Problem with PC: Frequently freezing and becoming fully unresponsive.
Problem with PC: Frequently freezing and becoming fully unresponsive.
I assembled my system in August 2021 using the specifications mentioned, adding a few Corsair case fans for better airflow. Up until now, my PC has run smoothly, but recently it has been freezing and unresponsive after roughly an hour of gaming. I experience brief static flashes just before the system stops working, causing the RGB lighting and memory settings to revert to their default. The only way to escape the freeze is to power off and restart my machine. I’ve researched possible causes and suspect it might be related to my RAM, SSDs, or GPU. My RAM passed MemTest64 with no issues, and I ran NVMe tests through BIOS without errors. I also checked for corrupt files using CMD, but found no problems there. I updated my GeForce drivers to version 537.13 on August 28, 2023. The only workaround I’ve tried is lowering my RAM speed by 100 MHz using MSI Afterburner, which reduced it from 7500 MHz to 7400 MHz, but the freeze still occurs after several hours or days. Interestingly, when I ran VR through my Oculus Rift at the reduced speed, the PC lasted 3 to 4 days without freezing, though games like Path of Exile, Going Medieval, and Mordhau still cause crashes within 30 minutes to a few hours. I’m struggling to figure out the root cause and would really appreciate any guidance on troubleshooting this. Thank you!
Have you verified the cpu/gpu temperatures while playing your games? If not, consider using CPUID HWMonitor at https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html. It displays your GPU and GPU memory temperatures. I encountered a similar issue and discovered my 3080 memory was overheating, which required replacing the thermal paste. It’s something to verify to rule it out as a cause.
I don't have specific temperature readings, just the data from MSI Afterburner. Observing idle conditions, my temperatures typically stay between 55-60°C. During games, I've noticed the readings reach around 80°C, but MSI Afterburner hasn't shown any higher values. My average during gaming seems to be about 70°C, varying with the applications I'm using.
I accessed my BIOS and turned off Smart Fan Control, which appears to have improved my temperatures at idle. The best I recorded was 50°C, with an average around 46°C.