Random BSOD then no bootable device found

[SithSolo1]

So I put together my brother's new computer in early February. Here are the specs, all bought new:

Fractal Design Define R5
Evga SuperNOVA 750 G2
Intel i7-4790k
Gigabyte GA-Z97X Gaming 7
Noctua U14S
16GB G.Skill Ares
Asus GTX 970 Strix
Crucial MX100 256GB (OS drive)
WD Black Series 2TB
Dell U2415
Win 8.1 Pro


It appeared to be running fine and then he experienced a BSOD about a week after using it. After the reboot the computer could not find a bootable device. I had him power it off completely and turn it back on. It immediately found the drive and OS and worked like nothing ever happened. This has happened a total of three times since the machine was built, with a few trouble free weeks in between each occurrence.

First time was watching Netflix.
Second time was playing Marvel Heroes.
Third time was play Warframe.

Every single time no OS is found on the first reboot but after a complete power off and on it boots right into windows. What should I start testing first to narrow this down?

 

[VirtualLarry]

Likely the SSD.

 

[SithSolo1]

Thats for pointing me in the right direction. Browsing the Crucial forums this appears to be an issue for more than a few MX100 owners. I guess I got lucky with my drive. I'll see if I can find a solution there and try to RMA it if need be. If I can't get an RMA I'll just buy him a new drive and take his one as non-critical storage.


Do you think there would be an issue cloning the drive to something like a Samsung 850 or should we just start from scratch?

 

[Ketchup]

Bad SATA cable. I am one who is not buying into these Crucial is crap threads.

 

[DrDoug]

Yup on the cable. Just had another customer system with the same problem here. BSOD, crash and sometimes missing drive. Replaced sata cable and all is well again.

It would be the first thing I check.