Pc crashes randomly

Zicariuz

Honorable
Sep 21, 2013
13
0
10,510
My pc has been crashing randomly recently, about once every 2 days now seemingly randomly.
Event viewer XML:

Log Name: System
Source: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Power
Date: 31/03/2018 20:26:36
Event ID: 41
Task Category: (63)
Level: Critical
Keywords: (70368744177664),(2)
User: SYSTEM
Computer: HalilPC
Description:
The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first. This error could be caused if the system stopped responding, crashed, or lost power unexpectedly.
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Power" Guid="{331C3B3A-2005-44C2-AC5E-77220C37D6B4}" />
<EventID>41</EventID>
<Version>6</Version>
<Level>1</Level>
<Task>63</Task>
<Opcode>0</Opcode>
<Keywords>0x8000400000000002</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2018-03-31T19:26:36.293875700Z" />
<EventRecordID>17537</EventRecordID>
<Correlation />
<Execution ProcessID="4" ThreadID="8" />
<Channel>System</Channel>
<Computer>HalilPC</Computer>
<Security UserID="S-1-5-18" />
</System>
<EventData>
<Data Name="BugcheckCode">0</Data>
<Data Name="BugcheckParameter1">0x0</Data>
<Data Name="BugcheckParameter2">0x0</Data>
<Data Name="BugcheckParameter3">0x0</Data>
<Data Name="BugcheckParameter4">0x0</Data>
<Data Name="SleepInProgress">0</Data>
<Data Name="PowerButtonTimestamp">0</Data>
<Data Name="BootAppStatus">0</Data>
<Data Name="Checkpoint">0</Data>
<Data Name="ConnectedStandbyInProgress">false</Data>
<Data Name="SystemSleepTransitionsToOn">1</Data>
<Data Name="CsEntryScenarioInstanceId">0</Data>
<Data Name="BugcheckInfoFromEFI">true</Data>
<Data Name="CheckpointStatus">0</Data>
</EventData>
</Event>

i have an fx 8320.
cooling issue in the past when pc used to shutdown completely while gaming (rather than just freezing like it does now) but i removed dust from my cooler and it was fine until now.

could this be another heating issue something else ?
 
Solution
Yes, when your PC freezes the Windows Event Viewer will give you no useful information. Also, a lot of things can cause a PC to freeze.

I would start by using AMD Overdrive to check your CPU temps. If the thermal margin is low then that is a sign the processor may be overheating.

Malware can cause system problems also. I would boot into safe mode (with networking) and download/run Trojan Remover.

Checking the HDD health with a tool such as CrystalDiskInfo can help you determine if the HDD is causing the freezing. Any red or yellow dots indicate physical issues with the drive.

Testing the RAM with MEMTEST86 can help you determine of the RAM is faulty. An ideal way is to this is to create a bootable Ultimate Boot CD or USB...

jr9

Estimable
These crashes are hardware related as the PC shuts down uncleanly and suddenly. Likely causes:

1. CPU Overheating. I would run a stress test with OCCT (link) to determine if the CPU is what is overheating. CPU overheating can cause both freezes and shutdowns.

2. PSU failing. Only thing you could do is try another one.

3. Motherboard failing. AM3 boards of this generation are known to have electrical issues and low quality VRMs.

4. Graphics card failing. OCCT also provides a GPU stress tool as well.

You need to isolate the hardware issue. Start by stress testing the CPU and GPU separately and then go from there.
 

Zicariuz

Honorable
Sep 21, 2013
13
0
10,510
Ok so i'm an idiot, this event was caused by me turning the pc off using the power button after the pc crashes, so this xml is useless after all and now all i know it that my pc freezes with no explanation....
 

jr9

Estimable
Yes, when your PC freezes the Windows Event Viewer will give you no useful information. Also, a lot of things can cause a PC to freeze.

I would start by using AMD Overdrive to check your CPU temps. If the thermal margin is low then that is a sign the processor may be overheating.

Malware can cause system problems also. I would boot into safe mode (with networking) and download/run Trojan Remover.

Checking the HDD health with a tool such as CrystalDiskInfo can help you determine if the HDD is causing the freezing. Any red or yellow dots indicate physical issues with the drive.

Testing the RAM with MEMTEST86 can help you determine of the RAM is faulty. An ideal way is to this is to create a bootable Ultimate Boot CD or USB, boot to it, and run the tool there. 2 passes with no errors means the RAM should be is good. I'd let it run overnight.

A clean Windows reinstall can wipe out application or OS level issues and save you troubleshooting time. If the PC freezes with a fresh install of Windows then you know that it's a hardware issue.
 
Solution