Random Freezing - Possible Motherboard Issue

lightingft · Mar 25, 2016

Hello guys, so for quite a while now my PC keeps freezing up about once in 4-7 days.. Basically, I had a long run of hardware upgrades, and ever since I've got a new motherboard (ASRock Z75 Pro3), these freezes happen. Now I would probably say it's my motherboard, because before the motherboard switch I had freezes, but they were usually BSoDs (unlike now) and they had specific error messages, and usually would go away after I sfc scannow'd my HDD (which I replaced, because it was slowly dying). Basically what happens - the computer completely locks up, but it's still on and so are the LED lights on the case. The sound freezes into a loop and my RGB keyboard freezes on one light. Things I've already tried:
* Testing and even replacing RAM (with brand new) - didn't work.
* Checking up drivers. Seems I've updated them all by now.
* Replacing PSU. I have a new PSU now (Corsair RM750i) and everything is running fine, until the freeze...
* Checking temperatures. They are all good. Sometimes my GTX 970 idles at 58 C for some reason, but that's with the fans off. And the memory clock at that time of high temps is very high for some reason, but that's not the case. Max the card reached on high loads was about 68-70 Celsius? Usually runs at 68 on high loads. CPU idles at around 40, high loads at 65. Mobo temp about 40 C.
* Checking various BIOS settings. I'm unsure what to even configure next, really.
* Reinstall Windows. My fresh install was with all the hardware I use now.

My specs:
PSU: Corsair RM750i
Motherboard: ASRock Z75 Pro3
CPU: Intel i7-2600 3.4GHz
Video Card: MSI Nvidia GTX 970 Gaming 4G
RAM: 8GB DDR3
SSD: Samsung 850 EVO 250GB
Case: Zalman Z11 Plus

Maybe this issue could be caused by my keyboard and mouse, since both use Razer Synapse software? But I doubt it, because I've used them fine before the motherboard change.

These freezes are very random as well. One time, I didn't have them for about 15 days, and suddenly it happens again. No freeze for 7 days, happens again. Initially I had them about once in 2 days, then once in 6 days after replacing a faulty HDD, now it occurred after 4 days since the last. I'm growing tired of it.

Also, one thing to note. When I do /sfc scannow, it says there are files that can not be repaired. Maybe this is a link to the problem?

One more thing I noticed is that the crash usually happens on a Thursday-Friday-Saturday, just an observation, although it may happen on another day but these are the most common.

Calvin7 · Mar 25, 2016

Do you have a link to or part number of the memory?

lightingft · Mar 26, 2016

Calvin7 :

I'm using new memory sticks now, Kingston HyperX Black 2x8GB. It's not on the compatibility list though, but I've read everywhere that it's compatible and the website does not list all the compatible memory sticks for my mobo. Before that I've used KVR13333D3N9/4G dual sticks with the same issue. I've had no issues with these sticks on my last mobo. I've had a parity error every now and then with the new mobo though..

soundguruman · Mar 26, 2016

lightingft :

It's very likely that it is:
A. Defect mother board, or motherboard has wrong settings.
B. memory installed in wrong slots. Memory settings incorrect.

But I would just get a different board, intel or Gigabyte.

But I would not waste any more time trying to make the board work.
You should just plug the board in, and it should work fine with no more goofing around.
This will save a lot of frustration. Change the board.

Then after the system is stabilized, I would recommend these power settings:
Click Start, Click Control Panel,
Look at the top of the window, in the path bar you see “control panel >”
Click on “>” (in the path bar) now click on “all control panel options.”
(This will open up all the hidden controls available)
Click Power Options
click on the arrow to “show other plans”
Check the Box that says "high performance"
Click (in high performance) "change plan settings"
Turn off display: set to NEVER
Put the computer to sleep: set to NEVER
Click: Change advanced plan settings
Scroll down the list: Click on the + signs to expand the choices for each item on the list.
Require a password on wake up: set to NO
Hard disk: turn off the hard disk: set to NEVER
Wireless adapter settings:
Sleep: set to NEVER
Allow Hybrid sleep: set to NEVER
Hibernate after: set to NEVER
Allow wake timers: set to disable
USB settings:
USB selective suspend setting: set to NEVER
Power Buttons and lid:
Power button action: Setting: set to shut down
Sleep Button Action: set to: do nothing
PCI Express:
Link State Power Management, Setting: OFF
Processor Power Management: Minimum state (set to) 7%

System Cooling Policy: setting: Active
Maximum State (set to) 100%
Display
Turn off display after: setting: NEVER (turning off display automatically can cause freezing also)
Turn off the monitor power manually, when you want it off. Don’t use the auto monitor turn off.
Multimedia Settings:
When Sharing Media: Setting: Prevent idling to sleep
When Playing Video: Setting: Optimize Video
Click APPLY
Click OK

Open the bios set up and make sure "cool and quiet" is OFF. (AMD)
If there is a power saver or a "quiet mode" in the bios, shut it off...
There may be a performance setting in the bios setup you have...make sure it's cranked up to max.
in the bios, see that the allocation for video, if available, is maxed.

