I built my second PC about a month ago and am having persistent system-wide stuttering. It happens while gaming, browsing, and sometimes after switching applications, even though Task Manager shows no obvious CPU, memory, disk, or temperature spikes. Audio usually continues normally, but my keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals occasionally disconnect and reconnect almost instantly. In games, inputs can also become delayed or remain active too long, especially after alt-tabbing. The problems seem to get worse after several hours of gaming, and extended sessions eventually lead to a BSOD that appears related to memory.
The system uses a Ryzen 5 7600X, ASUS B650E motherboard, 32 GB of Corsair DDR5-6000 memory, an MSI 850W power supply, a GeForce RTX 3060, Windows 11, and an NVMe SSD. I also have two older hard drives installed. I have already run MemTest86 for two passes with no errors, tested each memory stick individually, reinstalled Windows on two different SSDs, reduced the RAM speed to 5200, disabled Wi-Fi in the firmware, reseated the RAM, GPU, and cables, monitored temperatures, and updated the BIOS.
Recent crashes included SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED_M and another crash reported by WhoCrashed as a custom error involving netadaptercx.sys. A previous Windows installation also reported a damaged SSD partition that it could not initially repair, although the warning later disappeared. I am unsure whether that could have corrupted Windows or whether the motherboard, network hardware, drivers, or another component is responsible. I have collected the minidump files for analysis and would appreciate advice on the next troubleshooting steps.
3 Answers
The minidump files are the most useful next step here. The stop codes and netadaptercx.sys reference suggest a network adapter or network driver may be involved, but that filename alone does not prove the adapter itself is defective. Multiple dumps can show whether the same driver or hardware path is repeatedly crashing. Upload the available files as a zip, and configure Windows to create small memory dumps if future crashes are not being recorded.
MemTest86 passing does not completely rule out platform instability, especially on a new AM5 system. For testing, leave the firmware at completely default settings, disable EXPO or any automatic memory overclock, and run the RAM at the motherboard's conservative default speed. Also test with only the essential hardware connected: one system drive, one memory module, no older hard drives, and network drivers installed directly from the motherboard or adapter manufacturer's site.
The brief peripheral disconnects and worsening behavior after long sessions make USB, chipset, or network drivers worth investigating alongside the BSODs. Install the latest AMD chipset package and motherboard drivers, check Device Manager for warnings, and try different rear motherboard USB ports rather than a hub or front-panel connection. If the issue continues with clean drivers and minimal hardware, the motherboard or power delivery becomes more suspicious.
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