Question intermittent PC (AMD), Windows 10, freezes, driving me crazy
Question intermittent PC (AMD), Windows 10, freezes, driving me crazy
I own a custom-built AMD system, assembled at Microcenter (mistake #1), made in spring 2021. Since spring 2022, I’ve experienced severe, intermittent freezing issues. Here’s a summary of the details:
The system specs are:
- Cooler Master case
- Video card: Asus GeForce GTX 1050TI 4GB
- Motherboard: Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master Gaming (AMD)
- RAM: 128 GB Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 3200mhz
- Storage: At least two 4 TB WD drives, plus NAS USB drives (4 HD each)
- Operating system: Windows 10 Pro (legit version)
- Antivirus: Initially used Avira and ZoneAlarm, later switched to Windows Defender
- Software: Studied extensively before setup; considered the best processor by some, RGB appeal faded
- No third-party security suites installed
This is my first (and last) AMD PC. I researched extensively before assembling, believing the processor and RGB were key factors. I also loved the RGB on my keyboard/mouse but no longer focus on it. I haven’t disabled RGB in RAM or power sources.
Initially, I used Avira antivirus and ZoneAlarm firewall. I avoided Norton and similar tools, sticking to basic security measures like NoScript in Firefox and visiting few sites. After freezes began, I suspected my old Avira antivirus was involved, so I switched to Windows Defender. As freezes worsened, I removed ZoneAlarm and used Defender firewall instead.
I tried disabling the RGB in RAM/powersource, but it didn’t resolve the issue. I also used a few other security tools and software, including Adobe Creative Cloud (legit version), Waves audio restoration, Corel Paintshop Pro 2021, and Foobar 2000. I mostly stick to Firefox, Edge, Chrome, and occasionally use Waves for audio editing.
My PC has been stable for a year or so with a weekly reboot schedule, but I still face instability after reboots. Windows Explorer often becomes unresponsive, and I encounter warnings about TPM not being enabled or the system not being Windows 11 ready.
Storage and media management are handled via NAS drives and USB sticks, with occasional issues managing multiple drives. I’ve avoided using third-party software beyond what’s necessary for my old PC, which was used for long-term projects.
I’ve had multiple freezes since spring 2022, with varying severity. I followed a reboot schedule to mitigate them, but the problem persists. I’ve tried updates and various fixes, including disabling Sysmain and adjusting BIOS settings, but nothing has fully resolved the issue.
I’m cautious about computer viruses and avoid risky downloads. I only visit a few, mostly non-interesting websites, and always run virus scans.
I’m unsure if the video card is the root cause, but I’ve noticed freezing when streaming YouTube videos. I also suspect issues with the RAM or storage drivers, though I haven’t tested them thoroughly.
I’ve tried to keep my PC reliable by following advice from trusted sources, but the freezes remain unpredictable. I’m considering upgrading to a different motherboard or RAM if the problem continues.
I haven’t had any malware detected, and I don’t use risky downloads or sites. My backup PC is old, so I’m hesitant to replace it unless necessary. If I could afford it, I’d consider a new build with better components.
I’m not a Linus-level expert, but I’d like to understand more about logs and patterns behind the freezes. No clear signs of a virus yet, but I’m still investigating.
I’m hoping for a solution that doesn’t involve more instability. If not, I’ll need to explore alternatives or a fresh build.
brand and model of the PSU?
detail about the SSD capacity?
monitor cpu and GPU temperatures?
I opened the box. EvGA 750GT 750W gold.
Think about how to monitor the temperatures. During certain freezes, the fans work harder.
The SSD is about two-thirds full. Except for Photoshop files, which require the main drive (which is bothersome), nothing gets stored there.
The room temperature is 61 degrees. It doesn't matter if it's extremely hot outside or cold inside. The freezes are consistent. If it gets very hot, I turn on the air conditioning to protect the PC.
Could this be a faulty motherboard or RAM? What about the odd clock issues? It's odd that freezes seem to follow a pattern, especially around certain days of the week.
The device might have some issues. Should I delete it first? The software for the Cooler master case is quite basic. Also, the case I chose was intended for modern systems and offered the best airflow. It's large with multiple fans on the front, top, and back. The fans are standard but have worked fine so far. When I touch the glass side, it feels nice and the PSU is cool with no noise. The big fans were built into the case, so I could replace them if needed. They are also RGB and controlled by the cooler master software. With my older PC, expensive fans often failed quickly—most of the generic ones stopped working after a short time. It's an air-cooled system, no water cooling or overclocking. The most demanding tasks I do are playing vintage audio for about five minutes at a time, and not daily. Creative software and drivers have also had many problems over the years. I haven't installed anything that wasn't included with the soundcard.
I just removed Icue and am currently using only the essential programs I need.
We're nearing the end of the month, so it might help determine if the freezes were caused by it.
If it disappears, then Icue was likely the issue.
Is Hardware64 a reliable and secure tool for checking CPU temperature? Are there simpler, safer alternatives available? I checked the Start Menu for Gigabyte products that came with the motherboard, but none were found.
The process appears to move more quickly without the ICue software.