Looking to get some assisting from the OzB Community on a computer problem I cannot current resolve. I want to seek thoughts first before I start replacing stuff, buying new stuff and pulling the desktop apart.
Here is a summary:
- Windows 11 Custom Built Machine
- Custom Build by me in November 2022
- i9-13000KF
- 96GB of RAM
- RTX 2060 D6 12GB Video Card
- 3 x 4K 27" Dell Monitors
- M2 1TB (recently replaced due to SSD Died)
- 2TB HDD (secondary drive)
- 750W PSU
Issue? = Many!
- Randomly reboots, I will be working away and it will just reboot
- Google Chrome Often gives me a "status_access_violation" error constantly across multiples different sites
- Chrome will just crash and shut completely and doesn't matter what site(s) I have open or what I am doing
- I will be working away and then all of sudden all 3 screens go black and then come back
- Windows 11 Updates won't install and gives me errors or BSOD/GSOD (Green/Blue Screen Of Death) when doing "reboot for updates"
- Get Random Windows BSOD errors like "PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGE_AREA" < This happens a lot, like this morning it has already happened twice!
- Recently (not sure if related on not to something else) but the network (via LAN) will just drop. Reboot Windows and it is back. It just drops internet connectivity.
What have I done to try and resolve:
- Reduce RAM and try to see if it is the RAM sticks
- Done a Memory Test - No issues
- Done a GPU Load Test - No issues appear to occur
- Reseated GPU to the motherboard
- BIOS reset
- New Thermal paste on the CPU and reseated it plus the fan
- Removed Chrome Add-Ons
- Reinstall Chrome
- Reinstall Windows 11 (from a fresh image downloaded from MS website)
- Reinstalled Drivers and always doing updates when they are rolled out, I always like to update as soon as something is available, I don't leave it for ages.
The issues started maybe in the last 6 months and never had an issue before hand. The computer is used for work and some pleasure. It isn't a gaming machine or used for gaming. Heavily used with Chrome primarily and video calls since changing jobs. Was previously used with some Adobe work, but not soo much anymore. Primary Google Chrome with some WinSCP, VS Code and Putty.
Now I am thinking it is either the GPU failing or the PSU is failing or insufficient. I don't have a bigger PSU or same size (only 650w or 550w in some spare machines).
I possibly think the PSU because as the GPU increases requirements then it doesn't have sufficient power so it just reboots.
I possibly think GPU based on some of the errors that are happening.
I don't think it is a heat or cooling issue because I have the side of the machine off and it has 6 fans on the case plus 1 massive one for the CPU. CPU runs at about 50 to 60 degrees. It is only auto mode for fans, so you can hear the fans increase upon additional load at times.
I don't want to go and buy new parts (like new PSU or GPU) for it not to be an issue. So just wanted to get feedback from others as to ideas or if anyone has experience a similar issue. There is so much stuff when you Google with conflicting opinions.
TLDR: Thanks to ChatGPT
User seeks advice on resolving multiple issues with their custom-built Windows 11 desktop (i9, 96GB RAM, GT2060, 3 x 4K monitors, M2 SSD, 2TB HDD, 750W PSU). Problems include random reboots, frequent Chrome crashes and errors, screens going black, Windows update failures, BSOD errors, and intermittent LAN connectivity drops. Despite various troubleshooting efforts (RAM reduction, memory/GPU tests, reseating components, reinstalling software, etc.), issues persist. Suspects GPU or PSU failure but seeks community feedback before replacing parts. The machine is primarily used for work with Chrome and video calls.
Update everyone - 28/06/2024 at 10:50am
I've swapped out the GPU and the same thing happens with Chrome, but it I had no windows crashes.
I am now thinking motherboard as the 3 month old M2 drive became unbootable suddenly yesterday. It is detected in the BIOS and I go to do a Windows Reinstall, it doesn't detect the M2 or another SSD I have plugged in. The BIOS sees both drivers, but not the windows drive and that is a fresh one via the creation tool. Tried multiple USB ports, it boots but sees no drives.
At this point, I might as well get a new machine.
Update 28/06/2024 at 11:50am
Ordered a new motherboard and new RAM today from CentreCom. Will see when it arrives whether it fixes the issue. Got a new M2 Drive coming already.
So it will be new RAM, Motherboard and HDD. Will see how that goes, I don't think it is GPU anymore or PSU. I am thinking Motherboard.
Update 08/07/2024 at 8:15am
So, an update!
After installing new RAM, a new motherboard, a new PSU, and a new CPU, I encountered a combination of issues. Initially, the RAM and motherboard still caused some BSODs, occasional Chrome crashes, and "status_access_violation" errors. Leaving the system on overnight often resulted in reboots or BSODs, a persistent problem even before the new RAM and Motherboard. I adjusted the BIOS to lower power settings to mitigate potential power-related issues and prevent complete reboots due to high power draw from the CPU.
Further research led me to this Microsoft forum thread, where multiple users identified the CPU as the culprit. Following that find, I ordered a new processor (albeit, a 12th Gen i9, 13th Gen was getting pricey).
While waiting, I initiated the warranty process with Intel. However, since Intel required the defective CPU before sending a replacement and I couldn't afford extended downtime, I purchased a new CPU.
The result? Problem solved! The CPU was indeed the issue. It's unclear if high power draw damaged the original CPU, but all tests with Intel support showed no issues, which was frustrating. Nonetheless, replacing the CPU resolved all Chrome issues and random restarts.
On Friday, I received and installed a new 1300W PSU. I kept the BIOS settings unchanged for now and plan to adjust them later to test for further issues. Over the weekend, the system powered everything smoothly without any problems under load.
Ultimately, the CPU was the root cause. The total cost for the new parts was $1,325. Thankfully, the GPU appears to be fine, with no random screen blackouts.
Previously I have had a computer with random restarts, albeit after artifacting first. The issue was a GPU VRAM failure. From memory that was hard to diagnose as some of my load testing didn't trigger the restart, but after seeing restarts during gameplay I thought it might be the GPU. The issue was resolved with RMA with the manufacturer, thankfully.
In your case it sounds like it maybe is a drive or RAM issue if you're getting page fault errors. Have you tried migrating storage drives, or to boot off your HDD?