Issue with flickering display and restarting after installation (7800X3D, 4090, etc.)
Issue with flickering display and restarting after installation (7800X3D, 4090, etc.)
Hi, everyone!
I recently assembled a new PC and am facing an unsettling intermittent problem that would appreciate some guidance. Here are the key details:
Processor: Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Case: NZXT Kraken Elite 240
Graphics: MSI MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WIFI
GPU: RTX 4090 Founders Edition
Memory: Samsung 990 Pro (2 TB)
Storage: G.Skill DDR5-6000 CL30 (32 GB)
Power Supply: MSI A1000G PCIE5 1000W
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Initially, everything worked smoothly for a few days after installation. However, once I booted into Windows, the GPU indicator would disappear and the screen would go black. After a short pause, the system would restart. This occurred multiple times, but it usually resolved itself after a reboot. Performance remained normal during gameplay, and it didn’t happen while playing. It generally seems to happen right after or very near booting into Windows. Once I was in and had finished tasks, it no longer occurred.
During setup, I downloaded the X670E AM5 chipset driver from AMD and the Ethernet/audio drivers from MSI. The motherboard BIOS is version 7E12v14, the latest non-beta release available on MSI’s site. I’m also using the newest Game Ready driver (installed via GeForce Experience), with PBO and EXPO enabled.
After several crashes over a few days, I reinstalled Windows completely, but this time disabled MSI’s driver utility in the BIOS beforehand. Everything worked again for a couple of days. However, it happened again yesterday. Logs from the incident showed a bugcheck error (0x00000119).
Since then, I ran memory tests and stability checks in OCCT—power tests, GPU load tests, etc.—all passed. Temperatures were normal across all measurements, even after Cinebench and 3DMark tests.
I re-seated the GPU, checked all cables, and confirmed the +12VHPWR connection was intact. I then tried DDU in safe mode and reinstalled the latest Game Ready driver directly (not through GeForce Experience). I’m unsure if this resolved the issue, as I’ve experimented with various solutions but haven’t been able to reproduce it consistently.
A few observations that stand out: I used SteelSeries GG, Logitech G HUB, and NZXT CAM. One peculiar point is that for a couple of days my system was perfectly stable, then this started. That same day, Windows G HUB stopped starting, and it had been updated to version 2024.1.515200 to support Windows 11’s Dynamic Lighting. Some users claim this update caused problems, but not necessarily crashes like mine. It could be a coincidence, though—I recall yesterday my PC was running for about 15 minutes while I was reading in Edge. When I clicked G HUB to open it, the black screen occurred instantly. I can’t replicate it, but I wanted to mention it.
Anyone have suggestions? Is this more likely a hardware or software problem?
Thanks in advance!
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! I would flash the BIOS to the latest version, 7E12v186, which is a BETA. After confirming your BIOS was successfully flashed, clear the CMOS by disconnecting from the wall and display, remove the CMOS battery. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds and then replace the CMOS battery after 30 minutes.
I considered trying beta BIOS (you can check what's available for that motherboard there), but I decided to wait until it becomes a necessity. I'm sure I'll try it again if the problem persists. From what I shared in the post, it seems more related to software rather than hardware. For now, it booted up properly last night and I played games for about four hours without any issues. I also noticed a new Game Ready driver that I installed before turning off the PC. I'll let you know if the issue continues. Thanks for your response!