PC keeps crashing
PC keeps crashing
I will do my best to clarify my issue, but feel free to ask for more details if needed.
My PC specifications are as follows:
CPU: Intel i5 6600-k
Cooler: 212 evo
GPU: Msi gtx 970
Motherboard: Msi z170 gaming m5
PSU: evga supernova 550w
Ram: corsair vengeance 16gb ddr4
I attempted to overclock this machine for the first time today, following a YouTube video from someone with identical CPU and motherboard. I set the multiplier to 42 (reaching 4200mhz) and adjusted the voltage to 1.25. The system booted normally and I ran about 15 minutes of Aida64 stress test without issues, so I thought everything was fine. After stopping the test, I opened Google Chrome, which crashed within a minute when I was on Facebook. I then increased the voltage slightly as others recommended, but the problem repeated. Eventually, I returned to the BIOS to reset optimized defaults (as before) and restarted the PC. The Chrome crash occurred again on Facebook, just like with Heaven Benchmark, Razer Cortex, Google Earth, and any other game. It’s strange that I can handle stress tests like Aida64 and 3DMark perfectly, but only Spotify and Microsoft Edge work without trouble. I also tried removing the graphics card and using the HDMI port on the motherboard, but the monitor doesn’t recognize any signal.
Does anyone know what might be wrong? Could my CPU be faulty? If so, why is that happening? Is there a way to fix it?
Thanks.
If you suspect a Windows file is damaged, launch a command prompt and enter:
sfc /scannow
This process may take some time, particularly if your system uses a hard disk drive rather than an SSD. It will examine all essential Windows system files to verify their integrity.
If the CMOS jumper has been reset, the time and date should disappear (check the year). If it remains unchanged, the CMOS isn't being cleared properly.
I believe the issue lies with the motherboard VRM. It seems the configurations haven't changed since you overclocked, which is unusual. This might explain why the problem continues.
I might attempt using the CMOS reset jumper on the motherboard. If you're unsure about the procedure, refer to the motherboard manual for guidance.
It involves placing a jumper across two header pins on the motherboard (typically while AC power is off) and maintaining it for around 10 seconds. Occasionally, this process is combined with removing the CMOS battery at the same time.
If you've followed a comparable method, you're likely successful. You'll confirm correctness by observing the date/time becomes incorrect after resetting.
It involves connecting a jumper across two header pins on the motherboard (typically while AC power is off) and maintaining it for about 10 seconds. In some cases, this is done together with removing the CMOS battery at the same time. If you've followed a similar method, you should be correct. You'll notice the date/time becomes incorrect after resetting. I plan to verify it again tomorrow, Aldo—I haven't tried it without the battery and will do so, though the manual doesn't mention it. Just to confirm, a fan jumper works in the same way as other jumpers, right? Since I only have fan jumpers...
Only a few motherboards need the CMOS battery removed. I checked your manual now, and it doesn't say so—just make sure the AC cord is disconnected from power. Regarding the jumper, as long as it connects the two pins together for up to 10 seconds, it should reset the BIOS. You don’t really need a jumper; a coin or screwdriver will work just fine, as long as they keep the pins in contact for that duration. You’ll confirm it’s working by checking the BIOS settings and seeing if the date has changed to something clearly incorrect. It often looks like January 1st from a very long time ago.
techgeek:
Only a few motherboards need the CMOS battery removed. I checked your manual now, and it doesn’t say otherwise—just make sure the AC cord is disconnected from power.
Regarding the jumper, as long as it connects the two pins together for up to 10 seconds, it should reset the BIOS. You don’t really need a dedicated jumper; a coin or even a screwdriver will work fine, just keep those pins touching for that duration.
You’ll confirm it’s working by opening the BIOS and seeing the date has changed to something clearly incorrect—often it shows something like January 1st from a long ago year.