Computer reboots without warning frequently after motherboard and CPU upgrade.

Mborroto

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Jul 1, 2015
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I recently upgraded my motherboard and CPU on my computer about 2 months ago. Since then, I have been experiencing random and unwarned reboots multiple times a day. It seems to happen most often when gaming, but has happened when sitting idle at the desktop, using a web browser, or even during the boot process. I have been monitoring the temperatures of both the GPU and CPU to make sure they weren't overheating -- they both were at normal temps each time I happen to glance at it right before a reboot would happen. I have gone through a few software troubleshooting steps that didn't solve the issue: tried a few different windows 7 installs, unchecked the "automatic restart" option under System Properties > Advanced > Startup and Recovery > System Failure, scanned for viruses/malware, updated any drivers. None of these helped so I assumed it might be a hardware issue. I upgraded my PSU (it was old and needed replacing anyway) and bought a bigger HDD and the problem persisted. Next was my RAM, I ran a memtest and the results came back positive. I have a friend with the exact same motherboard and similar RAM specs and he isn't getting rebooting issues so I don't believe the RAM would be causing it, although I'm sure its possible. I'm not sure if the GPU would be causing this or how I could check, all i know is that it isn't overheating. The only thing left are the motherboard and CPU that I bought the same day. Does anyone have any ideas as to what could be causing this?

Here are my parts
Motherboard: ASUS GRYPHON Z87
GPU: MSI R6950 Twin Frozr III
CPU: Intel i5-4690K
PSU: Corsair CX750M
RAM: (2 x 4GB) PNY 8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 666MHz (9-9-9-24) (4GBH2X02E99924-165-H)
HDD: ST1000DM003-1ER1
DVD: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH2NS90
 
Solution
PNY Electronics 4GBH2X02E99924-165 4GB looks like a single RAM module part number. Combining two may not be compatible if they did not come in a kit from the factory. Try using just one.

XMP (eXtreme Memory Profiles) can be enabled in the BIOS to set the memory at its rated specifications. XMP profiles for single modules are not intended for combining singles so there is the possibility of getting bad memory settings. If you don't set the memory DRAM Timings and memory clock and leave them on AUTO, the memory will run at conservative SPD settings.
PNY Electronics 4GBH2X02E99924-165 4GB looks like a single RAM module part number. Combining two may not be compatible if they did not come in a kit from the factory. Try using just one.

XMP (eXtreme Memory Profiles) can be enabled in the BIOS to set the memory at its rated specifications. XMP profiles for single modules are not intended for combining singles so there is the possibility of getting bad memory settings. If you don't set the memory DRAM Timings and memory clock and leave them on AUTO, the memory will run at conservative SPD settings.
 
Solution

Mborroto

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Jul 1, 2015
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4,510


I'll try using one stick and see if that does the trick. If it stops the reboots, I'd need to replace the RAM for a compatible 8GB (2 x 4GB) because I typically hover around 3.5 - 3.7GB, and 4GB won't be enough.

XMP was disabled, so I enabled it as well. I'll see if this fixes it, and update you if I go more than a couple days without a restart. They normally happen a few times a day, so if I go an entire day without one, that's a great sign.
 

Mborroto

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Jul 1, 2015
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4,510


Im currently using BIOS Version 1802, I dont think the BIOS version could be causing it. I have a friend with the same motherboard and CPU, but isn't experiencing this.
 

Mborroto

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Jul 1, 2015
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Yup, this was it. I took out one of the two sticks, so now I'm running 4GB. I also changed the XMP settings in the BIOS from the motherboard default, to "Profile #1" which seemed to do the trick. It's been a week so far since a random reboot, much better than multiple times a day. Thanks for your help.