Framework 16 Graphics Driver Instabilities

Community Support
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1

Hi everyone,

I have been struggling with my machine lately, after the most recent driver and bios updates. I’m running a Framework 16, AMD 7040 series, 7700s GPU. On Windows 11 pro.

Recently, I got and upgraded to the 240w power supply, and updated the drivers accordingly. Immediately started getting issues. Specifically, with any video game. Alt + R overlay no longer worked and would crash the game immediately. Otherwise, it ran perfectly… for 5 minutes. Then I got complete system hangs, that were only fixed by ctrl + alt + del, and even then the system took about 2-3 minutes to respond after putting that in.

After this, I contacted Framework support in which I was told a long list of troubleshooting methods. I told them it was the graphics driver in my first message, however before trying to roll back the driver, like I suggested, Framework led me down a wild goose chase of finding the issue resulting in my machine being wiped and reset for the 3rd time since I got it. Mind you, this has happened two times already with instable drivers where they told me to reset my machine.

After a lot of emailing, they finally sent me old drivers, however these are, for lack of a better term.. crap. They run terribly. I can only run games on performance settings. They did not care and simply wrote it off as “fixed”, even though my machine runs terribly.

I have several questions.

  1. Has anyone experienced similar instability? Specifically amdkmdag.sys errors
  2. Has anyone come up with a fix?
  3. Has anyone had similar issues with Framework support suggesting windows resets before rolling back their own drivers? Its really been frustrating.

Please let me know and please advise.

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FW16 extremely specific BSOD when using dGPU with newer drivers
Requesting your help to test the AMD Public Graphics Driver on Framework Laptop 16
2

I’m just lurking but I don’t understand - you changed a driver because of a new power supply? Which driver - the AMD Adrenalin one? Is there a driver specifically for the power supply?

3

Drivers from framework come in the full download package. I’m not sure if I should install individually as theirs is preconfigured.

4

Power supply compatibility/charging behavior is probably dependent mainly on the Embedded Controller firmware. These updates are contained in the BIOS update package, which is technically separate from the driver package. I see that OP updated both, though.

It’s probably a combination of factors, but I would still try and isolate the issue by going back to known-good drivers (old package), BIOS, and power supply, then experimenting with changes. (Unfortunately if you’re on a non-beta BIOS, there may not be a BIOS downgrade option.)

Assuming the hardware isn’t borked, you’d think that’d restore the original behavior.

5

Went back to old drivers and the machine does run, but not nearly as well as the new drivers with the new fixes. They worked perfectly and the best the pc has ever run for about 5 minutes and then would crash. Just now waiting for an update from Framework. Haven’t tried downgrading the BIOS though..

6

Out of curiosity, were you experiencing these issues with the old PSU? (Presumably 180W)