Seeking Help with Frequent Crashing and Freezing Issues on Gaming PC

@zbook
Completed all steps. Here are the results:

1) Tuneup output:
Tuneup.log

2) Norton uninstalled using the tool.

3) Defender enabled.

4) Nvidia drivers removed using the tool. Installed from Nvidia's website.

5) Upgraded BIOS to 1801.

6) Memtest failed. Results:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1y6c...132.html?rlkey=fh4dq3ansrea1fce4loo95wy9&dl=0

7) Ran Furmark for 30 minutes. Capped out at 70 degrees:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a6yx...0000.jpg?rlkey=fhn6hnfpjh1wqkvq9mcqojpmw&dl=0

Sounds like I need to replace the RAM as a next step? I've been a little leery of this brand since I got it in a prebuilt computer from MicroCenter and never heard of it before. Ran a memtest before though and it came back fine - although it wasn't the PassMark one which I had to boot into. Feel like this is more comprehensive.

Diffused5638 said:

LOL. I feel like an idiot. I triple checked all the cables I had and missed this. I have one that splits into 2 4 pins so got it hooked up. Will report if I see any change while I work through the steps posted by @zbook in parallel.

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I'm sorry, but that's what I said two posts before Benno23 basically said the same....

Dru2 said:

Diagnosing dump files is not my forte, that would be in zbook's lane.

That said, before deep diving into zbook's task (which I don't disagree) you might also want to make sure both EPS power connectors are connected to the board as shown in the red box. There should be a 4-pin and 8-pin cable connected there from the power supply. If one is missing, that may also cause your issue as the board is short of power.

View attachment 69945

This is from your owners manual here (PDF File)

Let us know.

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And in which you replied...

Diffused5638 said:

@Dru2 Thanks. I checked the connections and there is no 4-pin. Went through my mobo and PSU boxes and not in there either. Double-checked the manual, it does say you can connect only the 8-pin or both the 8-pin and 4-pin. I'll have to buy a 4-pin cable and hook it up. Worth a shot!

Click to expand...

But yeah, I got you triple checked and now found that the 8-pin cable was missing all this time. And yes, that's very well likely the reason for all those BSODs and crashes. Connecting the cable should now alleviate the issue.

Diffused5638 said:

6) Memtest failed. Results:
MemTest86-Report-20230904-230132.html

Sounds like I need to replace the RAM as a next step? I've been a little leery of this brand since I got it in a prebuilt computer from MicroCenter and never heard of it before. Ran a memtest before though and it came back fine - although it wasn't the PassMark one which I had to boot into. Feel like this is more comprehensive.

Click to expand...

Did you run memtest before or after the discovery of said cable? If before, make sure the cable is connected and retest. BTW, I'd trust memtest over "Passmark" as memtest is basically the industry standard and the one pretty much everyone (me included) uses.

Also, it is "possible" the constant crashes and BSODs may have damaged the RAM considering the lack or power to the board. Again... "possible" - not definitely. But again, make sure the 8-pin cable is connected and re-run "memtest" to see what happens.

Edit: I just saw this on MemTest86 (V10) as it seems "PassMark" is now supporting it...

Dru2 said:

Did you run memtest before or after the discovery of said cable? If before, make sure the cable is connected and retest. BTW, I'd trust memtest over "Passmark" as memtest is basically the industry standard and the one pretty much everyone (me included) uses.

Also, it is "possible" the constant crashes and BSODs may have damaged the RAM considering the lack or power to the board. Again... "possible" - not definitely. But again, make sure the 8-pin cable is connected and re-run "memtest" to see what happens.

Edit: I just saw this on MemTest86 so maybe PassMark is just as good?

MemTest86 V10 vs MemTest86+ V6 comparison - PassMark Support Forums

With the release today of MemTest86+ V6 I thought it would be good to do a comparison between MemTest86 V10 and MemTest86+ V6. First some background and history: First, there are confusingly two different MemTest86 packages, with pretty much the same name :-( MemTest86 (without the plus)...

forums.passmark.com

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Just to clarify, it was the 4 pin that has been missing. The 8 pin has been connected. But yes, I did connect the 4 pin prior to running the memtest. Should have new memory this evening. I'll try some games afterwards and see if I can still get a crash.

