My computer is behaving oddly. Can you assist?
My computer is behaving oddly. Can you assist?
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X running at 4.7 GHz with 6 cores
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM
Motherboard: Asus PRIME B650M-A AX II Micro ATX AM5 Board
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36
Storage: Crucial MX500 1 TB 2.5" SSD
Storage: Hitachi 7K1000.B 1 TB 3.5" 7200 RPM HDD
Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC Rev 2.0 GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
Case: Cooler Master Elite 301 MicroATX Mid Tower
Power Supply: MSI MAG A650BN 650 W, 80+ Bronze Certified ATX
My recent experience involved frequent crashes after about six hours of gaming, then two more hours. Initially, I believed the issue stemmed from being connected to a surge protector. However, last Saturday it crashed unexpectedly while I was browsing in the CS2 lobby. The machine froze, and the screen went blank. I received several beep codes before receiving a normal confirmation tone. Upon reviewing the Windows event log, I noticed errors around three minutes prior to the crash, followed by a critical kernel-power event at the moment of failure.
I have taken the following steps: installed DDU and updated the NVIDIA driver, performed a FurMark GPU stress test lasting one hour with stable temperatures (max 62.5°C / 75°C hotspot, no artifacts), and ran MemTest86 which reported clean results. I’m unsure what further actions to take. Could you assist me?
Where to locate chipset drivers for CPUs?
Chipset, not CPU. From here;
https://www.amd.com/en/support/downloads.../b650.html
I tried the 3060 in an old i7-990x build just to keep me going until I could buy the rest of the system.
What was the model, year, and specifications of the PSU used in that older setup?
I also brought a nearly unused HDD, but I don’t have any on it right now.
What’s the production date on the drive’s label?
Could you clarify which parts you’re referring to for replacement? Which ones are you suggesting?
Microcenter, what is your budget?
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! I reviewed the Windows event log and noticed nvlddmkm errors a few minutes prior to the crash, followed by a final kernel-power critical event. Could you confirm your BIOS version for the motherboard? You mentioned using DDU to remove and reinstall GPU drivers—what Nvidia driver version are you currently using? Your power supply is an MSI MAG A650BN 650 W, 80+ Bronze Certified ATX. How long has the PSU been in use? It might help to source a higher-quality 850W unit to determine if the problem persists.
For clarity, it's important to understand the different iterations. If you check the discussions, you'll notice individuals mentioning the newest updates while acknowledging that other versions are still available.
The most recent update (as of writing) is version 3283. It's recommended to ensure your platform uses the latest chipset drivers from AMD's support site and then upgrade the BIOS to version 3283, reset CMOS, activate E.X.P.O, and verify that fTPM, Secure Boot, and Fast Boot are enabled. Regarding the motherboard, consider upgrading to a higher quality board with a better VRM layout. The RTX 3000 series is noted for significant power spikes, so it's advised to overprovision your PSU beyond typical recommendations. Since you mentioned the system was previously new, did you transfer from the older model?
Where can you locate chipset drivers for CPUs?
If you already have a motherboard, CPU, and RAM in a Microcenter setup, you don’t need to spend extra $50 for a better one.
I used the 3060 briefly in an ancient i7-990x build just to keep me going until I could afford the rest of the system. I also had a nearly unused HDD, but I’m not currently using it.
Could you tell me which parts you should consider replacing and which ones do you suggest?
You can locate chipset drivers for CPUs by visiting the manufacturer's support page or checking specific download links. For example, AMD provides driver downloads at their official site. Regarding your system, you mentioned using a 3060 CPU in an older i7-990X build, and you’re considering upgrading components. The PSU used was likely from a previous model, though the exact make, model, and age aren’t specified. The drive sticker should indicate its manufacturing date. Your current RAM setup is minimal—just one 16GB stick. To maximize performance, consider switching to a dual-channel configuration with a 2x16GB DDR5-6000MHz or DDR5-6000MT/s kit from AMD. A more robust PSU and a larger SSD for your game library are recommended improvements.
Thank you.
Thermaltake, TR2 RX 850w 80+ bronze, 14 years old but only about 6 years of use (just fyi, never crashed in the same game—it was a PSU wattage issue).
At first glance, it’s from around 2011, but similar problems occurred when the PSU was down for a long time.
I’m not spending much on computers until Christmas, but I can request any parts under $100 if needed. I’d have to rely on good luck.
Checking this set: Silicon Power Value Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory (SP032GXLWU60AFDEAE) - PCPartPicker.
Might be a good opportunity soon if I can secure a motherboard over $200.
RAM: decent price.
PSU: was considering it earlier today in case the PSU was the problem—perfect timing.
SSD: any suggestions?