I've built my second PC after 10 years, and it's been a struggle to get Windows to run without crashing. My specs include an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X CPU, ASRock B850I motherboard, and an Asus GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, just to name a few. After multiple attempts to install Windows 10 and 11, every time I get the system booted, it crashes shortly after, particularly after entering my password. On the bright side, I can browse safely in Safe Mode. I've updated my drivers, replaced RAM, rebuilt my system, and even tested Linux Mint, which runs fine. I'm at my wit's end trying to figure out if there's a hardware compatibility issue. I really want to fix this myself, so any suggestions would be great!
3 Answers
Have you checked if your CPU cooler was properly installed? Sometimes there can be plastic left on the cooler that needs to be removed, which can cause overheating. Also, make sure your BIOS is updated. It can really make a difference!
Could be your RAM causing the crashes. Try using only one stick at a time and check which slot they run best in according to your motherboard manual. This might help you identify if one of the sticks is faulty.
I've already swapped out the RAM, but I can try using just one stick at a time to see if that helps. Thanks for the suggestion!
It might be worth resetting the CMOS. Also, you should check if the motherboard is making any weird noises or if the system is overheating. Just unplug the battery for a bit and see if that helps.
I’ll definitely try that. The CPU cooler shows a temp of around 30 degrees, so I don't think it’s overheating, but I'll give the CMOS reset a shot. Appreciate your advice!

Thanks for the tip! I did manage to update the BIOS when Windows allowed it briefly, and I made sure to remove any plastic from the cooler during the rebuild. I really appreciate your help!