100% GPU usage spikes freeze entire system- nVidia GeForce GTX670M

[jrh072]

The issue:

At times the GPU will spike to 100% and freeze the entire system, usually preceeded by the mouse "dragging" or slowing down and stopping. If I do not quickly stop using the mouse after the slowdown begins, the entire system will usually freeze and cannot be recovered without power cycling the PC. :shock: If I stop using the mouse in time, the system will recover to normal after a few seconds. (if playing sound or music when the slowdown starts, the sound is caught in a loop until the spike ends). This occurs often with nothing more than Outlook and a browser window open, more often with several applications running as is usually the state I work in, although not related to games or anything that heavily taxes my system. The offending process is usually csrss.exe (usually when running my ArcMap application), chrome.exe or firefox.exe (usually the only browsers I use) and occasionally dwm.exe. The firefox.exe process pic attached was just after resuming after suspend, which triggers the issue at times as well (although the browser related issue most often happens while actually browsing).

I have caught this pattern several times in the Process Explorer (see pics):

1. GPU usage spiking to 98%-100% (with preceding usage only around 1%)
2. The offending process appears to only be "using" 50%-70% of GPU during the spike
3. At the same time or just following the usage spike, there is a sudden drop in GPU dedicated memory.

A couple of times I have been lucky and have had the offending process detail window open in the process explorer (see pics), both times reflecting:

1. GPU usage spike (but not the full amount of the total GPU spike)
2. Committed GPU memory spiking (sometimes right after a drop, while staying consistent just prior and just after the event)
3. A sudden drop and recovery of dedicated GPU memory
4. A sharp drop immediately followed by an extended rise (plateau) of system GPU memory.

In case it is related, at times when I am using ArcMap and/or Google Earth (both used extensively), the display driver crashes via an OpenGL issue (see pic).

FYI, I typically run many applications including 3D maps in one display, 2D in another without any issues whatsoever, and have never had an issue running programs that really tax my system (like 3d games).

I have had this issue for the entire year (2013) that I've had this laptop. I catch it happening 3+ times/week but as long as I let go of the mouse it usually returns to normal after a few seconds. Troubleshooting has included memory & hard drive testing, updating the BIOS, confirming no temperature issues, complete uninstalling & reinstallation of several updated nVidia drivers, ran driver verifier (no non-microsoft drivers listed). FYI, before determining that the GPU was the culprit, I had this issue in the general discussion forum in a detailed post, http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...-freezing-after-mouse-slows-down-no-bsod.html, to date 330 views and no replies, guess it stumped everyone! nVidia will not provide support as this is an OEM installed display adapter; ASUS support is terrible, regardless of my pleas to escalate to nVidia (or a real support engineer) they just reply with "do a complete system restore" or "RMA your computer". As the evidence seems to indicate an issue with the GPU/video driver, I'm turning to the forum hoping someone may be able to shed some light and perhaps provide better means to flesh out the issue with the GPU/video driver without going to the lengths of a full system restore or laptop replacement. Speccy system info dump also attached.

Thanks ahead for any assistance! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!


Justin

 

[matts6887]

how much actual ram does your laptop have? It appears there might not be enough available to run the graphics chip.

 

[Vaio 7]

The issue:

At times the GPU will spike to 100% and freeze the entire system, usually preceeded by the mouse "dragging" or slowing down and stopping. If I do not quickly stop using the mouse after the slowdown begins, the entire system will usually freeze and cannot be recovered without power cycling the PC. :shock: If I stop using the mouse in time, the system will recover to normal after a few seconds. (if playing sound or music when the slowdown starts, the sound is caught in a loop until the spike ends). This occurs often with nothing more than Outlook and a browser window open, more often with several applications running as is usually the state I work in, although not related to games or anything that heavily taxes my system. The offending process is usually csrss.exe (usually when running my ArcMap application), chrome.exe or firefox.exe (usually the only browsers I use) and occasionally dwm.exe. The firefox.exe process pic attached was just after resuming after suspend, which triggers the issue at times as well (although the browser related issue most often happens while actually browsing).

I have caught this pattern several times in the Process Explorer (see pics):

1. GPU usage spiking to 98%-100% (with preceding usage only around 1%)
2. The offending process appears to only be "using" 50%-70% of GPU during the spike
3. At the same time or just following the usage spike, there is a sudden drop in GPU dedicated memory.

A couple of times I have been lucky and have had the offending process detail window open in the process explorer (see pics), both times reflecting:

1. GPU usage spike (but not the full amount of the total GPU spike)
2. Committed GPU memory spiking (sometimes right after a drop, while staying consistent just prior and just after the event)
3. A sudden drop and recovery of dedicated GPU memory
4. A sharp drop immediately followed by an extended rise (plateau) of system GPU memory.

In case it is related, at times when I am using ArcMap and/or Google Earth (both used extensively), the display driver crashes via an OpenGL issue (see pic).

