Is there an issue with the constant crashing in your brand new Ryzen 9 9950X3D build?
Is there an issue with the constant crashing in your brand new Ryzen 9 9950X3D build?
OS:
Windows 11
The PC briefly displays the home screen or desktop before displaying a black screen and showing the message “PC needs restart 0%” accompanied by the error code “critical process died 0xef …”. Occasionally, it triggers a blue screen of death with a sad face and the same error. The system returns to the boot menu and indicates it cannot locate the error, referencing a log file at “c /windows/system32/logfiles/srt/srttrail.txt”.
At times, it restarts itself without changing to 0%, instead entering recovery mode and reporting an inability to find the error. The log file path is mentioned.
Sometimes it boots into recovery mode without the error, but loses power to peripherals such as the mouse, keyboard, stream deck, and second mouse. It continues to work in BIOS with all hardware detected, then restarts to a password/pin screen. Logs indicate crashes on the login screen after 15–30 seconds, though it can remain on the screen for over 30 minutes without failing.
Despite turning off third-party applications for startup, the issues persist even after a fresh Windows 11 installation. The problem started about five months ago and has progressively worsened. No matter what I try, the boot behavior remains consistent for nearly two months now.
I have attached a video of the PC in a boot loop if you need it.
I have tried all the following without success or changes in how the PC operates:
- Fresh Windows 11 installation
- Removing all hardware (CPU, RAM, GPU, M.2)
- Updating BIOS
- Using completely new RAM twice
- Disconnecting all peripherals
- Reinstalling drivers (if possible)
- Booting with RAM enabled
- Booting Windows 11 from USB drive
- Clearing CMOS
Hardware details:
- Motherboard: MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI ATX AM5
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- CPU cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360
- GPU: Asus PRIME GeForce RTX 5080 16 GB
- RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance DDR5 64GB (2x32GB) at 6000MHz
- Power supply: be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 1000W 80 Plus Gold
- SSD: Western Digital Blue SN580 2TB
- Additional components: 9 Corsair fans (2022), 2 Corsair fan hubs (2021/2022)
Please let me know if you need further assistance.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Where did you obtain the installer for the OS? Did you recreate the bootable USB installer for your system to ensure there was no corruption?
RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance DDR5 RAM 64GB (2x32GB) 6000MHz
Do you have a link to the RAM kit you're using?
Motherboard: MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI ATX AM5
Updating BIOS
For clarity, please specify the BIOS version currently installed on your motherboard.
Can you confirm if you can enter Safe Mode?
Hello!
I obtained the installer directly from Microsoft using "Create Windows 11 Installation Media" for the first time and encountered the same problems. I also used the cloud/download method from recovery mode. I haven’t tried re-downloading the bootable USB or using a different USB device.
My RAM details are:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F66S47DC?ref...asin_title
and
https://www.newegg.com/silicon-powe...kb...IzNTIzMjMy
Both RAMs produced the same result. I’ve tried changing the power cycle settings on and off, but the Motherboard BIOS version is E7E62AMSI.2A48 with a build date of 9/9/25. The issue persists even with one previous BIOS update (3 total updates).
I’m not sure if I can enter safe mode; after three power cycles it immediately jumps to automatic repair, which then either cuts power to peripherals or shows an error log file and forces a restart back to normal boot.
It might be a drive-related problem. I wouldn't recommend using the SN580 as the main system drive. It's an affordable entry-level option suitable for secondary storage, but not ideal for running the operating system. You could consider a different drive, such as a SN850X if you prefer WD, and install Windows there.
Please inform us about the progress. Remember to clear the old drive prior to setting up Windows again. The system must contain only the new drive throughout the installation.