I just built a gaming computer and I'm getting full system freezes, I can't find the problem :(

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kylepar145

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Oct 11, 2015
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I just built a gaming computer and I'm getting full system freezes (mouse+keyboard unresponsive, have to hold down power button for 5 seconds to shut-off). I ran diagnostics on the hard drives, memory, GPU, and CPU with no errors. The freezes will happen both while gaming and idling. When the freezes happen there is a pop and then static coming through the headphones (which are plugged into the motherboard), so I'm starting to think the motherboard is the culprit.

PC specs:
CPU- Intel i5-6600k
Memory- G.Skill 16GB DDR4
SSD- Mushkin 480GB
HDD- Seagate 1TB Barracuda
GPU- MSI R9 390x
PSU- EVGA 220 G2 750W
Mobo- ASRock Z170 Pro4 LGA 1151
OS- Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit

The GPU will idle at 35C and hover around 60C at load, while the CPU is 35C on idle and around 55C at load. There's no overclocking yet, so the core voltages should all be normal. I already sent back my first PSU and bought the higher quality EVGA, and I'm still getting the freezes. Is there a way to test if the motherboard is faulty? Can someone share some PC knowledge and help me out of this jam?
 
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After the diagnostics you've already run, PSU replacement, and the headphone 'pop' you've noticed, I'd put my money on your motherboard being faulty.

The only other thing that comes to mind would be huge surges from your outlet...so make sure you're using a good power strip or UPS to help even out any spikes.
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glamdringfh

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Dec 23, 2013
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After the diagnostics you've already run, PSU replacement, and the headphone 'pop' you've noticed, I'd put my money on your motherboard being faulty.

The only other thing that comes to mind would be huge surges from your outlet...so make sure you're using a good power strip or UPS to help even out any spikes.
 
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rgd1101

rgd1101

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that or a short. also what the cpu cooler?
 
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kylepar145

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The CPU heatsink is a Cryorig H5a. I have a Belkin BE107200 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812107189), do you think the best move would be to swap out the motherboard or to get a UPS?
 
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glamdringfh

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Dec 23, 2013
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I doubt it's a problem with the cpu cooler, as you have documented the temps at being well within normal operating temps. Your motherboard is the most likely candidate for replacement that I can see.

**If you go ahead with your motherboard replacement, remember that OEM versions of Windows are tied to the motherboard and you'll need to either buy a new key or call Microsoft to get them to unflag your Key if you try to re-install it on a new Mobo.
 
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kylepar145

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No it's not. The case is a Fractal R4, there's plenty of room. All the wiring and connections look solid, so I think it's a bad hardware component or some software issue i can't find. I just bought a UPS, and I was told to also try the new beta AMD drivers. If it's still freezing I'll pick up a new motherboard tomorrow and send this one back.
 
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kylepar145

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Just got a new UPS and installed a new motherboard. One thing I noticed is the old one (ASRock Z170 Pro4) wouldn't show up DirectX Diagnostic Tool. I don't know if it's significant or not, I just thought it was a little odd. I installed a Gigabyte Z170XP-SLI and I'm hoping it's finally fixed. If it still freezes I'll probably try to sacrifice my first-born to the PC gods, it's the option I have left I think.
 
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Spamdini3

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Nov 3, 2015
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Hey, I just wanted to see if you still haven't experienced any freezes. I have the ASRock Z170 Pro4 and an i5 6600k and am experiencing the same freezes that you described. I'm about to try and purchase another board and wanted to make sure the one you bought is still working properly.
 
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kylepar145

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Oct 11, 2015
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I've been freeze-free ever since changing motherboards. Have you run diagnostics on everything else? There are some good programs for testing the HDD/SSD, CPU, RAM, and even GPU memory. I'd recommend running diagnostics on everything before ordering a new motherboard.
 
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Spamdini3

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Nov 3, 2015
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Yeah I've run diagnostics on pretty much everything. The only new components in this build are the motherboard, cpu and ram and both the cpu and ram passed their tests. Every other component was in a previously working AMD build. My BIOS is on the latest version, I have all of the latest drivers for the motherboard. As far as I can tell it's likely I have a defective motherboard, it's like yours in that dxdiag won't pick it up.

I decided to order a replacement board, same exact board no differences. I will see if that changes my outcome.
 
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