Question AMD Upgrade/Crashing/Performance Utility/Starfield ?

[TraumenMeer]

Current Build

MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon Max WiFi
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
AMD Radeon 7900 XT Hellhound 20GB
64 GB RAM (16GB x 4 sticks)
PSU 850 watts
M2 1TB SSD (plenty of free space; 200+GB)
Windows 11

Build Story

Just upgraded my CPU (from AMD Ryzen 5 1600), and GPU (from AMD Radeon RX 580 Red Dragon 8GB). Built the rig myself, a la carte.

Yes, I used duster to clean the case, so it's not a dirt / restricted airflow issue (however, SpeedFan app no longer registers the fans or allows me to manually change fan speed - though apparently the new GPU has a smart sensor system for fan use when needed).

This build ran just fine for 3 years, even while playing Cyberpunk 2077 on full graphics (just no ray tracing or DLSS since I prefer AMD).

Had to troubleshoot through upgrading BIOS via Flash, then installing drivers for new CPU and GPU, then installing Windows 11 and reinstalling drivers to ensure OS compatibility.

System crashed several times after playing Starfield. Was able to play with half the settings on Ultra for about 5 hours until it started crashing every time I would load the game. Researched and troubleshot through trial and error until stability was achieved with lower settings.

The Current Problem

Every time I tweak the AMD Adrenaline GPU settings via app in Windows, AMD BIOS settings (Game Boost and between 1 and 2 RAM profile), and/or adjust Starfield game settings to anything higher than "High", Starfield crashes my computer to "black reboot" (where screen just goes black / "no signal", and I have to manually reboot by pressing button).

Never just crashes to desktop (which is why I don't think it's a game issue).

It currently plays stable limited to 75 FPS with Radeon Chill feature, profile 1 RAM and no Game Boost settings in BIOS, and High in-game graphics settings (with Ultra on grass and shadows only).

The Question(s)

With my upgraded hardware and drivers, why does Starfield still crash my computer to black reboot?

One would think, with my current build (way above minimum recommended), it should handle at least with a mix of High and Ultra settings, if not fully Ultra.

My only current theory is I might need to upgrade my PSU to something higher than 850 watts (maybe 1300?).

Is my 850W PSU holding me back?

Also, my new GPU  should support Ray tracing, but I don't see an option for it in AMD Adrenaline GPU manager.

Is there a way to enable it (since  technically, my AMD Radeon 7900 XT Hellhound 20GB should have that technology/option)?

I've already checked within the games tab of Adrenaline manager for Starfield specifically, but assume it needs to be unlocked elsewhere I'm missing.

If Ray Tracing really doesn't make that big a difference, I can live without.

For good measure, I've been closing my browsers, mod installers, and all unnecessary background programs via Task Manager while playing Starfield.

Again, it seems like my new build should be able to handle anything I throw at it; so the only logical conclusion I have is that I don't have enough PSU juice.

Usually I pride myself on doing my own troubleshooting, but admit I'm stumped and would appreciate any advice.

 

[CountMike]

Current Build

MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon Max WiFi
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
AMD Radeon 7900 XT Hellhound 20GB
64 GB RAM (16GB x 4 sticks)
PSU 850 watts
M2 1TB SSD (plenty of free space; 200+GB)
Windows 11

Build Story

Just upgraded my CPU (from AMD Ryzen 5 1600), and GPU (from AMD Radeon RX 580 Red Dragon 8GB). Built the rig myself, a la carte.

Yes, I used duster to clean the case, so it's not a dirt / restricted airflow issue (however, SpeedFan app no longer registers the fans or allows me to manually change fan speed - though apparently the new GPU has a smart sensor system for fan use when needed).

This build ran just fine for 3 years, even while playing Cyberpunk 2077 on full graphics (just no ray tracing or DLSS since I prefer AMD).

Had to troubleshoot through upgrading BIOS via Flash, then installing drivers for new CPU and GPU, then installing Windows 11 and reinstalling drivers to ensure OS compatibility.

System crashed several times after playing Starfield. Was able to play with half the settings on Ultra for about 5 hours until it started crashing every time I would load the game. Researched and troubleshot through trial and error until stability was achieved with lower settings.

