DPC_Watchdog_Violations - Persistent for about 2 weeks

[NathanR]

Problem:
A computer in my home network has been experiencing frequent BSODs only during graphics intensive tasks while also multitasking. Ex: watching a video on Youtube while also running a game; using the Discord app while playing a game; simply having the browser open while also running a game.
- System does not crash with a BSOD when it is only running a browser, or only running a game. When focused on one task at a time, such as browsing, updating and viewing, it's apparently stable. It only happens when these are multi-tasked. System also doesn't crash when at rest and running no apps.
These errors began very suddenly and apparently out of nowhere. System ran great and was fully functional until about two weeks ago when these randomly began. It started shortly after a Windows update, but I don't know if that's to blame yet.

What I've done to troubleshoot the problem:
1. All outdated drivers have been updated, including Nvidia graphics driver
2. Windows has been updated
3. Antivirus has been updated
4. I ran a Chkdsk.
5. I ran an sfc scannow with repair. The scan found "corrupt files" that it apparently couldn't fix, even from safe mode.
6. I scanned for malware. Nothing found.

None of these have solved the problem, and only wasted time. Symptoms remain exactly the same.

 

[Cody712]

It is the recent Windows update. I was having those and did a system restore to earlier and no issues for 3weeks. I know the updates are important but these crashes were unbearable.

CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT BSOD Problems - Windows Crashes, BSOD, and Hangs Help and Support

He figured it out.

 

[NathanR]

The only reason why I might assume the update isn't the cause is because the computer I'm currently using is identical to the one having the BSODs, and it's not experiencing any of them.

That isn't to say that the update isn't the cause. That system could be affected where this one is not. But it's still unusual.

 

[axe0]

Please uninstall everything of Nvidia using Display Driver Uninstaller and install new drivers from Nvidia. Be sure the clean install box is checked and only install the Graphics driver and the PhysX driver, you can use this tutorial to do so NVIDIA Drivers - Avoid Problems - Windows 7 Help Forums

   Note

Download & install version 388.71

 

[NathanR]

I've completed the installation of the older Nvidia driver. Going to test it out ASAP, and see if anything changes.

 

[NathanR]

Nope.

Still crashed, with the same error. It took longer to happen than usual, but it did eventually happen.

 

[axe0]

Seeing there's only 1 proper GPU slot, most likely either the slot is faulty or the GPU. You can test this by using another GPU.

 

[NathanR]

I thought I would come back and post an update, because the issue has been completely solved, and I want others to know about it.

First of all, it was not the graphics card, or the GPU slot or the driver. It seemed to have nothing to do with any of those things. It was entirely software-related. After this latest Windows Update, the BSODs completely came to a halt, and there hasn't been a single one since. It's been a little longer than a week.

I tested it and pushed it to limits, and it still didn't crash. Been able to use it as normal since the update. If you've been getting BSODs in this same fashion and with the same results, I urge you to install the latest update if you haven't. It literally fixed everything.

Axe0, thanks for trying to help, but I'm glad I didn't go out and buy a new graphics card, because I was about to.

 

[axe0]

Great to hear