Computer stops working under heavy use (stress tests, games) without any errors recorded.
Computer stops working under heavy use (stress tests, games) without any errors recorded.
In June 2023, I purchased a prebuilt computer from Skytech Gaming.
A few months later, I started experiencing random freezes. These were described as audio cuts with the final frame still visible on the screen, while fans continued to run. The system could remain stable for days, but would freeze intermittently—sometimes three or four times per session.
In recent weeks, I have attempted various troubleshooting steps:
- Monitored temperatures and checked for normal readings before each crash.
- Reviewed Event Viewer for any errors before rebooting.
- Examined crash dumps, which showed no crashes.
- Installed microcode/bios updates for 13th Gen Intel processors.
- Updated all drivers, including Intel and NVIDIA components.
- Replaced all hardware components.
- Scanned for malware and simplified the software to essentials only.
- Ran the SFC /scannow utility, which detected and repaired corrupted files.
- Reinstalled Windows on a different hard drive, removing other drives except the new one.
- Performed a memory diagnostic using Windows tool; no issues found.
- Swapped the power supply unit.
I also ran stress tests in OCCT:
- CPU+RAM Stress Test: Crashed after 18 minutes, marking the first non-game crash I’d seen.
- CPU Only Stress Test: Runn for an hour without issues.
- Memory Only: Ran for an hour with no problems.
Despite these efforts, I’m running out of options. The crashes seem unusual—no logs in Event Viewer, no black or blue screens, suggesting a “freeze” rather than a full crash. My initial suspicion was hardware-related (hard drive or PSU), but both have now been replaced without resolving the issue.
My hypothesis leans toward a problem with the motherboard, and a local technician who repairs PCs is now considering RAM as a potential fix. He noted that buying RAM by chance could be a quick solution and might be refundable if the issue continues.
I’m particularly wary of the 13th Gen Intel processors due to microcode problems many users face. I also updated to the latest microcode early on, and the computer wasn’t in use for long before that.
An unusual observation is that these crashes occur sporadically and don’t seem to happen during intense gameplay. They appear more linked to visual changes on screen—like rendering new environments or opening menus—rather than heavy workloads. The failures have happened across several games, including Civ VI & VII, Helldivers 2, Avowed, and Indiana Jones.
Additionally, I faced power outages during the summer. My air conditioner repeatedly tripped the same circuit breaker while my computer was powered on, causing the machine to lose electricity multiple times. This raises concerns that a component might have been damaged, which is why I replaced the PSU promptly.
Current specs:
- CPU: i5 13600k
- Motherboard: MSI Pro Z690-A
- Memory: Kingston 32GB DDR5-5200 (2600 MHz) RAM
- GPU: RTX 4070 Ti
does it occur only during gaming? how high does the gpu temperature reach while gaming? are there any tools such as afterburner or similar installed? did you reset the bios using a jumper after updating the bios? which bios version is currently installed? ran sfc and dism commands once more. did memtest execute at least one complete cycle?
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Considering this is a 13th Gen platform, I'm curious to think that perhaps your processor is at fault here. That being put aside, is your prebuilt yet under warranty? As for your motherboard's BIOS, for the sake of relevance, can you please mention the BIOS version that you'd flashed on your motherboard? Did you clear the CMOS after verifying your BIOS was flashed to the latest as stated above?
You stated reinstalling the OS, did you recreate the bootable USB installer to rule out a corrupt installer and installing the OS in
offline mode
(to later install all relevant drivers in an elevated command while offline)?
I've only observed it crashing once outside gaming, during an OCCT stress test of the CPU and RAM. I don't have GPU temperatures memorized, but I assume both GPU and CPU usually stay under 85°C.
I suspect Afterburner was installed around 2023, but after reformatting the PC on day one I didn't reinstall it. I also had RivaTuner installed but haven't reinstalled it since the last week's formatting.
I haven't adjusted CMOS or reset the BIOS using a jumper. When updating the BIOS, I did so via a thumb drive and the BIOS screen appeared. I'm not very experienced with this procedure.
SFC doesn't increase anything.
I haven't run memtest, only Windows Memory Diagnostic and the OSST memory stress test. I plan to run memtest tonight.
I didn't recreate the USB installer; I used the same one. That's an interesting point.
On another forum someone mentioned XMP might be the cause, I've turned it off and am keeping an eye out for any future crashes.