Looking for reasons as to why my rig is freezing.

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

Hi all,

I'm really all out of answers here and I'm pretty confused as to why my computer is freezing.

When the computer is freezing:

-In the Bios.
-At start up.
-Watching a video.
-Playing a video game.
-Idling.
-In Safe-Mode.
-At "American Megatrends'" splash screen.

This first started happening 24-hours ago and I thought it was from upgrading my graphics card to the new drivers. I rolled the card's drivers back and it still froze up the computer. I thought it was Steam, so I uninstalled Steam and for a while, I was able to play Guild Wars 2 without any problems. Then, it started freezing again, but now at random times. I checked my temperatures and nothing is hot.

SSD isn't hot.
HDD isn't hot.
GPU isn't hot.
CPU isn't hot.

All my fans are running and there isn't any dust. So, could it be my RAM? Do I need a new GPU? I tried restoring it to a point where everything was working, but system restore wasn't on, so there was no checkpoint I could rollback to. I then decided to re-update my graphics drivers and then the freezing started. So, I rolled the drivers back, but this time, the computer uninstalled the drivers completely. -sigh-

What I mean by freezing is, the computer freezes to where I can't use the mouse or keyboard and I have to hard-reset; sometimes, back-to-back.

There are also times where when I do hard-reset, the computer doesn't respond to the television. Meaning, it doesn't bring up anything on the screen, it just says "no signal". If I reset it again, it'll pop-up.

Any input will be greatly appreciated!

Specs:

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965
Mobo: ECS A885GM-A2
GPU: Nividia GeForce GTX 460
SSD: OCZ 60GB Vertex (I think)
HDD: Western Digital 500GB Caviar

I have two different sticks of RAM but they are both DDR3.

bgunner · Sep 22, 2013

there a few free programs that will help you diagnose the issue.

Memtest86+
Prime95
Intel burn test
OCCT

first program I would start with would be the Memtest86+. Since the PC is freezing in the Bios screen it is a hardware issue and not OS or program issues. Memtest86+ runs on its own and does not need any OS to run but the others do.

Make sure the bios settings for the CPU and ram are correct.

COLGeek · Sep 22, 2013

What are the complete specs for the system? The symptoms described are typical of a heat and/or power issue.

Also, are you overclocking anything (CPU, GPU, memory)? If so, revert to stock speeds until the system is stable.

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

COLGeek :

Everything is cool, though. I'm not overclocked at all.

My Specs are:
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965
Mobp: ECS A885GM-A2
GPU: Nividia GeForce GTX 460
SSD: OCZ 60GB Vertex (I think)
HDD: Western Digital 500GB Caviar

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

I have two different kinds of RAM but they are both DDR3.

COLGeek · Sep 22, 2013

What make/model of power supply? What make/model of memory (and did this start after adding the new memory)?

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

COLGeek :

Rocketfish 900wat (80 Plus Silver Nividia SLI ready) PSU and I have Corsair XMS 3 and Crucial Ballistix Sport RAM.

It was fine up till now, I had the memory for a little over 2 months now.

COLGeek · Sep 22, 2013

What speed is your memory running at (1333, 1600, 1866, etc)?

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

COLGeek :

They're both 1333.

COLGeek · Sep 22, 2013

What are your idle and loaded temps for the CPU and GPU? Also, does the freeze happen randomly or when performing specific tasks?

To check out if the problem is the GPU, you could uninstall the Nvidia drivers and remove the GTX 460. Then, connect your display to the motherboard's integrated video and load those drivers. If the system freezes again, the GTX 460 is likely not the problem. I would run memtest on the memory next.

Get it here: http://www.memtest.org/

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

COLGeek :

My idle temps for everything across the board are between 30 and 40. I tried taking out the GPU and using the onboard, but it still froze.

COLGeek · Sep 22, 2013

Then the problem is likely the memory or the PSU. How old is the PSU?

While that unit actually has decent reviews, it only carries a 1 year warranty (from what I could find). That is not a very good sign of quality. Do you have access to another PSU that you could swap in for troubleshooting purposes?

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

COLGeek :

I've had it for more than a year now. I sadly, don't have another PSU.

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

Something has happened to where now my computer isn't recognizing the television. All I'm getting is "no signal".

COLGeek · Sep 22, 2013

Have you run memtest yet?

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

COLGeek :

I couldn't, the television stopped recognizing the gpu and for some reason my onboard isn't recognizing the television either.

COLGeek · Sep 22, 2013

Check/swap your cable. Make sure all connections are properly affixed.

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

COLGeek :

I did, still nothing. Could the PSU have died?

COLGeek · Sep 22, 2013

Possibly. Try resetting your BIOS first. Do the following:

Power down the system. Disconnect all power sources (power cable, display, and powered speakers).

Next, remove the coin battery from the motherboard (keep in mind which side goes up).

Now, press the power button to discharge any residual power stored in the system (yep, I am serious).

Wait 1 minute (or so). Re-insert the battery and reconnect everything. Try booting again (your system will be in its default BIOS configuration at this point).

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

COLGeek :

I did exactly as you said and still, I got nothing.

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

I'm convinced its my PSU. Everything is running, just can't get a picture.
Would a PSU make noises or show any telltale signs that it's dead?

COLGeek · Sep 22, 2013

Not necessarily. Sometimes they will rattle (fan) or smell like something burned. Usually, there is nothing though. PSUs can and do wear out.

When recommending PSUs, I recommend Seasonic and Corsair PSUs. XFX also has some good units. Also, in your case, the 900w unit you have is overkill for your needs. A good 500-600w PSU is more than enough for your system. Something like one of these would be great:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151119

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139048

Asilee · Sep 22, 2013

COLGeek :

Thanks for all your help! It's very much appreciated.

Thanks for the recommendations, I was going to ask, which PSU would be best when I can get around to getting one.

COLGeek · Sep 22, 2013

I would get the Seasonic if it were me, but any of those are excellent for your needs.

Looking for reasons as to why my rig is freezing.

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