Question:

What could be the cause of persistent driver timeouts despite resolving RAM instability and performing extensive software troubleshooting?

I have a desktop computer with the following specifications:

• GPU: RX 6800 XT Reference card
• CPU: Ryzen 5 5600 (with stock cooler)
• RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws V F4-3600C18D-16GVK
• Motherboard: PRO B550M-VC WIFI
• BIOS Version: 7C95vHA
• PSU: Super Flower Leadex III 750W 80+ Gold
• SSD: WD_BLACK SN770 NVMe 1TB (Updated Firmware)
• Case: Corsair 4000D
• Operating System & Version: Windows 10
• GPU Drivers: Adrenalin 24.1.1
• Chipset Drivers: 6.01.25.342

The driver timeouts are indicated by the error code VIDEO_ENGINE_TIMEOUT_DETECTED and LiveKernelEvent Code: 141. They have occurred across four different GPUs: RX 6750 XT Reference card (twice), RX 6800 XT Reference card, and RX 570. I have verified that my RAM is stable by adjusting the voltage from 1.35 to 1.31 and running Memtest 86 for several hours without errors. However, the driver timeouts still happen, especially during high-load scenarios such as OCCT’s Power test and The Last of Us game. I have also tried to undervolt the GPU, but any reduction beyond 50 volts causes immediate crashes when using AMD Adrenaline’s Stress Test. Furthermore, I have noticed random drops in GPU clock speeds and power usage, which result in in-game stutters.

I have ruled out software issues by doing the following:

• Complete Windows factory reset
• Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10
• Clean boots
• BIOS resets and updates
• DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) procedures
• Pro drivers
• Both automatic and manual driver installations
• Letting Windows install the drivers itself
• Using multiple GPUs
• Application of various driver timeout-related registry edits (TDR, ULPS, MPO)

I

am looking for expert advice on what the possible cause of the driver timeouts could be and what steps I should take to resolve them.

Answer:

Driver timeouts are frustrating and annoying errors that can interrupt your gaming or work experience. They occur when the GPU stops responding to the commands from the CPU or the operating system, and the system tries to recover by resetting the GPU driver. However, sometimes the recovery fails and the system crashes or freezes.

There are many possible causes of driver timeouts, such as hardware issues, software issues, power issues, thermal issues, or compatibility issues. In this article, we will explore some of the most common causes and how to fix them.

Hardware issues

One of the possible causes of driver timeouts is a faulty or incompatible hardware component. For example, if your GPU, CPU, RAM, motherboard, PSU, or SSD is defective, damaged, or not compatible with your system, it could cause instability and driver timeouts.

To troubleshoot hardware issues, you can try the following steps:

• Check the physical condition of your hardware components. Look for any signs of damage, such as burns, cracks, or leaks. If you find any, replace the damaged component as soon as possible.
• Check the compatibility of your hardware components. Make sure that your GPU, CPU, RAM, motherboard, PSU, and SSD are compatible with each other and with your system. You can use online tools such as PCPartPicker or UserBenchmark to check the compatibility of your components.
• Check the stability of your hardware components. Run stress tests and benchmarks to test the performance and stability of your components. You can use tools such as OCCT, FurMark, Prime95, Memtest86, or CrystalDiskMark to test your GPU, CPU, RAM, and SSD. If you encounter any errors, crashes, or instability, it could indicate a hardware issue.
• Check the connection of your hardware components. Make sure that your components are properly connected to your motherboard and PSU. Check the cables, connectors, and slots for any loose or faulty connections. You can also try reseating your components or using different slots or cables if possible.

Software issues

Another possible cause of driver timeouts is a corrupted or outdated software component. For example, if your operating system, GPU driver, chipset driver, BIOS, or firmware is corrupted or outdated, it could cause conflicts and driver timeouts.

