PC Processors

[mrniceguyyc]

Summary of issue: heavy stutters, loss/distortion of audio, and sometimes loss of USB connections (mouse/keyboard) ONLY when gaming when EXPO is enabled. Happens after a few minutes, not right away. Have never had a BSOD or failure to boot. When running at stock RAM settings (4800MT/s) no issues whatsoever. Can game for hours.

What I have tried: Swapped out the RAM kit for a different kit today, one that is listed on my motherboard's QVL, and the issue was the same if not a little bit worse with EXPO enabled. I've also tried the latest non-beta BIOS for my motherboard, F7, and I'm currently on the latest beta BIOS, F8c. Issue seems to be exactly the same with both BIOS versions. Memory Context Restore is enabled and has been since I built this PC last weekend. Tried manually adjusting to 5600 and 5200 MT/s with EXPO enabled with no luck. Considering a CPU swap while I'm still in the return window for my 7800X3D but haven't tried it yet.

System Specifications:

• Operating System: Windows 11 22H2, OS Build 22621.2134

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, all stock settings, Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 AIO

• GPU: Gigabyte Gaming OC RTX 4090

• Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX

• RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB F5-6000J3038F16GX2-TZ5NR 32GB DDR5-6000 (2x16GB) at stock settings currently

• Storage: 2TB SK Hynix P41 Platinum

• PSU: Corsair RM1000x

• Display: LG CX 55" w/ HDMI 2.1

Temperatures on my 7800x3d and my GPU seem fine, and I ran this GPU for several months on an Intel I7-11700K build and had no issues whatsoever with XMP RAM speeds (3200 MHz). Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

[BillyFeltrop · Accepted solution]

It appears that you have already taken several steps to troubleshoot the issue with your 7800X3D build while gaming with EXPO enabled. Since the problem persists, here are a few additional steps you could consider:

• Check Power Supply: Make sure that your power supply is delivering stable and sufficient power to all components, especially when the system is under load. Fluctuations in power delivery can lead to stability issues.
• BIOS Settings: Double-check your BIOS settings related to memory and CPU frequencies. Ensure that there are no conflicting settings or parameters that could be causing the instability.
• GPU Drivers: Update your graphics card drivers to the latest version. Sometimes outdated or incompatible GPU drivers can cause performance issues.
• CPU and GPU Temperatures: Monitor the temperatures of your CPU and GPU while gaming. Excessive heat can lead to performance throttling and instability. Ensure that your cooling solution is functioning properly and that there's proper airflow within the case.
• Windows Updates: Ensure that your operating system (Windows 11 in this case) is fully updated. Sometimes, system updates can address compatibility issues and enhance stability.
• Memory Testing: Run a memory diagnostic tool to check for any memory-related issues. Faulty RAM modules can lead to performance problems.
• Driver Updates: Make sure all your hardware drivers (not just GPU) are up to date, including chipset, audio, and USB drivers.
• Contact Support: Reach out to Gigabyte's customer support for assistance. They might have insights specific to your motherboard model.

If you've exhausted these options and the issue persists, considering a CPU swap within your return window might be a logical step to determine if the issue is specific to the processor.

Keep in mind that diagnosing hardware issues can sometimes be complex, and if you're uncomfortable performing these troubleshooting steps on your own, it might be a good idea to consult a professional technician who can provide hands-on assistance.

[BillyFeltrop · Accepted solution]

It appears that you have already taken several steps to troubleshoot the issue with your 7800X3D build while gaming with EXPO enabled. Since the problem persists, here are a few additional steps you could consider:

• Check Power Supply: Make sure that your power supply is delivering stable and sufficient power to all components, especially when the system is under load. Fluctuations in power delivery can lead to stability issues.
• BIOS Settings: Double-check your BIOS settings related to memory and CPU frequencies. Ensure that there are no conflicting settings or parameters that could be causing the instability.
• GPU Drivers: Update your graphics card drivers to the latest version. Sometimes outdated or incompatible GPU drivers can cause performance issues.
• CPU and GPU Temperatures: Monitor the temperatures of your CPU and GPU while gaming. Excessive heat can lead to performance throttling and instability. Ensure that your cooling solution is functioning properly and that there's proper airflow within the case.
• Windows Updates: Ensure that your operating system (Windows 11 in this case) is fully updated. Sometimes, system updates can address compatibility issues and enhance stability.
• Memory Testing: Run a memory diagnostic tool to check for any memory-related issues. Faulty RAM modules can lead to performance problems.
• Driver Updates: Make sure all your hardware drivers (not just GPU) are up to date, including chipset, audio, and USB drivers.
• Contact Support: Reach out to Gigabyte's customer support for assistance. They might have insights specific to your motherboard model.

If you've exhausted these options and the issue persists, considering a CPU swap within your return window might be a logical step to determine if the issue is specific to the processor.

Keep in mind that diagnosing hardware issues can sometimes be complex, and if you're uncomfortable performing these troubleshooting steps on your own, it might be a good idea to consult a professional technician who can provide hands-on assistance.

[mrniceguyyc · Accepted solution]

Thanks for your response.  I essentially went down the list of your suggestions here, and in the end, a CPU swap for another 7800X3D has completely solved my problem.  My PC is performing phenomenally with EXPO enabled and I'm glad to have come to a resolution.  Thanks again for your suggestions; It seems that my particular issue is a rare one, but maybe this will help someone in the future who's unlucky enough to encounter it.

[BigAl01]

I'm surprised that replacing the CPU resolved the problem.  I don't know what could have been defective with the previous CPU where it would work except for enabling EXPO.

[brett22]

From what I've been able to tell, this issue isn't that rare. I've watched several YouTube videos reporting this same issue. It seems there can be problems running AMD EXPO on the 7000 series processors. Some people have successfully found a sweet spot on their memory clock speeds manually through trial and error, usually landing around the low to mid 5000 MHz range. Many of these videos are about a year old, so I'm unsure if this has been resolved with recent BIOS updates. But I guess I'll find out this week when I get my new 7800X3D. Fingers crossed.