Hey everyone! I'm facing some serious stability issues with my PC, and I'm trying to determine whether the problem lies with my motherboard or CPU. Here are my specs:
- **CPU**: AMD Ryzen 5 7600
- **Motherboard**: Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX
- **RAM**: Patriot Viper DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 4800MHz
- **GPU**: RX 7800 XT
- **PSU**: 750W
**What Happened**: I recently enabled EXPO for the first time after about two years of stable use. Shortly after that, my system began crashing randomly. At first, it was just occasional, but it worsened over time. I even reset Windows and upgraded to Windows 11, which restored stability for a few days before the crashes returned, becoming frequent. Now it's mostly unusable:
- It crashes shortly after logging into Windows.
- Some apps trigger crashes almost immediately, though the browser works momentarily.
- Safe Mode is also unstable.
**Key Observations**:
- The system is stable in BIOS without crashes.
- No debug LEDs are on.
- Crashes happen across different applications.
- Instability has progressively worsened.
**What I've Tried**:
- Updated BIOS to the latest version.
- Performed a CMOS reset.
- Tested with a single RAM stick.
- Switched RAM slots (A2/B2 showed issues).
- Disabled EXPO to run stock settings.
- Completely reinstalled Windows.
- Ran MemTest86, which reported zero errors.
- Checked CPU socket pins; they look fine.
**Current Suspicion**:
- Potentially dead RAM slots or a memory channel issue on the motherboard.
- Alternatively, a faulty memory controller on the CPU.
**Question**: Do you think this indicates a failing motherboard or CPU? Given that MemTest showed no errors, the BIOS is stable, but Windows crashes quickly when under load, any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
2 Answers
Have you checked the CPU socket for any bent pins? That could definitely cause instability if something's off with the connection there.
It sounds like you might have an issue with the RAM slots. Double check your motherboard manual to ensure A2/B2 is indeed the recommended configuration for two sticks. If you’re sure that’s correct, and those slots are still acting up, it might be time to RMA the motherboard.
Yeah, I'm using those slots as the manual suggests. But I've also tested with just one stick, and it's still unstable, so it feels more like a hardware failure than a simple slot issue.
Thanks for the tip! I checked and the pins look clean, no bends or anything.