Question I tried to use AMD Auto Overclock, and now my PC randomly freezes up ?

[Solasorawan]

I tried to use AMD Auto Overclock, and now my PC randomly freezes up.
Afterwards, the screen goes black or displays artifacts.


Computer Type: Desktop
GPU: Sapphire PULSE Radeon RX 6800 XT 16 GB Video Card
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
BIOS Version: 3024
RAM: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory
PSU: Super Flower Leadex V Pro 1000 W 80+ Gold Fully Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact
Operating System & Version: WINDOWS 10 Education 10.0.19045 Build 19045
GPU Drivers: AMD Adrenalin 25.3.1
Chipset Drivers: AMD B650 6.07.22.037

Background Applications: Chrome, Steam, various idle games like Spirit City: Lo-Fi Sessions (sometimes)

I tried to use the Auto-Overclock feature in AMD Adrenalin. I had a manual OC before that and I have it now. Anyway, Auto-Overclock really messed up my PC. I don't know if that means my system is unstable in general.

It seems that it overclocked both my GPU and my CPU; afterwards, my PC would not boot. I had to turn it on and off multiple times, and it would eventually boot up. I got a bunch of Windows BSODs when I was booting up my PC; I probably should've kept track of them. I kept trying to use the BIOS flashback feature on my motherboard to reflash my BIOS with my PC off, but it kept getting stuck; the BIOS definitely got messed up a lot, but I updated it with the latest version as soon as I got my PC working.

Eventually, my PC started working again, and I disabled Auto Overclock and changed it back to my manual OC. I suppose I should go back to the base GPU settings, but I just think it's weird that my issues got worse right after I had these boot-up issues. It seems that my PC freezes up for a bit. Then, either some staticy artifacts appear or my screen goes black for a second. I've only noticed this when I'm alt-tabbing to an idle game, Steam, or Windows Security which is interesting; I haven't noticed it in anything else yet.

I tried to uninstall my graphics driver and then updated it to the latest version. I also updated Windows to the latest version. I ran sfc /scannow and the DISM commands. I'll try to update my chipset driver right now since I forgot about that one. What could be wrong with this? Thanks in advance!

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
BIOS Version: 3024
The latest BIOS version is 3222;
https://www.asus.com/motherboards-c...esk_bios?model2Name=TUF-GAMING-B650-PLUS-WIFI

Use DDU to remove all GPU drivers(intel, Nvidia and AMD) in Safe Mode, then manually install the latest driver sourced from AMD's support site in an elevated command, i.e, Right click installer>Run as Administrator.

I'll try to update my chipset driver right now since I forgot about that one.
The latest at the time of writing is
7.02.13.148 per their support site;
https://www.amd.com/en/support/downloads/drivers.html/chipsets/am5/b650.html

Further reading;

https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/yglo42/amd_please_remove_the_cpu_overclocking_feature/

 

[Solasorawan]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
BIOS Version: 3024
The latest BIOS version is 3222;
https://www.asus.com/motherboards-c...esk_bios?model2Name=TUF-GAMING-B650-PLUS-WIFI

Use DDU to remove all GPU drivers(intel, Nvidia and AMD) in Safe Mode, then manually install the latest driver sourced from AMD's support site in an elevated command, i.e, Right click installer>Run as Administrator.

I'll try to update my chipset driver right now since I forgot about that one.
The latest at the time of writing is
7.02.13.148 per their support site;
https://www.amd.com/en/support/downloads/drivers.html/chipsets/am5/b650.html

Further reading;

https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/yglo42/amd_please_remove_the_cpu_overclocking_feature/

Thanks for the warm welcome! I actually am on 3222; I thought I was on 3024, but I saw it said 3222 when I checked the BIOS. At any rate, I used DDU to remove my AMD GPU drivers and installed the latest version just now. I also updated my chipset drivers to the latest version just now. I'm unfortunately still having issues though; I haven't had any issues with Steam yet, at least, so it's just Spirit City: Lo-Fi Sessions right now. Hopefully, I don't run into any issues later. Do you know what else could be causing these issues?

Edit: Never mind, it just happened again with Steam. Not sure what's going on here.

As for that last link, I'm definitely annoyed by the fact that the CPU option is in Adrenalin. When I change my tuning settings, I accidentally change the CPU sometimes too; with that said, I've never actually changed anything about my CPU outside of the BIOS, so it's hopefully fine.

 

[Solasorawan]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
BIOS Version: 3024
The latest BIOS version is 3222;
https://www.asus.com/motherboards-c...esk_bios?model2Name=TUF-GAMING-B650-PLUS-WIFI

Use DDU to remove all GPU drivers(intel, Nvidia and AMD) in Safe Mode, then manually install the latest driver sourced from AMD's support site in an elevated command, i.e, Right click installer>Run as Administrator.

