Check your CPU and motherboard for issues.
Check your CPU and motherboard for issues.
Ello, I've just finished building my (theoretically) tasty new PC. Unfortunately the experience is marred heavily by the fact that most things crash most of the time . Specs CPU: i7 12700kf Motherboard: ASUS Z690-I Memory: Corsair Vengeance DDR5 5600 PSU: Corsair SF750 GPU: RTX 3090 Storage: WD Black NVMe SSD SN850 2TB Symptoms Powered on first time. No problems so far. Installed W11. No problems so far. Updated to latest BIOS. No problems so far. Installed all drivers (ASUS, Nvidia, Intel, etc) and ensured everything in devmgr was happy, there are no more exclamation marks. No problems so far. Installed iCUE for my cooler and HWInfo64 to monitor temps. Installed latest vcredists, .net packages, and all windows updates as required. No problems so far. Installed Steam, installed Dota 2 (don't judge me) and played, Dota 2.exe crashed 6 times in one match . Clues from Dota: The crash can be reproduced in a bot game by leaving it running and not touching the PC or when leaving the menu running. There appears to be nothing regular. Dota 2's minidumps contain nothing useful and look totally random. Hardly anything consistent from one crash to the next, nothing useful googling any part of them. Event Viewer's Application Report says that Dota 2 just hung and was closed down by Windows (this matches the instant CTD I was seeing). Clues from Windows: Event Viewer displays a handful of other errors from other programs, windows components and such. None look like they are consistent, they look completely random to me. Now I'm rebooting Windows less frequently whilst me and Google troubleshoot things, I notice that there are other oddities: Some windows are suddenly blank but Windows doesn't think they're broken (discord, steam, spotify, etc) The PC has rebooted randomly twice on the second day after build completion - this continues at a very low frequency. When streaming music/sound, sometimes it just stops and pressing play doesn't do anything until the PC is rebooted. Spotify/youtube/etc seem to think the audio device is suddenly unavailable. Rarely this has also fixed itself. Clues from the hardware and stress tests : HWiNFO64 reports very very healthy temperatures (imo) CPU Idle: ~24c package CPU Cinebench testing: ~74 hottest recorded core GPU Idle: ~22c GPU in Heaven: ~70 core, ~86 hotspot (no thermal pad mod) All other hardware looks very very very far from anything resembling scary temperatures I continue to run HWiNFO64 for a few days to check for random outlier values but nothing exceeds the above. The motherboard has Memtest86 installed on it, it consistently reports no errors. I untick all of the ASUS smart stuff in the BIOS - no noticeable changes to the errors. I reset the BIOS to default settings - still crashing.error(s) found on physical core I discover the OCCT cpu testing application... OCCT I'm running the 'small' data set (from what I've read, this will allow the test to focus specifically on the CPU, not the memory) and I run the OCCT CPU test mode (not Linpack). For readability, I've also set up the test to cycle through each CPU every 10 seconds and run for 10 minutes. I know that's not an extensive test but check out the results: Spoiler 00:00:00 - Info - CPU - Started (Duration : 00:10:00) 00:00:25 - Error - CPU - 34492 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:00:26 - Error - CPU - 91997 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:00:27 - Error - CPU - 91483 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:00:28 - Error - CPU - 91237 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:00:29 - Error - CPU - 90210 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:00:30 - Error - CPU - 61506 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:01:25 - Error - CPU - 34805 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:01:26 - Error - CPU - 99227 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:01:27 - Error - CPU - 98878 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:01:28 - Error - CPU - 98487 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:01:29 - Error - CPU - 99067 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:01:30 - Error - CPU - 65568 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:01:40 - Error - CPU - 24212 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:01:41 - Error - CPU - 66607 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:01:42 - Error - CPU - 66683 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:01:43 - Error - CPU - 67548 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:01:44 - Error - CPU - 67734 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:01:45 - Error - CPU - 42912 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:02:25 - Error - CPU - 37092 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:02:26 - Error - CPU - 98966 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:02:27 - Error - CPU - 98890 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:02:28 - Error - CPU - 95096 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:02:29 - Error - CPU - 98744 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:02:30 - Error - CPU - 65904 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:02:40 - Error - CPU - 25612 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:02:41 - Error - CPU - 68464 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:02:42 - Error - CPU - 68710 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:02:43 - Error - CPU - 68626 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:02:44 - Error - CPU - 67266 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:02:45 - Error - CPU - 45102 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:03:20 - Error - CPU - 24816 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:03:21 - Error - CPU - 97298 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:03:22 - Error - CPU - 99138 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:03:23 - Error - CPU - 98732 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:03:24 - Error - CPU - 97511 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:03:25 - Error - CPU - 60929 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:03:25 - Error - CPU - 31357 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:03:26 - Error - CPU - 99322 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:03:27 - Error - CPU - 93031 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:03:28 - Error - CPU - 98534 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:03:29 - Error - CPU - 98054 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:03:30 - Error - CPU - 74076 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:03:40 - Error - CPU - 22570 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:03:41 - Error - CPU - 67843 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:03:42 - Error - CPU - 68145 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:03:43 - Error - CPU - 67972 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:03:44 - Error - CPU - 68268 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:03:45 - Error - CPU - 41708 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:04:20 - Error - CPU - 29154 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:04:21 - Error - CPU - 98482 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:04:22 - Error - CPU - 98408 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:04:23 - Error - CPU - 98468 