New PC Build - frequent freezes while playing games
New PC Build - frequent freezes while playing games
The system runs smoothly with all components verified via pcpartpicker.com to avoid obvious conflicts. No overclocking is applied; everything remains at stock configurations.
Issues observed include occasional but persistent freezes or crashes during gaming, particularly in Path of Exile after about eight hours. A brief session in Cyberpunk 2077 lasted 30 minutes without any issues. Most freezes necessitate a full system reboot, though audio continues playing during the process. Occasionally, the PC gradually recovers after a freeze, resuming normal operation after 30 seconds or so. Two instances resulted in a Windows 11 BSOD instead of a hard crash.
Exceptions exist: one BSOD occurred when opening File Explorer from the desktop, and another when searching for error codes in the Task Manager. Crashes are sporadic, lasting 2–3 hours without interruption, followed by several within 10–15 minutes.
Diagnostic steps attempted:
- Updated BIOS to the latest version.
- Ensured firmware and drivers were current.
- Reinstalled GPU driver via NVIDIA GeForce Experience; later removed and reinstalled after a driver reset.
- Monitored CPU and GPU temperatures consistently normal.
- Verified RAM placement matched MOBO guidelines.
- Performed MEMTEST86 on one RAM stick, which showed minor errors during Test10 but resolved after replacement.
- Considered potential RAM or CPU issues, including memory controller problems or incompatibility between CPU and RAM.
Possible causes may include:
- A hardware fault within the game environment.
- CPU-related instability affecting memory controller interaction.
- RAM incompatibility or timing mismatch.
Further testing could involve swapping RAM sticks to isolate the issue, or checking for driver-specific bugs. If time permits, running diagnostics overnight with a fresh system might help clarify the problem.
Tell me the BIOS version currently installed. Did you reset the CMOS after updating to the newest BIOS? Which RAM modules are being used on your motherboard? What temperatures are you observing during gaming sessions?
BIOS version recorded is E7E06IMS.A90, built on 09/08/2023.
Please note that the BIOS listed on the MSI site for this MOBO differs from the one found on the website: 7E06vA9. However, the file you download should match E7E06IMS.A90.
I haven’t reset the CMOS at any time—this could be a next step to consider.
The RAM slots that are being filled are 2 (DIMMA2) and 4 (DIMMB2), following manual guidelines. Testing with one stick versus two sticks still causes freezes.
My case is a Fractal Meshify 2 RGB. The maximum temperatures for the CPU/GPU were around 55°C to 65°C.
I didn’t replace any other parts—only the 4070 was reused.