Even after replacing the CPU, the PCIe slot version is still stuck.

[gjrtm343154402df]

My previous setup was:
9700X
X870 Tomahawk WiFi
G.Skill 64GB CL30 6000MHz
RTX 5080
FSP 1000W PSU
Everything was working perfectly fine. But after replacing my CPU with the 9800X3D, everything went completely wrong.

From the very first boot with the 9800X3D, I immediately noticed stuttering on the Windows lock screen—my mouse, keyboard, and display were lagging. It felt like the system was freezing every 3–5 seconds. As the issue worsened, the screen would go black, or I would get a Video Scheduler Internal Error blue screen, causing the system to restart. However, sometimes after a reboot, the system would work normally.

When the system was stuttering, I checked GPU-Z, and I noticed that the PCIe version was stuck at 1.1x16. Even under load, it remained locked at 1.1x16. In some cases, it was stuck at 2.0x16 or 3.0x16, causing severe lag. During these moments of lag, even when the system was idle, the GPU usage would spike abnormally. And when the system did work "normally," the PCIe version remained locked at 5.0x16, rather than dynamically adjusting between 2.0x16 (idle) and 5.0x16 (load) as it should.

Since all of these problems started only after installing the 9800X3D, I decided to swap back to my 9700X, and everything returned to normal. Even in GPU-Z, I could see that PCIe behavior was back to normal—2.0x16 in idle and 5.0x16 under load.

The 9800X3D has already been sent for RMA and replaced. and I have installed the latest version, 1A26 Beta, but the issue remains the same.

 

[fesover6015bd02e6]

I have the same exact problem with an x870 Tomahawk, 9800X3D and Aorus RTX 5090.
Every 5 boots or so the system is stuck at 16x1.1. I once even missed an important meeting because the problem occured during a Windows update, crashing the PC. That was really great.
I think I'll wait until the next BIOS update and if it is not fixed then, I'll send the Tomahawk back and switch to an Asus board or something.

 

[L E G I T]

I have the same exact problem with an x870 Tomahawk, 9800X3D and Aorus RTX 5090.
Every 5 boots or so the system is stuck at 16x1.1. I once even missed an important meeting because the problem occured during a Windows update, crashing the PC. That was really great.
I think I'll wait until the next BIOS update and if it is not fixed then, I'll send the Tomahawk back and switch to an Asus board or something.

First, turn on Spread Spectrum in the BIOS. I also suggest updating to the latest version and see if that helps. Try using Nvidia driver 576.28 too. I’ve had it for two weeks, and the problem went away, but I’m still watching it. Now, the computer always starts with PCIe 5.0, even after restarting.

 

[fesover6015bd02e6]

Thanks for the tip. Ironically enough, the system booted into 16x3.0 the first time after enabling spread spectrum, lol.
After that, I probably tried 20–25 cold starts, and the system booted into 16x3.0 two additional times. That’s massively better than usual, but still not ideal. I mean, I didn’t spend 5000 bucks on a new PC just to check GPU-Z every time I log into Windows. So I’ll still be waiting for the next BIOS version before deciding, but thanks a lot for your tip.

One thing I thought was really interesting: In that one Nvidia forum post where you also commented, I saw a couple of people mention that setting the PCIe slot to 8x+8x should help. So I did that, and the first time, the system booted into 8x5.0 without a problem.
On the next cold start, the system froze at the MSI MAG boot logo, but Windows itself was loading normally in the background. I could see my peripherals starting up and the Windows startup sound was playing. After that, it was pretty much 50/50 whether Windows would boot normally—with 8x5.0 every single time—or if the image froze at the MSI MAG logo with the system still loading in the background.

 

[danny2505715e902ed]

ive send my Pc in for a last RMA try. and they changed the board. ive linked this forum and some other vids and posts. and well so far it runs perfekt no problems till now. so i think board was a fail

 

[guillaume.give14fc02cb]

First, turn on Spread Spectrum in the BIOS. I also suggest updating to the latest version and see if that helps. Try using Nvidia driver 576.28 too. I’ve had it for two weeks, and the problem went away, but I’m still watching it. Now, the computer always starts with PCIe 5.0, even after restarting.

I had no issues for one week but yesterday it went back :s

 

[titus10015a102e2]

I have been trying to fix this with updating whatever there is, since January no luck. Glad I found this post.

