PC freezing while gaming - loud buzzing sound and irresponsive

[Ricardo_20]

Hi all,

My build is:

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card
Power Supply: CORSAIR RM Series RM650
Operating System: Windows 10 Education


After playing GTAV for several minutes on high graphics, my PC freezes, the monitor goes black (or white at times), the signal to PC is disconnected, and the audio makes a buzzing sound...

So far, the things I have tried are:

1) Replaced motherboard (For the same one... I RMA'd it) - problem persists
2) Replaced GTX660 for a new one (RMA'd it) - problem persists
3) Used three different PSUs... ultimately settled with CORSAIR RM650 - - problem persists
4) Tried multiple different NVIDIA drivers - problem persists
5) Moved GPU to other PCIe slots - problem persists
6) Disabled all audio devices in Device Manager - problem persists
7) Ran memtest... all is good.

One thing I have been able to use MSI Afterburner and increase the fan speed to 70 percent. This allows me to play for several hours... although occasionally my PC still freezes.

Any help is appreciated.. As you can see I've ruled out a lot of major issues. Thanks!

 

[basroil]

It sounds like a driver issue, so make sure to clean install the driver.

If it still continues, time to reinstall windows

 

[RaDiKaL_]

Overheating usually causes those problems, and since increasing the fan speed has helped it to last for hours instead of minutes it would seem that's the issue.

Check your CPU and GPU temps with HWInfo, though the GTX660 runs kinda hot maybe is not the only component with heat issues.

 

[Ricardo_20]

It sounds like a driver issue, so make sure to clean install the driver.

If it still continues, time to reinstall windows

Which drivers are you referring to?

 

[Ricardo_20]

Overheating usually causes those problems, and since increasing the fan speed has helped it to last for hours instead of minutes it would seem that's the issue.

Check your CPU and GPU temps with HWInfo, though the GTX660 runs kinda hot maybe is not the only component with heat issues.

When I monitor the GPU while gaming, it seems to freeze at about 72 C .. if I get lucky I get to 80 C

The CPU has a very large heatsink, and its temperature rarely gets to high levels.

 

[basroil]

Which drivers are you referring to?

Graphics driver of course. If you have issues after a clean install with the driver's clean install option, try ddu+reinstall

 

[tetragic]

Very similar problem, just as stumped as you, let me know if you find an answer

 

[Ricardo_20]

Very similar problem, just as stumped as you, let me know if you find an answer

Woops, didn't mean to make your response as Best Solution.

Do you have windows 10? If so what build? Find out by typing "winver" in the Start Menu. To date, the latest build is 14393.82, if you don't have this version, try updating you system here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10


cheers!