Random freezing (no BSOD) during minimal activity.
Random freezing (no BSOD) during minimal activity.
OS - Windows 11 Pro x64 Windows 10 Pro
System age (hardware): ±5 years except graphics cards
OS installation less than one year? Have you reinstalled it?
Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K @ 3.70 GHz
Graphics: GeForce RTX 3070 Ti OC edition
Motherboard: Asus ROG Strix Z-370G
Power Supply: Seasonic SSR-650RM 650W
Manufacturer? Exact model (if OEM or laptop)?
Device: Desktop
Notes: Got a new GPU two weeks ago—switched from 1080 Ti to 3070 Ti. Removed previous Nvidia drivers and apps (didn’t use DDU tool). Installed the one recommended on the Asus website, not the latest version. Since then, experienced random crashes while using YouTube with Firefox. Screen freezes for 10–15 seconds, then reboots. No blue screen, just a big freeze. Observed two freeze events; found 5 minidump files in Windows/minidump folder, all dated after card purchase. Analysis headers match but details differ.
Processes involved: firefox.exe, NordVPN.exe, dwm.exe, svchost.exe, HsTsr.exe
Module names: secnvme, nvlddmkm
Recent changes: GPU replaced, drivers removed, no sleep mode activation (normally 3/4 times), PSU 650W Gold Seasonic, peak usage under 530W.
Storage: 3 HD drives, 1 Samsung SSD PRO 1TB (gaming), 1 Intel SSD 600GB (system), 1 Western Digital 2TB drive.
Performance tests: 3D Mark passed repeatedly during stress tests.
Hibernation: Not enabled; saw INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR codes.
Recommendations: Consider returning the graphics card, upgrading PSU, or checking other hardware. Thanks!
Minidump link: https://www.mediafire.com/folder/a6f0l2xssky2g/Minidump P.S.: No crashes since July 19, 2023—last incident was a freeze while watching YouTube. GPU Tweak III was open during the crash; photo attached.
Update: GPU changed recently; no further issues reported.
Make sure you haven’t fully reinstalled Nvidia drivers or overclocking tools. Reinstalling them can resolve issues. The 8700k works well in background tasks, though it’s a big limitation for an RTX 3070ti in 2023 games. A 650W Seasonic should also function, but testing by running the GPU at around 85% TDP can help identify problems. Adjusting PCIe 3.0 settings in UEFi might also assist, as it could attempt higher negotiation.
I wasn't doing anything specific. In fact, I never experienced any crashes while playing games. The 5 occurrences now happen only when I use the PC to play music on YouTube. Current CPU usage with these tasks open: 4%, memory at 21% of 48 GB, and no garbage collection activity. As mentioned, I repeatedly run stress tests on the new card without any problems... I perform every stress test on 3D Mark consecutively for three hours straight without issues. Occasionally, while watching a video, everything freezes, screen colors distort, and after 15-20 seconds the PC restarts itself.
I encountered similar problems on my 7950x3D and RTX 4090 setup, especially with PCIe version negotiations. Frequent restarts or crashes occur even when just streaming YouTube, but I also face issues during POST/BOOT where I see no display or delayed one. It seems cards can adjust to lower PCIe versions for power savings in a low-power state, so pushing for PCIe 3.0 might help resolve the same concerns.
The performance power plan or settings might help, but it really depends on managing power use and using 'transition to idle.' Just keep it active—don’t let it sit idle.
Your system displays a 450MHz clock with 9% GPU utilization. It seems the term 'idle' might refer to a low-power state, but I'm not sure what else you're missing. [For reference, adjust settings via Nvidia Control Panel -> Manage 3D settings -> power management mode.] This isn't a complete fix since disabling idle mode would remove that feature. It could be a better approach to fine-tune the issue before seeking a permanent solution.
I understand you're looking for guidance on adjusting a specific setting in UEFI Bios. There appears to be a configuration path involving DMI, PCIEX16, and PCI Express speeds. You may need to modify the link speed settings under Advanced System Agent or PCH configurations, depending on your UEFI version and hardware support.