Now open the hardware manager profiles...
click start
click computer
click system properties
click device manager
double click on mice and other pointing devices
right click on HID compliant mouse
left click on properties
click on the power management tab
UN-check the box that says: "allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." (there is now NO check mark in this box)
click OK

Now repeat this procedure for all mice, monitors, keyboards, and ALL USB ports on the device manager list.

You must open ALL the devices one at a time, as above, and turn off the power saver, for each device.

NOW turn all the security back ON. NOW open your security antivirus. Make sure the antivirus is set to "gaming mode." Or "multimedia mode."
This prevents the security updating from interrupting your game / multimedia priority.
IF the security does not have "gaming mode" or "multimedia mode" get different security.
IF you are using "free" security downloaded from the internet, get rid of it NOW.
Use ONLY professional all in one security. DO NOT load multiple mismatched security programs, which conflict with each other.
DO NOT load free tools into your system such as: "driver sweeper" or any of that "free" goofy stuff.

Calvin7 · Mar 26, 2016

I was interested in the memory speed and if the memory was bought as a matched set of 2x8GB or just single memory modules.

lightingft · Mar 26, 2016

soundguruman :

lightingft :

It's very likely that it is:
A. Defect mother board, or motherboard has wrong settings.
B. memory installed in wrong slots. Memory settings incorrect.

But I would just get a different board, intel or Gigabyte.

But I would not waste any more time trying to make the board work.
You should just plug the board in, and it should work fine with no more goofing around.
This will save a lot of frustration. Change the board.

Then after the system is stabilized, I would recommend these power settings:
Click Start, Click Control Panel,
Look at the top of the window, in the path bar you see “control panel >”
Click on “>” (in the path bar) now click on “all control panel options.”
(This will open up all the hidden controls available)
Click Power Options
click on the arrow to “show other plans”
Check the Box that says "high performance"
Click (in high performance) "change plan settings"
Turn off display: set to NEVER
Put the computer to sleep: set to NEVER
Click: Change advanced plan settings
Scroll down the list: Click on the + signs to expand the choices for each item on the list.
Require a password on wake up: set to NO
Hard disk: turn off the hard disk: set to NEVER
Wireless adapter settings:
Sleep: set to NEVER
Allow Hybrid sleep: set to NEVER
Hibernate after: set to NEVER
Allow wake timers: set to disable
USB settings:
USB selective suspend setting: set to NEVER
Power Buttons and lid:
Power button action: Setting: set to shut down
Sleep Button Action: set to: do nothing
PCI Express:
Link State Power Management, Setting: OFF
Processor Power Management: Minimum state (set to) 7%

System Cooling Policy: setting: Active
Maximum State (set to) 100%
Display
Turn off display after: setting: NEVER (turning off display automatically can cause freezing also)
Turn off the monitor power manually, when you want it off. Don’t use the auto monitor turn off.
Multimedia Settings:
When Sharing Media: Setting: Prevent idling to sleep
When Playing Video: Setting: Optimize Video
Click APPLY
Click OK

Open the bios set up and make sure "cool and quiet" is OFF. (AMD)
If there is a power saver or a "quiet mode" in the bios, shut it off...
There may be a performance setting in the bios setup you have...make sure it's cranked up to max.
in the bios, see that the allocation for video, if available, is maxed.

Now open the hardware manager profiles...
click start
click computer
click system properties
click device manager
double click on mice and other pointing devices
right click on HID compliant mouse
left click on properties
click on the power management tab
UN-check the box that says: "allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." (there is now NO check mark in this box)
click OK

Now repeat this procedure for all mice, monitors, keyboards, and ALL USB ports on the device manager list.

You must open ALL the devices one at a time, as above, and turn off the power saver, for each device.

NOW turn all the security back ON. NOW open your security antivirus. Make sure the antivirus is set to "gaming mode." Or "multimedia mode."
This prevents the security updating from interrupting your game / multimedia priority.
IF the security does not have "gaming mode" or "multimedia mode" get different security.
IF you are using "free" security downloaded from the internet, get rid of it NOW.
Use ONLY professional all in one security. DO NOT load multiple mismatched security programs, which conflict with each other.
DO NOT load free tools into your system such as: "driver sweeper" or any of that "free" goofy stuff.

