BSOD due to Nvidia GPU causing sudden PC shutdowns
BSOD due to Nvidia GPU causing sudden PC shutdowns
Hello everyone, I hope you're all doing well. It's time to connect with specialists to find solutions for this problem. I've been using this system for roughly three years now, making minor hardware upgrades. Unfortunately, I'm experiencing BSODs occasionally, which is quite challenging to describe. Please follow along as I provide a detailed account to help us resolve this quickly. As I work on my own business, these issues are affecting my operations. In simple terms, the possibilities are:
- The GPU (possibly with outdated Nvidia drivers from version 536.99 or 537.42)
- Hardware failure due to age, dust accumulation, or physical damage
- RAM issues from new modules causing conflicts with Windows timeout settings
- BIOS update complications related to XMP configurations
- Incorrect BIOS settings for the RAM
- Possible loose connections from not grounding properly while cleaning
I haven't performed a GPU diagnostic test. The RAM problems seem to be linked to installation errors or improper seating, though Windows detects it correctly. I haven't run any memory tests.
Key system details:
- OS: Windows 10, Version 22H2 (Build 19045.3448)
- BIOS: Updated before installing new RAM
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9400F @ 2.90GHz
- Motherboard: ROG STRIX Z390-F Gaming
- Power supply: Difficult to obtain
- Monitor: 32GB DDR4, 3 screens (left, middle, right vertical)
- OS Info: x64, no reinstalls
I've tried various fixes—BIOS updates, driver changes, RAM swaps—but nothing seems to resolve the recurring BSODs. I'm considering reverting to an older BIOS version or trying a different RAM model.
Please share your insights or suggestions. I've attached my DMP files for further analysis. Thank you for your help!
Sadly, the issue occurred once more without any updates yet. I’m trying to review your suggestions before making significant changes. I caught it again with BlueScreen; everything froze but audio played for about 20 seconds before all screens disappeared, then the left monitor displayed a BSOD. Bugcheck: VIDEO TDR FAILURE MemoryDMP File - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jBmjUnZ...drive_link
It happened once more about an hour and thirty minutes ago, so I refreshed the BIOS from 1802 to 2004, which is the newest version available online. I’ll let you know if it occurs again later. This particular error code was DPC WATCHDOG VIOLATION.
All the dump files reference the Nvidia driver. DPC_Watchdog_Violation usually points to drivers, whereas Video_TDR_Failure often indicates a faulty GPU. If you haven’t tried DDU, do so. I’ve noticed this with overheating cases—check the GPU core and memory temperatures, though there are no sensors for the VRMs. Opening it and cleaning (replacing thermal paste and pads if needed) might resolve the problem.
Hey Bjoolz, thanks for the guidance on understanding the errors. As mentioned in the initial post, I performed a full DDU clean and then reinstalled the newest driver package. I upgraded the motherboard from 1802 to 2004, but it hasn't been completed yet at this point, so I'm repeating the same steps I did yesterday to observe the outcome again. As expected, if the issue stems from a faulty GPU, it might be due to dust buildup during the clean or possibly a short circuit somewhere—maybe affecting memory chips and causing the crash. I'll check its performance after the MB update, since I want to test one change at a time. Concerning the thermal paste and pads, I have no idea how to handle that myself, so I plan to look it up and figure out what needs fixing.
I honestly gave up eventually and ended up getting a new PC, since it was time for a fresh desktop. I plan to purchase a new GPU for it and either sell the old parts or repurpose it as an older workstation if I need a quick machine. I’m frustrated by the lack of responses here, which made me hesitant to test the GPU properly. I’m not feeling very confident about diagnosing the issue now that I’m on this new system. Thanks for any assistance!