Possible HD4000 Freezing

[idata]

Hello,

I recently built a new PC using an Intel Core i5 3570k, however I ran out of money for the time being to purchase a GPU. So instead I've been using the integrated HD4000 graphics of my CPU, here's my issue, my PC freezes randomly while playing games. At first it was just annoying, but the latest freeze left my PC unable to start and I had to perform a system restore just to boot into Windows, this is really un-acceptable, so I'm hoping I can find a solution here.

Some searching leads me to believe that this is a fairly common issue, so I'm assuming that the issue is with the HD4000. I can't think of anything else that could be causing it as the system is running well while performing any other tasks.

Basically, when it freezes the system becomes totally un-responsive and even holding the reset button takes several seconds before the system will shut down. My TV's speakers also emit a loud buzzing noise when a freeze occurs.

I've tried installing the latest Intel drivers several times and I've updated my motherboard's BIOS. None of these things have helped thus far.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

System specs:

CPU: Intel Core i5 3570k @ stock clocks

CPU Cooler: Stock heat-sink fan

Motherborad: ASRock Z75 Pro 3 with BIOS version 1.80

RAM: Corsair Vengeance 2x4GB DDR3 1600Mhz 1.5V with XMP Profile 1.2

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate Edition 64 bit SP1

[Marcos_U_Intel]

Hello,

I recommend you take a look at the list of popular games that are playable for your graphics controller at the following URL:

http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/intelhdgraphics4000_2500/sb/CS-033387.htm http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/intelhdgraphics4000_2500/sb/CS-033387.htm

Just to make sure you do have the latest graphics driver. It can be found here:

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=22375&lang=eng&OSVersion=Windows%207%20(64-bit)*&DownloadType=Drivers http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=22375&lang=eng&OSVersion=Windows%207%20(64-bit)*&DownloadType=Drivers

Also sometimes when it comes to freezing it could be memory, or the operating system.

Regards,

Michael

[idata]

Hi,

Thank you for much for the reply!

I read that list and noticed that the games I've tried playing aren't on it. However, two of the three games I've tried have newer versions on the list. For instance, I've tried CoD4 and that link has MW3 listed, which uses an updated version of the same game engine. I've also tried Fallout: New Vegas, and the link says that Skyrim is supported, which uses the Creation engine, an in-house revision of the Gamebryo engine that Fallout runs on. These two games in particular are fairly old and not very demanding, which leaves me rather surprised that they freeze. I've also tried Metro 2033, but this game is very demanding and not listed at all in the link you posted, so it's not so surprising.

I tired deleting the current drivers and updating with ones from my motherboard manufacturer's website, but this didn't help. Also, strangely, despite being released on January 31st 2013, they are actually old drivers. Regardless, they didn't help either, it still freezes. So now I will try updating to the most recent from these drivers.

I've also noticed that I now have an optional Windows update for Intel graphics, "Intel Graphics Adapter WDDM1.2", should I install this? It wasn't there the other day.

And finally, I've considered that my RAM could be an issue, but I've run both a Windows' Memory Test and Memest86+ booted from a flash drive and neither reported any errors. I left Memtest running over night and it completed 9 passes with zero errors. Only 4 is generally required to find issues. And as I said, it's running at stock clocks, not overclocked in any way, so I just don't think anything is wrong with it. Unless I'm overlooking something.

Is there anything else that could be causing this? Only gaming freezes my computer, nothing I've done has had any issues.

Once again, I thank you very much for your time and help!

[Marcos_U_Intel]

Hello,

I apologize for the slow response.

I recommend the following game troubleshooting steps at the link below:

http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/cs-010486.htm http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/cs-010486.htm

Also check the game manufacturer's website for any game updates or patches, and please contact the game developer for additional information and troubleshooting assistance.

Regards,

Michael