network. All these adjustments are about to be reverted to the original in the process of system recovery.

    Hardware effects of coin miner activity

    Besides decreasing your computer’s performance, performing at peak power for long times can trigger damage to your machine and raise electricity bills. PC elements are created to easily deal with high load, but they are good with it only in cases when they are in good shape.

    Compact and well-protected CPU cooling system is hard to crack. Meanwhile, GPUs have large and easy-to-access fans, which can be easily cracked if touched while spinning, for example, by the user much earlier before the virus injection. Malfunctioning cooling system, together with the very high load caused by Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe malware can easily lead to GPU failure2. Video cards are also tend to have very fast wearing when used for cryptocurrency mining. It is surely an unwanted case when the performance of your GPU plunges 20-30% just after several weeks of being exploited in such a way.

    How did I get Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe coin miner virus?

    Coin miners are spread through different ways, but their main sources are malicious banners and programs from dubious sources

    Coin miners are the most prevalent malicious programs through “severe” malware. Adware often functions as a carrier for Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe malware infiltration: it shows you the banners containing a link to malware downloading. Yes, this abstract “malware” can belong to any type – an additional adware, spyware, rogue or backdoor. But the statistics say that around 30% of all malware spread with the malevolent banners are coin miners – and Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe is just with them.3

    Unwanted banners adware

    The example of malicious banners you can see in the Internet

    An additional way you could get this thing on your PC is by downloading it from the unreliable web page as a part of a program. Users that spread hacked variants of popular programs (which do not require the license key) have small chances to earn money. For this reason, there is a very big lure to add malware to the final package of the hacked app and get a coin for every installation. Before blaming these guys for hacking and also malware spreading, ask yourself – is it okay to avoid paying for the program in such a way? It is much cheaper to pay $20-$30 one time than to pay a much bigger figure for antivirus software and new parts for your computer.

    How to remove the Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe miner from my PC?

    The best way to get rid of this coin miner virus is to use anti-malware software

    Eliminating such a virus involves using specific software. Effective security tools must have high performance at scanning and be lightweight – to make no problems with usage also on weak computers. Additionally, it is better to have on-run protection in your protection solution – to prevent the virus even before it starts. Microsoft Defender lacks these features for various factors. That’s why I’d advise you to use a third-party anti-malware program. GridinSoft Anti-Malware is an ideal choice that fits each of the specified qualities.4

    Before the malware removal, it is important to reboot your operating system into Safe Mode with Networking. Since Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe miner takes a lot of CPU capacity, it must be halted before launching the security program. Otherwise, your scan will last for years, even though the GridinSoft program is pretty lightweight.

    Booting the PC into Safe Mode with Networking

    Press the Start button, choose Power, and click Reboot while holding the Shift key on the keyboard.

    Boot into Windows Safe Mode

    Windows will reboot into recovery mode. In that mode, choose Troubleshoot→ Startup Settings→ Safe Mode with Networking. Press the corresponding button on your keyboard to choose that option.

    windows safe mode boot option with command prompt

    When your PC is in Safe Mode, all third-party apps, along with the majority of non-crucial Windows components, are not started with the system start. That gives you the ability to clean the PC without dealing with high CPU usage of the coin miner.

    Remove Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe coin miner virus with GridinSoft Anti-Malware

    Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware. You can use this anti-malware program for free during its 6-day trial period. In that term, all functions are available, and it takes no payments to remove malware from your system.

    GridinSoft Anti-Malware free trial

    After activating your free trial, start Full scan. It may last up to 10 minutes. You may use the PC as usual.

    Scanning in GridinSoft Anti-Malware

    When the scan is finished, press the Clean Now button to remove all detected elements from your system. This procedure takes less than a minute.

    GridinSoft Anti-Malware after the scan process

    Now, you are good to go. Reboot your PC into a normal Windows mode and use just as there was nothing malicious.

    Remove Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe Virus ⛏️ Trojan Coin Miner

    Name: Aackingstondramhal_x64.exe

    Description: "AacKingstonDramHal_x64.exe" is a legitimate program developed by ASUS that is designed to improve the performance and stability of your computer by managing the settings of your Kingston DRAM module.

    Operating System: Windows

    Application Category: Trojan

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    User Review
    5 (5 votes)
    Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

    References

    1. Detailed explanation of how does cryptomining work.
    2. About unwanted effects for GPUs in the process of crypto mining.
    3. Read more about various malware type on Cybersecurity Glossary.
    4. Our review on GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

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    About the author

    Robert Bailey

    I'm Robert Bailey, a passionate Security Engineer with a deep fascination for all things related to malware, reverse engineering, and white hat ethical hacking.

    As a white hat hacker, I firmly believe in the power of ethical hacking to bolster security measures. By identifying vulnerabilities and providing solutions, I contribute to the proactive defense of digital infrastructures.

    One Response

    1. Software Dev frustrated with misinformation May 8, 2023

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