New build freezing in games (occasionally windows) NOT the GPU

Common issues that can cause a TDR:


Incorrect memory timings or voltages
Insufficient/problematic PSU
Corrupt driver install
Overheating
Unstable overclocks (GPU or CPU)
Incorrect MB voltages (generally NB/SB)
Faulty graphics card
A badly written driver or piece of software, but this is an unlikely cause in most cases
Driver conflicts
Another possibility that people tend not to like to hear, is that you are simply asking too much of your graphics card. What I mean by this, is that if you have your settings too high and the graphics card struggles and falls to very low FPS, then something graphically complex occurs, the GPU may not be able to respond and a TDR error may occur
Some users have experienced TDR errors whilst browsing the web with the 280.xx, 285.xx and 290.xx drivers. Please head to this link to clarify if this is relevant to you - this is quite a specific issue which seems to predominantly affect web browsing as opposed to gaming. There are no categoric fixes but some users have found that changing the power management mode to 'Prefer Maximum Performance' has helped.





Examples of specific TDR causes:


Conflict with Realtek drivers causing TDR errors
Driver conflict with Logitech webcam drivers
Unstable overclock on the graphics card
Insufficient PSU
RAM problems (faulty, badly seated or not configured correctly)
Cleaning out dust resolved issue
AMD/ATI cards also have TDR problems





Things to check or consider initially in your troubleshooting:


Check for newer driver version or cleanly uninstall/re-install your drivers. Great description of how to do this here (full credit to DJNOOB for this).
If you have multiple 'GPU tools' like EVGA Precision and MSI Afterburner installed, consider that it is only advisable to have one tool such as this at any one time.
If the issue is only with a specific game, check for patches.
If this is a new problem for you, have you just added any new hardware or updated/installed any new drivers? Consider rolling them back.
Check temperatures. Its important you check these at load, which is generally when a TDR event will occur. Everest Ultimate Edition is a good tool for this, or OCCT's GPU stress test. If things are too hot, you can use tools such as EVGA Precision to increase GPU fan speeds on graphics cards. Cleaning your system of dust can help temperatures significantly. Common sense will normally tell you if something is too hot, but if you aren't sure, the information is generally available online.
Check that your RAM is running at the correct settings as defined by the manufacturer.
Remove any overclocks on your system and test with stock clocks. This includes memory, CPU and GPU (even factory OC'd cards). Best to try each separately so you can be sure if one solves the issue.
Attempt a CMOS reset to return all BIOS settings to default. This is a good hardware troubleshooting step as it also resets the IRQ assignments - you can normally reset the CMOS either through a jumper on the motherboard (see manual), or by disconnecting the mains power and taking out the motherboard battery for 5 minutes. You will likely need to go in to the BIOS after this reset to check the memory timings/voltages are correct, as these will not always do so automatically.





Additional steps:


Run memtest (memtest.org). This should complete with NO errors.
If you have just installed a new graphics card, check your PSU ratings. Is it providing enough power, and most importantly enough Amps on the 12V rail.
If you are using SLI, try each card separately to see if the fault lies with one.
Try graphics card/cards in another computer if you can.



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As most people who end up reading this will have slightly custom computers in one way or the other, please try to remember that checking things like RAM timings & PSU voltage go hand in hand with modifying or building a computer. A lot of people assume that any hardware they buy and plug in should just work, and any software they then install should be fine also... this is not entirely true. No hardware or software vendor can truly recreate all of the different possible combinations, so do expect some tinkering to be required every once in a while.



For those with laptops, I appreciate there are a lot of steps here you cannot complete. However, the confined space of a laptop plus dust and age can mean that overheating is a real possibility. Beyond this you need to look at reinstalling drivers and software, and then you should be looking at potential hardware issues and likely an RMA (assuming of course you have not been overclocking in software or making changes in the BIOS).



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Programs to use for stress testing CPU:

- Prime95 (would advise running for at least a few hours).

- Intel Burntest (run at least a few passes)

- OCCT (good linpack test for CPU)



Programs to use for stress testing GPU:

- OCCT

- 3DMark Vantage

- 3DMark 11 (DX11 GPUs only)

- Any of the Crysis series



Programs to use for monitoring temperatures:

- EVGA Precision (GPU only)

- MSI Afterburner (GPU only)

- Everest Ultimate Edition (now known as AIDA 64)

- CoreTemp (CPU only)

- RealTemp (CPU only)

- OCCT (stress testing and temp monitoring)



I can highly recommend Everest/AIDA64 as this shows you ALL your temperatures, including other GPU components. It is however not free - you can download a trial but it has some functions limited (including some temperatures).



At the end of the day, try not to become too frustrated with the issue. Generally a solution can be found. There a lot of topics you can look back on in relation to this issue, and a lot of good people around on this (and other) forums who are happy to help, assuming of course you are willing to take advice! People understand frustration, but they aren't going to help you if you are rude or abusive... an FYI for those who just want a slanging match!



If you post a topic regarding this issue, please state you system specs in as much detail as you can, plus anything you have tried so far. Feel free to PM me if you are having no luck and I will do my best to advise.



See the 'GeForce GTX & ION Drivers' forum section sticky for the official nVidia response on TDR errors.