The Current Problem

Every time I tweak the AMD Adrenaline GPU settings via app in Windows, AMD BIOS settings (Game Boost and between 1 and 2 RAM profile), and/or adjust Starfield game settings to anything higher than "High", Starfield crashes my computer to "black reboot" (where screen just goes black / "no signal", and I have to manually reboot by pressing button).

Never just crashes to desktop (which is why I don't think it's a game issue).

It currently plays stable limited to 75 FPS with Radeon Chill feature, profile 1 RAM and no Game Boost settings in BIOS, and High in-game graphics settings (with Ultra on grass and shadows only).

The Question(s)

With my upgraded hardware and drivers, why does Starfield still crash my computer to black reboot?

One would think, with my current build (way above minimum recommended), it should handle at least with a mix of High and Ultra settings, if not fully Ultra.

My only current theory is I might need to upgrade my PSU to something higher than 850 watts (maybe 1300?).

Is my 850W PSU holding me back?

Also, my new GPU  should support Ray tracing, but I don't see an option for it in AMD Adrenaline GPU manager.

Is there a way to enable it (since  technically, my AMD Radeon 7900 XT Hellhound 20GB should have that technology/option)?

I've already checked within the games tab of Adrenaline manager for Starfield specifically, but assume it needs to be unlocked elsewhere I'm missing.

If Ray Tracing really doesn't make that big a difference, I can live without.

For good measure, I've been closing my browsers, mod installers, and all unnecessary background programs via Task Manager while playing Starfield.

Again, it seems like my new build should be able to handle anything I throw at it; so the only logical conclusion I have is that I don't have enough PSU juice.

Usually I pride myself on doing my own troubleshooting, but admit I'm stumped and would appreciate any advice.

Check Youtube reviews for Starfield, it seems to be buggy, unfinished and too demanding on HW.

 

[TraumenMeer]

Thanks so much, CountMike. It just still baffles me that even with my hardware upgrades, I'm encountering issues. I may still upgrade my PSU, but if it crashes beyond that, then I'll know it's purely because of the game.

 

[CountMike]

Thanks so much, CountMike. It just still baffles me that even with my hardware upgrades, I'm encountering issues. I may still upgrade my PSU, but if it crashes beyond that, then I'll know it's purely because of the game.

It's not first or last game with such problems, GTA V for instance in it's time. MS Flight sim also demands much of HW, some would say that even mainframe super computers may not run it at full performance.

 

[TraumenMeer]

It's not first or last game with such problems, GTA V for instance in it's time. MS Flight sim also demands much of HW, some would say that even mainframe super computers may not run it at full performance.

I guess us Starfield players are caught in the same development disconnect as Cyberpunk players were around 2021. At least there are already mods that can boost textures without sacrificing fps or drain more from CPU.

I'll probably still upgrade PSU, add more fans to case under GPU for general use, and tweak settings to see how much I can get away with, but until the bugs are fixed on Bethesda's end, will have to do all I can on my end to enjoy within current limits.

Again, thanks for your feedback!

 

[TraumenMeer]

 Update

After more research and testing (started using CoreTemp and MSI Afterburner instead of SpeedFan, and using in conjunction with the Ryzen Master and Adrenaline GPU software), discovered that power wasn't the issue.

Sure, I might still upgrade to a 1,300 watt PSU at some point (and move current PSU to a new build) but the culprit is the cooling. It just isn't enough for my CPU.

Idles around 38C, and while playing Starfield, jumps to between 50-72C. The limit is 95C. Makes sense why it kept crashing at higher settings.

GPU, on the other hand, barely broke 35C up from 30C idle (smart fans didn't even turn on). Radeon Chill max FPS is set to 100, but game play is still a bit choppy when turning in large open areas (coniferous forest areas).

I added a new case fan on top of my PSU and HDD tray bay, just under my GPU. Decreased the idle ambient temp of CPU by about 2-3 degrees C. Helpful, but not enough.

Looks like I'm just going to have to go liquid cooling at some point, possibly even upgrade the case to something larger.

Until then, going to get some USB fans (designed for personal desk use), and aim them at my rig, and possibly buy a 4' tall rack with shelves so my rig gets better airflow.

