Help me with the game issues and my hair is getting pulled out
Help me with the game issues and my hair is getting pulled out
Hello everyone, I often gradually replace my computer components into new systems.
Here’s my current full configuration.
What has progressively deteriorated is beyond just the usual random crashes. Many games now consistently fail. They tend to trigger one of several issues: sometimes I have to log out of Windows to close the game, the screen freezes, sounds repeat endlessly, and the PC only responds when fully powered off by pressing the power button. I also encounter a random pastel-colored screen with thin pixel lines, or I see the clock client watchdog prompting a system restart.
I’ve experimented with different RAM slots, XMP profiles (1, 2, or none), gear ratios (1:1 and 1:2), and CPU overclocking, but nothing has improved things.
Running Memtest86, Prime95, and FurMark showed no overheating, errors, or crashes—even during intense gaming sessions.
I always keep my BIOS, Windows, drivers, and programs up to date.
The games most affected are Fallout 76 Hell Let Loose VRChat.
Other titles that display similar problems but remain playable include Total War: Pharaoh, Total War: Napoleon, and NBA 2K25.
Another point worth mentioning is that using the MSI Afterburner to underclock VRAM improves clock speed and power consumption. VRChat and Hell let Loose become playable again, Fallout 76 clears the loading screen for a short time, but all three games show these symptoms right away when the afterburner profile is off.
This wasn’t always the case—I used to never experience crashes on these titles. Slowly but surely, they’ve all started to deteriorate. I’m getting frustrated trying to play other games like RDR2, Fallout 3/NV/4 FH5, and many others without issues.
PLEASE HELP!
What is the age of your PSU in this build?
I always keep the most recent BIOS updates.
Which BIOS version are you using for your motherboard?
Windows
You're on version 24H2?
Use DDU to eliminate all GPU drivers (Intel, AMD, Nvidia) in Safe Mode, then install the newest GPU driver from Nvidia's support site via an elevated command, such as right-clicking the installer and selecting Run as Administrator.
My PSU dates back to around 2016-2018, and I’m not entirely certain.
I’m using version 1202 with Asus Rog Ai suite 3, and running Windows 24H2.
For drivers, I’ve only ever used the original Windows ones, and whenever I update drivers via the NVIDIA app, I perform a clean install.
When using this motherboard, ROG STRIX Z590-A GAMING WIFI comes with enhanced power delivery, an improved cooling system, PCIe® 4.0 support, WiFi 6, AI controls, and a cyberpunk-themed design.
You’ll need to apply several BIOS updates. Ensure you’re running the newest chipset driver version and then update your BIOS to version 2302. For driver installation, I’ve only used the standard Windows drivers; when updating via the NVIDIA app, a clean install is recommended. Both approaches might cause additional issues—consider trying DDU after updating the BIOS to see if problems resolve.
This appears to be related to a graphics card issue. What are the GPU temperatures when playing games? Try using another graphics card.
Never exceeding 84, usually between 65 and 78. And I don’t have another card or friends who play OC game unfortunately.
You'll need to invest some funds.
Your card is more than a decade old and really needs an update.
I understand this might not be popular, but until recently I’ve been using everything at 1080p ultra. In the games I play, with a 4K TV there were no problems. RDR2 was the only one that had minor issues, but adjusting a few settings still worked. I’ve been looking for an affordable 4K ultra 140hz ray tracing card for years now. Without it, upgrading just doesn’t make sense—whether you’re stuck with 1440p at 140hz or not. So I’m hoping the problem lies with my power supply, because my cables will need an update when I upgrade my GPU. Spending $600 in 2016/17 on a top-end card still feels like a tough deal compared to today’s market.