New processor, motherboard, and memory installed. The computer now occasionally freezes momentarily.
New processor, motherboard, and memory installed. The computer now occasionally freezes momentarily.
I sincerely appreciate any assistance you can provide. I recently updated my computer’s motherboard, central processing unit, and memory. Previously, I was utilizing an Intel i5-4460 processor with 16 GB of 1333 MHz RAM. Now, I’ve transitioned to a Ryzen processor and faster memory which I will outline in my full system specifications below. Since the upgrade, my computer has begun experiencing intermittent “freezes.” Programs become unresponsive for approximately 15 seconds, after which they resume normal operation. However, I can move my cursor during these frozen periods and only encounter the “not responding” message when attempting to click on elements while in a state of suspension. I’ve attempted troubleshooting by performing a complete Windows reinstall from a bootable USB drive, updating all drivers, and exploring various online solutions. I’m disappointed that my upgrade didn't yield the anticipated performance gains, as these freezes significantly hinder usability. Please find my UserBenchmark results below. The benchmark indicates that my processor, memory, and solid-state drive are operating at levels lower than anticipated.
UserBenchmarks: Game 86%, Desk 70%, Work 65%
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 - 70.9%
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1070 - 95.3%
SSD: Mushkin Reactor 256GB - 72.1%
HDD: WD Blue 1TB (2012) - 109.6%
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3000 C15 2x8GB - 62.7%
MBD: MSI X470 GAMING PLUS
I’m not entirely certain, but I'm exploring some possibilities. What is the memory speed? And if so, what was its original setting? I recently upgraded from a 4460 to a 2600, and once this issue is resolved, it will be beneficial.
Is the BIOS version the latest stable one? Are there any newer versions available? You’ll need to update it using a USB drive while the computer is starting up – this can't be done through Windows. Does this problem occur immediately after installing Windows, before any applications are installed? What about booting into safe mode?
What are the temperatures like? It’s possible this could be due to a faulty connection, either too tight or loose on the heat sink. However, I doubt that’s the cause.
Furthermore, try connecting your display directly to the motherboard to determine if the graphics card is involved. Attempt installing Afterburner or a similar program to monitor what occurs when it freezes. We can observe if the CPU increases, whether power decreases, or if the GPU reaches its maximum capacity – all of this can be monitored after a freeze. After a freeze, examine the graph to see what’s happening. Perhaps try setting Windows' power plan to “maximum performance.”
Best of luck!
Let's begin by accessing Task Manager and examining the % CPU and % Memory utilized. This provides a live view of current performance. Next, navigate to the Startup tab; this displays all programs that automatically launch when your computer starts. Many of these are running continuously in the background. It’s likely you have a substantial number. Typically, applications are configured to load upon startup by default.
Review this list of startup programs and identify any that have a moderate or significant impact on boot times. Subsequently, utilize the disable option located at the bottom of the page to turn off these applications. Furthermore, remove any programs that are rarely used – this will optimize your system’s resources.
Additionally, investigate Virtual Memory. Type “performance” into Windows search and select Adjust Appearance and Performance, then proceed to the Advanced tab. From there, choose Change Virtual Memory and select Custom for your system drive. I recommend establishing a minimum of 10,000 MB and a maximum of 15,000 MB. This reserves a small portion of your hard drive as temporary storage. You can apply the same settings to other drives as well. Expect to observe improvements in your computer’s overall speed and responsiveness.
Moving forward, it’s important to note that most computer freezes stem from software issues. This could be due to a conflictive or damaged driver, a flawed or absent system file, or a corrupted BIOS. Therefore, after optimizing your computer’s performance, start by updating all device drivers—particularly the graphics and motherboard drivers. Subsequently, assess whether the freezing problem remains. If not, consider updating the BIOS. Lastly, if necessary, perform a complete reinstallation of your operating system.
If this problem occurs repeatedly, consider attempting the suggestion made by Terry in the previous steps. Specifically, you could try disabling unnecessary startup programs and then restarting your computer to investigate potential causes. This won’t cause any problems when performed together, although it might complicate the process of identifying the root issue if you prefer to investigate separately.
Greetings, thank you to each of you for your replies. I’ve been working extended hours and covering shifts all weekend, but today I have a three-hour break when I can return home and explore potential solutions. I’ll provide updates as they become available <3
An alternative consideration involves system memory. Ryzen configurations are particularly sensitive to RAM specifications. The Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3000 C15 2x8GB is a recommended option, however, it’s essential to verify whether it appears on the motherboard's Qualified Vendor List. Furthermore, performing a memory diagnostic test using memtest86 would be prudent. This tool will confirm that all installed memory is recognized and identify its operating speed, as well as detect any potential errors.