Fixing Will's Problematic PC (Troubleshooting Tips)

Will is having problems with his 13900K gaming rig, so Adam helps him troubleshoot the problem (and provides tips along the way).

=============
Follow PCWorld:
=============

This video is NOT sponsored. Some links may contain affiliate links, which means if you buy something PCWorld will receive a small commission.

Timecodes:
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - The Hardware & The Problem
03:59 - Potential Software Fixes
05:30 - Hardware Swapping Plan
07:09 - Default State
08:56 - DRAM Swap
14:41 - PSU Swap
19:17 - CPU Swap
25:24 - Day One Recap
27:57 - One Week Later
28:47 - Troubleshooting Tips

#pc #pcgaming #cpu

[MrChomiq]

"Previously it's been running at 1.6V" well there's your answer.

[markod]

16:04 changing psu and not changing the cables can fry components. Gamers nexus did a video about that just yesterday. Evga messed it up, saying to the customer he could just swap the psu. Don't be lazy and always change the cables!

[retrosean]

The fact that this all starts from basically the factory overclock of the CPU even when running at Intel's specs is very interesting and also troubling.

[noenken]

On the topic of memory errors: Don't just try individual sticks, also try the individual memory channels or even slots if you have more than one per channel. That way you can really isolate the problem.

[middle_pickup]

The worst part of this hobby is the more you spend the more complicated the build gets, and that just makes diagnosing things more difficult.

[BarisYener]

Best practice for stability issues with an Intel machine with 14700K / 14900K: Go into BIOS and turn in one step higher LLC (Load Line Calibration). If that doesn't help, put it back do default but raise the VCore with an + Adaptive Offset. Start with 0.02V. That should help to fix this Problem, if it's CPU related. Some Chips are poor quality (silicon lottery) and need more Vcore than they get from the mainboard by default. If if's memory related: Try the Software "Karhu" with enabled Option "CPU Cache". Best I found for finding DDR5 stability issues. Sometimes the XMP doesn't work for your CPU because the needed VDDQ, VPP, SA and/or IMC Voltages don't match with the XMP profile.

[ZomgZomg]

i am sorry 1.5/1.6? Thats....thats cooking.

[itsdeonlol]

These troubleshooting videos are always helpful!

[jamesg]

Asus MCE and ai overclocking probably cooked that cpu.

[iceresilient]

I can tell that you’ve been pushing your CPU too hard with the 1.6V voltage. No CPU should be given such a high voltage! My 13900K, running at its stock 5.5 GHz, only draws 1.28 - 1.312V, and I’ve had it for over a year now without any issues.

[undertone]

I'm just here to hear Will and Adam beat each other up 😂

[RSharpe]

I don't understand how they are looking at these frequencies, voltages and temperatures while at a gaming load and seem to think everything is fine

[fitztech]

Also those cpu temps while gaming are way too high. If it was doing a multi core benchmark 100c would make sense but definitely not normal during gaming. Those voltages are way too high. The mobo probably killed the last cpu and its gonna kill that one too if its not tamed.

[gtwannabe]

You should always validate a new RAM configuration with software like Memtest86 before booting Windows. If a memory stick is flaky it can corrupt the OS.

[hbdude]

dust buildup easy to gloss over but cleaning every so often a must, especially if case doesnt have great dust filtration

[JoshThewonder]

I'm glad Wil & Adam were able to troubleshoot and fix the problem. I have a similar system (13900k & rtx 4090) so it was interesting to see this diagnostic process.

What is plugged in next to the ram on Will's computer? At first I thought it was 4 sticks of ram but it looks like it's a dual stick kit and something else, what's that other thing?

[ThorDyrden]

Pro tip to PCWorld to determine the right time to hit DEL to get into the bios (instead of slamming it all the time) 😁
As with the RAM RGB is your friend here - the moment your keyboard RGB lights up - press DEL - voila you are in UEFI. 😉

[esaedvik]

I've never had to reinstall Windows for anything. I ran Windows 7 from launch till 10 came out and just upgraded the same installation on the same SSD from 2010 and it ran fine. Hardware changed maybe twice in that time.

[Lrd_f_War]

I know Will doesn't have a 360 AIO, but 100C on a KS part when CPU utlization was under 10% in a game like Fortnite is amazing.

[tek_soup]

get the ekwb 6nm torque wrench/driver. perfect for many installs.