Article Number: TS-TIPS

 

Overview

System stability issues is a general term used to describe a PC that regularly exhibits problematic symptoms during normal use. Symptoms include random reboots, crashes and hangs, TDRs, BSODs, and WHEA hardware error events, which may be the result of one or a combination of the following causes:

  • Outdated and incorrectly configured BIOS
  • Unsupported memory configuration
  • Unstable overclocking and overheating
  • Outdated and corrupted operating system and device drivers
  • Outdated and conflicting software application and tools
  • Incompatible and faulty hardware

As can be seen from the above, resolving the problem often requires a thorough and systematic approach to troubleshooting. For less experienced users, who are unsure where to begin troubleshooting, this could be a daunting task. For more knowledgeable users, overlooking a small but key detail could be frustrating, if it means having to repeat certain steps. For these reasons, this article covers troubleshooting tips and helpful resources that may help users in their effort on resolving system stability issues.

NOTE! For this article, some troubleshooting steps are tailored for AMD based systems running Windows® 10.

 

Troubleshooting Tips

Before taking the system apart and making software changes, assess the problem first with basic factfinding. For system stability issues, make a note of what and when symptoms occurred such as:

  • Did the symptoms (i.e., crash, hang, BSOD, etc.) appear after updating or customizing certain software application, device driver, or firmware?
  • Did the symptoms appear after recent changes to motherboard BIOS or operating system settings?
  • Did the symptoms occur while playing games and/or running certain applications?
  • Did the symptoms appear after installing a new piece of hardware or peripheral?

Also evaluate the use of the system and its components. Since all electronics and mechanical devices will eventually fail from normal operation, such failure can occur much sooner due to improper use or a hardware defect. Software too could malfunction if it is outdated or corrupted. Therefore, when troubleshooting it is essential to verify the following:

  • Are the system and storage drive(s) in good working order and free of malware/viruses?
  • Are system hardware components (i.e., CPU, GPU, RAM) operating at factory recommended settings?
  • Does the power supply unit (PSU) meet the recommended power requirements for the system?
  • Is the system situated in an open and ventilated area and does it have proper cooling for its internal components?
  • Has the system been modified with aftermarket accessories such as custom sleeved cables, PCIe riser cables/adapters, etc., which may be incompatible?

Considering all the above, a recommended approach to troubleshooting is to attempt the quick and easy steps first and keep note of changes and results for every step throughout. This helps to ensure that key steps are not missed, or ones already performed are not repeated. Remember to always consult the product user manual for detailed instructions and warranty information before making any hardware changes.

 

Standard System Configuration

It is always recommended that the system is completely updated, using factory default setting, and restored to the original hardware configuration (if possible). This ensures that the system follows manufacturer’s specifications and may potentially resolve stability issues in the process. It could also be required by the system or component vendor for technical and warranty support.

To get the system into standard configuration, follow the steps below:

  1. Update the motherboard BIOS to latest version available from manufacturer. Consult the motherboard user manual for instructions. For other helpful information, watch the video on How to Update Motherboard BIOS.
     
  2. Verify that the motherboard BIOS is using optimized factory default settings. Refer to the motherboard user manual for instructions on restoring BIOS default settings.
     
  3. Update Windows to the latest version and build via Windows Update. For instructions, refer to Microsoft article: Windows Update: FAQ
     
  4. Install/update to the latest motherboard chipset driver. For AMD Ryzen™ chipsets, refer to article.
     
  5. Install/update to the latest graphics driver. For AMD Radeon™ graphics, refer to article.
     
  6. Disable any 3rd party system performance monitoring apps and overclocking utilities.
     
  7. Remove or replace any aftermarket custom PC accessories with the original parts.

After performing these steps, run the system and check for stability. If the symptoms no longer occur, then an outdated and/or out of spec system configuration was likely the issue. However, if the symptoms continue, then further troubleshooting is required.

 

Troubleshooting Suggestions

Assuming all steps covered in the previous section have been performed, the suggestions below (in no particular order) may be considered. If a step was previously performed or not relevant, simply move to the next one and be sure to monitor the system after every change.

Again, always consult the product user manual for detailed instructions and warranty information before making hardware changes. Remember to take extra caution when handling sensitive electronics, for best practices, please refer to article: Processor Handling Guidance

Outdated or conflicting software applications

  • Verify applications and games installed are updated to the latest version or patch. Check with the application/game vendor for available updates and information.
     
  • To rule out conflicts, disable any non-Microsoft services and startup items using the System Configuration Tool. For instructions, refer to Microsoft forum article.

Corrupted Windows registry and system files

NOTE! Backup important files before performing a fresh install of Windows operating system.

Corrupted or known graphics driver issue

  • Perform a clean install of the AMD Radeon graphics driver by using the Factory Reset option during setup. For instructions, refer to article.
    • Another method is to run the AMD Cleanup Utility before installing the graphics driver package.
       
  • Check the release notes for the graphics driver version installed to see if your specific issue is documented. For release notes information, refer to article.
    • If it is a known issue with temporary workaround/fix, apply it.
    • If workaround/fix is not yet available, revert to the last graphics driver version where the issue did not exist.

Unstable overclocking and overheating

Incompatible/unsupported and faulty hardware

  • Verify that the RAM, storage drives, and CPU are qualified and operating per motherboard guidelines. Check the motherboard manufacturer’s website for the qualified vendor list (QVL) and supported configurations.
     
  • Ensure that RAM is installed in the correct DIMM slot(s) as documented in the motherboard user manual. If more than one RAM module is in use, install one module at a time and check for stability. Consider using MemTest86, a third-party utility, to scan the system memory for errors.
     
  • Check if the CPU has been installed correctly according to manufacturer’s instructions. If feasible, reseat the CPU and the cooler or perform a swap test with a known working CPU or system to verify stability. For more information, watch this video on How to Install AMD Ryzen™ Processors.
     
  • Check if the graphics card (GPU) has been installed correctly according to manufacturer’s instructions and verify that the PCIe power connections are properly connected and secure. If feasible, reseat the graphics card or perform a swap test with a known working GPU or system to verify stability. If applicable, remove any PCIe riser cable/adapter in use and establish a direct connection between the discrete graphics card and the motherboard. For more information, watch this video on How to Install Your AMD Radeon™ Graphics Card.
     
  • Check that the PSU meets the recommended power requirements for the system and is connected to a known good power source. Also verify the Power Supply Idle Control option in the BIOS is set to Typical (this option should be available in the Advanced section of the BIOS). For more information on troubleshooting PSU, refer to article: How to Troubleshoot Power Supply Issues

 

Technical and Warranty Support

After applying all relevant troubleshooting steps and stability issues persist, consider contacting the system or component manufacturer for technical and warranty assistance.

Because your system is configured according to the manufacturer’s specifications, including the Microsoft System Information (Msinfo32) and DXDiag reports along with the troubleshooting notes you have collected in your service request will help the representative reviewing your case to quickly validate the issue and determine next steps for resolution.

When contacting AMD Customer Care for assistance with your AMD product, please make sure to have the following information available:

  • Part number (OPN) and serial number of the AMD CPU/GPU.
  • Make and model of the motherboard, RAM, CPU cooler, and PSU.
  • Interior pictures of the PC chassis with all components and power cables in clear view.

AMD Customer Care online resources and contact information are available on our Customer Support home page.