Computer Freeze

[Blackberry Bun]

I also noticed the "Send feedback" link by the right side before the window controls. Are you running on a beta/pre-release build or something?

That was not my screenshot. I just googled "Task Manager" and put one of the image results here.

[Blackberry Bun]

Alright, after quite a long while, here's an update on the matter.

Our father convinced us to just buy a new PC and give the old one to him, and so we did. We replaced my brother's PC 2 days ago, and things were looking bright. However, it didn't last long...

Well, not another random freeze (So far at least), but now any online game he plays randomly force-close with message "Display driver AMD driver stopped responding and has recovered" every hour, sometimes even within minutes. I researched quite a bit, and it seems that this is a mysteriously persistent problem with no definite solution (i.e. what solves the problem for someone doesn't always work for someone else).

I feel really... bad about this. It just seems like my brother is destined to only have problematic things.

[cpd2009]

Alright, after quite a long while, here's an update on the matter.

Our father convinced us to just buy a new PC and give the old one to him, and so we did. We replaced my brother's PC 2 days ago, and things were looking bright. However, it didn't last long...

Well, not another random freeze (So far at least), but now any online game he plays randomly force-close with message "Display driver AMD driver stopped responding and has recovered" every hour, sometimes even within minutes. I researched quite a bit, and it seems that this is a mysteriously persistent problem with no definite solution (i.e. what solves the problem for someone doesn't always work for someone else).

I feel really... bad about this. It just seems like my brother is destined to only have problematic things.

Strange, indeed. Only thing I can suggest is to update the AMD graphics drivers to their latest versions, and perhaps the WiFi/Ethernet drivers as well.

Maybe you can download a free open source game such as Secret Maryo Chronicles. It's a Mario clone, but it uses very nice OpenGL graphics acceleration. You can use this to test the graphics card and see if SMC crashes in a similar manner like those online games.

[Blackberry Bun]

Updated GPU driver to the latest version by clean-uninstalling the previous one first.
Change theme from Windows Aero to Basic
Disabled the built-in GPU from the mobo.
Added TdrDelay Qword in registry.

Pretty much nearly all things mentioned in any threads I found. None worked.

As for testing, there's the recently released World of Warships. This problem occurs most often in this game, often within minutes. So I'll quickly know if the problem persist.

I'm thinking of downgrading the GPU driver, since there are people saying that newer driver often introduce new issues, but how far should I go back? The GPU is AMD r7 200 Series this time, with driver version 15something. The thread I read recommended going back to 13.1, but I worry on the compatibility.

[cpd2009]

Updated GPU driver to the latest version by clean-uninstalling the previous one first.
Change theme from Windows Aero to Basic
Disabled the built-in GPU from the mobo.
Added TdrDelay Qword in registry.

Pretty much nearly all things mentioned in any threads I found. None worked.

As for testing, there's the recently released World of Warships. This problem occurs most often in this game, often within minutes. So I'll quickly know if the problem persist.

I'm thinking of downgrading the GPU driver, since there are people saying that newer driver often introduce new issues, but how far should I go back? The GPU is AMD r7 200 Series this time, with driver version 15something. The thread I read recommended going back to 13.1, but I worry on the compatibility.

I suggest trying 13.1 and if any issues come up, try a slightly newer driver, somewhere in the 14.xx range.

[Blackberry Bun]

After reading a few threads out there, I tried using Catalyst Control Center's AMD Overdrive feature to underclock the GPU 3 days ago.

Worked wonders so far. For testing purpose I once tried overworking the PC by pulling an all-nighter playing World of Warship. Did not occur at all, and the game still runs well.

So I think I can say that this is solved, hopefully.

[cpd2009]

After reading a few threads out there, I tried using Catalyst Control Center's AMD Overdrive feature to underclock the GPU 3 days ago.

Worked wonders so far. For testing purpose I once tried overworking the PC by pulling an all-nighter playing World of Warship. Did not occur at all, and the game still runs well.

So I think I can say that this is solved, hopefully.

Underclocking the GPU now means it's using less power. Seeing as how the game appears to run stable now, it could indicate a possibly underpowered or faulty PSU, even though the PC is still new. What is the wattage of the PC's PSU?

[RAMChYLD]

Hmmm, are you using the new PSU that you got for your brother last year?

If not, Wade is right and the PSU may be underpowered. Otherwise, it could be the RAM not being able to cope.

[Blackberry Bun]

I admit that I forgot to mention anything about PSU when I placed the order, so the shop guy probably used default PSU, which is 450W again.

[huckleberrypie]

I admit that I forgot to mention anything about PSU when I placed the order, so the shop guy probably used default PSU, which is 450W again.

By default did you mean the old one? As much as possible, get the most expensive box that you can afford, preferably from the likes of Antec or whatnot.

Also, have you thought about checking your power line or the voltage regulator to see if the voltage's stable enough?