Diffused5638 said:

Just to clarify, it was the 4 pin that has been missing. The 8 pin has been connected. But yes, I did connect the 4 pin prior to running the memtest. Should have new memory this evening. I'll try some games afterwards and see if I can still get a crash.

Click to expand...

Why not try it now???

This will also tell you if the system is stable even with the "questionable" RAM. The worst that'll happen is what was happening anyway. The good thing is you'll know if the system performs with the "questionable" RAM; that it is not the issue

Good luck.

Dru2 said:

Why not try it now???

This will also tell you if the system is stable even with the "questionable" RAM. The worst that'll happen is what was happening anyway. The good thing is you'll know if the system performs with the "questionable" RAM; that it is not the issue

Good luck.

Click to expand...

True. Alright, you talked me into playing video games.

Please test each RAM module in the same DIMM for 4 passes.

Just 1 error is a test fail and testing can be aborted.

Post images or share links.



Run the Crucial scanner to view some possible replacement options:

Diffused5638 said:

True. Alright, you talked me into playing video games.

Click to expand...

So, what's the deal?

Dru2 said:

So, what's the deal?

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@Dru2 No crashes or freezes yet. Sometimes I get lucky, so I'll keep testing and will report back in a day or two - or sooner if it happens today yet. Thanks for helping thus far.

zbook said:

Please test each RAM module in the same DIMM for 4 passes.

Just 1 error is a test fail and testing can be aborted.

Post images or share links.



Run the Crucial scanner to view some possible replacement options:

Crucial System Scanner | Memory Upgrade Scanner | Crucial

Upgrade your system storage with our range of solid state drives. Find prices, specs and customer reviews to help choose the best device for you.

www.crucial.com

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@zbook Thank you for your assistance through this as well. I'm going to just replace all of these sticks since I don't want to buy a replacement of this kind of RAM.

Will report back soon!

Well, I've done a fair amount of gaming and no crashes or freezes. I'm willing to say this issue is resolved! Thank you very much to all who contributed, especially @zbook and @Dru2. This issue, on numerous occasions, had me ready to throw this PC out the window. In the end, was it the power? Was it the RAM? Was it both? We may never know. But I'm happy it's fixed. HUGE THANK YOU!

What did you do with the new / old RAM modules?

Diffused5638 said:

Well, I've done a fair amount of gaming and no crashes or freezes. I'm willing to say this issue is resolved!

Click to expand...

Thanks for letting us know.

Diffused5638 said:

In the end, was it the power? Was it the RAM? Was it both? We may never know.

Click to expand...

Diffused5638 said:

I triple checked all the cables I had and missed this. I have one that splits into 2 4 pins so got it hooked up.

Click to expand...

Pretty sure the 8-pin connector not being properly hooked up was the main culprit. I base that on your discovery above, and the fact the PC would crash and BSOD every time you tried to game. Gaming stresses a PC and requires more power. If you're already short of power, yeah, the symptoms below...

Diffused5638 said:

I've had an issue with my gaming PC for the past couple of years ....

This PC has a history of crashing and freezing. Both BSOD and just straight up locking up. However, this only seems to only occur when I'm playing video games.

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The RAM may have suffered after, but...

The other reason I write this is for other members - as I said earlier never overlook the power supply.

Happy to hear the issue is resolved

Peace

zbook said:

What did you do with the new / old RAM modules?

Click to expand...

I just took them out and have them sitting here. I never did check to see which one(s) was bad, but I don't see any of them ever getting used again.

Diffused5638 said:

Well, I've done a fair amount of gaming and no crashes or freezes. I'm willing to say this issue is resolved! Thank you very much to all who contributed, especially @zbook and @Dru2. This issue, on numerous occasions, had me ready to throw this PC out the window. In the end, was it the power? Was it the RAM? Was it both? We may never know. But I'm happy it's fixed. HUGE THANK YOU!

Click to expand...

You're welcome.

Glad to help.

What RAM did you buy? Also I noticed that you were using 4x8Gb sticks... best to use 2x16Gb in 2 slots... as some motherboards have a dose of the funnies with 4 slots in use...