[SOLVED] Crashing games, CPU and GPU temp.

[DominicB06]

Specs: gtx 960, i5-4690k, 16gb ram

My CPU and GPU are sitting at or sometimes above 70c when gaming is this normal?

My games have been crashing randomly, sometimes even crashing my entire pc. I thought it was my power supply so i had bought a new one, a CX550 but no luck. Could these temps be causing my stuff to crash? If not what else could it be?

 

[Darkbreeze]

What is your motherboard model? What was the model of the power supply that you HAD before you got the CX550?

When did this problem start, and was there anything you might have done or changed prior to the problems starting that might have been a trigger for it?

Have you tried a CLEAN install of the graphics card drivers?

How long has it been since you've done a clean install of the operating system? Ever?

Have you run virus and malware scans?

What are the maximum temps, above 70, that you are seeing, for both the CPU and GPU card?

Is your CPU or graphics card overclocked?

What is the model of your memory kit? Has the memory configuration been messed with at all? Are you running the XMP profile?

 

[DominicB06]

What is your motherboard model? What was the model of the power supply that you HAD before you got the CX550?

When did this problem start, and was there anything you might have done or changed prior to the problems starting that might have been a trigger for it?

Have you tried a CLEAN install of the graphics card drivers?

How long has it been since you've done a clean install of the operating system? Ever?

Have you run virus and malware scans?

What are the maximum temps, above 70, that you are seeing, for both the CPU and GPU card?

Is your CPU or graphics card overclocked?

What is the model of your memory kit? Has the memory configuration been messed with at all? Are you running the XMP profile?

The motherboard is a ASRock Z97 Extreme3
The old power supply was a EVGA 500B, had it for 4+ years
The problem started a few weeks ago, and I changed nothing.
Ive seen my cpu temp hit 75 and my gpu hit 74, Neither one is overclocked.
Ive done a clean install before, its been awhile.
I havnt tried a clean install of my graphics driver.
My memory is Crucial Ballistix Sport, 4 4gb sticks.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Both those temps are within spec. Not great temps, if you're not overclocking, but still within spec by about 5 degrees. Actually, within RECOMMENDED temp. Spec is slightly higher. No way those temps would cause a problem though.

Have you always had four DIMMs installed, or did you add additional memory recently?

Have you checked to see if the memory configuration has changed? I'd make sure the XMP profile is still enabled in the BIOS, AFTER resetting it to the default settings. If there are custom settings you wish to continue using you can always tweak them back in later or after the reset.

The CX600 hasn't been manufactured in a while, so not only is that a poor quality unit, unlike the newer gray label CX550, 650, etc., but it's probably been sitting on a shelf for some time with the capacitors degrading from age. Much as I hate to say it since you haven't had that unit long, replacing it with a better unit, regardless of whether it is the problem or not, is probably a good idea. Those units have been the cause of more problem threads on this forum than just about any other power supply aside from the Thermaltake TR2.

Clean install can be done as follows:

How To - How to perform a CLEAN install of your video card drivers.

Updated 9-19-19 How to do a CLEAN install of your graphics card drivers using the Wagnard tools Display Driver Uninstaller A major issue on many systems is the presence of multiple graphics card drivers or drivers that have been incompletely uninstalled followed by the installation of...

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[DominicB06]

Both those temps are within spec. Not great temps, if you're not overclocking, but still within spec by about 5 degrees. Actually, within RECOMMENDED temp. Spec is slightly higher. No way those temps would cause a problem though.

Have you always had four DIMMs installed, or did you add additional memory recently?

Have you checked to see if the memory configuration has changed? I'd make sure the XMP profile is still enabled in the BIOS, AFTER resetting it to the default settings. If there are custom settings you wish to continue using you can always tweak them back in later or after the reset.

