(Some random color)SOD while USING computer normally

Hi ppkhoa,

Thanks for the response.

Would like to know if the issue occurs only with SimCity. Please try playing other games to see if the issue duplicates. Would also suggest you to unplug the external monitor (for testing purposes) and play the game on the laptop's integrated display. Do share the results.

If you experience display distortion/issues with the laptop screen also, you may configure 'nVidia Optimus' settings to ensure that the game is being handled by the discrete GPU only. Open nVidia Control Panel and ensure that executable file of SimCity is added in 'Program Settings' and is being controlled by 'nVidia controller'. Refer to the image below:

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Also ensure that the 'Global Settings' also has SimCity listed as being handled by the discrete card. Take a glance at the following video to find detailed steps on configuring Optimus for a game/program: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAVWZ...ure=plpp_video

The drivers that I suggested are the latest OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) drivers available for this unit. An update should not be required. However, if you continue to experience issues, updating the drivers from the manufacturer website will be worth a shot.

Hope this helps. Do reply with the findings. I'll take it forward from there.

Hi ppkhoa,

Thank you for the reply. Glad that the system is stable now.
Please continue to observe its performance. Let me know if you need any further support.

Crashes still happen but less frequent. Also, with the OEM graphics driver, sometimes my computer can recover and I can continue working, sometimes it just crash and can't recover. The error says NVidia Windows Kernel Mode Driver crashed and have recovered (it's not exact word but that's what I saw). Maybe you can find it in the diagnostics?

Hi ppkhoa,

Thank you for sharing the details.
I checked the crash dump; did not get any conclusive results.

Since the system functions properly with MiniDisplay port, it could be an issue with the HDMI port itself. In one of my earlier posts, I asked you about the way system behaves when used without an external display. Could you test it and share the findings? It is also likely that HDMI port is connected to the 'Intel adapter' (Integrated graphics); does happen with some machines built with 'Optimus technology'. I am trying to find more information around this subject.

In the mean while, I recommend you to try performing a clean Windows reinstall to see if that helps. This will help us to isolate the possibility of any software causing a conflict/issue. Note: Please backup all data on an external media before attempting a re-install.

If required, the motherboard may need replacement. I'll try to make arrangements for a service call, based on the system's warranty status.
Let me know the findings. I will be glad to assist you.

Hi ppkhoa,

Thank you for the response.
Please share the following details through a private message. I'll try to make arrangements for the motherboard replacement.

1. System Service Tag
2. Account Holder's name (As in Dell Records)
3. Country where the system was purchased
4. Country where it is currently being used

Do reply with the information. I'll review the case for further course of action. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Hi ppkhoa,

Thanks for sharing the details.
I'll review the information and will respond by tomorrow.