FYI, I typically run many applications including 3D maps in one display, 2D in another without any issues whatsoever, and have never had an issue running programs that really tax my system (like 3d games).

I have had this issue for the entire year (2013) that I've had this laptop. I catch it happening 3+ times/week but as long as I let go of the mouse it usually returns to normal after a few seconds. Troubleshooting has included memory & hard drive testing, updating the BIOS, confirming no temperature issues, complete uninstalling & reinstallation of several updated nVidia drivers, ran driver verifier (no non-microsoft drivers listed). FYI, before determining that the GPU was the culprit, I had this issue in the general discussion forum in a detailed post, http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...-freezing-after-mouse-slows-down-no-bsod.html, to date 330 views and no replies, guess it stumped everyone! nVidia will not provide support as this is an OEM installed display adapter; ASUS support is terrible, regardless of my pleas to escalate to nVidia (or a real support engineer) they just reply with "do a complete system restore" or "RMA your computer". As the evidence seems to indicate an issue with the GPU/video driver, I'm turning to the forum hoping someone may be able to shed some light and perhaps provide better means to flesh out the issue with the GPU/video driver without going to the lengths of a full system restore or laptop replacement. Speccy system info dump also attached.

Thanks ahead for any assistance! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!


Justin

Hi,

What version driver do you have?? If it's 320 or 330 series uninstall via Control panel, reboot, let the standard VGA adapter install, reboot again and try the stable 314.22 WHQL.
When you finish uninstalling the current driver, also delete any Nvidia folders and if you are familiar with regedit delete all Nvidia remnant keys. REBOOT again.
Upon installation of the new driver, open FF or IE and under Advanced menu, try the option "Use software rendering instead of GPU renedering".
Nvidia drivers do not work properly with Chrome and some of them with FF.
I have 314.22 installed and not a single issue with IE 11.
I tried the 331.65 and 331.82, personally modified the installer in order to allow it to install on my laptop, but they are not good, many random TDR's.
Hopefully things will get better when the future driver will be released.
Hope this helps,

Regards,

 

[jrh072]

how much actual ram does your laptop have? It appears there might not be enough available to run the graphics chip.

Thanks for the suggestion, but memory is definitely not the issue. The display adapter has 3GB and the laptop 16 GB.

 

[jrh072]

Hi,

What version driver do you have?? If it's 320 or 330 series uninstall via Control panel, reboot, let the standard VGA adapter install, reboot again and try the stable 314.22 WHQL.
When you finish uninstalling the current driver, also delete any Nvidia folders and if you are familiar with regedit delete all Nvidia remnant keys. REBOOT again.
Upon installation of the new driver, open FF or IE and under Advanced menu, try the option "Use software rendering instead of GPU renedering".
Nvidia drivers do not work properly with Chrome and some of them with FF.
I have 314.22 installed and not a single issue with IE 11.
I tried the 331.65 and 331.82, personally modified the installer in order to allow it to install on my laptop, but they are not good, many random TDR's.
Hopefully things will get better when the future driver will be released.
Hope this helps,

Regards,

Thanks for the tips, my version is currently 331.82 (latest). So why do you recommend 314.22? I thought any driver released as non-beta was stable? It would be nice to have the latest possible, but going through the gymnastics of complete uninstalling & reinstalling with several versions doesn't appeal, are you aware of some nVidia tricks that may help knowing how to determine the best stable release at a given time? I will definitely try your suggestions & report back.

Cheers,

Justin

 

[Vaio 7]

Hi,

What version driver do you have?? If it's 320 or 330 series uninstall via Control panel, reboot, let the standard VGA adapter install, reboot again and try the stable 314.22 WHQL.
When you finish uninstalling the current driver, also delete any Nvidia folders and if you are familiar with regedit delete all Nvidia remnant keys. REBOOT again.
Upon installation of the new driver, open FF or IE and under Advanced menu, try the option "Use software rendering instead of GPU renedering".
Nvidia drivers do not work properly with Chrome and some of them with FF.
I have 314.22 installed and not a single issue with IE 11.
I tried the 331.65 and 331.82, personally modified the installer in order to allow it to install on my laptop, but they are not good, many random TDR's.
Hopefully things will get better when the future driver will be released.
Hope this helps,

Regards,

Thanks for the tips, my version is currently 331.82 (latest). So why do you recommend 314.22? I thought any driver released as non-beta was stable? It would be nice to have the latest possible, but going through the gymnastics of complete uninstalling & reinstalling with several versions doesn't appeal, are you aware of some nVidia tricks that may help knowing how to determine the best stable release at a given time? I will definitely try your suggestions & report back.