The CX600 hasn't been manufactured in a while, so not only is that a poor quality unit, unlike the newer gray label CX550, 650, etc., but it's probably been sitting on a shelf for some time with the capacitors degrading from age. Much as I hate to say it since you haven't had that unit long, replacing it with a better unit, regardless of whether it is the problem or not, is probably a good idea. Those units have been the cause of more problem threads on this forum than just about any other power supply aside from the Thermaltake TR2.

Clean install can be done as follows:

How To - How to perform a CLEAN install of your video card drivers.

Updated 9-19-19 How to do a CLEAN install of your graphics card drivers using the Wagnard tools Display Driver Uninstaller A major issue on many systems is the presence of multiple graphics card drivers or drivers that have been incompletely uninstalled followed by the installation of...

forums.tomshardware.com

Thanks for the response, I had 2 sticks before but got 2 more about a year ago. Ive never messed with the memory configuration, and im not 100% sure how to even do that, could you link somthing that would show me how to check the XMP profile. And in regards to the power supply i dont have a CX600 i have the gray label CX550, is this bad or good? I read on some post on this forums that the CX550 was a solid psu to get, so thats why i got it.

 

[Darkbreeze]

This is for Z87, but it should be similar or the same process.

https://www.anandtech.com/show/7364/memory-scaling-on-haswell/2


Oh, my bad, I don't know where I got that at. Yes, the CX550 is ok.

 

[Darkbreeze]

And unfortunately your card is getting old enough as well that it could be the culprit too. Wouldn't be that surprising, especially if you had been running it with that 500b unit for a while. Those units had rather high ripple which is bad for the capacitors on motherboards and graphics cards, long term.

 

[DominicB06]

This is for Z87, but it should be similar or the same process.

https://www.anandtech.com/show/7364/memory-scaling-on-haswell/2


Oh, my bad, I don't know where I got that at. Yes, the CX550 is ok.

Thanks imma check that out, and i just launched a different game and my cpu went up to 81c, is this ok? should i get a new cpu cooler im still using the stock one that came with the cpu. I was looking at teh https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Maste...&pd_rd_r=9e3c2462-3e38-47a0-bce3-3185ff1a6221 and read that this is a good one.

 

[Darkbreeze]

If you are not overclocking, then the stock cooler should be fine, HOWEVER, given the probable age of the cooler, the fan may be getting weak. Since the cost of a decent fan is probably a big chunk of the cost of a whole new cooler, then a better cooler might not be a bad idea. 81°C on a system that isn't overclocked is too high, especially for an i5.

I would not recommend the 212 EVO though. That is to say, it's much better than the stock cooler, but it's probably not the best choice for the money, or, you can spend less, and get a BETTER cooler.

I'd recommend the Deepcool Gammaxx 400, if you don't want to spent more than 30 bucks.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Deepcool - GAMMAXX 400 74.34 CFM CPU Cooler ($22.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $22.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-10 03:17 EDT-0400


But if you don't mind spending a little more, this would be orders of magnitude better.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Thermalright - Macho Rev.B 73.6 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $49.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-10 03:19 EDT-0400


No cooler can do it's job well though if you don't have good case cooling and airflow. Plus, a lot of cases won't support these taller coolers.

What is your case model?
How many case fans are installed and what is the orientation of airflow for each case fan, intake or exhaust, for each location?
What is the ambient temperature of the room your system is in?

A temperature of 81°C is a cause for concern, but I still don't think it is the root cause of your problems, as anything below 90°C, while possibly higher than we'd like to see, is not going to cause a specific issue like the one you are experiencing.

A faulty motherboard or graphics card is a lot more likely. Or even a problem with a borked up registry in windows or a bad driver.

I'd start with the clean install of the graphics card drivers and do it EXACTLY as outlined in my tutorial.

 

[DominicB06]

If you are not overclocking, then the stock cooler should be fine, HOWEVER, given the probable age of the cooler, the fan may be getting weak. Since the cost of a decent fan is probably a big chunk of the cost of a whole new cooler, then a better cooler might not be a bad idea. 81°C on a system that isn't overclocked is too high, especially for an i5.