 

[iamalexk]

Yeah still bugged in the latest bios update.

 

[L E G I T]

I don't know what helped in my case, but over a month has passed and the problem is gone. The PCIe bus consistently shows 5.0. The only thing I remember is that I updated the graphics drivers to version 576.28 and haven't touched it since the end of April. Naturally, the Spread Spectrum option is still enabled in the BIOS, and as far as I remember, I haven't changed anything else there.

PS. My BIOS version is 7E62v1A22. I haven't installed the latest version from May because, as long as the issue doesn't come back, only a fool would keep messing with it.

 

[danny2505715e902ed]

its a month now the board was changed and i never had it since! so i suppose faulty board in my case. but for that i still have the 153nvidia driver problem.

 

[Noctis99]

I don't know what helped in my case, but over a month has passed and the problem is gone. The PCIe bus consistently shows 5.0. The only thing I remember is that I updated the graphics drivers to version 576.28 and haven't touched it since the end of April. Naturally, the Spread Spectrum option is still enabled in the BIOS, and as far as I remember, I haven't changed anything else there.

PS. My BIOS version is 7E62v1A22. I haven't installed the latest version from May because, as long as the issue doesn't come back, only a fool would keep messing with it.

Hello Sir, im having the same issue and initially i thought it's the graphics card as the bsod was internal video scheduler error. The symptom is that sometimes when booting or randomly in the desktop, the mouse would be laggy and the audio will be distorted as well. if it goes on it will eventually lead to a restart or a bsod then restart itself.

I already replaced my gpu and still experienced a symptom randomly. It's hard to replicate but when it does it's really frustrating. Any thought if this is really a MSI motherboard bios issue? or just an Nvidia driver issue?

 

[yakupov.nail201154602d0]

Hello Sir, im having the same issue and initially i thought it's the graphics card as the bsod was internal video scheduler error. The symptom is that sometimes when booting or randomly in the desktop, the mouse would be laggy and the audio will be distorted as well. if it goes on it will eventually lead to a restart or a bsod then restart itself.

I already replaced my gpu and still experienced a symptom randomly. It's hard to replicate but when it does it's really frustrating. Any thought if this is really a MSI motherboard bios issue? or just an Nvidia driver issue?

Do you have iGPU turned off in BIOS settings?

 

[Noctis99]

Do you have iGPU turned off in BIOS settings?

actually no, im using 7800x3D. i was keeping it on so that i can troubleshoot if ever my gpu is at fault so i will still have a display

 

[danny2505715e902ed]

mine runs now 2 months without the probs after a new board. the 153nvd errors where another problem. seems i cleared them out too after long work and search

 

[hdizzl150502d0]

Same problem for me, I have X870 Tomahawk paired with 9800X3D.
I was using 9070 XT and it would often stick at PCIe 2.0 on restart or wake from sleep. I tried with an RTX 3060 and it seemed ok, so I purchased an RTX 5090 Suprim and the issue persists although slightly different as the GPU PCIe gets stuck at anywhere from PCIe 1.1, 2.0, 3.0 or 4.0 with the 5090, whereas the 9070 XT is always PCIe 2.0. It also causes stuttering and my PC freezes completely not BSOD just frozen totally, but this only occurs with the 5090. The 9070 XT would continue happily at PCIe 2.0 no freezing (could even play games if I wanted). Clean install of OS, win 11 pro 24H2 with latest chipset drivers + GPU drivers does not resolve the issue.

Obiously load testing with GPUZ and other tools to make sure it is not just sitting in idle power state.

I have tried every PCIe related setting, disabling link state power management, ASPM states in the BIOS, setting PCIe gen speed manual or auto even deliberately running it slower like gen 3.0 for science, still have issue.

Obviously it is not a GPU fault as both 9070 XT and RTX 5090 having the issue. I am now attempting to return the board under warranty and seek replacement, I will probably also try to do the same with the CPU, this is very frustrating issue and MSI is not helpful, MSI just keeps blaming everything else and refuses to acknowledge the issue telling me it must be bad GPU, bad CPU and so on but they offer no ability to make any resolution other than test these parts etc. I do not have another CPU to test with and I literally bought a second GPU (5090 from 9070 XT) because of this fault, I intend to sell my 9070 XT I mostly got it coz I couldn't get a 5090.

I have spent months dealing with this and I am very distressed. I think in future I will be avoiding MSI components this is very big deal and they don't care.

Perhaps it is the case that I will need to play RMA bingo until I get a working board or sometyhing? It is just ridiculous, there is only so many times I can pull apart my PC even the screws are starting to wear out!

 

[hdizzl150502d0]

mine runs now 2 months without the probs after a new board. the 153nvd errors where another problem. seems i cleared them out too after long work and search

Did they give you a new board of the same MSI type? Or was it a different brand?

 

[Leefort]

Did they give you a new board of the same MSI type? Or was it a different brand?

I tried replacing the board with the new one (same model, x870e carbon). The behavior is exactly the same, including the PCie bug.
The new board I bought is way newer than the old one (prod.dates: September 2024 and March 2025).
My guess - it's a driver or bios issue, could also be a faulty x3d cpu. RAM s not the issue, cuz I've changed it with a different kit with different brand and specs.
I'll try swapping the cpu with a new 9800x3d or 9950x3d later

 

[L E G I T]

Any thought if this is really a MSI motherboard bios issue? or just an Nvidia driver issue?

I’m not entirely sure, since I decided to take the risk and keep my existing motherboard. However, I believe the root cause is most likely the motherboard itself. I’ve read numerous posts from people experiencing the same issue with different motherboards, including models from Gigabyte, Asus and even ASRock. These manufacturers released updated BIOS versions that either significantly reduced the problem or resolved it completely within about 30 days of the RTX 50XX series cards’ launch. Unfortunately, MSI basically slept through the first three months, and who knows whether they ever actually fixed it or if maybe Nvidia released a driver that somehow significantly reduces the PCIe bus issue. Although I doubt a graphics driver could affect how the BIOS recognizes the PCIe bus at boot.

I’m still using Nvidia driver version 576.28 and I have no intention of updating it. I also haven’t updated the BIOS since May. It’s been two months now and I’ve only experienced the issue maybe twice, and I use my PC every day, so I can finally sleep peacefully and I wish the same for you.

Here’s a detailed discussion on the subject:

https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/forums/game-ready-drivers/13/557611/5080-stutterfreeze-at-win-startup-leading-to-bla/

 

[hdizzl150502d0]

I’m not entirely sure, since I decided to take the risk and keep my existing motherboard. However, I believe the root cause is most likely the motherboard itself. I’ve read numerous posts from people experiencing the same issue with different motherboards, including models from Gigabyte, Asus and even ASRock. These manufacturers released updated BIOS versions that either significantly reduced the problem or resolved it completely within about 30 days of the RTX 50XX series cards’ launch. Unfortunately, MSI basically slept through the first three months, and who knows whether they ever actually fixed it or if maybe Nvidia released a driver that somehow significantly reduces the PCIe bus issue. Although I doubt a graphics driver could affect how the BIOS recognizes the PCIe bus at boot.

I’m still using Nvidia driver version 576.28 and I have no intention of updating it. I also haven’t updated the BIOS since May. It’s been two months now and I’ve only experienced the issue maybe twice, and I use my PC every day, so I can finally sleep peacefully and I wish the same for you.

Here’s a detailed discussion on the subject:

https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/forums/game-ready-drivers/13/557611/5080-stutterfreeze-at-win-startup-leading-to-bla/

it is also affecting AMD cards as well, the 9070 XT is getting randomly stuck on PCIe 2.0 x 16 so it is not exclusive to NVIDIA cards. I then returned the 9070 XT and got 5090 and it has similar behaviour although it doesn't only get stuck on 2.0, it can go 3.0, even up to 4.0 however the PC eventually locks up whereas the AMD running at PCIe 2.0 does not freeze the PC. MSI just keep saying that they are unable to replicate it therefore cannot fix it, so now I have ordered a Gigabyte Aorus X870 Elite Wifi7 instead, if i do not say otherwise here it will fix my problem.

I will not sleep peacefully until the issue does not happen at all. Even once or twice sometimes is unacceptable.