Also considering a small-scale refrigerant regulator down the line (Phase Change Unit). They range from $1k to $2k for personal use, and $10k for enterprise-level use.

What can I say, I just can't settle for sub-par performance, when I know my hardware is capable of at least half the settings at Ultra (which it somehow managed for 4-5 hours before regular crashing).

 

[CountMike]

 Update

After more research and testing (started using CoreTemp and MSI Afterburner instead of SpeedFan, and using in conjunction with the Ryzen Master and Adrenaline GPU software), discovered that power wasn't the issue.

Sure, I might still upgrade to a 1,300 watt PSU at some point (and move current PSU to a new build) but the culprit is the cooling. It just isn't enough for my CPU.

Idles around 38C, and while playing Starfield, jumps to between 50-72C. The limit is 95C. Makes sense why it kept crashing at higher settings.

GPU, on the other hand, barely broke 35C up from 30C idle (smart fans didn't even turn on). Radeon Chill max FPS is set to 100, but game play is still a bit choppy when turning in large open areas (coniferous forest areas).

I added a new case fan on top of my PSU and HDD tray bay, just under my GPU. Decreased the idle ambient temp of CPU by about 2-3 degrees C. Helpful, but not enough.

Looks like I'm just going to have to go liquid cooling at some point, possibly even upgrade the case to something larger.

Until then, going to get some USB fans (designed for personal desk use), and aim them at my rig, and possibly buy a 4' tall rack with shelves so my rig gets better airflow.

Also considering a small-scale refrigerant regulator down the line (Phase Change Unit). They range from $1k to $2k for personal use, and $10k for enterprise-level use.

What can I say, I just can't settle for sub-par performance, when I know my hardware is capable of at least half the settings at Ultra (which it somehow managed for 4-5 hours before regular crashing).

No way 5600x would need so such advanced cooling. even my 5800x considered one of hottest from 5000 series keeps up to 80c at full continuous load during benchmarking and newer over 70c (more often around 60-65c) under ordinary 360 AIO when gaming.

 

[TraumenMeer]

No way 5600x would need so such advanced cooling. even my 5800x considered one of hottest from 5000 series keeps up to 80c at full continuous load during benchmarking and newer over 70c (more often around 60-65c) under ordinary 360 AIO when gaming.

No, it probably shouldn't lol, but my theory is that my case doesn't get enough airflow in its current position. Plus, keeping my place around 73F in winter doesn't help (but gotta make the family happy).

That's my only real conclusion at this point; that my system needs better cooling / placement.

The idea for a Phase Changer is for when I have 2-3 rig mods. Currently have 2 rigs, and aiming to make then freakishly cool to run smooth.

I'm determined to get to the bottom of this issue. I refuse to accept that my rig will constantly crash to black reboot just for turning up graphics settings. Especially when it handled higher settings for 4-5 hours previously before continuous crashing until I turned them down.

I mean, if my previous build (Ryzen 5 1600 CPU and Radeon Red Dragon 580X 8GB GPU) could handle a 4k benchmark test without crashing (albeit with lots of lag/fps reduction), there's no reason my 5600X CPU and 7900 XT Hellhound 20GB GPU can't.

 

[helper800]

What exact 850 watt PSU do you have installed for reference?

 

[CountMike]

No, it probably shouldn't lol, but my theory is that my case doesn't get enough airflow in its current position. Plus, keeping my place around 73F in winter doesn't help (but gotta make the family happy).

That's my only real conclusion at this point; that my system needs better cooling / placement.

The idea for a Phase Changer is for when I have 2-3 rig mods. Currently have 2 rigs, and aiming to make then freakishly cool to run smooth.

I'm determined to get to the bottom of this issue. I refuse to accept that my rig will constantly crash to black reboot just for turning up graphics settings. Especially when it handled higher settings for 4-5 hours previously before continuous crashing until I turned them down.

I mean, if my previous build (Ryzen 5 1600 CPU and Radeon Red Dragon 580X 8GB GPU) could handle a 4k benchmark test without crashing (albeit with lots of lag/fps reduction), there's no reason my 5600X CPU and 7900 XT Hellhound 20GB GPU can't.

