THANKS NVIDIA! /s Crappy drivers freezing my PC

By Steven P.
in Hardware Hangout

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

Raa

Posted
Posted

I've had various issues with some of the 3xx driver series over the last 6 months, but usually a driver update (surprisingly) fixes it.

Seems to happen with different cards and different games. No real reason that I can pick.

 

No biggie for me, updated drivers usually mean increased performance - and indeed that's often been the case along with bug fixes.

 

Big thumbs up to nVidia for excellent driver support IMO. (Y)

Proficient

yowanvista

Posted
Posted

I have a Gigabyte GTX460. Anything after 314.22 just causes freezing and BSOD.

See here https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1164578-nvidia-geforce-210-version-32049-stopped-responding-and-has-successfully-recovered/

Try the beta driver, it fixed all my freezing problems with my GTX460.

Grand Master

Steven P. Administrators

Posted
  • Author
  • Administrators
Posted

Point is, beta drivers have promised fixes for many versions :P The latest (released by Microsoft as a WHQL not long ago) fell into that category too but actually made my PC unusable and was much worse than older (new) drivers.

Veteran

DavidM

Posted
Posted

This link explains it better than I can http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/nvidia-freezes.html and is spot on!

 

Long story short, I have a GeForce 560 GTX and ever since around version 320.xx my PC keeps freezing (mouse stops moving) and much of the time audio freezes too which results in a not so nice sound emitting from my speakers.

 

I have reverted back to 311.06 - which is recommended by the above link - and without all the 3D Vision and HD Audio drivers crap that comes with it.

 

The last thing is also that I've had to disable Windows Update from automatically downloading and installing updates since Nvidia drivers are delivered through that too. :/

 

Anyone else having this and want to share some experiences, other solutions?

 

Evga GTX 560 owner here and can sadly confirm, I'm using 314.22 or latest I can use without crashing. It happens on Windows 7, 8 & 8.1 for me.

 

I have a GTX 460 and I was stuck on 314.22 due to the random freezing issues with every release up until the beta 331.93 version came out.

The release notes in the beta 331.93 specifically state they have a Fermi freeze fix in them.  I've been stable since I went to 331.93.  Everything released in between 314.22 and that version causes my machine to freeze.

 

I had given up they were ever going to fix it and had stopped watching the forums for an answer, I might have to give the latest beta drivers a shot.

 

I had the same problem then i disabled hardware acceleration in firefox, no problem since.

 

I thought I tried that and it didn't work, I'll have to give it another try. Who knows maybe the newest driver and disabling HA in firefox will get me off of 314.22.

Grand Master

Anibal P

Posted
Posted

I just use GeForce Experience and always run the beta drivers, had no issues with my 550 or 660 

 

Then again I also don't mess with the settings much if at all, just run it all at default settings

Experienced

Matt B

Posted
Posted

I have a Gigabyte 560 ti. Exact same issue, was always pretty random. Found this online somewhere (a while ago) and it hasn't crashed once since.

 

Nvidia Control Panel > Manage 3D Settings > Power management mode > prefer maximum performance

 

(note at some point it seems to have changed back to adaptive for me and yet still hasn't crashed?!)

 

 

Hope this works!

Rising Star

Coagulated

Posted
Posted

I think my friend who runs a 560Ti has had this issue for the past couple of months.  I just haven't had time to help him through it past the usual troubleshooting "Drivers up to date?  Idle Temp?  Load temp?" etc.

 

He uses Geforce Experience and seems to get these issues once or twice a day.

 

I'll point him in direction of this thread.

Mentor

Dadwen

Posted
Posted

I have a 560 tI and so far have had to stick with the 314.22 drivers, any drivers version newer freezes while gaming, it's a fairly new and clean install of Windows 7 64, no overclocking or changes tweaking was done, did try a clean install of the newer drivers but no luck would still get hard freezes in just about most games even the most non-graphic intensive ones. (It?s used mostly for gaming so the only thing installed on it is steam (and a few games from it), WOW, GW2 and Microsoft Security Essentials, I don't surf or do any other work on that computer at all.

