There is something triggering my PC to freeze shortly after turning on, needing a hard restart each time.
There is something triggering my PC to freeze shortly after turning on, needing a hard restart each time.
I recently acquired a new 5070 FE to replace my previous 12GB 2060, and I also purchased a fresh PSU to support it. When I powered it up for the first time after both components were installed, it froze completely after a short period. I was left with only the option of performing a hard reset, but this issue repeated every time I turned it back on.
Upon investigation, it became clear that the problem stemmed from the GPU receiving power through two separate PCIe cables connected to the 16-pin GPU via an adapter. This setup was leading to inadequate power delivery, which the PSU struggled to manage whenever the GPU experienced spikes. I tested it with my old GPU, which functioned properly because it only required one 8-pin connector.
To resolve the issue, I switched to a PSU with a native 16-pin connector, which resolved the problem for about two days. However, now that I’ve moved to university accommodation, the freezing has returned: a brief period of normal operation followed by the screen freezing entirely, while the PC lights and fans continue to operate normally. The situation mirrors what I experienced at home, except now the power supply is connected through a plug socket that appears to be functioning correctly.
The freezing seems to happen when the GPU is under load, such as during video playback or gameplay. Despite this, my power supply appears adequate. I’ve attempted to swap the PSU, reattach the GPU, reinstall drivers using DDU, run safe mode tests, and use different power outlets, but the problem persists. There’s no clear event log in Event Viewer to pinpoint the cause. The only pending step is updating my BIOS, though the system performed flawlessly for a night before I moved out.
I’ve explored numerous solutions online, but no software-related cause has been identified. My uninstalls and reinstalls haven’t resolved the issue. The GPU seems to be within the expected power range of my 850 PSU, so hardware faults aren’t apparent. I’ve experienced several freezes before it even reached the boot screen, including one in safe mode, though stability has been consistent otherwise. There are no visible signs of failure in either the PSU or GPU, as both are brand new.
Current specifications:
- Intel i7 12700F
- 5070 FE processor
- Corsair 850e PSU
- 16GB RAM
- Asus Prime B660‑PLUS D4 BIOS (April 2022)
My computer is essentially unusable unless I find a solution, so I might need to consider replacing the PSU or GPU—something challenging here at university. Fortunately, I have a MacBook to fall back on, but for my studies it would be beneficial to have reliable power when needed (and of course for gaming).
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
After flashing the BIOS, reset the CMOS and check if it improves performance.
The CX unit came with a green label and a grey label, neither of which match your PC's specifications. The green one is often considered unreliable in the industry.
Forums show that similar models have experienced issues, possibly due to poor quality or insufficient performance. A model like the RM850X would be a better choice, offering more headroom.
If you have a return period for the RMe unit, take advantage of it!
Share a link to the RMx model you're considering; it should include a 12v-2x6 connector.
Welcome to the forums, new member!
Discover the Asus Prime B660‑PLUS D4 BIOS 1402 from April 2022.
https://www.asus.com/motherboards-c...4/...60-PLUS-D4
You're running BIOS versions that need updating. The current release is 3801.
Regarding the PSU, what model were you using before the RM850e? Be honest, this RMe unit isn't particularly reliable when compared to Corsair's RMx series.
For DDU, it's recommended to boot in Safe Mode, then delete all GPU drivers (Intel, AMD, Nvidia), and finally install the newest driver from Nvidia's support site via an elevated command—right-click the installer and select Run as Administrator.
Talking about drivers, what operating system are you using? How do you manage processor cooling? What temperatures do you typically observe during freezes?
Thanks for your reply!
The BIOS update was my next action, but I just need to purchase a USB-C to USB-A flash drive so I can connect my MacBook. My PC case doesn’t have a USB-C port, and I never thought this would be an automatic update.
I faced some issues with the PSU – the one that came with my PC originally was a 550, which I knew would need an upgrade. So I initially bought a CX750. I didn’t do much research because I assumed it was just a power supply, so I went for the cheapest one with good reviews on Amazon. I wasn’t aware of the newer 16-pin cables, and the 5070 came with a 2-to-1 adapter, so I didn’t think much of it.
The freezing problem started right away, and I realized I should probably upgrade to an ATX 3.1 with a native 16-pin connector, so I bought the 850e. After installing it, everything functioned perfectly for a night before I moved to college the next day.
I did some research on the 850e or 850x, and people on Reddit said they work fine. I didn’t feel the need for the top models, so I chose the more affordable 850e. I’d definitely think about swapping to the 850x, though it probably wouldn’t cost much more and the 850e is still within the return period.
Would you recommend this option?
After flashing the BIOS, reset the CMOS and check if it improves performance.
The CX unit comes with a green label and a grey label, neither of which match your PC's specifications. The green one is often considered unreliable in the industry.
Forums show that similar models have experienced issues, possibly due to poor quality or insufficient performance. A unit like the RM850X would be a better choice, especially if you have a return period.
Use your return window to get the RMe unit if possible.
Can you share a link to the RMx model you're considering? It should include a 12v-2x6 harness.
Operating system: Windows 11
Are you using the 24H2 version?
PCS Frostflow V3 Series High Performance
My search indicates you own a FrostFlow 100 V3 from PCSpecialist, which is similar to a Hyper 212.
Your i7-12700F features a TDP of 65 watts and can handle up to 180 watts, though safe power limits depend on the motherboard BIOS settings. It should match the thermal performance of a Ryzen 7 5700x during gaming, though it may run slightly hotter overall. Don’t be concerned.
Regarding the graphics card, I’m not recommending you try this until you’ve completed other tests. There’s a chance the CPU might need re-seating in the socket due to shifting issues in the 600 series boards, which could affect pressure and stability. An LGA 1700 contact frame could replace the problematic hardware and prevent this. If needed, you can find a suitable replacement here: https://www.amazon.com/Thermalright-LGA1...B0CS8WQYZW
Update - Fixed
It turned out changing my bios from 2022 to the latest version resolved the issue. The fix was version 3801, which brought stability improvements for handling newer 40-50 series cards. Their power requirements and delivery adjustments seem to have addressed the problem. Everything now runs smoothly, especially under load.
Thanks to @Lutfij and @Third-Eye for their helpful advice, which might assist others facing the same challenge.