I was toying to use cooling part of office water chiller in custom water cooling but would have to stay outside the case but there's no point in over cooling CPU., performance would be same at 30c as at 80c.

 

[TraumenMeer]

What exact 850 watt PSU do you have installed for reference?

GameMax 850 watt RGB850 Pro. Had it for 3 years since I built the rig, and just cleaned it with duster when I upgraded CPU and GPU.

 

[TraumenMeer]

I was toying to use cooling part of office water chiller in custom water cooling but would have to stay outside the case but there's no point in over cooling CPU., performance would be same at 30c as at 80c.

That's a really cool idea! Like an external reservoir not directly connected to the case (say, if a case is a little too small for ideal airflow); I'm already imagining the possibilities with pipe designs, say, on a 4' rack.

I'm mostly looking to have the power of chilling as soon as I need it when demand for the CPU kicks up for the sake of stability while maximizing performance.

Like the difference in heat from cooking with propane versus electric, but hopefully without too much thermodynamic shock to the system (hopefully the metal radiator fins help mitigate such a drastic change, but still allow for rapid cooling within material tolerance).

 

[helper800]

GameMax 850 watt RGB850 Pro. Had it for 3 years since I built the rig, and just cleaned it with duster when I upgraded CPU and GPU.

That PSU should not be in any PC that has a graphics card. Its a piece of junk that can kill your whole PC. Regardless of what you do, you should replace it with a quality PSU... Pretty much anything from this list would be perfectly adequate for your needs.

 

[TraumenMeer]

That PSU should not be in any PC that has a graphics card. Its a pieced of junk that can kill your whole PC. Regardless of what you do, you should replace it with a quality PSU... Pretty much anything from this list would be perfectly adequate for your needs.

Helper800 thank you SO MUCH for the input and link to better units!

At the time of purchase, I hadn't done enough research, and was a bit low on funds. I was building a whole rig from scratch, so I should have stretched my purchases out so I could have afforded better quality components.

Will definitely be upgrading the PSU soon.

Still eventually going to upgrade the cooling, but PSU would be a more affordable upgrade at the moment.

 

[Corduroy2739]

Hi first off your ryzen 5600 is holding the 7900xt back, its a bad paring, you should paired it with a ryzen 7 5700x or Am5 socket with a atleast a Ryzen 5 7500f or 7600 or better, now your other problem is that power supply it is hot garbage, and did you know there were fake Gamemax power supplies, so again make sure you get a well name brand powersupply. Anothier thing to add your you don't need more then 750 watt psu for your config because total pwoer draw from the weall witha ryzen 5600 and a 7900xt your lucky if your pulling 350 watts total, so a 850 watt would be overkill the only time you need a better psu is if upgraded to intel 13900k or 14900k they use a ton of power, and paired with your 7900 xt yourt would need a 80 watt yes

As for the black screen's issue did you try different hdmi or display port cables, cause i too had the same problem with black screen problem testing out idfferent cables nothing worked until i figured it it out it was a setting in Amd adrenline center you need to turn off, look under dispaly section then to the right in the middle look for overrides click then then you well see HDCP set it to disabled then restart your system, if still does not work download ddu gpu cleaner and uninstall Amd gpu drivers, then reinstall drivers, and then go back to display then overrides then turn off HDCP, then it should have no problems

One last question what resoultion are you playing you're games at? and are you using a high refresh rate monitor like 144hz?

 

[helper800]

Hi first off your ryzen 5600 is holding the 7900xt back, its a bad paring, you should paired it with a ryzen 7 5700x or Am5 socket with a atleast a Ryzen 5 7500f or 7600 or better, now your other problem is that power supply it is hot garbage, and did you know there were fake Gamemax power supplies, so again make sure you get a well name brand powersupply. Anothier thing to add your you don't need more then 750 watt psu for your config because total pwoer draw from the weall witha ryzen 5600 and a 7900xt your lucky if your pulling 350 watts total, so a 850 watt would be overkill the only time you need a better psu is if upgraded to intel 13900k or 14900k they use a ton of power, and paired with your 7900 xt yourt would need a 80 watt yes

As for the black screen's issue did you try different hdmi or display port cables, cause i too had the same problem with black screen problem testing out idfferent cables nothing worked until i figured it it out it was a setting in Amd adrenline center you need to turn off, look under dispaly section then to the right in the middle look for overrides click then then you well see HDCP set it to disabled then restart your system, if still does not work download ddu gpu cleaner and uninstall Amd gpu drivers, then reinstall drivers, and then go back to display then overrides then turn off HDCP, then it should have no problems

One last question what resoultion are you playing you're games at? and are you using a high refresh rate monitor like 144hz?

