M17x R4 Crashing while playing games? Possible over-heating?

First, I'm sorry about the length of my post- I'm a noob to all of this and am not sure of what is relevant and isn't...even if some of the event viewer errors seemed non relevant, I've put them here,

I've started playing on Steam after around two months with the purchase of Skyrim's legendary edition last week. After modding it, started playing only for the game to crash into a black screen with a jarring/grinding noise after around ten minutes. Removed the mods and tried again, same crash near bleak falls barrow this time. Then started a new game and the game crashed almost immediately.

Assuming it was a problem with the game, un-installed it and started playing just cause 2...I played for around an hour before the crash happened! Tried again, crashed after around ten minutes and took my save files with it (I was surprised to find myself starting from a 2012 save instead of the new file I created today.)

Dark souls 2 also crashed after around 15 minutes.

Borderlands 2 crashed within the last hour within ten minutes of play.

L4D2 hasn't showed any signs of crashing yet but I haven't played for more than half an hour.

Outside of Steam, Mass Effect 3 didn't crash after an hour of playing.

All of this made me think that this was a steam error but while I was using VLC today...the laptop did experience a similar crash....but that hasn't happened since or before.

I've been plagued by this issue for a week now since I tried Skyrim.

I'm using an Alienware M17x R4 with a 2gb gtx 675m and 8gb of ram. I've already had problems with this laptop when its hard-drive and speakers failed within months of my purchase. But since the tech replaced the hdd on warranty around February of last year...I haven't faced any major issues.

Alien Autopsy and the boot diagnostics don't show anything wrong with the laptop, nor do MalwareBytes, SuperAntiSpyware or Avast!

SpeedFan (with only itunes and chrome running) shows the following:
GPU: 56C
HDO: 51C
Temp1: 28C
Temp2: 30C
Core0: 60C
Core1: 62C
Core2: 63C
Core3: 63C

I posted this exact thing in the forums of another site yesterday and was told to clean my fans-as the temps were too high for idle. Opened it up and whew, the most dust I'd seen on a personal possession since I looked up my mum's old novels.

Immediately after running all the tests on 3D-mark, the temps showed the gpu and cores in their high 60s.

Cleaned everything on the outside- Only removed the fans to clean...didn't touch the gpu. Tried out Just Cause 2-looked like everything was alright until the same crash occurred an hour into the game. However after cleaning, the temps have decreased-not by much but they have(except for the gpu). I've posted an updated screenshot from this morning.

Recently I've also noticed an error at startup when " DSD_2--- is not working" appears. It disappears once everything loads. I haven't figured out what it exactly is yet...that 2 is followed by three other numbers that seem to vary on each boot up.

The event viewer shows the following errors between 2.00pm and 3.30pm, 20th july...that's when Borderlands 2 and Just Cause 2 crashed crashed; I've included everything, not just what I think is relevant...I'm not sure of what is:

Event Type Critical:

1. The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first. I assume this is because of the
crash-this error registers 11 times since the 16th of this month-all due to the crash-I can't
recall any other types of crash during this time.

Event Type Error:

1. Event filter with query "SELECT * FROM __InstanceModificationEvent WITHIN 60 WHERE
TargetInstance ISA "Win32_Processor" AND TargetInstance.LoadPercentage > 99" could not
be reactivated in namespace "//./root/CIMV2" because of error 0x80041003. Events cannot
be delivered through this filter until the problem is corrected. (twice in the last hour)

2. Faulting application name: JustCause2.exe, version: 1.0.0.2, time stamp: 0x4c1b5791
Faulting module name: JustCause2.exe, version: 1.0.0.2, time stamp: 0x4c1b5791
Exception code: 0xc0000005
Fault offset: 0x0051eeb5
Faulting process id: 0x2328
Faulting application start time: 0x01cfa3f8a899a87b
Faulting application path: D:\Games\Steam\steamapps\common\Just Cause 2\JustCause2.exe
Faulting module path: D:\Games\Steam\steamapps\common\Just Cause 2\JustCause2.exe
Report Id: 997a4c80-0fec-11e4-a681-685d4360cc1d

3. Your computer was not assigned an address from the network (by the DHCP Server) for the
Network Card with network address 0x685D4360CC1D. The following error occurred: 0x79.
Your computer will continue to try and obtain an address on its own from the network address
(DHCP) server. (5 times in the last hour)

4. The computer has rebooted from a bugcheck. The bugcheck was: 0x00000116
(0xfffffa800db75010, 0xfffff8800ffcad1c, 0xffffffffc000009a, 0x0000000000000004). A dump was
saved in: C:\Windows\MEMORY.DMP. Report Id: .

5. The IP address lease 192.169.8.120 for the Network Card with network address
0x685D4360CC19 has been denied by the DHCP server 192.168.1.1 (The DHCP Server sent
a DHCPNACK message).

6. Unable to produce a minidump file from the full dump file.

7. The previous system shutdown at 2:52:14 PM on ‎7/‎20/‎2014 was unexpected.

Event Type Warning:
27 in the last hour.

