I've been having a major issue with my PC freezing up. I started by updating drivers, but that didn't help. Next, I tried to install Windows 11, but it still froze. I even swapped out my NVMe drive and replaced the RAM, testing each stick individually in single-channel mode, but to no avail. Now, I'm stuck in a loop where the Windows installation freezes before it finishes. I can usually get to the part where I name the PC and select preferences, but it freezes again before I can complete the setup. Sometimes it even freezes during the initial stages of the install, so I suspect it's not just a software issue.
This PC was running just fine for about four years prior to this issue. I haven't noticed any visual artifacts that could indicate a problem with my Gigabyte 3080 waterforce graphics card, and it seems unlikely that both sticks of my G Skill Trident 3600 RAM would fail at the same time. I've also fiddled around with various BIOS settings. I fully swapped hard drives and everything seems to be working regarding power, as the pump and fans in my custom water loop keep running, and the temperatures are normal.
I'm left wondering if maybe the processor (AMD 5900x) or the motherboard (MSI B550m Mortar) is to blame. Any suggestions on what component might be causing all these freezing issues?
3 Answers
It sounds like you might be dealing with a short or some sort of power issue. Even if your fans are running, that doesn't mean the power supply is delivering enough stability. Try swapping the power cables from the PSU to the motherboard and see if that changes anything. Have you cleared the CMOS? Sometimes that can resolve odd behaviors too.
I think the issue might be your CPU or motherboard. They’ve been working fine, but anything could happen after four years. If you can, try testing with a different power supply to rule that out. Sometimes they're at fault even if they seem to be working. If all else fails, you might want to consider a rebuild if you have to replace major components anyway.
I’ve thought about rebuilding too! It’s just aggravating because it was such a good setup before.
Have you tried resetting the BIOS to see if that helps? Sometimes a simple reset can fix weird freezes like this. Also, make sure that your RAM is properly seated and functioning right. It could be worth reseating it just to rule out any issues.
Yes, I did reset the BIOS and checked the RAM seating multiple times. I even tried it in different slots.
That’s a good idea! I’ll check the cables and try clearing the CMOS again just to be safe.