The motherboard was brand new though and I don't have any other problems with it.. And I had an NMI Parity Error with my old mobo at least once I think, are you sure about this? The mobo is only 5 months old or so. My PC is running pretty stable apart from these randoms freezes. I also seem to get system slowdowns at times but that is very rare. I'll look into your suggestions though.

As for the programs, I'm doing exactly what you said for the most part.

Calvin7 :

Yes, I bought them as a matched set. 1866 MHz atm, it was 1333 before with the same issue.

lightingft · Mar 26, 2016

soundguruman :

lightingft :

It's very likely that it is:
A. Defect mother board, or motherboard has wrong settings.
B. memory installed in wrong slots. Memory settings incorrect.

But I would just get a different board, intel or Gigabyte.

But I would not waste any more time trying to make the board work.
You should just plug the board in, and it should work fine with no more goofing around.
This will save a lot of frustration. Change the board.

Then after the system is stabilized, I would recommend these power settings:
Click Start, Click Control Panel,
Look at the top of the window, in the path bar you see “control panel >”
Click on “>” (in the path bar) now click on “all control panel options.”
(This will open up all the hidden controls available)
Click Power Options
click on the arrow to “show other plans”
Check the Box that says "high performance"
Click (in high performance) "change plan settings"
Turn off display: set to NEVER
Put the computer to sleep: set to NEVER
Click: Change advanced plan settings
Scroll down the list: Click on the + signs to expand the choices for each item on the list.
Require a password on wake up: set to NO
Hard disk: turn off the hard disk: set to NEVER
Wireless adapter settings:
Sleep: set to NEVER
Allow Hybrid sleep: set to NEVER
Hibernate after: set to NEVER
Allow wake timers: set to disable
USB settings:
USB selective suspend setting: set to NEVER
Power Buttons and lid:
Power button action: Setting: set to shut down
Sleep Button Action: set to: do nothing
PCI Express:
Link State Power Management, Setting: OFF
Processor Power Management: Minimum state (set to) 7%

System Cooling Policy: setting: Active
Maximum State (set to) 100%
Display
Turn off display after: setting: NEVER (turning off display automatically can cause freezing also)
Turn off the monitor power manually, when you want it off. Don’t use the auto monitor turn off.
Multimedia Settings:
When Sharing Media: Setting: Prevent idling to sleep
When Playing Video: Setting: Optimize Video
Click APPLY
Click OK

Open the bios set up and make sure "cool and quiet" is OFF. (AMD)
If there is a power saver or a "quiet mode" in the bios, shut it off...
There may be a performance setting in the bios setup you have...make sure it's cranked up to max.
in the bios, see that the allocation for video, if available, is maxed.

Now open the hardware manager profiles...
click start
click computer
click system properties
click device manager
double click on mice and other pointing devices
right click on HID compliant mouse
left click on properties
click on the power management tab
UN-check the box that says: "allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." (there is now NO check mark in this box)
click OK

Now repeat this procedure for all mice, monitors, keyboards, and ALL USB ports on the device manager list.

You must open ALL the devices one at a time, as above, and turn off the power saver, for each device.

NOW turn all the security back ON. NOW open your security antivirus. Make sure the antivirus is set to "gaming mode." Or "multimedia mode."
This prevents the security updating from interrupting your game / multimedia priority.
IF the security does not have "gaming mode" or "multimedia mode" get different security.
IF you are using "free" security downloaded from the internet, get rid of it NOW.
Use ONLY professional all in one security. DO NOT load multiple mismatched security programs, which conflict with each other.
DO NOT load free tools into your system such as: "driver sweeper" or any of that "free" goofy stuff.

The motherboard was brand new though and I don't have any other problems with it.. And I had an NMI Parity Error with my old mobo at least once I think, are you sure about this? The mobo is only 5 months old or so. My PC is running pretty stable apart from these randoms freezes. I also seem to get system slowdowns at times but that is very rare. I'll look into your suggestions though.

As for the programs, I'm doing exactly what you said for the most part.

Calvin7 :

Yes, I bought them as a matched set. 1866 MHz atm, it was 1333 before with the same issue.

Search

Random Freezing - Possible Motherboard Issue

lightingft

Reputable

Calvin7

Titan

lightingft

Reputable

soundguruman

Splendid

Calvin7

Titan

lightingft

Reputable

lightingft

Reputable

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page