Not sure what to do. Everything isn't working properly.
Not sure what to do. Everything isn't working properly.
I’ve owned this computer for roughly three years. It came pre-built, and I’ve always done some upgrades myself. I rarely remember a moment when it didn’t function properly while playing games. Over time, I’ve spent hours watching tutorials to troubleshoot issues. Recently, I tried Valorant and the game began crashing after just a few days. I had to tweak the BIOS settings, and it worked for four days. After turning it back on the fifth day, it started freezing during gameplay. I kept searching through videos, trying numerous fixes, but couldn’t pinpoint the cause. An IT professional was brought in to make many changes, yet the problem persisted. They contacted Valorant support, who asked me to implement countless adjustments. Now, games don’t run smoothly, and even basic applications aren’t working correctly. I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled software, changed numerous settings across programs and drives. I’m feeling frustrated and unsure of the next steps. I’m leaning toward a factory reset, but I’m not sure if it’s worth it or if I’m just not tech-savvy. I don’t have the funds to replace it or pay for repairs. Anyone have any advice? Here are my specs: motherboard – Asus B450 Pro, 4th gen CPU, AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, 3rd gen GPU, GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, 8GB RAM, 64GB DDR4, 16GB DDR4, 80GB DDR4 total SSD, M.2 500 SSD, Silicon Power 2TB HDD, 3TB PSU.
What's the real issue here? Try removing one RAM module and see if it works; if not, switch sides. From what I hear, you've messed with Windows extensively and might have damaged it. I recommend a factory reset, reinstall only essential components, and then try the game again. I can't say for sure if that will fix it—it could be a hardware problem. Good luck!
Here’s a revised version of your guide:
Gather your information for troubleshooting. Save your files to an external storage device, ideally a 3TB HDD. Open the case and remove the 16GB RAM module. At this time, power down all connected drives except the smallest SSD. Simply detach the SATA cable from that drive—it’s enough. Reset the CMOS according to your board’s instructions. Afterward, apply the optimized settings. Turn off any overclocking on the GPU and run it at its default speed. Install a fresh Windows operating system onto the smaller SSD. Conduct tests to verify stability. Avoid installing games until now. Reconnect the remaining SSD and use it for storing newly installed games. Test stability after each update. Once everything functions properly, reinstall the HDD and restore any saved files. Afterward, disconnect the HDD so you have a verified working system ready for further adjustments if needed. Good luck!
Restarting Windows could be the best solution. It seems there might be an issue inside the operating system. If I were you, I’d back up important files. Check your Network/WiFi drivers because they aren’t always included by default, then reformat and reinstall Windows. Always use the newest installer from Microsoft.com. Also, make sure to disconnect all drives except the one you want to install on, since Windows often installs on other drives without permission—so extra steps are necessary.
Have you or your IT specialist performed a "restore DISM image integrity" and "SFC /Scannow"? If not, begin there. A Windows 10 reset isn't overly problematic; you can retain your files but will need to reinstall all software. As with previous recommendations, your RAM appears excessive for gaming (16-32GB dual-channel is enough). Then inspect the Event Viewer, go to Windows Logs, and select System. Filter for Critical and Error entries, checking for sources like NTFS or NVIDIA Driver (starting with nv***). You can disregard Distributed Com and DNS entries if uncertain. Share any error or critical messages we receive.
Thank you for your feedback. I’ll take a moment to review all the suggestions carefully. Since I’m not very tech-savvy, I want to make sure I follow everything correctly. As discussed earlier, I’ve learned over time, so I’ll be attentive to avoid mistakes. Do you have any way to chat via voice on Discord or another platform? That would be helpful.
Originally most titles worked well, but adjustments in settings after hours of watching videos often resolved it. Now only Valorant remains stable, yet recent updates introduced numerous changes that disrupted performance, causing freezes and lag across the PC and other programs.