bsodPC repeatedly freezes with various error screens, fails to start (five beeps), or doesn't turn on from sleep mode
bsodPC repeatedly freezes with various error screens, fails to start (five beeps), or doesn't turn on from sleep mode
Hello, over the past few months I've encountered issues with my custom-built PC from 2019. First, it occasionally freezes unexpectedly, sometimes multiple times daily and other times just a few weeks apart. The error codes displayed vary: KERNEL DATA INPAGE ERROR, KERNEL STACK INPAGE ERROR, SYSTEM SERVICE EXCEPTION, MEMORY MANAGEMENT, DPC WATCHDOG, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL amdkmgag.sysNDLED, dxgmms2.sysD. These seem to suggest different problems—possibly related to RAM, GPU drivers, or the hard drive. Second, the system fails to boot properly. Although fans spin and the GPU lights up briefly, the screen remains dark. After roughly ten seconds I hear five short beeps. Officially this indicates no GPU was found, but some sources suggest it could point to a GPU, CPU (which lacks built-in graphics), or a motherboard fault (see related articles). Since I don’t have extra CPUs or GPUs and the issues can persist for weeks, narrowing down the cause is challenging. Previously, turning off the power supply and waiting 30–60 minutes helped. To resolve this, I tried several steps: checking storage health with chkdsk and CrystalDiskInfo, running memory diagnostics via Windows tool, uninstalling and reinstalling RAM, updating the GPU driver, updating BIOS, cleaning thermal paste, and even removing some hard drives. Currently, my PC doesn’t start at all (as noted in point 2). I’m unable to provide crash dumps or export logs yet, but I’d be glad to assist if it boots again. (Note: Attached files are included.) Any guidance on troubleshooting or potential fixes would be greatly appreciated as I’m unsure what to do next and don’t want unnecessary hardware purchases.)
PC specifications:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 6x 3.40GHz (no overclocking)
- Motherboard: ASRock B450 Pro4
- RAM: 4 x 8GB G.Skill Aegis DDR4-3000 DIMM CL16 (2 x 16 GB Dual Kits)
- GPU: 8GB Sapphire Radeon RX 580 Nitro+
- Case: Sharkoon M25-V Midi Tower
- Storage: 500GB Crucial MX500 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s, 1TB Crucial MX500 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s, 2000GB Toshiba DT01ACA200
- PSU: 500W quiet
- Display: 4 x 27" WQHD monitors (Acer)
- Cooling: Rock Tower cooler with included fans
- OS: Windows 10
Edited: October 17, 2023 – cleopatrick
It depends on your needs. 2 x 16GB gives you 32GB total, 64GB offers 128GB, and 4 x 8GB equals 32GB as well. Choose based on storage requirements.
4 units at 8 GB each. However, I purchased them in a set of two "Dual Kits." This detail will be noted in my upcoming post.
Only attempt with single RAM bars? Did you try two sticks from the same set at stock? Everything available? Have you refreshed the BIOS? Also think about: * M2_2, SATA3_3 and SATA3_4 share lanes. Any of them in use will disable the others. * If M2_1 is busy, PCIE4 will be turned off. Edited October 17, 2023 by leclod
You’re looking for guidance on how to set up your connections. Try using two drives from one set in the dual channel slots, or swap them between slots. Keep the same two drives but move them to different slots. Only use the two cables from the second set, and avoid using just one drive from either set. Also, make sure the GPU isn’t disconnected—it could cause performance issues. The GPU is in the PCIE2 slot; other slots like PCIE4 and M2_1 aren’t needed, and SATA3_4 isn’t required. There should be no problems if you follow these steps.
You were correct about the approach. Disconnecting all hard drives might help, even though it shouldn't fix the core issue. Moving the SSD from M2_2 to M2_1 could be worth testing. I'm unsure if it affects the OS but it's something to consider. Updated October 17, 2023 by leclod
I took all SATA connections off the mainboard and removed every power cable from the hard drives. No startup, identical five beeps. I only linked my main SSD to the Windows partition via SATA3_1 – still no start, same five beeps. Reminder: I didn’t install anything in M2_1 or M2_2. I’m unsure if this will help since the five beeps suggest the issue could come from GPU, CPU, or motherboard, all essential components. I’d also need at least one RAM bar. When I tried booting without any RAM, nothing happened. The fans ran for a while before the PC shut down again. Now only a Wi-Fi card, some fan controls, front ports, and the beeper remain attached.
This likely points to a CPU or motherboard problem. Five beeps during startup indicate a CPU error. Most random BSODs suggest the motherboard is the issue, probably due to CPU faults. I’d bet on the motherboard having a fault. Keep only RAM in slot A2, CPU and cooler, and power it on. Short the power pins if the 5-beep code persists. If it keeps happening, consider replacing the motherboard.