My friend's computer has various issues and I'm unable to identify the problem.
My friend's computer has various issues and I'm unable to identify the problem.
Hello everyone,
I'm reaching out for assistance since I'm facing difficulties understanding the root of my roommate's computer issues. Essentially, his machine has been experiencing BSODs frequently. On average, it crashes around 2 to 5 times daily. He's asked me to investigate. I've spent the past four days working on it, but progress is inconsistent and doesn't last long. I've encountered various error codes:
- MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
- IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL
- PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
- SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
- DRIVER_VERIFIER_DETECTED_VIOLATION
- DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
- KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED_M
I've determined that one of his RAM modules was defective. Initially, the computer wouldn't boot, and even after a restart, it would crash when I opened Firefox. After replacing the RAM, performance improved significantly and BSODs ceased. However, recently I've noticed occasional freezes, with some functions failing to respond. When I open Windows settings and click through options, the process seems to stall without completion.
I've tried several troubleshooting steps:
- Confirmed the RAM issue and replaced it. Also checked for dust buildup, which I cleared from the slots.
- Observed that the CPU temperature was high at idle (around 80°C), so I changed the thermal paste, reducing it by 10°C.
- Converted the M2 drive from MBR to GPT, as the system was booting in UEFI mode and the MBR setup seemed problematic. Performance improved noticeably.
- Research suggested his GPU might be a cause of crashes; I attempted to fine-tune it using Adrenalin Software, but the problem persisted.
- Re-enabled Secure Boot after suspecting it was disabled initially.
- Noticed the RAM speed was slower than expected (2400 Mhz vs. 2666 Mhz originally), so I enabled XMP profiles to match the new sticks. However, this caused more freezing after changes.
- Updated BIOS to version f67b, which improved the boot logo but didn't resolve deeper issues.
- Ran diagnostic tools like sfc /scannow, chkdsk, and memory tests; most results were clean.
- Scanned for malware using antivirus software; no threats detected.
- All drivers are current, and the OS is freshly installed.
Despite these efforts, BSODs still occur intermittently. I'm beginning to suspect either a faulty motherboard or a potential rootkit infection, which could explain the widespread malfunctions. Could anyone offer further guidance?
Here are my system details:
- Motherboard: Aorus b450 Elite
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600x
- RAM: HyperX Fury 8GB x2 (16GB) at 2666 Mhz originally, now 2400 Mhz after replacement
- SSD: LG DLC500 500GB M2
- GPU: Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 5600 XT
- Power Supply: Textorm 500+
Please let me know if you have any recommendations.
I've noticed Ryzen sometimes has problems with Corsair RAM. I'm not claiming it's the definitive reason, but it might be worth looking into upgrading to a model like Ripjaws for speeds around 3600. I'm unsure what the best motherboard will allow you to "XMP" since AMD uses a different system. As before, I'd think about reinstalling the operating system and checking the BIOS version. This is more complicated because a crash during a BIOS update could damage the motherboard. I'd also suggest getting a good power supply—just be careful, it could be a safety hazard.
Hey, thanks for your help !
The original RAM was Kingston HyperX Fury and I haven't had crashes since I've installed the Corsair instead. I've updated the BIOS already to its latest version.
Do you believe his Textorm 500 + is a bad power supply ? Why ? Could it be the issue ?
Largely because of the short 3-year warranty, it’s not great. Even the "housefire" versions of the Thermaltake Smart line come with 5 years. I think a mid-range Zalman, or maybe a higher-end Corsair, would be better.
The PSU prices are still a bit confusing. Used to be you could find a decent one for under $50, which is now hard to imagine.
And you're asking if the guide is about beginning a clean installation from an install USB and completely erasing everything, not just a simple reset?
I did the same as you described. I used the mediacreationtool from Microsoft to install Windows on a USB drive, wiped the existing data, and then set up a fresh partition. I checked the linked instructions and noticed the BIOS wasn't configured for UEFI at the time, but I've since adjusted it. Could this have led to lingering issues even after switching back to UEFI?
I follow a similar setup:
Motherboard : previously MSI carbon B450. Now Aorus b550 Elite Ax
CPU : AMD Ryzen 5 3900x
RAM : previously Corsair 3200 4x8 GB. Now ADATA 3600 (XMP) 2x 16GB
M2 SSD : Samsung 2TB
GPU : previously 3070. Now 7900xt
PSU : formerly 650W Corsair. Now 850W Corsair
I experienced memory issues with the MSI B450 board. I switched the RAM from Corsair to Adata, but there was no change, so I upgraded the motherboard.
After running Memtest, I received a pass report. The motherboard eventually showed a faulty memory socket. I’m unsure if this affected the Corsair RAM, but…
The previous RAM was removed, and the rest of the components were moved to the Aorus board, making the system stable thereafter.
The GPU and PSU were later updated and didn’t impact stability.
I identified the problematic socket by replacing one known good stick through all four slots. A crash soon followed.