I would not recommend the 212 EVO though. That is to say, it's much better than the stock cooler, but it's probably not the best choice for the money, or, you can spend less, and get a BETTER cooler.

I'd recommend the Deepcool Gammaxx 400, if you don't want to spent more than 30 bucks.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Deepcool - GAMMAXX 400 74.34 CFM CPU Cooler ($22.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $22.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-10 03:17 EDT-0400


But if you don't mind spending a little more, this would be orders of magnitude better.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Thermalright - Macho Rev.B 73.6 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $49.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-10 03:19 EDT-0400


No cooler can do it's job well though if you don't have good case cooling and airflow. Plus, a lot of cases won't support these taller coolers.

What is your case model?
How many case fans are installed and what is the orientation of airflow for each case fan, intake or exhaust, for each location?
What is the ambient temperature of the room your system is in?

A temperature of 81°C is a cause for concern, but I still don't think it is the root cause of your problems, as anything below 90°C, while possibly higher than we'd like to see, is not going to cause a specific issue like the one you are experiencing.

A faulty motherboard or graphics card is a lot more likely. Or even a problem with a borked up registry in windows or a bad driver.

I'd start with the clean install of the graphics card drivers and do it EXACTLY as outlined in my tutorial.

I have this case https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Pm4gXL/thermaltake-case-ca1b300m1nn00, and i have just 1 case fan (on the top back) and it is exhaust.
I just reseted windows and am now installing my graphic drivers, im assuming this will accomplish the same as your directions, if not let me know and i will follow your steps.

And thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it.

 

[DominicB06]

If you are not overclocking, then the stock cooler should be fine, HOWEVER, given the probable age of the cooler, the fan may be getting weak. Since the cost of a decent fan is probably a big chunk of the cost of a whole new cooler, then a better cooler might not be a bad idea. 81°C on a system that isn't overclocked is too high, especially for an i5.

I would not recommend the 212 EVO though. That is to say, it's much better than the stock cooler, but it's probably not the best choice for the money, or, you can spend less, and get a BETTER cooler.

I'd recommend the Deepcool Gammaxx 400, if you don't want to spent more than 30 bucks.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Deepcool - GAMMAXX 400 74.34 CFM CPU Cooler ($22.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $22.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-10 03:17 EDT-0400


But if you don't mind spending a little more, this would be orders of magnitude better.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Thermalright - Macho Rev.B 73.6 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $49.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-10 03:19 EDT-0400


No cooler can do it's job well though if you don't have good case cooling and airflow. Plus, a lot of cases won't support these taller coolers.

What is your case model?
How many case fans are installed and what is the orientation of airflow for each case fan, intake or exhaust, for each location?
What is the ambient temperature of the room your system is in?

A temperature of 81°C is a cause for concern, but I still don't think it is the root cause of your problems, as anything below 90°C, while possibly higher than we'd like to see, is not going to cause a specific issue like the one you are experiencing.

A faulty motherboard or graphics card is a lot more likely. Or even a problem with a borked up registry in windows or a bad driver.

I'd start with the clean install of the graphics card drivers and do it EXACTLY as outlined in my tutorial.

So after resetting windows and reinstalling drivers my games still crash randomly 🙁

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yeah, it won't. A reset and a clean install are COMPLETELY different things. Keep in mind though, anything on the drive will be gone after a clean install. It will be 100% new, including all partitions AND the boot manager. A reset does not do anything except reinstall the core Windows components. Try the clean install, Follow the guide EXACTLY as outlined. Do not deviate or jump ahead, because you think a certain step isn't necessary. It is. There is a reason for each step.

It still may not cure the issue, because it might be hardware related, but at least then you will KNOW. Another thing to try is downloading one of the bootable Linux distributions like Ubuntu, and boot from that to see if you have any similar problems. If not, then it's probably a windows issue, but if you do a clean install you'll know anyhow.