1.Source: Kernel Processor Power- The speed of processor 7 in group 0 is being limited by system firmware. The processor has
been in this reduced performance state for 15 seconds since the last report. (16 times in the
last hour) -40 in the last day and 120 in the last week.

2. NtpClient was unable to set a manual peer to use as a time source because of DNS
resolution error on ''. NtpClient will try again in 3473457 minutes and double the reattempt i
interval thereafter. The error was: The requested name is valid, but no data of the requested
type was found. (0x80072AFC)

3. The driver \Driver\WUDFRd failed to load for the device
USB\VID_0BB4&PID_0F64&MI_00\6&2f549876&1&0000.

4. Name resolution for the name wpad.mshome.net timed out after none of the configured DNS servers responded. 5 times in the last hour.

5. Windows detected your registry file is still in use by other applications or services. The file will be unloaded now. The applications or services that hold your registry file may not function properly afterwards.

DETAIL -
4 user registry handles leaked from \Registry\User\S-1-5-21-929604252-521983820-2795643576-1000:
Process 7240 (\Device\HarddiskVolume2\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvStreamSrv\nvstreamsvc.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-929604252-521983820-2795643576-1000
Process 7240 (\Device\HarddiskVolume2\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvStreamSrv\nvstreamsvc.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-929604252-521983820-2795643576-1000\Software\Microsoft\Direct3D
Process 1256 (\Device\HarddiskVolume2\Windows\System32\svchost.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-929604252-521983820-2795643576-1000\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\Root
Process 7240 (\Device\HarddiskVolume2\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvStreamSrv\nvstreamsvc.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-929604252-521983820-2795643576-1000\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

6. WLAN Extensibility Module has stopped.
Module Path: C:\Windows\System32\IWMSSvc.dll

Once more, I'm really sorry for the length of this post...I'd really appreciate any help.

 

make a repaste clean fans, update gpu drivers

 

Hi, thanks for the reply. I took the laptop apart (totally) and cleaned out every nook and cranny. I don't see any major change in the temps and what worries me is that the gpu temp remains at a constant 55-57c on idle. I will repaste but it will take a while because of my location.

However, I did notice something funny-as I mentioned in my earlier post and it was something I tried out again today...Mass effect 3 on the highest settings...Had no problem whatsoever...no crash, nothing...this was after 2 hours of continuous play. Could there be a possibility that this is an issue with Steam?

 

The temps are not that bad for the games to crash. Repasting will not harm anyway, you will have lower temps = less fan noise. Try uninstalling current nvidia drivers from device manager (marking the option to delete the driver software). Then uninstall every nvidia driver via add/remove programs. After restart, you can download the newest drivers from Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers and install them choosing the option of clean install (which overwrites any old settings). Test the same games and see if they still crash.
There is a chance mods of the games screwed something up, but mods of one game should not affect another games in any way. It is not steam as the service error either - more people using steam would complain about the exact same problems. You could uninstall steam and delete the installation folder, then download steam again, re-download all your games - this should clean any possible errors caused by 3rd party modifications of the games.

 

It is also possible that this is a HDD failure in progress. Try right clicking on your C Drive in My Computer, selecting Properties, Tools then Error Checking. Depending on the size of your HDD be prepared for a long wait.

 

I've run error checking, alien autopsy and boot daignostics...none of them indicate anything being wrong. Also Mass Effect 3 crashed today...but it wasn't like the other crashes, The screen went black but the sounds played normally...I will repaste...but yeah, my first hdd crash happened similarly...and was detected only after a month from the start of the issue. For now, can't play these games for more than an hour before the crash begins.

 

Hi, the only way you are going to tell if it's an overheating problem is to monitor the temp while gaming. I had one that would gradually warm up and at 72c complete freeze with black screen, every time whatever the game.

Get msiafterburner and set up the items to show in the on screen display. I use temp, clock, FPS and voltage as good diagnostic numbers.

When you game you should see the numbers on screen so watch for anything as it gets to the point of crash.

As for the sound continuing thing, this sometimes happens when the card resets for some reason and is often driver related. 675m = notoriously unreliable card I've seen at least 10 failures, four myself. Before you ask, if it turns out to be the GPU you want to find a 680m to replace it - great upgrade and plug-n-play in an R4 .

 

Hi, thanks for the reply...before I read this, I tired out ME3 in windowed mode so that I could monitor temps side by side...none of the temps went past 70 and they were almost constant, in the mid 60s. Core 3 hit 80c and the gpu 70c, but only for a second...infact the game crashed while the processor and gpu temps were around 65c while hdd was around 55-60c(cant remember).

I dunno but those temps seem normal to me...Could it be a hard-drive failure in the making? Also, about the gpu...is the 680m really worth the upgrade? considering its age...is it possible to move to the 780m?

 

Those temps are perfectly fine so that is out of the equation .

Next test: Take out the nvidia card and run it on the iGPU. The intel will run many games, a little slow but worth seeing if the machine plays nicely.

