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PC usually freezes and locks up

D

Daconstaz

Junior Member
Hi

Randomly my PC just freezes and locks up and my only option is to reset it. Nothing responds and it gives a loud buzzing noise.Today for example i I booted up my PC and began to update GW2, then it happened. Sometimes happens when i'm on YouTube.

My temps are normal, nothings ever gone too high.

Here is a video it happening http://*********/o-wJ4-eAAWw?t=2m45s
This isn't my video - just an example, i've never had issues when running games, its just random.

PC specs

i5 2500k @ 3.5Ghz ( still happens if i go back to stock - 3.3ghz)
GIGABYTE GTX 570(factory OC) @ 1080P - 331.65 drivers
8GB RAM


Thankyou 😉
 
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If you have a single stick of ram test it with memtest.Remove the graphics card to see if the problem still persists.
 
If you don't have any monitoring software installed, it would probably be a good idea to install something like Speedfan or HWMonitor so that you can periodically monitor temps (both CPU and GPU) in case something is overheating.

Are you running a hard drive or SSD (or both)? Are you running the most recent BIOS for your motherboard? Have you tried to reset the CMOS memory, followed by a manual reload of your BIOS settings? Also, if you are running an SSD, do you have the most recent firmware installed? Finally, if you are running a standard hard drive, it wouldn't hurt to download a test utility ISO from the manufacturer so you can burn a bootable CD/create a bootable flash drive and test the hard drive for faults.
 
Steltek said:
If you don't have any monitoring software installed, it would probably be a good idea to install something like Speedfan or HWMonitor so that you can periodically monitor temps (both CPU and GPU) in case something is overheating.

Are you running a hard drive or SSD (or both)? Are you running the most recent BIOS for your motherboard? Have you tried to reset the CMOS memory, followed by a manual reload of your BIOS settings? Also, if you are running an SSD, do you have the most recent firmware installed? Finally, if you are running a standard hard drive, it wouldn't hurt to download a test utility ISO from the manufacturer so you can burn a bootable CD/create a bootable flash drive and test the hard drive for faults.
Click to expand...

Im using MSI afterburner for GPU temp and CoreTemp for CPU. Both are always at 60°.

I recently updated my BIOS.

I have an SSD which is mainly for win 7 + applications and 2 HDDS for games, movies etc.
 
What about SSD firmware? Is it up to date with the most recent version installed? Also, what model SSD do you have? Some are more problematic than others.
 
Steltek said:
What about SSD firmware? Is it up to date with the most recent version installed? Also, what model SSD do you have? Some are more problematic than others.
Click to expand...

Its a SATA III 120GB. When i go to properties > hardware > driver, all buttons are greyed out excecpt from driver details. I wasn't quite aware that you could actually update a ssd or hdd firmware
 
Very well could be a pure hardware issue with bad caps, although this is not easy to prove without access to a soldering iron+desoldering wick/pump and ESR meter. Optiplex 745s had a similar hardware issue.

What's your mobo name?
 
Daconstaz said:
Its a SATA III 120GB. When i go to properties > hardware > driver, all buttons are greyed out excecpt from driver details. I wasn't quite aware that you could actually update a ssd or hdd firmware
Click to expand...

Yes, SSD firmwares can be updated (and, in fact, sometimes need to be). However, Verbatim has never provided decent support for anything they sell, so you'll probably never ever see a firmware update from them absent a lawsuit settlement. You can also update firmwares on regular hard drives, but it is only rarely necessary except in extraordinary circumstances (like Seagate's Barracuda 7200.11 firmware debacle a few years ago).

If your memory modules test out as good, my best guess at this point (in order) is either power supply, then SSD, then motherboard.

One thing I'd suggest is burning a Linux boot CD and use it to boot and operate the system a few days. If the system doesn't exhibit freezing in Linux doing those same things as in Windows, I think I'd be looking at a problem related to either your system drive or Windows installation. At that point, were it me I'd probably swap out the SSD for a Windows install on a normal hard drive (if you have one) to see if the problem recurs.

BTW, that is a pretty small SSD. You didn't by chance alter your Windows install to move the user accounts to another drive in order to free up SSD space, did you?
 
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Torn Mind said:
Very well could be a pure hardware issue with bad caps, although this is not easy to prove without access to a soldering iron+desoldering wick/pump and ESR meter. Optiplex 745s had a similar hardware issue.

What's your mobo name?
Click to expand...

Z68XP-UD3

Steltek said:
Yes, SSD firmwares can be updated (and, in fact, sometimes need to be). However, Verbatim has never provided decent support for anything they sell, so you'll probably never ever see a firmware update from them absent a lawsuit settlement. You can also update firmwares on regular hard drives, but it is only rarely necessary except in extraordinary circumstances (like Seagate's Barracuda 7200.11 firmware debacle a few years ago).

If your memory modules test out as good, my best guess at this point (in order) is either power supply, then SSD, then motherboard.

One thing I'd suggest is burning a Linux boot CD and use it to boot and operate the system a few days. If the system doesn't exhibit freezing in Linux doing those same things as in Windows, I think I'd be looking at a problem related to either your system drive or Windows installation. At that point, were it me I'd probably swap out the SSD for a Windows install on a normal hard drive (if you have one) to see if the problem recurs.

BTW, that is a pretty small SSD. You didn't by chance alter your Windows install to move the user accounts to another drive in order to free up SSD space, did you?
Click to expand...

I still have to do a proper memtest. I did it with 1 module passing 3 tests(no errors)but it was taking too long and i needed to use the computer haha. I will leave it overnight one day.

I was thinking of dual booting Windows 8.1, i will try that Linux boot too.

Im pretty sure i didn't do any moving with the user accounts.
 
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