Its impossible to claim what wattage power supply he needs other than the minimum of 750ws to run his current setup if we take into account future upgrades. He could very well need a 1000w PSU if he is considering a future high power card. This is why the list linked him with recommendations containing greater than 750w PSUs. This also does not take into account that PSUs are most efficient at 30-70% load, another reason why getting an 850w PSU could be warranted. His peak system power is also much closer to 450-500 watts of power, not 350w. Another thing to consider is that a 5600x is actually a perfectly capable pairing with a 7900 xt. The only times a 5600x will struggle is with very specific games at 1080p resolution, and when I say "struggle," I mean 100+ fps at the lowest, which is way beyond what is considered playable.

 

[TraumenMeer]

Hi first off your ryzen 5600 is holding the 7900xt back, its a bad paring, you should paired it with a ryzen 7 5700x or Am5 socket with a atleast a Ryzen 5 7500f or 7600 or better, now your other problem is that power supply it is hot garbage, and did you know there were fake Gamemax power supplies, so again make sure you get a well name brand powersupply. Anothier thing to add your you don't need more then 750 watt psu for your config because total pwoer draw from the weall witha ryzen 5600 and a 7900xt your lucky if your pulling 350 watts total, so a 850 watt would be overkill the only time you need a better psu is if upgraded to intel 13900k or 14900k they use a ton of power, and paired with your 7900 xt yourt would need a 80 watt yes

As for the black screen's issue did you try different hdmi or display port cables, cause i too had the same problem with black screen problem testing out idfferent cables nothing worked until i figured it it out it was a setting in Amd adrenline center you need to turn off, look under dispaly section then to the right in the middle look for overrides click then then you well see HDCP set it to disabled then restart your system, if still does not work download ddu gpu cleaner and uninstall Amd gpu drivers, then reinstall drivers, and then go back to display then overrides then turn off HDCP, then it should have no problems

One last question what resoultion are you playing you're games at? and are you using a high refresh rate monitor like 144hz?

Hi Corduroy,

Thanks so much for the feedback! Everyone here has been very helpful in addition to my own research/testing.

I admit I have read a few places that there is a performance bottleneck with the combination of Ryzen 5600x and the Powercolor Radeon 7900 xt Hellhound. I also admit I wasn't totally thorough in my research prior to choosing that CPU for upgrade from a Ryzen 1600.

I chose the 5600x based on 3 Starfield game reviews from 3 different sources (that, at minimum, a 3600 was recommended, a 5600 would be plenty, and anything higher would be overkill for casual gamers, which I am).

I had considered a slightly higher CPU (such as 5900 which CountMike mentioned using in previous answers), but again figured I really didn't need it.

At the time, I was also unaware of the fact that games are now far more demanding on CPUs than GPUs, though a hefty GPU is still encouraged.

That, and I really don't want to upgrade my B450 Gamer Pro Carbon main board, which is limited to AM4 socket. I might in the more distant future, but for now am satisfied with it.

I'll respond to the PSU suggestions in the other thread with Helper800's reply to you.

 

[TraumenMeer]

Its impossible to claim what wattage power supply he needs other than the minimum of 750ws to run his current setup if we take into account future upgrades. He could very well need a 1000w PSU if he is considering a future high power card. This is why the list linked him with recommendations containing greater than 750w PSUs. This also does not take into account that PSUs are most efficient at 30-70% load, another reason why getting an 850w PSU could be warranted. His peak system power is also much closer to 450-500 watts of power, not 350w. Another thing to consider is that a 5600x is actually a perfectly capable pairing with a 7900 xt. The only times a 5600x will struggle is with very specific games at 1080p resolution, and when I say "struggle," I mean 100+ fps at the lowest, which is way beyond what is considered playable.