One exhaust fan, for your hardware configuration, is simply not enough. And that unfortunately is a terrible case. I have one sitting on the shelf above my test bench. Very poor airflow, even WITH additional fans. At the very least I would recommend adding at minimum, one intake fan in the front, it would be a LOT better if you added two front intake fans and one additional exhaust fan in the top rear (Not to be confused with rear top) fan location. Lack of airflow through the case is likely a big part of your thermal issues.

I'd also recommend looking at a better cooler like those I recommended earlier.

Honestly though, again, I don't think your crashing is due to thermals, but I DO think thermals are a problem given the temperatures you are reaching at stock settings.

Do you know anybody with a graphics card you could borrow in order to either convict or eliminate your graphics card from being the problem?

 

[DominicB06]

Yeah, it won't. A reset and a clean install are COMPLETELY different things. Keep in mind though, anything on the drive will be gone after a clean install. It will be 100% new, including all partitions AND the boot manager. A reset does not do anything except reinstall the core Windows components. Try the clean install, Follow the guide EXACTLY as outlined. Do not deviate or jump ahead, because you think a certain step isn't necessary. It is. There is a reason for each step.

It still may not cure the issue, because it might be hardware related, but at least then you will KNOW. Another thing to try is downloading one of the bootable Linux distributions like Ubuntu, and boot from that to see if you have any similar problems. If not, then it's probably a windows issue, but if you do a clean install you'll know anyhow.

One exhaust fan, for your hardware configuration, is simply not enough. And that unfortunately is a terrible case. I have one sitting on the shelf above my test bench. Very poor airflow, even WITH additional fans. At the very least I would recommend adding at minimum, one intake fan in the front, it would be a LOT better if you added two front intake fans and one additional exhaust fan in the top rear (Not to be confused with rear top) fan location. Lack of airflow through the case is likely a big part of your thermal issues.

I'd also recommend looking at a better cooler like those I recommended earlier.

Honestly though, again, I don't think your crashing is due to thermals, but I DO think thermals are a problem given the temperatures you are reaching at stock settings.

Do you know anybody with a graphics card you could borrow in order to either convict or eliminate your graphics card from being the problem?

So I did the clean install of my graphics driver (followed your steps exactly) and i've been playing for a few hours and haven't crashed once! Looks like the problem may be fixed (hopefully i'm not speaking to fast).

In regards to my fans does it matter what fans i get? Are some fans better than others? I know some are quitter but is the performance any different? If so could you link me a good one, sorry for asking you to link stuff i just dont want to waste money on poor products. Would it be worth getting a whole new case, or if i get the new cpu cooler and added 2 or 3 fans would that be good enough?

Again thank you so much for all your help, I truly appreciate you.

 

[Darkbreeze]

So, how many fans do you want to add?

Your motherboard has three chassis fan headers for connecting fans to. One is a four pin PWM header. The other two are 3 pin DC controlled headers. There are also two CPU fan headers. One is a four pin, and one is a three pin. You don't want to use the extra CPU fan header for any case fans. There is also an extra SYSTEM fan header, which is a three pin. You really don't want to use that one either (sys_fan) because it is a full speed at all times header.

Can you tell me, specifically, which fan header is your rear case fan currently connected to? There should be a small designation near the header that says something like cha_fan 1 or sys_fan, etc.

 

[DominicB06]

So, how many fans do you want to add?

Your motherboard has three chassis fan headers for connecting fans to. One is a four pin PWM header. The other two are 3 pin DC controlled headers. There are also two CPU fan headers. One is a four pin, and one is a three pin. You don't want to use the extra CPU fan header for any case fans. There is also an extra SYSTEM fan header, which is a three pin. You really don't want to use that one either (sys_fan) because it is a full speed at all times header.

Can you tell me, specifically, which fan header is your rear case fan currently connected to? There should be a small designation near the header that says something like cha_fan 1 or sys_fan, etc.