To troubleshoot software issues, you can try the following steps:

• Update your software components. Make sure that your operating system, GPU driver, chipset driver, BIOS, and firmware are up to date. You can use Windows Update, AMD Adrenaline, or your motherboard manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest updates for your software components.
• Reinstall your software components. Sometimes, updating your software components may not be enough to fix the issues. You may need to reinstall your software components to ensure that they are clean and free of corruption. You can use tools such as DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to completely uninstall your GPU driver and then reinstall it from the AMD website. You can also use Windows Reset or Windows Installation Media to reinstall your operating system.
• Repair your software components. If reinstalling your software components does not work, you may need to repair your software components to fix any errors or corruption. You can use tools such as SFC (System File Checker), DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management), or CHKDSK (Check Disk) to scan and repair your system files, disk image, or disk errors.

Power issues

Another possible cause of driver timeouts is a lack of sufficient or stable power supply. For example, if your PSU is not powerful enough, faulty, or not connected properly, it could cause power fluctuations and driver timeouts.

To troubleshoot power issues, you can try the following steps:

• Check the power requirements of your components. Make sure that your PSU is powerful enough to support your components, especially your GPU. You can use online tools such as PSU Calculator or Outervision to estimate the power consumption of your components and the recommended PSU wattage.
• Check the quality of your PSU. Make sure that your PSU is reliable, efficient, and certified. You can use online tools such as PSU Tier List or JonnyGURU to check the quality and rating of your PSU. You can also use tools such as HWiNFO or HWMonitor to check the voltage and current readings of your PSU. If you find any anomalies or inconsistencies, it could indicate a PSU issue.
• Check the connection of your PSU. Make sure that your PSU is properly connected to your components and to the power outlet. Check the cables, connectors, and plugs for any loose or faulty connections. You can also try using a different power outlet, power strip, or surge protector if possible.

Thermal issues

Another possible cause of driver timeouts is a high or unstable temperature of your components. For example, if your GPU, CPU, or RAM is overheating, it could cause thermal throttling, instability, and driver timeouts.

To troubleshoot thermal issues, you can try the following steps:

• Check the temperature of your components. Make sure that your GPU, CPU, and RAM are not overheating. You can use tools such as HWiNFO, HWMonitor, or MSI Afterburner to monitor the temperature of your components. The ideal temperature range for your components may vary depending on the model and manufacturer, but generally, you should aim for below 80°C for your GPU and CPU, and below 60°C for your RAM.
• Check the cooling of your components. Make sure that your components are properly cooled by your fans, heatsinks, or liquid cooling system. Check the condition and speed of your fans, the cleanliness and contact of your heatsinks, and the flow and level of your liquid cooling system. You can also use tools such as SpeedFan or BIOS to control the fan speed and curve of your components.
• Check the airflow of your case. Make sure that your case has enough intake and exhaust fans to provide adequate airflow and ventilation for your components. Check the orientation and direction of your fans, the dust and cable management of your case, and the clearance and position of your components. You can also use tools such as Smoke Test or Thermal Camera to visualize the airflow and hotspots of your case.

Compatibility issues

Another possible cause of driver timeouts is a mismatch or conflict between your components or settings. For example, if your GPU, CPU, RAM, or BIOS settings are not compatible with each other or with your system, it could cause instability and driver timeouts.

To troubleshoot compatibility issues, you can try the following steps:

• Check the compatibility of your components or settings. Make sure that your GPU, CPU, RAM, or BIOS settings are compatible with each other and with your system. You can use online tools such as PCPartPicker or UserBenchmark to check the compatibility of your components. You can also use tools such as CPU-Z or GPU-Z to check the specifications and settings of your components.
• Reset or adjust your components or settings. Sometimes, your components or settings may be incompatible due to overclocking, undervolting, or tweaking. You may need to reset or adjust your components or settings to their default or optimal values to ensure stability and compatibility. You can use tools such as AMD Adrenaline, Ryzen Master, or BIOS to reset or adjust your GPU, CPU, RAM, or BIOS settings.

Conclusion

Driver

timeouts are complex and multifaceted errors that can have various causes and solutions. In this article, we have discussed some of the most common causes of driver timeouts, such as hardware issues, software issues, power issues, thermal issues, and compatibility issues, and how to fix them. However, this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other factors that could contribute to driver timeouts. Therefore, we recommend that you consult an expert or a professional if the problem persists or worsens. We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. Thank you for reading.