As for the 680m, don't get fooled by a numbers game the OEM's play with each 'new' generation. The actual generational qualifier is the core technology. The 675m is a Fermi core from the 5xx series. The 680m is the first of the Kepler. We are waiting on the next core titled Maxwell. So, all the current GPU's are based on the same technology as the 680m with lower power draw via thinner cores.

It has been said by many that it will easily overclock to match a 780m. I don't bother since I can crank up all my games and play them fine on just the factory allowed +135mhz .

Moving to a GPU that was or is not sold with a model is not easy for someone that does not want to become a PC 'tinkerer'. You will have some prep work, then installation, then more work, probably getting the sound to work. Finally, whenever you want to try a new driver you have to get a modified file to replace one in the original installation. The driver will not install without this.

Have I put you off yet? If not that's cool, I can point you in the right direction for using a 780m but far better to wait for a true next-gen card, especially when the 680m offers such an upgrade already.

Just found this: Haven't read it all through but a quick scan made it relevant

GeForce GTX 680M Review • Eurogamer.net

 

Hi, thanks for the reply... 680m it is ... Not immediately though, in college so funds are in short supply

But in other news, the crash is no longer exclusive to my games.... I'm getting crashes everywhere... Usually browsing... Same black screen and everything seems to be running but I noticed that my caps lock light wouldn't trigger. Also, the laptop will sometimes enter a restart loop after the crash unless I pick safe mode and then restart again... At this point, I'm really hoping its a hdd failure... Considering that a new hdd itself will stretch my month's budget.

But I will try the igpu test later, once I get back to my hostel.

For Hdds though, is this a good one

Hitachi HGST Travelstar 7200 RPM 1 TB Laptop Internal Hard Drive (HTS721010A9E630) - Hitachi: Flipkart.com

 

Yeah, it is still not cheap at 50% off it's release price!

It really sounds like your card is failing and now the driver is not resetting correctly. I'm basing this on personal experience and that of others I have worked on. No guarantee, it will always be a dice roll when you start to replace parts. All you can do is load the dice with research and tests . Get 'Whocrashed' Resplendence Software - WhoCrashed, automatic crash dump analyzer to examine the log files for any pointers.

This black screen with windows running can be caused by the actual driver but I have not seen one example outside of desktop cards. A temporary fix may be to just turn off hardware acceleration in your browser. This worked for me on my last card but finally it would only run in safe mode - time for that call to Dell...

As for the drive, I have not had to purchase one so just going on the specs it looks fine to me.

Good luck.

 

I think I should call Dell... I tried watching a movie... Again, the screen turned black but sound played through my earphones and it even finished copying a file to my phone while it was out...?

 

If you have warranty then it should be fixed at no cost, and then you can look at an upgrade investment.

They will reinstall the dell driver version, check the bios version, and then it's replacing parts. Since the machine stays operational without any display output the GPU should be their chief suspect - assuming nothing changes when they test it. Since the 675m fails so often I'm sure it is on their knowledgebase as a suspect part. Speeds up the call as well. 15 minutes from start to finish on my last call - remote access, couple of tests, engineer and parts next day!

Willing to bet it will work just fine without the dGPU. If you do try this and it works, tell the engineer. It will make it a simpler call for him since he will immediately want to replace the GPU (and heatsink).

Good luck.

 

I'm out of warranty (2 years old as of this month ) but yeah, I'll remove the gpu and try it out...then call tech support. Thank you for all the help!

 

Ashu,

I had the same problem 4 days ago. after lots of checking and running program to find what was the cause. My gtx 675 died. I'm runing on the integrated card right now till i receive my 780. Its sad only 1 year and the graphic card died.. You will see online there is a LOT of post regarding failure of the 675m.. Good luck!

 

Hi, a doubt...can't I just disable the gpu through device manager instead of removing it?

 

You'd think wouldn't you? But no I'm afraid it must not exist. I have no idea why that does not work but it's been tried numerous times

 

Hey Ashu

Had an issue with my dedicated GPU a few years back. What I did was disable the GPU (an ATI card) in device manager, in safe mode, and disable as well the feature that allows Windows Update to look automatically for new devices as soon as they're connected. You can check this url: Disable Searching Windows Update for Device Drivers

 

Well, rolling back the drivers to Dell's recommended ones seemed to do the trick...haven't faced a crash playing me 3 for around two hours...cautiously optimistic.

 

Cool, it seems that sometimes later drivers push borderline hardware over the brink. Here's hoping for you .

Just one word of caution. My last 675 would play nice after any driver change for a few days before playing up again so if it starts again then start looking to replace it.

 

Update: It's crashed again, time for a replacement I guess...

 

Yup, sure sounds that way. Stick with something sold with the R4, either the 7970 or the 680m to keep the installation simple. It's not like any of the latest GPU's are a big leap in performance (IMO).

Have you checked out the marketplace on NBR? I got my 680m off an upgrader and purchased a new heatsink from dell. I didn't need to do that since the existing one would work fine but I wanted a new one since it comes with all the pads and paste pre-applied so you only need to screw it together. I also keep my original assembly ready to put back if I need warranty service.

I am seeing amazingly low temps just on the stock paste. Never exceeds 68c even with the maximum overclock!

Good luck