I'll try to update my chipset driver right now since I forgot about that one.
The latest at the time of writing is
7.02.13.148 per their support site;
https://www.amd.com/en/support/downloads/drivers.html/chipsets/am5/b650.html

Further reading;

https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/yglo42/amd_please_remove_the_cpu_overclocking_feature/

I was experimenting a bit, and it seems that these issues stop happening if I change my refresh rate to 120 Hz instead of 144 Hz. I updated my BIOS to reset all of my CPU, RAM, and GPU settings (in Adrenalin for the last one) although that didn’t help on its own. Does this indicate that something is definitely wrong with my GPU or monitor then?

 

[Hotrod2go]

OP posted this on TPU forums. I hope you get the solution to your problem asap.

 

[Solasorawan]

OP posted this on TPU forums. I hope you get the solution to your problem asap.

Thanks! I'm hoping it'll work out soon.

 

[drea.drechsler]

I was experimenting a bit, and it seems that these issues stop happening if I change my refresh rate to 120 Hz instead of 144 Hz. I updated my BIOS to reset all of my CPU, RAM, and GPU settings (in Adrenalin for the last one) although that didn’t help on its own. Does this indicate that something is definitely wrong with my GPU or monitor then?

Curious... I also have a stability problem using 144hz refresh with my RX6800XT (MSI Gaming X Trio). I switched from using the display port connections to using straight-through HDMI connection which limits refresh to 72hz at my monitor. All stability problems went away, even when undervolted and overclocked (to a point, obviously).

I have no idea if it's the monitor or GPU. It may even be the display port cable, but I didn't choose to purchase an expensive high-end DP cable to see. I'm quite happy with 72hz refresh since I only play triple-A games anyway.

BTW: while keeping BIOS updated may be good for various reasons, including security, you should reset CMOS first if any overclock fails, especially after trying to use an automatic overclocking utility.

 

[Solasorawan]

Curious... I also have a stability problem using 144hz refresh with my RX6800XT (MSI Gaming X Trio). I switched from using the display port connections to using straight-through HDMI connection which limits refresh to 72hz at my monitor. All stability problems went away, even when undervolted and overclocked (to a point, obviously).

I have no idea if it's the monitor or GPU. It may even be the display port cable, but I didn't choose to purchase an expensive high-end DP cable to see. I'm quite happy with 72hz refresh since I only play triple-A games anyway.

BTW: while keeping BIOS updated may be good for various reasons, including security, you should reset CMOS first if any overclock fails, especially after trying to use an automatic overclocking utility.

I see, that is interesting that you’re having a similar issue. I tried to switch to HDMI; but I’m unfortunately still having this issue. It seems like it’s fixed if I switch to 120 Hz or disable Free Sync; the first option is definitely preferable. Maybe I’ll try another DP cable though my current one is apparently VESA certified and all that. Also, I’ll try to reset the CMOS. I’m just scared I’ll short out the wrong thing… Thanks!

 

[drea.drechsler]

... I’ll try to reset the CMOS. I’m just scared I’ll short out the wrong thing…

Completely remove power from the system (pull the power cable) when you short the CMOS pins and you have zero risk of damaging anything if you get the wrong ones. It just won't be effective at doing what you'd intended!

But another way to reset CMOS without shorting pins is to pull out the coin-cell battery. Do it also with the power cable completely removed. Leave it out several minutes to give time for the CMOS memory cells to completely zero out, resetting it. The problem with that method is some systems require removing the GPU to get to the battery which can be a PITA.

 

[Solasorawan]

Completely remove power from the system (pull the power cable) when you short the CMOS pins and you have zero risk of damaging anything if you get the wrong ones. It just won't be effective at doing what you'd intended!

But another way to reset CMOS without shorting pins is to pull out the coin-cell battery. Do it also with the power cable completely removed. Leave it out several minutes to give time for the CMOS memory cells to completely zero out, resetting it. The problem with that method is some systems require removing the GPU to get to the battery which can be a PITA.

Thank you! I felt a lot more comfortable doing that after I read this, so I went ahead and did it. I got the right pins and cleared the CMOS. Should this clear my saved profiles and such too? I got that screen that says my BIOS settings reset and all my settings were set back to the default settings. However, my profile was still there; is this supposed to happen? I am unfortunately still encountering this issue, so I'm hoping I did it wrong so I can do it the right way and hopefully fix tihs.

 

[drea.drechsler]

Thank you! I felt a lot more comfortable doing that after I read this, so I went ahead and did it. I got the right pins and cleared the CMOS. Should this clear my saved profiles and such too? I got that screen that says my BIOS settings reset and all my settings were set back to the default settings. However, my profile was still there; is this supposed to happen? I am unfortunately still encountering this issue, so I'm hoping I did it wrong so I can do it the right way and hopefully fix tihs.

By profile do you mean saved overclocking profiles? The saved profiles aren't deleted by a CMOS reset but you'll have to apply it again.

I wouldn't apply it again, though, until you've tested the system with completely stock settings. If it still acts up with stock BIOS settings, and known fresh install of a display drivers also with stock settings, then something's amiss with hardware.

