RTX 3050 laptop GPU in my HP victus notebooks only works when VRAM is underclocked

[willis45]

For some time now, my laptop has been getting crashes to desktop and BSOD when playing games or working with rendering applications such as Blender. I've tried all the fixes I've seen on the internet, These include reinstalling the GPU drivers with DDU in safe mode, going back to old drivers, resetting the PC with the Windows media creation tool, and even using the HP Cloud Recovery tool to reset the PC to factory settings.

After trying all these and other solutions and tweaks, the only thing that has partly worked for me is using MSI Afterburner to underclock the GPU VRAM to 5500MHz from the original 6000MHz. Even still, I get crashes in some games and Blender when rendering large and complicated scenes. 

Please, I would like to know if there's anything else I could try. From some more searching on the internet, I saw a post that said this could be an issue with the SK Hynix VRAM modules on the mainboard, but I'm too sure. Also, there seems to be no working HP service center in my country.

[zoey7886]

@willis45, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding BSOD Issues on Victus by HP! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

Experiencing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and crashes can be frustrating, especially when running intensive applications or playing games. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve these issues:

Hardware and Software Requirements

1. Ensure Your Computer Meets the Requirements: Make sure your laptop meets the minimum hardware and software requirements for the game or applications you are using. If the specifications are met, proceed to the next steps.

Update and Verify Drivers

1. Update BIOS, Drivers, and Software:
   • Download and install the latest BIOS from HP
   • Update your GPU drivers from the manufacturer’s website:
     • NVIDIA Driver Downloads
     • AMD Driver Downloads

HP Hardware Diagnostics

1. Perform Hardware Diagnostics: Use the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) tool to test key components such as the hard drive, memory, and system:
   • Restart your laptop and press F2 during boot to access the diagnostics menu.
   • Select and run the necessary tests, particularly for memory and video:
     • Video Memory Check
     • Palette Check
     • Dead Pixel Check

Stress Testing for Thermal Issues

1. Verify Thermal Conditions:
   • Use HP Thermal Diagnostics tools for stress testing your processor and GPU.
   • Ensure thermal sensors are within permissible limits and inspect fans for obstructions or dust. 

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

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Regards,