Fix: Nvgpu64.dll & nvgpucomp64.dll Crash When Playing Games

The system crashes involving Nvgpu64.dll and nvgpucomp64.dll are associated with NVIDIA GPU drivers. This issue frequently occurs during intensive tasks such as gaming. Various reports indicate that this problem arises whenever users attempt to join a game. Furthermore, attempts to resolve the issue by verifying game files, deleting cache, or lowering graphics settings have generally proven ineffective.

If you have tried all these methods without success, you might consider the following solutions, which involve adjusting the motherboard BIOS settings without altering the clock speeds.

Basic Troubleshooting

• Verify System Requirements: Double-check that your system meets the game’s minimum requirements. Running a game on hardware below these specifications can cause instability and performance issues.
• Close Background Applications: Ensure no unnecessary applications are running in the background while gaming, as they can consume system resources and interfere with performance. Use the Task Manager to close programs like monitoring software, overlay applications, or streaming tools.
• Run as Administrator: Sometimes, running the game as an administrator can provide it with the necessary permissions to function correctly. Right-click the game icon and select Run as administrator.
• Check System Temperature: Overheating can cause instability and crashes. Make sure your system is properly ventilated and not overheating. Consider using software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to keep an eye on component temperatures. Clean dust from fans and heat sinks, and ensure your system is placed in a well-ventilated area.

1. Reinstall or Update GPU Drivers

Since Nvgpu64.dll & nvgpucomp64.dll are linked to Nvidia GPU drivers, there might be issues with the Nvidia drivers causing crashes during gameplay. In this scenario, we recommend reinstalling or updating the Graphics Driver.

1. Click the Start Menu, type Device Manager, and open it.
   
2. Expand the Display Adapters, right-click the GPU Driver, and select Uninstall Device.
3. Click Uninstall again to confirm.
   
4. After that, open Geforce Experience or visit the official manufacturer’s site for your graphics card.
5. Download the latest driver from there and install it on your PC.
6. Once done, restart your computer and check if this resolves the issue.

2. Check Overclocking Settings

If you are using any overclocking settings on your CPU, memory, or GPU, try resetting them to default, as overclocking can cause instability in games. However, if you are not using any overclock settings, you can enable the XMP (Extreme Memory Profile), an overclocking profile designed to enhance memory performance.

For Asus motherboards, ensure the AI Overclock Tuner is set to XMP II for memory tuning, and the Multi-core Enhancement is set to Disabled to prevent the CPU from bypassing power limits.

For MSI and Gigabyte motherboards, locate the XMP option under overclocking and enable it.

If you have a motherboard from a different manufacturer, such as MSI or Gigabyte, the following steps will assist in resolving Nvgpu64.dll & nvgpucomp64.dll crashes.

1. Shut down your computer completely, then turn it back on.
2. As soon as you see your motherboard manufacturer’s logo, start pressing the key that grants you access to the motherboard BIOS settings, such as the F2, F12, or Delete key.
3. Once you have entered the motherboard BIOS settings, navigate to AI Tweaker or Extreme Tweaker.
4. For ASUS motherboards, set the AI Overclock Tuner to XMP II. For other motherboards, simply enable XMP in the pertinent section.
   
5. Then, disable the Multi-core Enhancement and save the BIOS settings.
   
6. Exit and restart your computer to verify whether this worked or not.

3. Disable PCI Express Power Management

PCI Express Power Management comprises features that regulate the power usage of PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), which connects components like the GPU to the CPU and other parts of the system. These features also include Active State Power Management (ASPM), which allows the system to conserve power by putting the PCIe lanes into a low-power state when not in use.

Although the primary purpose of PCIe power management is to conserve energy, it can sometimes cause stability issues, especially during high-intensity tasks. When the GPU requires full power, adjusting the PCIe power management can lead to crashes or delays in communication between the GPU and CPU. Therefore, we can disable the power management settings to determine whether this stabilizes gaming performance.

1. Restart your computer, and as soon as the motherboard logo appears, repeatedly press the key (such as F2, F12, or Delete) to enter the BIOS settings.
2. Once inside the BIOS settings, navigate to Advanced Settings.
3. Disable the PCI Express Native Power Management.
   
4. Once done, exit the BIOS settings and check if this solves the problem.

If this also fails, proceed with reinstalling the game and contacting the game’s support for further guidance.