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Question

Computer Freezes While Under Graphics Loads

Mar 21, 2018 8:50PM PDT

I built a new computer and when I play games with higher graphics loads (The Solus Project and Middle Earth: Shadow over Mordor, nothing crazy) the computer will freeze and will not respond to ctrl-alt-del. I assume the problem is that the power supply is underpowered or the processor is overheating. Does anyone have any thoughts or tools for diagnosing this problem?

My build is: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/q4R2Ft

AMD - Ryzen 5 2400G 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor
Gigabyte - GA-AB350N-Gaming WIFI (rev. 1.0) Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard
G.Skill - NT Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory
SanDisk - SSD PLUS 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Western Digital - RE4 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Silverstone - RVZ01B Mini ITX Desktop Case
Apex - 250W SFX Power Supply

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
That PSU looks tiny.
Mar 21, 2018 9:09PM PDT

It's also in a very small case. Try a normal sized PSU and case next time.

Another issue is that Ryzen builds DEMAND latest BIOS from my encounters. There is not ifs ands or buts about this.

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Answer
Freeze
Mar 21, 2018 11:31PM PDT

Take the side panel off and test.

Did you get the latest bios and drivers for that mobo?

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Freeze
Mar 21, 2018 11:40PM PDT

I also see a cpu driver on the amd site.
Did you get that?

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Yes
Mar 22, 2018 7:15PM PDT

I got the drivers for the CPU, it was really screwy before I did that.

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Sort of
Mar 22, 2018 7:21PM PDT

The BIOS date on the motherboard is 12/1/2017, I looked it up and there are some newer versions but that doesn't seem that old. I didn't download any drivers for the motherboard, I confess I have never heard of motherboard drivers.

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Ryzens are notorious for BIOS updates.
Mar 22, 2018 10:00PM PDT

My finding is that new builders are often scared by a BIOS update but Ryzens are often flaky if you don't get the latest. But you still have that awful PSU.

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Mobo drivers
Mar 23, 2018 12:51AM PDT

You start with the drivers that come with the mobo......normally a disc.

Since these drivers can be quite old you then visit the maker's site to check for updates.

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What do you mean?
Mar 22, 2018 7:24PM PDT

What do you mean when you say "Take the side panel off and test."? Are you talking about using a voltmeter or a thermal camera?

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No
Mar 23, 2018 12:21AM PDT

Just take the panel off to let the heat out.

You run with the panel off to see if anything changes.

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Answer
It was the motherboard drivers
Apr 10, 2018 7:46AM PDT

I got it fixed, apparently it was the motherboard chipset drivers.