Thank you so much, Helper800.

I really appreciate your clarifying my use needs to Corduroy.

I do admit I hadn't previously done enough of my own research on PSUs prior to creating this question thread - it's the exact reason why I came here. I simply hit too many roadblocks in my own research.

I do agree that I made the right choice with upgrading my PSU - I used your list to buy a Corsair RM850X, which I'll be installing this weekend.

And yes, I may very well upgrade again in the future, but nothing on the immediate horizon.

I did some number-crunching, realizing I only currently need the 300ish watts Corduroy mentioned (though I've also added more fans to my rig to help with cooling - two EASYDIY FAB fans (from a kit of 3) directly under my GPU, which has helped with lower temps.

I may do another update on here with performance after installing and testing the new PSU.

 

[Corduroy2739]

Its impossible to claim what wattage power supply he needs other than the minimum of 750ws to run his current setup if we take into account future upgrades. He could very well need a 1000w PSU if he is considering a future high power card. This is why the list linked him with recommendations containing greater than 750w PSUs. This also does not take into account that PSUs are most efficient at 30-70% load, another reason why getting an 850w PSU could be warranted. His peak system power is also much closer to 450-500 watts of power, not 350w. Another thing to consider is that a 5600x is actually a perfectly capable pairing with a 7900 xt. The only times a 5600x will struggle is with very specific games at 1080p resolution, and when I say "struggle," I mean 100+ fps at the lowest, which is way beyond what is considered playable.

Correction the op has a ryzen 5600 non x, only a bit slower.
The only reason i recoomenced a 750 psu, because hes on a budget, and yes 850 or higher would be ideal for future upgrades i get that, and last you're wrong about hes using close to 450 to 500 watts, i would say around 350 to 400 ball park.

Hes Cpu is bottlenecking hes gpu not by a lot but still is a problem, look up hes paring online 5600 with a 7900xt you will see.

as for 1080p the op never did metion what resoultion hes running hes games at, so for 1080p with hes config he should should be running hes games at 1440p.

Thank you for telling me things i aready know like lower res puts more strain on the cpu, and that some games are more cpu intensive or gpu intensive or both.

Bottom line the he names a well branded psu 750 watts or higher, and he needs 16 gb kit thats running is dual channel or 32gb if he can aford it.

For hes motherboard not showing ez debug leds lights, no one has attempted to help him cause were all going on about silly things, Hes motherboard is probably past warrenty period, and the user has not gave us enough detail on hes trouble shooing steps

 

[Corduroy2739]

Thank you so much, Helper800.

I really appreciate your clarifying my use needs to Corduroy.

I do admit I hadn't previously done enough of my own research on PSUs prior to creating this question thread - it's the exact reason why I came here. I simply hit too many roadblocks in my own research.

I do agree that I made the right choice with upgrading my PSU - I used your list to buy a Corsair RM850X, which I'll be installing this weekend.

And yes, I may very well upgrade again in the future, but nothing on the immediate horizon.

I did some number-crunching, realizing I only currently need the 300ish watts Corduroy mentioned (though I've also added more fans to my rig to help with cooling - two EASYDIY FAB fans (from a kit of 3) directly under my GPU, which has helped with lower temps.

I may do another update on here with performance after installing and testing the new PSU.

Ok i sent Helper800, if you want read my comments or i can send you them

Now lets try to help you out better does your system post now?

Do you stil have the problem with no ez debud led lights on the motherboard?

And do you have the dual channel 16gb kit installed ?

as for that gamer max power supply you need to change that asap because of 2 reasons, and are you still using it ?

What monitor do you have, do you run you're games at 1080p or 1440p or 4k?

 

[TraumenMeer]

Ok i sent Helper800, if you want read my comments or i can send you them

Now lets try to help you out better does your system post now?

Do you stil have the problem with no ez debud led lights on the motherboard?

And do you have the dual channel 16gb kit installed ?

as for that gamer max power supply you need to change that asap because of 2 reasons, and are you still using it ?

What monitor do you have, do you run you're games at 1080p or 1440p or 4k?

Hi again Corduroy,

I have yet to test my system with my new Corsair PSU, so I'll likely update about that this weekend.

