Intermittent Freezes, Lockups, Game Launch Issues, and USB-C Port Problems on Fresh Build

[Fwazzy]

Hi all,

I'm encountering issues with a fresh build from two weeks ago and need some guidance. I'm unsure if this is the appropriate forum for this post but I couldn't find a similar issue. The problems started immediately after assembly. Here's what happens:

Symptoms:

• Random Freezes:

  • The PC freezes for a few seconds, during which the mouse lags and moves in slow motion.
  • This typically occurs when:
    • Exiting a fullscreen game to the desktop.
    • Switching between apps (e.g., Chrome to Lightroom).
    • Could this be an issue swapping from foreground to background applications?

• Complete Lockups:

  • The screen freezes entirely, though the mouse moves and audio continues to play.
  • Mouse clicks, Alt + F4, Ctrl + Alt + Del, and other inputs do not work.
  • The only resolution is to force power off via the power button.

• Game Launch Issues:

  • Often, games won't launch properly from their respective clients.
  • Task Manager shows the game process running, but the game never opens on the screen.
  • Only a system restart resolves this.

• Crashes in Black Ops 6:

  • The game crashes consistently after 1 hour of play with a DirectX error.
  • The error states the crash is caused by the GPU being overclocked.
  • I have not manually overclocked the GPU—I just installed it and used it as-is.
  • I have read online that this could be a game issue.

• Post-Reboot Freezes:

  • Twice, after rebooting from a freeze, the system froze at the Windows login screen (before entering my password). Restarting via the power button had the same result; frozen at Windows screen, over and over.
  • This was only resolved by performing a system restore.

• USB-C Port Problems:

  • When using a Razer wireless charger on the fast-charging USB-C port and a Razer headset wireless transmitter on the USB-C port above it, the PC shows a USB Overcurrent Fault upon boot.
    • This fault only occurs if the wireless charger is plugged in during startup.
    • If I plug in the charger after booting, no fault is triggered.
  • Using the wireless charger with a USB-A cable works fine. So is this a port or device issue?
  • With the Razer headset's USB-C transmitter:
    • Windows reports the device as malfunctioning when connected to a USB-C port.
    • The same transmitter works perfectly when connected to a USB-A port.

I've tried to monitor temps but it's a bit hard with only one monitor. CPU package idles low 40s and max I've seen is 75. 

Specs:

• Motherboard: ROG Strix X870E
• CPU: Ryzen 7950X3D
• Cooling: ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB AIO
• Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 4TB X3 (OS on M.2_1, storage on M.2_4 & M.2_5)
• GPU: TUF Gaming RTX 4080 Super OC 
• PSU: ROG Strix 1200W
• RAM: Corsair Dominator 2x32GB (CMP64GX5M2B6000Z30) from QVL, set to 6000 MHz in BIOS
• OS: Windows 11 Pro
• BIOS: Updated to the latest version
• Monitor: ASUS Swift OLED PG32UCDM

Looking for help on the next steps for troubleshooting these issues. This is my first build using ASUS components, and after two weeks of trial and error, I’m feeling pretty worn down. What started as an exciting project has become frustrating, and I’d really appreciate any advice to help resolve these problems.

[a6355987a]

I encountered the same technical issues, including freezing during the COD21 game, which can only be resolved by restarting with the power button, and slow mouse pointer movement in the game. Additionally, my Razer mouse shows a low battery warning, even though the battery is fully charged.

Regarding the issue of COD21 crashing, it might be due to my upgrade to Windows 24H2. I’m planning to downgrade back to 23H2.

[Fwazzy]

Let me know how this works for you. I also have Windows 24H2 but I have just purchased it new a few weeks ago for this build.

[lordberti]

For some X870 Boards there is a Firmware update regarding USB as of today!

ASUS LEGO IT8857GX V105 firmware Update tool
Version 105
2024/12/03
Description：Enhanced compatibility and stability of USB active cables.

ROG STRIX X870E-E GAMING WIFI | Gaming motherboards｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global

[Fwazzy]

Thank you for the tip. I installed the new firmware but, unfortunately, I receive the same results.

[Alex_Kh]

---

@Fwazzy wrote:

• Post-Reboot Freezes:

  • Twice, after rebooting from a freeze, the system froze at the Windows login screen (before entering my password). Restarting via the power button had the same result; frozen at Windows screen, over and over.
  • This was only resolved by performing a system restore.

---

Same thing here. First time I got this immediately after installing recent Windows 11 updates (latest .NET and 24H2). I tried to reboot with a startup repair for, like, 20 times - all attempts led to freeze (of a Windows startup recovery this time) as well, then, at that 20th-something attempt, I was finally able to proceed and removed the latest updates, then it finally worked fine (I also paused the updates altogether just to be on the safe side)... for a day. And that startup freeze happened again. So, update removal did not help - it was just a coincidence. I cleared CMOS, and this time after the reboot Windows has started with no other changes, but I'm not sure what to think (more info below*). For now I decided to keep default BIOS setup settings (including memory frequency), and if there's be no issues for a couple more days - I 'll try to enable EXPO again and see what happens.

*A couple more details that got me perplexed:

1. I recently - several days before the issue - replaced my G.Skill RAM with Corsair Dominator Titanium CMP64GX5M2B6000Z30 - the same pair of modules you have, and got it running at 5600 MHz (my CPU's 9950x). However, when this issue started, first thing I did was to swap it back with G.Skill, and freezes did not go away, so RAM most likely can be ruled out. I also ran memtest86 tool from a Linux flash drive with a full battery of tests - it did not find any issues.

2. During my troubleshooting attempts (that 20-something reboots I mentioned earlier) I was able to boot from a flash drive with Linux Mate on it, and it worked fine at least 2-3 times. But once it also froze - several minutes after the boot.

3. There's a similar symptom described here (though with a different hardware), and user mentions that Armory settings helped them. I'm not sure how it works - maybe alternates BIOS settings as well - but if not, a frozen Linux (only once though!) makes me think it won't help in my (and maybe yours) case...

So, I would be glad to say it's a software/OS issue, but judging by the fact that it once happened on Linux too makes me wonder if a CPU/MB or maybe BIOS is in play here 🤔

[Fwazzy]

My Armory Crate doesn't have the Game Visual section as noted in that other thread. I've tried so many things to no avail. I did apply new thermal paste (Artic MX-6) to my CPU today and the freezes are actually worse. I am now freezing while in-game, versus just switching applications or full-screen to desktop. None of my temperatures are high and my system passes every stress test I throw at it.

[Alex_Kh]

Same thing - it must have been in some older version (or a laptop-specific one). I disabled Aura Sync (all the LED lighting was off anyway) - will see whether it helps. I also tried plugging my LC (ProArt LC 420) out of USB port on MB, but it didn't help.

One other user in that thread mentioned AMD Cleanup Utility tool btw, if mine freezes again (and I will be able to revive it :)) - I'll give it a try and post the results here.

[Fwazzy]

I removed my second stick of RAM and went with only one 32GB stick in the first slot. Strangely, this seemed to have resolved the issue for the few hours I was testing. I put the second stick back in and again noticed the freezing issues. I don't know how this could be related but hoping to hear back from ASUS tech support soon.

[Alex_Kh]

I'm running without freezes for the 3rd day now (with memory's on default JEDEC frequency (4800 MHz) after CMOS cleared up). Can you try disabling EXPO and boot with 2 sticks, see if this helps?