Desktop is locking up (Win7, SSD)

[GoodEnough]

Config in is my sig.
SSD may be 1-2 years old. Not super old.
The desktop itself may be pretty old now.

PC has been blue screening shortly after boot up.
Takes a few reboot cycles to stabilize.

Getting concerned.

How can I troubleshoot this?
Should I throw parts at it? If so, which are the usual suspects?

 

[VirtualLarry]

Should I throw parts at it?

Yeah, sure. Throw some old HDDs at the chassis, until it's demolished, and then buy a new PC. 😛

/s

Edit: More seriously, if this is the Athlon II X4 rig in your sig, I would check the mobo for swollen / leaky caps. Also check your temps, and if your fans and heatsinks are properly dusted out. Those older AMD rigs didn't like to get to 60C or above, or they would get unstable, fast.

 

[GoodEnough]

I'll try to blow out the case with some air.

I don't want to bother configuring a brand new build.
Is it possible to just replace the MB/CPU combo?

 

[GoodEnough]

I just installed Open HArdware Monitor.

Which temp section do I look at......top or bottom?

What is "ite it8720f" ? this one is at 76C for #3
At bottom, Athlon temp seems fine at 34C

 

[kirbyrj]

It's a chip on the motherboard. I'm not sure if all three of those temps are the ITE chip or not. I doubt it is actually reading at 76C though. Most likely hardware monitor isn't reading the temperature sensors controlled by the ITE chips correctly. Seems like this is a popular problem according to a google search. Some reported temps over 100C which is extremely unlikely.

 

[GoodEnough]

I ordered a new 500GB $150 SSD and will do an image copy tomorrow.
The problem hasn't returned, but I figured it can't hurt.
I can always reuse the SSD in my next PC, if need be.

 

[GoodEnough]

PC has been stable last few days.

I just cloned my 256GB SSD onto a new 500GB SSD.
I will see how it goes.

I do see some dust caked up inside the fan.
I will take it off and blow it off.