 

Am holding out to see how the new 331.93 drivers do, I've been following the thread for it on the Gforce fourms for awhile now.

https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/621899/geforce-drivers/desktop-internet-browser-freeze-thread-w-geforce-460-560-gpus-updated-for-nb-12-5-13-page79-/

Grand Master

Jason S. Global Moderator

Posted
  • Global Moderator
Posted

microsoft never gives newer drivers out on windows update for gpu. there drivers release is slower then intel gpu drivers release.

 

matter of fact have the newest drivers and it still tried to push the older driver on me.

i get nvidia driver recommendations in Windows Update...

Grand Master

Jason S. Global Moderator

Posted
  • Global Moderator
Posted

I have reverted back to 311.06 - which is recommended by the above link - and without all the 3D Vision and HD Audio drivers crap that comes with it.

In that 311 version, can you do a custom install and deselect those components?

Grand Master

tsupersonic

Posted
Posted

 

 
 

 

Aha! those aren't on WinUpdate yet are they. I will keep an eye on the link in the first post because it looks like that person is also looking out for a fix.

 

Why would you use Windows Update for updating video drivers? Get them right from the source! I have a 560 Ti currently, and have NEVER had a problem with any of the WQL releases from Nvidia, same goes for my previous Nvidia cards. I've had worse luck with AMD/ATI but that's another story.

Grand Master

_neutrino Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

Install Nvidia Geforce Experience and have that download the latest beta drivers on release instead of using windows update :o

I was going to suggest the same thing,

 

Running windows 8.1 and 2 nVidia 650GT in SLI the latest Beta drivers are doing well for me. after the 8.1 upgrade I had to update the vBIOS on my graphics cards to get it working.

Grand Master

Ironman273

Posted
Posted

I've always had ATI cards and have never had problems with them.  This time I switched to nVidia and the drivers are horrible.  Various games crash with them.  In fact, I had to not install the latest drivers because it kept crashing Batman Arkham Origins...

Experienced

ensiform

Posted
Posted

I think I've actually had this happen a few times in the last month too..  Haven't actually discovered the cause because it's not happened again and it was seemingly random both times.

 

Seemed more likely to blame my CPU going bad or possible overheating due to dust.  Interesting find if it is just these drivers.

 

@Ironman273, ATI has had the worst drivers for years and poor release cycles on them too...  nVIDIA's only real problem seems that they can never figure out how to program the fans to actually work correctly before the cards start to get hot without external fan control via software or monitor on computer itself.

Grand Master

Aergan

Posted
Posted

Not had the issue on my laptop's GT555M 3GB or my GTX 650 (331.65).

 

On a positive note, recent driver updates mean I can now play Skyrim on my GT555M now whereas before it was just a pipedream.

Mentor

Tikimotel

Posted
Posted

I've installed Beta driver 331.93 on my GTX 460 equiped machine. They fixed my browser/flashplayer/random freezes and crashes.

release notes: http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windows/331.93/331.93-win8-win7-winvista-desktop-release-notes.pdf

 

Changes and Fixed Issues in Version 331.93

The following sections list the important changes and the most common issues resolved

since versions 331.82. This list is only a subset of the total number of changes made in this

driver version. The NVIDIA bug number is provided for reference.

Windows Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8 Fixed Issues

?         [326.80, Fermi]: End users report browser freezes and crashes. [1358403] <--- Fixed my issues!!! 

?         [Assassins Creed 4]: In a multi-player game, textures are either missing on models or they get swapped for each other. [1411524]

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Posts

    • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know

      By The Werewolf · Posted

      Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know The ONLY thing I need to know is the price, which I know will be way higher than I (and most people) are willing to pay for a phone... so basically nothing here I need to know. PS: Nice job getting that Apple reference to a non-existent and unrevealed product as "competition" in there. Cheque is in the mail.
    • AMD 9070XT

      By Steven P. · Posted

      Well I really think the repasting helped if your higher clocks have returned, maybe the next thing to look at is if there is a problem with your case airflow? I guess this because your 3080 has returned to optimal state, but is still staying too warm, which might suggest it was thermal throttling before you repasted, of which the only logical conclusion could be outside factors.
    • The official Funny Pictures thread

