Optimizing your PC Stability: Diagnosing and Resolving Random Crashes on a New Build
Introduction
Building a new gaming or productivity PC can be an exciting experience, but it can also come with unforeseen challenges such as system crashes and instability. If you’ve recently assembled a new PC and are encountering random crashes, you’re not alone. This guide aims to help you understand possible causes and steps to improve your system’s stability, especially after initial troubleshooting attempts.
System Overview
Your current setup includes:
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
– Graphics Card: Radeon RX 9060XT with 16GB VRAM
– Memory: 32GB RAM
– Motherboard: MSI (model unspecified)
– Operating System: Windows 11 installed via media creation tool (no product key purchased)
Initial Symptoms
Shortly after installing Windows 11, you experienced frequent system crashes and freezes, especially when launching games. Despite updating drivers and verifying game files, issues persisted. A factory reset led to some improvements, reducing crashes to approximately once a week, but occasional freezes and blue screens still occur.
Troubleshooting Attempts Conducted
- Driver updates and reinstallation
- Game file verification and reinstallation
- Windows update checks
- BIOS reset to default settings (XMP was enabled, which was found to cause issues)
- Various game troubleshooting methods (running as administrator, adjusting power plan)
Observed Error Codes and Behavior
You have encountered several stop codes, including:
– SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
– IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
– Kernel Data Inpage Error
– Page Fault in Nonpaged Area
– KERNEL_HEAP_CORRUPTION
– KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
– MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
Additionally, your system’s blue screens are characterized by black backgrounds rather than the standard blue screen, which may or may not be relevant.
Next Steps: Diagnosing and Fixing System Instability
- Analyze Dump Files
Your initial step to upload dump files is on the right track. Use tools like Windows Debugger (WinDbg) or third-party analyzers to review the dump files for specific error details. This can provide insights into whether hardware or software components are at fault.
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Hardware Verification
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Memory (RAM): Run Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86 to check for RAM errors. Faulty RAM can cause numerous stop errors.
- Storage Devices: Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo or manufacturer-specific utilities to check
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