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:04:24 - Error - CPU - 98290 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:04:25 - Error - CPU - 63978 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:04:25 - Error - CPU - 23689 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:04:26 - Error - CPU - 97387 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:04:27 - Error - CPU - 98219 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:04:28 - Error - CPU - 98414 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:04:29 - Error - CPU - 97216 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:04:30 - Error - CPU - 77461 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:04:40 - Error - CPU - 27749 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:04:41 - Error - CPU - 68137 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:04:42 - Error - CPU - 67944 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:04:43 - Error - CPU - 67532 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:04:44 - Error - CPU - 67684 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:04:45 - Error - CPU - 42598 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:05:20 - Error - CPU - 40847 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:05:21 - Error - CPU - 98203 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:05:22 - Error - CPU - 98764 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:05:23 - Error - CPU - 99106 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:05:24 - Error - CPU - 99130 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:05:25 - Error - CPU - 63122 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:05:25 - Error - CPU - 42344 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:05:26 - Error - CPU - 92289 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:05:27 - Error - CPU - 91979 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:05:28 - Error - CPU - 92480 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:05:29 - Error - CPU - 92215 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:05:30 - Error - CPU - 59507 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:05:40 - Error - CPU - 24202 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:05:41 - Error - CPU - 68014 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:05:42 - Error - CPU - 67230 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:05:43 - Error - CPU - 67273 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:05:44 - Error - CPU - 67395 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:05:45 - Error - CPU - 46370 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:06:10 - Error - CPU - 40794 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:06:11 - Error - CPU - 96448 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:06:12 - Error - CPU - 95836 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:06:13 - Error - CPU - 100523 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:06:14 - Error - CPU - 96911 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:06:15 - Error - CPU - 57682 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:06:20 - Error - CPU - 46443 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:06:21 - Error - CPU - 98805 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:06:22 - Error - CPU - 99478 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:06:23 - Error - CPU - 98906 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:06:24 - Error - CPU - 98689 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:06:25 - Error - CPU - 58125 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:06:25 - Error - CPU - 45605 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:06:26 - Error - CPU - 99085 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:06:27 - Error - CPU - 98983 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:06:28 - Error - CPU - 99441 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:06:29 - Error - CPU - 98743 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:06:30 - Error - CPU - 67925 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:06:40 - Error - CPU - 23528 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:06:41 - Error - CPU - 68278 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:06:42 - Error - CPU - 68502 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:06:43 - Error - CPU - 68313 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:06:44 - Error - CPU - 67605 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:06:45 - Error - CPU - 47638 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:07:05 - Error - CPU - 22610 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:07:06 - Error - CPU - 98918 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:07:07 - Error - CPU - 98596 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:07:08 - Error - CPU - 98924 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:07:09 - Error - CPU - 98936 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:07:10 - Error - CPU - 57770 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:07:10 - Error - CPU - 38594 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:07:11 - Error - CPU - 98618 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:07:12 - Error - CPU - 99528 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:07:13 - Error - CPU - 96786 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:07:14 - Error - CPU - 98468 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:07:15 - Error - CPU - 64210 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:07:20 - Error - CPU - 31424 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:07:21 - Error - CPU - 97430 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:07:22 - Error - CPU - 97934 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:07:23 - Error - CPU - 97598 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:07:24 - Error - CPU - 98082 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:07:25 - Error - CPU - 56040 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:07:25 - Error - CPU - 29322 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:07:26 - Error - CPU - 98122 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:07:27 - Error - CPU - 98228 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:07:28 - Error - CPU - 98178 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:07:29 - Error - CPU - 97925 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:07:30 - Error - CPU - 76781 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:07:40 - Error - CPU - 19692 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:07:41 - Error - CPU - 68544 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:07:42 - Error - CPU - 68390 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:07:43 - Error - CPU - 68456 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:07:44 - Error - CPU - 68048 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:07:45 - Error - CPU - 51888 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:08:05 - Error - CPU - 47288 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:08:06 - Error - CPU - 99734 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:08:07 - Error - CPU - 98414 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:08:08 - Error - CPU - 99753 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:08:09 - Error - CPU - 99408 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:08:10 - Error - CPU - 61371 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:08:10 - Error - CPU - 32674 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:08:11 - Error - CPU - 99286 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:08:12 - Error - CPU - 99614 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:08:13 - Error - CPU - 99006 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:08:14 - Error - CPU - 99528 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:08:15 - Error - CPU - 75670 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:08:20 - Error - CPU - 37654 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:08:21 - Error - CPU - 99253 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:08:22 - Error - CPU - 99853 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:08:23 - Error - CPU - 99234 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:08:24 - Error - CPU - 100037 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:08:25 - Error - CPU - 65685 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:08:25 - Error - CPU - 26446 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:08:26 - Error - CPU - 98916 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:08:27 - Error - CPU - 98826 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:08:28 - Error - CPU - 98820 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:08:29 - Error - CPU - 97774 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:08:30 - Error - CPU - 55922 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:08:40 - Error - CPU - 22142 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:08:40 - Error - CPU - 14818 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:08:41 - Error - CPU - 60958 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:08:41 - Error - CPU - 60618 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:08:42 - Error - CPU - 61179 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:08:42 - Error - CPU - 60868 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:08:43 - Error - CPU - 60995 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:08:43 - Error - CPU - 60638 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:08:44 - Error - CPU - 61645 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:08:44 - Error - CPU - 61200 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:08:45 - Error - CPU - 40767 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:08:45 - Error - CPU - 34376 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:09:05 - Error - CPU - 41616 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:09:06 - Error - CPU - 96600 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:09:07 - Error - CPU - 97352 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:09:08 - Error - CPU - 98652 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:09:09 - Error - CPU - 97638 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:09:10 - Error - CPU - 62930 error(s) found on physical core #1 (Virtual core #3) 00:09:10 - Error - CPU - 30642 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:09:11 - Error - CPU - 97796 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:09:12 - Error - CPU - 98481 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:09:13 - Error - CPU - 97791 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:09:14 - Error - CPU - 97404 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:09:15 - Error - CPU - 74178 error(s) found on physical core #2 (Virtual core #4) 00:09:15 - Error - CPU - 29092 error(s) found on physical core #3 (Virtual core #7) 00:09:16 - Error - CPU - 98692 error(s) found on physical core #3 (Virtual core #7) 00:09:17 - Error - CPU - 98841 error(s) found on physical core #3 (Virtual core #7) 00:09:18 - Error - CPU - 99358 error(s) found on physical core #3 (Virtual core #7) 00:09:19 - Error - CPU - 98543 error(s) found on physical core #3 (Virtual core #7) 00:09:20 - Error - CPU - 76272 error(s) found on physical core #3 (Virtual core #7) 00:09:20 - Error - CPU - 28232 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:09:21 - Error - CPU - 98211 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:09:22 - Error - CPU - 95849 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:09:23 - Error - CPU - 97633 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:09:24 - Error - CPU - 97843 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:09:25 - Error - CPU - 77480 error(s) found on physical core #4 (Virtual core #8) 00:09:25 - Error - CPU - 24806 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:09:26 - Error - CPU - 97870 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:09:27 - Error - CPU - 96302 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:09:28 - Error - CPU - 95817 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:09:29 - Error - CPU - 97047 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:09:30 - Error - CPU - 56712 error(s) found on physical core #5 (Virtual core #10) 00:09:40 - Error - CPU - 21381 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:09:40 - Error - CPU - 14868 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:09:41 - Error - CPU - 62225 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:09:41 - Error - CPU - 62196 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:09:42 - Error - CPU - 61482 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:09:42 - Error - CPU - 61477 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:09:43 - Error - CPU - 62236 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:09:43 - Error - CPU - 62220 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:09:44 - Error - CPU - 60706 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:09:44 - Error - CPU - 61013 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:09:45 - Error - CPU - 41810 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #16) 00:09:45 - Error - CPU - 36062 error(s) found on physical core #8 (Virtual core #17) 00:10:00 - Info - CPU - Stopped 00:10:00 - Info - Test schedule completed So yeah, that's not good. I try a few things and essentially give up, it's got to be a faulty CPU or motherboard at this point and my days of troubleshooting were fairly definitive so I commit to pulling the CPU out. Then I have a brainwave, what if there was an issue seating the CPU. I check for any visible problems and, finding none, figure I'll try it once more before I start any RMAs. It's fixed No more errors, no more crashes, just blissful speed, silent fans, and some tasty RGB. I move on with my life and the next 3 weeks are great. It's now today, Dota 2 just crashed on startup, then it crashed 5 more time during the game, I run OCCT again. It's broke I have thousands of errors reported constantly in the exact same way as before, I see errors creeping into the event viewer again. Games are crashing, music is stopping and getting stuck. I'm completely back to square one. If the reseat solved it then how does a PC that hasn't been moved become improperly seated again? If it's a dodgy CPU then how was it fine for 3 weeks before failing, unprompted, in the exact same way as before? I'm truly stumped and have no idea what is going on. I can try a reseat but now I wonder if that was just snake oil. Taking bets on CPU versus motherboard at fault. Happy to try suggestions to help rule out one or the other (except for buying a new CPU). If I RMA them do I sent back the motherboard or CPU first? Thanks love you xx
It might be due to the inherent instability of DDR5, with random crashes often indicating issues in memory stability.
