Randomly Freezing PC

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charlieklla

charlieklla

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Feb 14, 2014
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This is my first post on the forums, but this site has helped me a lot in the past so thanks for all the help but i couldn't find this problem anywhere else.
SPECS BELOW
So my problem is freezing. It first started when I played GTA IV on max settings and the game froze (sound looping very quickly and a frozen picture) and then exited. I tried opening it back up and playing with the same settings multiple times but it never would work, so I turned the settings down to minimum and it never had that problem again. Now that I started playing Euro Truck Simulator 2 (very fun believe it or not), I have had this problem again but the game doesn't shut down by itself and ctrl + alt + del doesn't work so I have to turn the computer off with the button. I thought it was the game because it did the same thing a few more times after that, but I began having problems on the desktop. One time it froze and i couldn't click and ctrl alt del wouldn't work, another time the screen went black and it wouldn't come on (I think the fans also got louder this time, but it's hard to remember which time), another time ctrl alt del worked but then it froze on that screen. Ram test came up good, I did a stress test on cpu and gpu (furmark and cinebench) and the max temps were, CPU: roughly 63 C and GPU: was about 75 C
Side Note: When I was copying my games from my portable HDD to this pc on the first day, it would have problems copying over the files and would frequently stop saying the file was missing, but when I tried the games they all worked. I thought this could be a HDD issue. Oh, and the built in wifi only works half the time so i use an Ethernet cord plugged into a laptop for wifi.
AMD Radeon HD 7850
Core i5-4670 @ 3.40ghz
500W psu
and 8GB of RAM
Windows 8
This is a prebuilt iBUYPOWER pc (I bought it because I was afraid of building my own)
I am leery to open the pc and remove things but I did remove the gpu in my old pc and put it back in. (I'm worried about removing PSU cords and not knowing where to plug them back in, but all help is needed.)
 
Solution
bigshootr8


It's a power saving mode that Haswell CPU's have. I'll find one that is compliant for you just so that you are squared away.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139050
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bigshootr8

bigshootr8

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Mar 28, 2011
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Did you run memtestx86? Hmm, it does sound like a memory thing your temps are just fine. Yea I've never had an issue with GTA4 do you use mods with the game?

I wouldn't worry about opening up your computer and moving things.

1.) With GPU's they have a power cord which is unique you can only put it in one spot. As long as they are filled and your PSU is good then you are good.
2.) With modern connections power connections will only work and be able to be put in spots where it's meant to. So you won't have to worry about that.
3.) You made it onto a tech site forum where people can help you. I'm pretty sure you have the ability to take care of opening a computer and performing maintenance :)
 
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charlieklla

charlieklla

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Feb 14, 2014
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If memtestx86 is when the computer turns off and restarts the test in bios then yes, I did that. Like I said, I'm pretty good with tech but I just don't want to mess up a $200 component in a computer. The computer way prebuilt so I just pushed on a few cables when I first got it to make sure they are plugged all the way in. Should I reinstall windows? I know I don't have a virus because I have Trend Micro and I'm very careful on what I download. No GTA 4 is not modded. Also note that all of these games worked perfectly on my old, less powerful gaming pc.
Thanks for helping also!
 
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shortstuff_mt

shortstuff_mt

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Apr 1, 2008
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You may need to read some computer building tutorials and watch some videos on computer building because my guess is that your PSU can't provide enough power when stressed in games and needs to be replaced. The main reason we recommend building your own computer is because OEM builders and sites like iBuyPower almost always cheap out on the most important component in the system, the PSU. The key to a stable, long lasting system is a high quality PSU.
 
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bigshootr8

bigshootr8

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Yea no problem. Yea that is weird. Hmm, maybe its a graphic driver issue with the game. Do you have other games that you have tested beyond the 2 you mentioned. I think maybe its a graphic issue or a game issue with the card you are currently using.
 
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charlieklla

charlieklla

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Feb 14, 2014
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That is exactly what I was thinking when I bought it. But that wouldn't explain it freezing with nothing open on the desktop unless the psu is faulty.
 
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charlieklla

charlieklla

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All of the other games work fine, but why would it freeze with nothing open, and why would it freeze in different ways every time?
 
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shortstuff_mt

shortstuff_mt

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It's highly likely the PSU is faulty. That's what I was trying to get at. The PSU iBuyPower included in your system is likely best used as a door stop and not allowed anywhere near the vital components of a computer. It probably freezes because your internal components aren't receiving the clean power they need to function properly. If you're lucky when that cheap PSU blows up it won't damage any other components.
 
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charlieklla

charlieklla

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Feb 14, 2014
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Is there any way to test this? I really don't want to waste $700. I guess I could keep all of the other components though.
 
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bigshootr8

bigshootr8

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Right, it can be the power supply. You are experiencing these issues with your computer at load versus idle I take it which would indicate that the power delivery probably isn't as good as it needs to be. Which is where shortsstuff is getting at. Changing out a PSU should be fairly painless in my opinion you may in fact may want to watch a video on how to do it if you go that route but it shouldn't be to bad quite honestly. A XFX 550w will do the trick.
 
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charlieklla

charlieklla

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Feb 14, 2014
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Well it never shut off on it's own, I had to hold down the power button every time. I will write down PSU change to my list of possibilities but is there anything else you could think of? It never did this before even on more demanding games. The PSU is an Allied sl-8500btx
 
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charlieklla

charlieklla

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Feb 14, 2014
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So you're 100% sure it's the psu? I might just play like normal for a few days and see if it happens again. Could you tell me a good psu to get? Should I get a modular one? also I want a psu that would allow me to upgrade in the future, so like a 600w? and I also have another question that would probably be stupid to make another thread for. I have a little black thing laying in the bottom of the case with a little tiny cable plugged into it. What could that be? It's about 1 1/2 inches wide and about 4 inches long.
 
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bigshootr8

bigshootr8

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I can't say that I am. I mean it could be a number of things in my mind. It could be the memory timings not working properly sure you memory could be stable but what if the memory timings are a little off to cause some inconsistencies in games I can't tell you. Could be the power supply not supplying enough power or stable power. Could be your hard drive itself delivering the information slowly I don't know. But with any build a power supply is the muscle flexing to lift the other components.
 
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charlieklla

charlieklla

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Feb 14, 2014
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so do you have any idea what psu to get and what the thing is in the bottom of the case?
 
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bigshootr8

bigshootr8

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It's a power saving mode that Haswell CPU's have. I'll find one that is compliant for you just so that you are squared away.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139050
 
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Solution
charlieklla

charlieklla

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Feb 14, 2014
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Game is working fine right now, but I probably will buy this anyways. I can't think you both enough for your help.
 
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