Not only do I want to switch it out due to what Helper800 shared, but over the last 3 years I lived in a place with poor wiring from 1978 and constant power outages. So, even on a good day, PSU is probably on its last leg. Thankfully, I live in a more modern apartment now.

I assume you're referring to RAM kit? I have 4 sticks of XLR8 16GB, total of 64GB. Should be more than enough. I have BIOS RAM settings to profile 1 (whereas profile 2 seems too demanding for OC... my theory is lack of proper power regulation due to crappy PSU).

As for monitor, I really need to replace one because it's a poor 27" Sanyo flat screen TV lol, and the other is a new Sceptre 24" screen (curved).

Resolution settings are 1080 fullscreen (I've read a few places that it's better to do windowed?). I do eventually plan to replace the Sanyo with a 27" curved Sceptre monitor.

What I'm really scratching my head over is the GPU benchmark (Unigine's "Superposition" benchmark program).

So, with my old build (1600 Ryzen and 8GB Radeon Red Dragon GPU), I was able to run the benchmark, even on 4K (though it was understandably laggy) and the only crash was to desktop (rather than whole PC crash). And yet, when testing with my upgraded hardware, crashed to black reboot on high 1080p.

I assume this is due to the PSU, lack of proper cooling, a mainboard capacity issue, or some combination of those factors. Same thing happens when playing Starfield on any higher than mostly high graphics settings (only 1-2 on Ultra, like shadows and grass, which was the recommended setting I found between 1-2 websites when searching for best Starfield settings).

The other head-scratcher is at one point after installing the new CPU and GPU, I was able to play the game for 4-5 hours straight with half the graphics settings on Ultra, until it crashed to black reboot, and wasn't able to do so again (kept crashing until I lowered the in-game graphics settings back to 90% on high, and only two on ultra).

As for your LED mainboard question, I have MysticLight which syncs with other LEDs (main board, RAM, and accessories such as GPU holder LEDs). All my case fans also have LEDs.

 

[TraumenMeer]

Upgrade Update

Not only upgraded the PSU from the Game Max RGB 850 to the Corsair RM850X, but took the opportunity to clean up the tentacle wiring mess I'd made in the primary chamber over the last 3 years.

Now have all that wiring in the HDD bays, and able to fit all 3 of my new fans on top of the HDD bay / PSU chamber.

CPU idle is around 35-40C, and GPU idle is 25C.

I then tested using the Unigine Superposition benchmark.

Not only did my computer not crash at all, but performed flawlessly with all 1080p tests (medium, high, and extreme), handled the 4k optimized test with only a few distortions, and even handled the 8k optimized test (albeit with some minor distortions, like a 1cm horizontal line across the screen that was a little out of sync, as well as a few rough edges here and there, but only during the most intense scenes).

I monitored both Core Temp and Afterburner for changes; CPU only went up to 75C at most intense, and quickly cooled back down to mid-50s. GPU only hit 35C at peak. GPU MHz did very briefly max to purple/full in the beginning of the test, but otherwise only used 50% of MHz scale on average on intense scenes.

I then tested Starfield, with all graphics settings maxed out. No crashes what-so-ever!

I then exited and adjusted settings in the Radeon Adrenalin app (nothing with crazy OC, just turning on the Super Resolution, Anti-Lag, and Radeon Boost).

Didn't get to test since the Adrenalin software had an update. Figured it best I reboot for that upgrade, which gave me a chance to enter BIOS and turn on the Game Boost and switch to RAM profile 2.

After that, I played Starfield for roughly 2.5 hours with flawless performance!

No crashes at all. Just froze for about 10 seconds at one point, but then worked just fine. I have yet to test the game in what everyone calls its "benchmark area", Neon.

With all that said, just want to say thank you all so much again for your feedback!

The PSU truly was holding me back and made all the difference. Don't think I'll be doing any more upgrades in the near-future (except swapping out my Sanyo 27" TV for a 27" curved Sceptre monitor), but I'm glad to know I can always come back here to troubleshoot when I hit a wall.

If any of you do have any follow-up tweak suggestions (like in Adrenalin center or BIOS for safe OC settings), I'm open. Thanks again!​