It seems you've explored all options and still have doubts. Do you have the chance to use DDR4? Have you tested with another GPU to rule out any hardware problems? I experienced something similar—random crashes, no errors during testing, and no other issues. I was anxious because this was my first build, so I assumed something went wrong. Ultimately, it came down to whether the motherboard or the CPU was the issue. Statistically, a motherboard is more prone to failure, but in my case, the CPU was faulty. I returned it, received a replacement, and everything worked out.
Alternatively, the issue could lie with your PSU. RTX graphics cards consume a lot of power and experience sudden spikes that exceed their rated power. A 750W power supply seems insufficient for your needs. It doesn't align with expectations since it should fail during stress tests, though games might be the primary load. See this link: https://youtu.be/i1dGQiNfCAc?t=255
Unusually I haven't experienced any BSODs yet. The full stop reminded me of PSU right from the start. I missed adding this to my initial post! Right now, I'm not able to test DDR4 without getting a new motherboard, which feels a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, my old PC still works, so I have a backup GTX 1660 ready. I plan to try it this evening. To check it, I purchased a power wattage monitor and set it to log maximum draw since I've been using it (about three weeks now). It only shows a peak of 480W. It's conceivable that it just records average draw during certain periods, though. If the PC suddenly spikes power use for brief moments, this might be something undetectable but seems improbable, particularly when power consumption is low while playing Dota. I've begun the RMA process for both the motherboard and CPU at once. It may prevent us from identifying the root cause, so I could attempt one before sending the other off.
It seems like you're expecting a response about potential hardware problems. A CPU or motherboard fault might trigger an error or BSOD, so it's good to keep that in mind. Hope your return to the manufacturer resolves the matter!
I’d strongly blame the power supply unit. A 3090 can cause OCP issues on an RM850X, making the lower SF750 even more problematic. It doesn’t seem to matter which game it spikes at—even Pac-Man. A simple test would be to cap Dota at 30 fps in the NVidia control panel or a tool like Rivatuner. I don’t know the specific game, but even with a 30/60 fps limit, that shouldn’t trigger an OCP spike. If your system still runs smoothly, you’re likely dealing with the PSU’s limits. How is it wired?
I experienced many problems, only having one BSOD and three reboots so far. In other cases I observed: recurring WHEA warnings in Event Viewer. Random faults or errors appearing in various Windows parts within Event Viewer. Sounds cease completely and never return (motherboard audio device). Certain programs stop entirely (such as Dota). Event Viewer indicates the program ceased responding and Windows terminated it. Some applications freeze and remain stuck without detection that they are unresponsive, leading to termination. Others enter strange, partially functioning states, appearing broken yet continuing quietly in hopes of unnoticed operation. I also considered this early in development—I mistakenly placed SF600 before and attributed early issues to it. I switched to SF750 but saw no improvement. I attempted the suggested solution: limited Dota and other games to stable frame rates to prevent stressing components, yet crashes still occur periodically. In my OCCT tests, I asked the program to inspect each core individually to avoid excessive power use or heat, but errors persist randomly across all cores without pattern. It might help to note that my older PC’s 600W CPU handles the RTX 3090 smoothly. I expected power supply problems wouldn’t cause these random app and OS issues. After an RMA for the CPU, which was the fastest processor, the same problems continued. The motherboard is now being replaced for another replacement.