I got my first high end pc and the restarts and bsod wont end

Troubleshooting a High-End PC: Overcoming Restarts and Blue Screens of Death

Building or buying your first high-end PC can be an exhilarating experience, especially if you’re transitioning from gaming notebooks. With powerful components at your fingertips, the promise of seamless gaming, smoother workflows, and superior multitasking capabilities beckons. However, for some, this dream can quickly turn into a head-scratcher when faced with unexpected issues like sudden restarts and the notorious Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). In this blog post, I’ll share my experience with my new high-end PC, delve into common issues that cause such problems, and offer comprehensive solutions.

The Joy and Woes of a New PC

Transitioning from gaming notebooks to a high-end desktop PC is like switching from a sedan to a sports car. The upgrade is massive in terms of performance, customization, and potential use cases. However, the jump also means dealing with more complexity, especially if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.

For context, here’s a look at my new build:

• Processor: Intel Core i9-14900KF
• Memory: Corsair DOMINATOR TITANIUM RGB DDR5 (2x24GB)
• Storage: 4TB WD Gold HDD and 2TB Western Digital Black SN850X SSD
• Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 Aorus ELITE AX ICE
• Power Supply: Be Quiet! Straight Power 12 1000W, Full Modular, 80 PLUS Plat
• Cooling: Be Quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX Liquid Cooler
• Graphics: Gigabyte Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Eagle OC 16GB

This setup should, in theory, handle any game or application I throw at it. However, real-life use has been less than perfect, with issues ranging from random restarts to frequent BSODs.

Identifying the Issues

1. Understanding BSOD and Random Restarts

A Blue Screen of Death is a system’s way of telling you that something critically wrong has occurred. It could be due to hardware incompatibility, Software issues, driver failures, or insufficient power supply. Random restarts, on the other hand, can be equally frustrating and are often linked to overheating, hardware failure, or Software bugs.

2. Notable Scenarios

• Fortnite Crashes: Initially, Fortnite kept crashing until I disabled DirectX 12 in the launcher. While this fix worked, it highlighted a broader problem with DirectX compatibility.
• VR Game Issues: VR Software tends to be demanding, and sometimes starting or stopping a VR game via SteamVR led to immediate crashes or restarts.

These issues stopped me from fully enjoying the potential of my high-end setup, necessitating a deeper look into potential causes and solutions.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Review and Update Drivers

The first rule of thumb is ensuring that all your drivers, particularly graphics and chipset drivers, are up-to-date. Check your GPU manufacturer’s website for the latest Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti drivers. Frequent driver updates are common for high-performance hardware, aiming to optimize game performance and mend bugs.

2. Disable Problematic Features

As I discovered with Fortnite, certain features like DirectX 12 can cause issues with specific games. While DirectX 12 promises better performance, it can sometimes be unstable, depending on driver support or game development. If experiencing crashes, opt for an older, stable version like DirectX 11.

3. Conduct a Memory Diagnostic

Running a Windows Memory Diagnostic is a simple yet effective tool to check for RAM-related issues. To do this:
– Open the Start Menu and type ‘Windows Memory Diagnostic’.
– Run the tool and let it check for any problems with your RAM.

While my diagnostic showed no issues, it’s a useful step for anyone experiencing similar problems.

Hardware and Software Checks

1. Inspect Hardware Installation

• CPU and Cooling: Ensure that the liquid CPU cooler is correctly installed and that thermal paste has been applied appropriately. Overheating can cause system instability.
• RAM Installation: Double-check that RAM modules are seated properly in their slots.
• Power Supply: A high-performance system needs an equally capable power supply. Ensure your 1000W PSU is connected correctly and provides adequate power.

2. Test with Minimal Configuration

Strip your PC down to the essentials, disconnect any non-essential hardware, and attempt to boot. This step helps identify if a specific component is malfunctioning or causing conflicts.

Software Solutions

1. Clean Install of Windows

Though it’s a more drastic measure, reinstalling Windows can often resolve persistent issues caused by corrupted system files or software conflicts. Ensure you back up all essential data before proceeding.

2. System Restore

If you’ve recently begun experiencing issues, use Windows System Restore to revert your machine back to a previous, stable state.

3. Check Event Viewer

Windows Event Viewer provides detailed logs that can clue you into what’s causing the BSOD or restarts. Look for patterns or recurring errors that can guide troubleshooting.

4. BIOS/UEFI Update

Updating your motherboard’s BIOS can solve compatibility issues. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest BIOS version and carefully follow their installation instructions.

Preventive Maintenance

1. Regular System Updates

Regularly updating your OS and applications helps maintain system stability. Enable automatic updates to ensure you never miss critical patches.

2. Antivirus and Malware Protection

Ensure your system is free from harmful infections by using reliable antivirus and antimalware software. Perform regular scans to keep your PC in prime condition.

3. Monitor System Temperatures

Use software tools like HWMonitor to keep an eye on CPU and GPU temperatures. Consistently high temperatures can reduce performance and lead to hardware damage.

Conclusion

Building a high-end PC is a rewarding journey, but challenges like restarts and BSODs can put a damper on the experience. By methodically updating drivers, adjusting software settings, checking hardware connections, and keeping your system clean and updated, you can resolve these issues and fully harness your PC’s capabilities.

Remember, complex systems can have simple solutions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to forums, communities, or seek professional help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. With some patience and determination, your dream setup can function as flawlessly as imagined.