Cheers,

Justin

Hi,

Please check:
https://forums.geforce.com/default/...ay-driver-feedback-thread-released-11-19-13-/

and you will see how many problems there are after 314.22 driver. (especially with Fermi cards Nvidia 300/400 8000 & 9000 series and also with many 600 & 700 series.
As I said, I already tried 33X.XX series drivers and fortunately not the 32X.XX series as they gave overvoltage issues to many users.
Use also HW Monitor from CPUID.com to monitor voltages & temperatures of the GPU.
It is very important to properly uninstall the previous driver before installing a different version.
I recommend 314.22 WHQL, very stable.
If you go ahead and install it, choose Custom-Advanced then uncheck 3D Vision if you do not have a 3D pc and Nvidia update. Check also the "Perform a clean installation" option.
Let me know how it went.
Hope this helps,

Kind regards,

 

[matts6887]

Hi,

What version driver do you have?? If it's 320 or 330 series uninstall via Control panel, reboot, let the standard VGA adapter install, reboot again and try the stable 314.22 WHQL.
When you finish uninstalling the current driver, also delete any Nvidia folders and if you are familiar with regedit delete all Nvidia remnant keys. REBOOT again.
Upon installation of the new driver, open FF or IE and under Advanced menu, try the option "Use software rendering instead of GPU renedering".
Nvidia drivers do not work properly with Chrome and some of them with FF.
I have 314.22 installed and not a single issue with IE 11.
I tried the 331.65 and 331.82, personally modified the installer in order to allow it to install on my laptop, but they are not good, many random TDR's.
Hopefully things will get better when the future driver will be released.
Hope this helps,

Regards,

Thanks for the tips, my version is currently 331.82 (latest). So why do you recommend 314.22? I thought any driver released as non-beta was stable? It would be nice to have the latest possible, but going through the gymnastics of complete uninstalling & reinstalling with several versions doesn't appeal, are you aware of some nVidia tricks that may help knowing how to determine the best stable release at a given time? I will definitely try your suggestions & report back.

Cheers,

Justin

No; not every driver that is released in beta is stable. A beta form driver means its still in the testing stages and hasnt become a final version yet; therefore the beta driver can still have "bugs" in them until the developers come out with a final version that should have the kinks worked out. Therefore it is best to avoid installing them so they dont cause problems.

 

[Vaio 7]

Hi,

What version driver do you have?? If it's 320 or 330 series uninstall via Control panel, reboot, let the standard VGA adapter install, reboot again and try the stable 314.22 WHQL.
When you finish uninstalling the current driver, also delete any Nvidia folders and if you are familiar with regedit delete all Nvidia remnant keys. REBOOT again.
Upon installation of the new driver, open FF or IE and under Advanced menu, try the option "Use software rendering instead of GPU renedering".
Nvidia drivers do not work properly with Chrome and some of them with FF.
I have 314.22 installed and not a single issue with IE 11.
I tried the 331.65 and 331.82, personally modified the installer in order to allow it to install on my laptop, but they are not good, many random TDR's.
Hopefully things will get better when the future driver will be released.
Hope this helps,

Regards,

Thanks for the tips, my version is currently 331.82 (latest). So why do you recommend 314.22? I thought any driver released as non-beta was stable? It would be nice to have the latest possible, but going through the gymnastics of complete uninstalling & reinstalling with several versions doesn't appeal, are you aware of some nVidia tricks that may help knowing how to determine the best stable release at a given time? I will definitely try your suggestions & report back.

Cheers,

Justin

No; not every driver that is released in beta is stable. A beta from driver means its still in the testing stages and hasnt become a final version yet; therefore the beta driver can still have "bugs" in them until the developers come out with a final version that should have the kinks worked out. Therefore it is best to avoid installing them so they dont cause problems.

Hi,

User mentionned non-beta NOT beta.
Also, any beta driver can pass the WHQL certification.
In other words, a beta is a driver minus WHQL but if it was submitted by Nvidia to Microsoft it could easily pass the tests.
These words are taken as from the Nvidia forum moderator.

Best regards & Merry Christmas.

 

[jrh072]

Thanks for the tips, my version is currently 331.82 (latest). So why do you recommend 314.22? I thought any driver released as non-beta was stable? It would be nice to have the latest possible, but going through the gymnastics of complete uninstalling & reinstalling with several versions doesn't appeal, are you aware of some nVidia tricks that may help knowing how to determine the best stable release at a given time? I will definitely try your suggestions & report back.

Cheers,

Justin

No; not every driver that is released in beta is stable. A beta from driver means its still in the testing stages and hasnt become a final version yet; therefore the beta driver can still have "bugs" in them until the developers come out with a final version that should have the kinks worked out. Therefore it is best to avoid installing them so they dont cause problems.

Hi,

User mentionned non-beta NOT beta.
Also, any beta driver can pass the WHQL certification.
In other words, a beta is a driver minus WHQL but if it was submitted by Nvidia to Microsoft it could easily pass the tests.
These words are taken as from the Nvidia forum moderator.

Best regards & Merry Christmas.

Thanks again-

I'm on the road for the week and will not be able to troubleshoot much until I return. I really should have started in the nVidia forum, not sure why I didn't check there first :shock: I'll update this post with any results and will likely start a new thread there. Happy Holidays.