      By Steven P. · Posted

    • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know

      By Hamid Ganji · Posted

      Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know by Hamid Ganji Galaxy Z Fold 7 - Image via Samsung The next generation of Samsung foldables is set to be unveiled next month at the second Unpacked event of the year. Samsung’s 2026 foldables are not expected to offer significant upgrades over their predecessors, with the Korean firm instead focusing on design refinements and conventional upgrades such as faster processors and better cameras. However, Samsung is reportedly planning to unveil an all-new passport-style foldable this year to rival Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which is expected to debut this September. Here’s a roundup of everything we know about Samsung’s upcoming foldable devices ahead of their official debut. When can we expect Samsung’s new foldables? The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 series were unveiled in July, and Samsung is expected to maintain this timeframe in 2026. Based on previous reports from Korean sources, Samsung will hold its Unpacked event on July 22 in London, UK, to pull back the curtain on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. The devices are also expected to hit the shelves a few weeks after launch. However, Samsung has yet to announce an official date. A new naming scheme? One of the most interesting changes we might see this year is a new naming scheme for Samsung’s latest foldables. SamMobile reported that since Samsung is expected to unveil three foldables this year, it has adopted a new naming strategy to simplify product identification for customers. Accordingly, the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 will reportedly be called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and will serve as the direct successor to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. The “Ultra” suffix suggests the phone could feature higher-end specifications, such as additional rear camera modules. Samsung’s new passport-style foldable is expected to carry the Galaxy Z Fold 8 name without any suffix. This model is reportedly equipped with two rear cameras. No major changes are expected for the Flip model. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 anticipated specs Rumors over the past few months suggest Samsung is preparing several upgrades for its upcoming foldables, although the devices may continue to rely on larger batteries and faster charging speeds rather than dramatic design changes. The primary focus this year is expected to be the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and its wide-screen design. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra official CAD renders - Image via AndroidHeadlines Here are the anticipated specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra based on previous leaks: 6.5-inch outer display and 8-inch inner display, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,600 nits peak brightness Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage 4.1mm thickness when unfolded and a weight of 210g 200MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera, 10MP or 12MP telephoto camera, 10MP cover camera, and 10MP selfie camera 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging Android 17 and One UI 9 As for the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the device is not expected to be a major departure from its predecessor, although it could become slightly slimmer. Expected specifications include: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Exynos 2600 processor 12GB of RAM with 256GB and 512GB storage options 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner dispaly and 4.1-inch Super AMOLED outer dispaly 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, and 10MP selfie camera 4,300mAh battery with 25W wired charging Android 17 and One UI 9 Samsung’s foldables are also expected to launch with Gemini Intelligence, Google’s AI suite for automating tasks in Android ecosystem. Moreover, given current memory and component costs, some Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 variants could see a price hike. Galaxy Z Fold 8 adopts a wide-screen design The centerpiece of the upcoming Unpacked event could be the Galaxy Z Fold 8, previously rumored as the Galaxy Z Fold Wide. This model adopts a passport-style form factor and is expected to compete directly with Apple’s iPhone Fold. Galaxy Z Fold 8 official CAD renders - Image via AndroidHeadlines Here’s what to expect: 7.6-inch primary OLED display and 5.4-inch cover display, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,600 nits peak brightness, and 4:3 aspect ratio Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options 4,800mAh battery with 45W wired charging 50MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera, and 10MP selfie camera Android 17 and One UI 9 The three new foldable phones are unlikely to be the only devices unveiled at Samsung’s Unpacked event. The company is also expected to introduce the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 9 series.
    • Dopamine 3.0.6

      By Jaybonaut · Posted

      Thanks

  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      rolfus earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Leroy Jethro Gibbs earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Conversation Starter
      flexorcist earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Month Later
      AndreaB earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      agatameier earned a badge
      One Month Later

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      504
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      196
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      140
    4. 4
      ATLien_0
      88
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      81
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!