HELP - Computer Randomly Freezing (no BSOD)!

BENBOBBY

BENBOBBY

BENBOBBY

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Joined
9 Oct 2011
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111
Ive got a strange problem with my computer randomly freezing (but no blue screen). The screen goes blank and is unresponsive but if any audio is on it continues playing in the background for about 30 seconds. I then have to press the reset button then the computer works fine again.

It seems to happen at any time. Ive got all the latest drivers and have already done various tests: Mem86, Prime95, FurMark, 3DMark and S.M.A.R.T reports the SSD is fine too. Ive also run CCleaner and various antivirus scans. However it only happens about once or twice a week which makes diagnosing the problem a bit difficult!

Not sure if its related, but recently my computer is taking ages to boot after the post screen before loading up Windows (screen is blank for about a minute before the loading icon appears).

My computer specs are below (about 3 years old, heavy use):

CPU: Intel Core i7 4930K
MOBO: ASUS P9X79 (with Optimal Defaults)
OS: Windows Home 10 64bit
HDD: Samsung 840 Series Pro 512GB
RAM: Corsair 32GB DDR3 (8GB x4)
GPU: Gigabyte G1 GAMER GTX 980 Ti
SFX: ASUS ROG Xonar Phoebus Soundcard
PSU: 1000W Silverstone Tech Strider ST1000-P
MOUSE: SteelSeries Sensei Wireless Laser Gaming Mouse
KEYBOARD: Logitech G19 Gaming Keyboard
MONITOR: BenQ XL2420T 120Hz Gaming Monitor

Many thanks for any help! :)
 
Is the 4930K clocked?

If it is remove it and test to rule it out. Remove any GPU clock too if relevant.

Try resetting the CMOS if not done so already.

How old is the PSU?

Try (alternate) 1 stick of memory in different slots if the above isn't relevant/been tried.
 
Long pause at startup can be a sign of faulty hardware connected to pc...strip away everything except mouse/kb and monitor then rule them out too with spares.
 
Have you checked if Event Viewer shows constant more serious errors for some component/its driver?

Also checking that all cables are firmly attached and graphics card properly slotted would be "cheap tries".
 
Thanks for all the replies. Ive now done some further testing and have definitely ruled out the graphics card, soundcard and any USB devices as I still have the same issue using different components. And I found out the slow boot was caused by a broken secondary HDD that Ive now removed.

I think I can also rule out the CPU too as Ive done various stress tests and run a diagnostic tool from Intel and everything seems fine. Ive tried running two RAM modules at a time (in B1 and D1 slots) and seems stable along with mem86+ tests mentioned above so think I can rule out the RAM sticks themselves (is hard to say 100% though as the crashes happen intermittently).

Weirdly however I noticed when running all four memory sticks (in A1, B1, C1 and D1 slots) the system DOES crash. So would this indicate some problem with the motherboard or BIOS settings perhaps?? I bought my core system as an overclocked bundle so perhaps the overclocking has taken its toll on the memory and some settings need tweaking? Ive tried loading "Optimised Defaults" from the menu though and still experience crashes. :(
 
Quick update... Ive tried a different power supply and it still crashes so can rule that out too. Any other ideas? Ive narrowed it down to:

- Motherboard issue
- Faulty cable (would think it would either work or not though)
- SSD dying (although SMART tests are fine)
- Windows / Driver / Software issue
- BIOS issue (Ive removed any overclocking though)

Unfortunately I think it might be the motherboard, but obviously that is not too easy to test! So would be good to rule out any other options first before looking into buying a replacement...

Appreciate the help.
 
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