I would like to add at least one intake, preferable 2. It looks like the current fan is plugged into CPU_FAN2, it came like that i didnt plug that in.

edit: Im looking in my case and it doesnt really look like there is a spot/way to put a fan in the front of the case, nowhere to really screw one on. So i would definitly want to put atleast 1 intake fan at the top of the case.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Your case supports two front intake fans. The front panel comes off and the fans get mounted between the front panel and the metal framework of the case on a special bracket.

So you can definitely add two fans, but you are probably going to need at least one fan cable splitter in order to power and control them. I would MOVE that current fan connection so that it is plugged into the cha_fan2 header which is along the right edge of the motherboard next to the memory slots, or the cha_fan3 header which is along the bottom edge to the right of the front panel I/O pin cluster where your front panel cables connected to the motherboard, shown below in red.

You may need to get a 3 pin fan cable extension to reach those headers from the back fan location.

https://www.amazon.com/JBtek-Sleeve...tension+cable&qid=1562874660&s=gateway&sr=8-3


And I would then get two decent PWM fans to install in front as intake fans, as well as a four pin PWM fan splitter cable so you can run them both on the cha_fan 1 PWM header, outlined below in blue.

These would be fine, unless you want higher quality fans which will likely be about ten to fifteen dollars more expensive per fan. Worth it, but not if the cost is a problem. These will work, they are just not as good as higher end fans.

PCPartPicker Part List

Case Fan: ARCTIC - F12 PWM 53 CFM 120 mm Fan ($7.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: ARCTIC - F12 PWM 53 CFM 120 mm Fan ($7.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $15.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-11 15:53 EDT-0400

And one of these, to connect them to the PWM fan header, cha_fan 1.

https://www.amazon.com/Easycargo-Sp...litter+cable&qid=1562874955&s=gateway&sr=8-14

 

[DominicB06]

Your case supports two front intake fans. The front panel comes off and the fans get mounted between the front panel and the metal framework of the case on a special bracket.

So you can definitely add two fans, but you are probably going to need at least one fan cable splitter in order to power and control them. I would MOVE that current fan connection so that it is plugged into the cha_fan2 header which is along the right edge of the motherboard next to the memory slots, or the cha_fan3 header which is along the bottom edge to the right of the front panel I/O pin cluster where your front panel cables connected to the motherboard, shown below in red.

You may need to get a 3 pin fan cable extension to reach those headers from the back fan location.

https://www.amazon.com/JBtek-Sleeve...tension+cable&qid=1562874660&s=gateway&sr=8-3


And I would then get two decent PWM fans to install in front as intake fans, as well as a four pin PWM fan splitter cable so you can run them both on the cha_fan 1 PWM header, outlined below in blue.

These would be fine, unless you want higher quality fans which will likely be about ten to fifteen dollars more expensive per fan. Worth it, but not if the cost is a problem. These will work, they are just not as good as higher end fans.

PCPartPicker Part List

Case Fan: ARCTIC - F12 PWM 53 CFM 120 mm Fan ($7.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: ARCTIC - F12 PWM 53 CFM 120 mm Fan ($7.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $15.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-11 15:53 EDT-0400

And one of these, to connect them to the PWM fan header, cha_fan 1.

https://www.amazon.com/Easycargo-Sp...litter+cable&qid=1562874955&s=gateway&sr=8-14

Ok, so I switched the current fan to CHA_FAN2, the wire reached without any issues.
In my amazon shopping cart I have
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JEMXYQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 for the CPU cooler
Two of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H3T1KBE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A28VADU4WUGJ11&psc=1
and then this cable https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K7NKX5Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A35AFW9EVJYR0N&psc=1

Is this all i need? and are these all the correct items?

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yes. That looks good. That should make a lot of difference. Now that you changed the fan header for that fan, you may want to go into the BIOS and assign a cooling profile for the cha_fan 2 header in the appropriate section.