Troubleshooting the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BSOD Occurring Only During GTA 5 Play on a Custom-Built Gaming PC
Experiencing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors can be a frustrating barrier to a smooth gaming experience. If your Windows system encounters the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error specifically while playing GTA 5, and the issue appears linked to the nvlddmkm.sys NVIDIA driver module, your troubleshooting process has already begun on the right track. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the problem, the steps to diagnose, and potential solutions tailored for gaming enthusiasts and PC builders alike.
Understanding the Problem
Recently, after assembling a new custom gaming PC, you’ve encountered a recurring BSOD—DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION—which occurs exclusively during GTA 5 gameplay. The crashes happen reliably shortly after launching the game; whether you’re loading into the game environment or actively playing, the system becomes unstable.
Your system specifications include:
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Memory: 32GB DDR5 at 6000MHz
- Motherboard: GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7
- Power Supply: 1000W GIGABYTE
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
- Graphics Driver: NVIDIA Driver Version 576.02
- Storage: Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD
Initial analysis of minidump files using debugging tools such as WinDbg suggests the issue is associated with nvlddmkm.sys, the core NVIDIA graphics driver.
What Has Been Tried So Far
Efforts to resolve the issue include standard troubleshooting approaches:
- Reinstalling GPU drivers via Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in safe mode, followed by clean installation.
- Testing different driver versions, opting to roll back to an earlier, more stable release.
- Adjusting NVIDIA Control Panel settings, such as changing the Power Management Mode.
- Reinstalling other device drivers, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules, to exclude system conflicts.
- Running other games (e.g., Monster Hunter Wilds, Elden Ring, Warframe, Baldur’s Gate 3, Minecraft with shaders)
Share this content:
