A computer that run games like a dream but crashes when opening file explorer??

[Dan9400]

I'm currently running on a PC (self build on a budget as I was a student 3 years ago) with the following specs;

CPU: i5 3570k @ 3.4GHz
RAM: 6.00GB (Couldn't find speed)
HDD: Seagate Barracuda LP ST3500412AS 500GB 5900 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB

Opening folders and running apps like McAfee or VLC often crash, However running games like ARMA 3 (Ultra at 25fps) or World of Warships (60fps [limited] at Ultra) run with out any issues.. It's quite confusing for me and stressing me out. So much I'm almost willing to buy all the parts again for a newer more modern computer that could handle 4k gameplay and sell my current computer.

SO CONFUSED about what part of my computer could be causing this, Don't think its software has I have 7 Ultimate (Paid) and reinstalled the OS twice now and still have the same fault.. Please help?

 

[SamyBoy13]

I would check event viewer for any bsod codes?

I had problem with my i7 4770k as at stock clocks it didnt get enough voltage and I got bsod from time to time. Also get memtest86 and check ram but it's more likely cpu voltage.

 

[Colzy]

Possibly something to do with the hard drive. Have you formatted it in your reinstall or kept it the same? Try chkdsk or other tools and verify the drive is working ok, I'm wondering if the indexing had gone awry. Could also be a bad sector that explorer can't read. Wouldn't affect games which are elsewhere on the drive.

I'd buy an ssd (256 or bigger) and install Windows to that. It's a very logical upgrade and will be a great boost for the pc, and well hopefully help solve your problem.

In the meantime, Have you tried Windows 10? It might deal with whatever corruption is going on better.

 

[Danny75]

Try Window's Reliability Monitor too, along with Event Viewer and doing a Memtest. Colzy's SSD suggestion is a good one too.

Also, use CPU-Z to see your RAM's speed. Guessing it's on default if you haven't messed with it but worth checking.