Computer is freezing and BIOS resets

jc4fifty2 · Sep 12, 2014

I have been having an issue with my computer randomly freezing. Sometimes it lasts just a moment, other times it doesn't unfreeze. Often the audio will continue to play whatever music/video I was running, and sometimes the audio will just stop on the last tone and hold it out until I do a hard reset. Additionally, this usually causes my BIOS to reset. I have already updated all drivers and installed GPU and CPU temperature monitoring programs (no spikes). From browsing this site, I have learned that it might be the GPU, RAM, PSU or motherboard which leaves little left to potentially blame and need to replace... any advice?

System Specs:
OS Name Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
Version 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601
System Manufacturer BIOSTAR Group
System Model TZ68K+
System Type x64-based PC
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 3.30GHz, 3301 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date American Megatrends Inc. 4.6.4, 12/15/2011
SMBIOS Version 2.7
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "6.1.7601.17514"
Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 8.00 GB
Total Physical Memory 7.91 GB
Available Physical Memory 5.47 GB
Total Virtual Memory 15.8 GB
Available Virtual Memory 12.9 GB
Page File Space 7.91 GB
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti

mbarnes86 · Sep 12, 2014

Hi

Undo any over clocking first

You probably have a integrated graphics chip so can remove the gtx 550 ti

You can run memtest86 to test ram

Or remove 1 of 2 ram chipsAssuming 2 x 4 GB

You can check voltage of CMOS battery is close to 3.0 volts

Test hard drive using bootable diagnostics disk ( not chkdsk )

Then you need spare parts such as a known good psu
( suitable for system without gpu will do )

Look at capacitors on motherboard especially those near the CPU under a bright light ( leaking or bulging is vey bad)

Finally ensure all checks in this FAQ are completed

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems

It is designed to narrow down problem to motherboard or CPU

Regards
Mike Barnes

jc4fifty2 · Sep 18, 2014

Update:

I know that my mobo has an integrated graphics chip, but I have the separate GTX 550 Ti to help run graphically demanding things (games) - I was under the impression that installing a graphics card would help? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

So I downloaded memtest86, booted to it, and when I go to run it, it first says "SMP: Boot timeout for Turning off SMP", then after a couple minutes it goes to the usual memtest86 screen but doesn't start running the passes (e.g. it just sits there for a while and nothing moves/changes). After about 3-5 minutes it says "Unexpected interrupt - Halting CPU3" and has a bunch of numbers and letters below it. (I tried with both sticks of RAM, then just one, no change)

Second update:

I read somewhere to run Prime95 Torture test - Small FFTs, and I simultaneous had Everest running to monitor CPU temps which subsequently rose to 93-95 C (usually sits around 35-45 C while browsing/watching netflix). Could the source of my problems be a super overheated CPU?

I went through that CPU/Mobo checklist thing but it seemed like most of it had to do with troubleshooting a computer not turning on. I'm currently on my computer now and it's working fine, but maybe once every hour or so something will go wrong.

I also recently noticed that sometimes my monitors will turn off/go black for a second, reboot, and then it says "NVIDIA display driver stopped working..."

jc4fifty2 · Sep 20, 2014

I think I solved this in case anyone else has a similar problem. I forgot that I have been using both my mobo graphics card and GPU at the same time (enabled IGD multi monitor in bios) due to an issue with cord connections (i.e. was originally too lazy to buy a new, longer cord). I've since stopped using the mobo graphics card and everything seems to be going much better than it has in a long time (I'm just using the two GPU DVI inputs now for my monitors).

Thank you for the help!

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