Freezing issue whilst idle :: Hardware and Operating Systems

All Discussions > Steam Forums > Hardware and Operating Systems > Topic Details

PrincessRTZ Oct 12, 2024 @ 2:11pm

Freezing issue whilst idle

Specs:

CPU: 13700KF
Motherboard: ASUS Z790 E-Gaming WiFi
RAM: G.Skill 7800 CL36 (currently only running at 4800)
PSU: Superflower 1000W Platinum
GPU: Palit GameRock OC 4090
Cooler: Dark Rock Pro 4
OS: Windows 11 Pro
All stock.

4 displays:
Samsung Odyssey G7 1440p 240Hz (DisplayPort)
Samsung Odyssey G5 1080p 144Hz (DisplayPort)
Samsung 1440p 144Hz (DisplayPort)
Philips TV 70" (HDMI)

I recently decided to replace my 3-monitor setup with a single 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 OLED.

Around the same time, there was an NVIDIA driver update and a Windows 11 update pending. I ran both updates and set my PC to shut down afterward. I unplugged the power supply, disconnected the three old monitors, and connected the new G9 monitor. When I booted the PC back up, the problems started immediately. The computer freezes randomly after 5-10 seconds. It stops responding to any input - mouse clicks, Ctrl+Shift+Windows+B, Alt+Tab, or even Ctrl+Alt+Delete don't work. The only thing that helps is restarting the system using the case’s power button. Sometimes the freeze happens on the Windows logon screen, other times it happens a few seconds after logging in. Absolute random in other words.

I've tried a clean install of Windows, used a different SSD, tried a different power supply. The Event Viewer shows nothing except Kernel 41 (which, from what I understand, just indicates that the system rebooted unexpectedly). I’ve since returned the OLED monitor and went back to my TV and main Samsung Odyssey G7.

Through trial and error, I’ve realized that the freezing only happens after installing NVIDIA drivers. I’ve tried about 10 different older versions of the drivers. I’ve also tried installing them manually, without using GeForce Experience, and even tried the NVIDIA app beta - nothing works. My PC is essentially unusable.

For the past month, I’ve only been able to use it for watching YouTube, and only on my monitor. The PC can't handle YouTube on the TV without the NVIDIA drivers installed. I feel like I’ve read every relevant thread on Reddit, NVIDIA forums, and ASUS support. I’m at my wits' end.

If anyone can help me with diagnosing or solving this issue, I would really appreciate it. I’m even considering upgrading to a 5090 and 9800X3D when release, but I’m now concerned the same issue might occur with a new build. Based on some similar posts on Reddit, this issue seems to have affected people over the years, even on completely fresh builds.

Please, if anyone has any advice or can offer help, I would be extremely grateful!

< >

Showing 1-5 of 5 comments

Julien, cut it out. Oct 15, 2024 @ 2:46am

Some ideas:

> On 13th gen, keep the BIOS up-to-date.

> Check in the UEFI what kind of settings are actually applied when running at so called 'stock settings'. Are these 'ASUS settings' or 'Intel specification'? Some of these "stock settings" might lead to instability in relation to the CPU.

> Look at the UEFI settings that affect the behaviour of the PCI((e)-System. F.e. rebar, bifurcation, 4G, etc. pp.

> Try a different PCIe x16-Slot.

> The GPU offers a dual BIOS. The switch should be located on the backplate.

> Use Windows Safe Mode and set up some search masks in the event viewer. Filter everything related to Nvidia (nvlddmkm for instance) and CPU related stuff like WHEA.

> Alternative; try a linux derivative with the proprietary Nvidia driver.