BombOmOm

Things to try:

• Update your BIOS, this will likely solve the issue since things are working fine with your prior CPU.
• If you are running an XMP/EXPO profile, turn it off, as it might be making your system unstable.
• Memtest. Run it for at least a full cycle (which takes about an hour). If you see more than a single error, then there is something wrong with your RAM.

What errors do you get on boot? Also, are Windows and Linux on the same drive, or separate?

I’m fresh out of uni and I’m trying to learn new stuff, but idk what to do with my life anymore.

I’m assuming you are actively looking for a job in a field relevant to your degree? If not, that is your life until you find one; some branching out may be required if your particular field isn’t in demand.

I’m being offered to take a sysadmin certification for this particular distribution I know absolutely nothing about…The exam is free, but I must pass it, or else I must pay for it and then take it again.

Unless this certification is specifically listed as a requirement for a job your are applying to, don’t do the certification. They are normally expensive and not that helpful.

You don’t really need one that is specifically Linux based, as you can format a windows box to Linux at will. Really any 10" laptop you find on cragslist or ebay should do.

Honestly, the only difficult requirement will be the 10" part. 12"-13" are much more common for small laptops.