 

[Leefort]

I’m not entirely sure, since I decided to take the risk and keep my existing motherboard. However, I believe the root cause is most likely the motherboard itself. I’ve read numerous posts from people experiencing the same issue with different motherboards, including models from Gigabyte, Asus and even ASRock. These manufacturers released updated BIOS versions that either significantly reduced the problem or resolved it completely within about 30 days of the RTX 50XX series cards’ launch. Unfortunately, MSI basically slept through the first three months, and who knows whether they ever actually fixed it or if maybe Nvidia released a driver that somehow significantly reduces the PCIe bus issue. Although I doubt a graphics driver could affect how the BIOS recognizes the PCIe bus at boot.

I’m still using Nvidia driver version 576.28 and I have no intention of updating it. I also haven’t updated the BIOS since May. It’s been two months now and I’ve only experienced the issue maybe twice, and I use my PC every day, so I can finally sleep peacefully and I wish the same for you.

Here’s a detailed discussion on the subject:

https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/forums/game-ready-drivers/13/557611/5080-stutterfreeze-at-win-startup-leading-to-bla/

There are at least 2 threads on Asus community forum regarding abnormal PCie behavior with x870/x870e mobos. Both threads were active a month ago:

Crosshair X870E Hero PCIE lane issues

Hi, in my brandnew PC build, there is an issue: its an #Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, accompanied with 64 Gigs of Corsair DDR5-6000, a Crucial T705 SSD (in M.2_1) and an Asus TUF RTX3090 OC in PCIEX16_1. All other M.2 and PCIE slots are empty. Still CPU-Z shows, that the...

rog-forum.asus.com

Strix X870E-E and RTX 5080 PCIe Lanes and Speed problem

Hello, I have an Asus Strix X870E-E Gaming Wifi motherboard and recently purchased a Gainward RTX 5080 Phantom. Everything seems working fine except for 1 problem: On cold boot, my RTX is running only at PCIe X8 and 4.0 Gen. and restarting the computer it gets back to normal. It seems to hapen...

rog-forum.asus.com

In my experience, the most reliable way to get rid of this problem is to use older Bios from late 2024 (october - december should be ok) with Spread Spectrum enabled. In my case it solves the problem completely (I've been using 7E49v1A21 Bios + SS enabled without issues since April except a couple of days I spent to test other versions).
The funniest thing is that with the newer Bios (tested with A30 and A40) enabling Spread Spectrum doesn't work every time. The PCie bus eventually gets stuck every ~5-8 boot/waking up. BUT: it gets stuck in a more "pleasant" way - I've never seen it drop below gen 3.0, that means the PC doesn't crash but the performance (in games) is significantly lower.

 

[hdizzl150502d0]

There are at least 2 threads on Asus community forum regarding abnormal PCie behavior with x870/x870e mobos. Both threads were active a month ago:

Crosshair X870E Hero PCIE lane issues

Hi, in my brandnew PC build, there is an issue: its an #Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, accompanied with 64 Gigs of Corsair DDR5-6000, a Crucial T705 SSD (in M.2_1) and an Asus TUF RTX3090 OC in PCIEX16_1. All other M.2 and PCIE slots are empty. Still CPU-Z shows, that the...

rog-forum.asus.com

Strix X870E-E and RTX 5080 PCIe Lanes and Speed problem

Hello, I have an Asus Strix X870E-E Gaming Wifi motherboard and recently purchased a Gainward RTX 5080 Phantom. Everything seems working fine except for 1 problem: On cold boot, my RTX is running only at PCIe X8 and 4.0 Gen. and restarting the computer it gets back to normal. It seems to hapen...

rog-forum.asus.com

In my experience, the most reliable way to get rid of this problem is to use older Bios from late 2024 (october - december should be ok) with Spread Spectrum enabled. In my case it solves the problem completely (I've been using 7E49v1A21 Bios + SS enabled without issues since April except a couple of days I spent to test other versions).
The funniest thing is that with the newer Bios (tested with A30 and A40) enabling Spread Spectrum doesn't work every time. The PCie bus eventually gets stuck every ~5-8 boot/waking up. BUT: it gets stuck in a more "pleasant" way - I've never seen it drop below gen 3.0, that means the PC doesn't crash but the performance (in games) is significantly lower.

Yea, I have also seen suggestions that other vendors have patched the issue out in newer BIOS but MSI have not. Well, we are about to test this theory my Gigabyte replacement X870 board should be here with me in a day or two. I will of course let all know if the problem persists with the replacement board, we all want to get to the bottom of this it is so very stressful!