BTW: also check you monitor settings. I've discovered my monitor has different settings for FreeSync (standard and Ultra, whatever that is) that sound like it could affect how the GPU works with it. Resetting your monitor settings may also be a good idea.

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

Thank you! I felt a lot more comfortable doing that after I read this, so I went ahead and did it. I got the right pins and cleared the CMOS. Should this clear my saved profiles and such too? I got that screen that says my BIOS settings reset and all my settings were set back to the default settings. However, my profile was still there; is this supposed to happen? I am unfortunately still encountering this issue, so I'm hoping I did it wrong so I can do it the right way and hopefully fix tihs.

As suggested, don't use the old profile. Do your settings from scratch.

You can reset the to bios defaults, now you've done the CMOS clear. When you did CMOS clear, did you take out the battery? This may be why the old profile lingered. After CMOS clear, your old profile should be gone. However, you can back it up to a thumb drive, should you need to test with it. Then reset defaults, or clear CMOS with battery out.

 

[Solasorawan]

By profile do you mean saved overclocking profiles? The saved profiles aren't deleted by a CMOS reset but you'll have to apply it again.

I wouldn't apply it again, though, until you've tested the system with completely stock settings. If it still acts up with stock BIOS settings, and known fresh install of a display drivers also with stock settings, then something's amiss with hardware.

BTW: also check you monitor settings. I've discovered my monitor has different settings for FreeSync (standard and Ultra, whatever that is) that sound like it could affect how the GPU works with it. Resetting your monitor settings may also be a good idea.

That makes sense. I'm using stock BIOS settings for the time being as well as a fresh install of display drivers with stock settings. I tried to reset my monitor settings, and it did resolve this issue. However, it came back as soon as I turned FreeSync back on. My monitor has an option for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, but I don't see any other options.

As suggested, don't use the old profile. Do your settings from scratch.

You can reset the to bios defaults, now you've done the CMOS clear. When you did CMOS clear, did you take out the battery? This may be why the old profile lingered. After CMOS clear, your old profile should be gone. However, you can back it up to a thumb drive, should you need to test with it. Then reset defaults, or clear CMOS with battery out.

I shorted the CMOS pins to reset to the BIOS defaults. I will try to take out the battery next. I was reluctant to do so since my GPU is blocking the battery; I always have a hard time taking the GPU out. It makes sense why my old profile is still here then. Thanks!

 

[williamjeremiah]

Clear CMOS and start over.

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

I was reluctant to do so since my GPU is blocking the battery; I always have a hard time taking the GPU out. It makes sense why my old profile is still here then. Thanks!

Yes, the GPU does have to be removed. Just be sure to push the small retention clip mechanism down before pulling it out from the IO end, and just gently nudging it.

 

[Solasorawan]

Clear CMOS and start over.

Yes, the GPU does have to be removed. Just be sure to push the small retention clip mechanism down before pulling it out from the IO end, and just gently nudging it.

Thanks! I did that and removed the CMOS battery. It reset my settings, but I'm unfortunately still having this issue. Looking back at my post, I realized I was being a bit unclear. My issues with idle games were happening even before I overclocked, but then I started having those issues with other apps like Steam and Discord after this auto-overclock failure. So, it definitely got a lot worse after that, but does that mean something was still wrong with my GPU even before that? What are some other things I coudl try to fix this? Thanks again!

 

[Solasorawan]

Yes, the GPU does have to be removed. Just be sure to push the small retention clip mechanism down before pulling it out from the IO end, and just gently nudging it.

I was using two monitors, and I realized I'm not encountering this issue anymore. Is FreeSync disabled when you're using two monitors or something? If so, that would make sense since turning off FreeSync fixed this problem. It even works when I don't even have my second monitor on and just have it plugged in. It's a really old monitor I got for free a while back, and it's 1920x1080p 60Hz. It's good that there's an easy fix, but what could be causing this issue?

 

[williamjeremiah]

I was using two monitors, and I realized I'm not encountering this issue anymore. Is FreeSync disabled when you're using two monitors or something? If so, that would make sense since turning off FreeSync fixed this problem. It even works when I don't even have my second monitor on and just have it plugged in. It's a really old monitor I got for free a while back, and it's 1920x1080p 60Hz. It's good that there's an easy fix, but what could be causing this issue?

What are the models of both monitors?
Were you mirroring or extending, while using both monitors?

 

[Solasorawan]

What are the models of both monitors?
Were you mirroring or extending, while using both monitors?

I think I found my second monitor which is a LG HD TV: https://www.lg.com/us/tvs/lg-22LF4520-led-tv

I'm not sure if that's the exact model, but it looks like it and the dimensions match mine. Anyway, my primary monitor is a Gigabyte M28U. I was extending while using both monitors for the most part; I tried mirroring for a little bit to see what would happen. It doesn't really work well since the resolutions are so different, but I also didn't have any issues.