Solving what is causing my computer to freeze.
Tags:
-
Memory
-
RAM
- Computer
Last response: in Memory
ThomasW
July 5, 2010 9:41:14 AM
Issue: Computer freezes randomly- the screen and application is frozen, and move cursor cannot be moved. Sometimes the computer will last 2 hours, sometimes 2minutes. It has been sporadic as it freezes while under heavy load from games, music, movies or even sitting idle. Also, a high pitched noise comes from the tower when it is frozen. It seems to be coming from the RAM or CPU, but I cannot tell as the parts are too close together.
Running BurnInTest: Ran BurnInTest for the first time and the error came up was under RAM "Error Verifying Data on RAM". After checking what this meant in the help section and found
"The data written to memory is not the same as the information read from memory. This is a very serious error, much like the “Incorrect mathematical…”, error above. It’s highly likely that your computer is about to crash or lock up."
I tried to run the RAM test again to confirm faulty RAM. However, no errors came up subsequently (under two tests - 50% and 100% load). Have also tried Memtest86 and no errors found there.
Are there any suggestions as to whether I can clarify it is my RAM that is causing my computer to freeze?
Running BurnInTest: Ran BurnInTest for the first time and the error came up was under RAM "Error Verifying Data on RAM". After checking what this meant in the help section and found
"The data written to memory is not the same as the information read from memory. This is a very serious error, much like the “Incorrect mathematical…”, error above. It’s highly likely that your computer is about to crash or lock up."
I tried to run the RAM test again to confirm faulty RAM. However, no errors came up subsequently (under two tests - 50% and 100% load). Have also tried Memtest86 and no errors found there.
Are there any suggestions as to whether I can clarify it is my RAM that is causing my computer to freeze?
More about : solving causing computer freeze
-
Reply to ThomasW
http://hcidesign.com/memtest/download.html
Run that for 8+ hours. If you get a single error, then it has to do with your memory...
Bad memory can cause the PC to crash during startup, 5 minutes after startup, or even a week after startup. It's really just random depending on when the bad sector is used, or when the timing gets overloaded due to bad timing.
You can try 1 stick at a time to narrow it down.. It could be more than 1 stick also.
As far as the high pitch noises... I don't know what could be causing that right off hand. Maybe you're keyboard? Doubt it, not sure. Just make sure the video and sound card drivers are up to date
Run that for 8+ hours. If you get a single error, then it has to do with your memory...
Bad memory can cause the PC to crash during startup, 5 minutes after startup, or even a week after startup. It's really just random depending on when the bad sector is used, or when the timing gets overloaded due to bad timing.
You can try 1 stick at a time to narrow it down.. It could be more than 1 stick also.
As far as the high pitch noises... I don't know what could be causing that right off hand. Maybe you're keyboard? Doubt it, not sure. Just make sure the video and sound card drivers are up to date
-
Reply to Blckhaze
m
0
l
ThomasW
July 5, 2010 10:27:58 AM
Thanks for the reply. I will run memtest for 8+ hours now and hopefully it can identify something.
The high pitch noise is actually coming from the tower. I would say that the source of the sound is where the RAM or CPU is located on the motherboard. However, it is hard to tell when they are so close to each other. The high pitch sound comes and goes, but is permanent when the computer freezes.
The high pitch noise is actually coming from the tower. I would say that the source of the sound is where the RAM or CPU is located on the motherboard. However, it is hard to tell when they are so close to each other. The high pitch sound comes and goes, but is permanent when the computer freezes.
-
Reply to ThomasW
m
0
l
Related resources
- Solving what is causing my computer to freeze. - Forum
- On going problem with my computer, need help solving what is causing this. - Tech Support
- What is causing my computer to freeze/lock up? - Tech Support
- Trying to figure out what is causing my computer to freeze. - Tech Support
- What is causing my computer to randomly freeze + loud continuous buzz - Forum
Wamphryi
July 5, 2010 10:44:26 AM
ThomasW
July 6, 2010 1:07:55 AM
ThomasW
July 6, 2010 1:45:17 AM
Graphics Card - Gainward GTS250 1gb "Deep Green"
http://www.gainward.com/main/vgapro.php?id=225
HDD - Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=301
PSU - Silverstone 500W http://www.silverstonetek.com/downloads/silverstone_sst...
Other Info:
CPU: AMD x4 965BE
Motherboard: Asus m4a79xtd evo http://www.asus.com.au/product.aspx?P_ID=vk9Pqxby9MjO0W...
RAM: 4GB Gskill DDR3 1600 http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=88
Please note that the high pitch noise does not always occur when frozen. Although it occurs around half of the time.
The computer was also sent from a mate from another state. When i received it from the courier, the case was all banged up and some plugs were loose. However, it was bubblewrapped inside the tower and outside.
The first freeze occurred during the installation of windows 7 x64 (near the end). However, I kicked the restart button thinking I'd need to reinstall but everything seemed to have worked.
http://www.gainward.com/main/vgapro.php?id=225
HDD - Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=301
PSU - Silverstone 500W http://www.silverstonetek.com/downloads/silverstone_sst...
Other Info:
CPU: AMD x4 965BE
Motherboard: Asus m4a79xtd evo http://www.asus.com.au/product.aspx?P_ID=vk9Pqxby9MjO0W...
RAM: 4GB Gskill DDR3 1600 http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=88
Please note that the high pitch noise does not always occur when frozen. Although it occurs around half of the time.
The computer was also sent from a mate from another state. When i received it from the courier, the case was all banged up and some plugs were loose. However, it was bubblewrapped inside the tower and outside.
The first freeze occurred during the installation of windows 7 x64 (near the end). However, I kicked the restart button thinking I'd need to reinstall but everything seemed to have worked.
-
Reply to ThomasW
m
0
l
Could be the fact that it had wrapping on the inside, some may still be on the board somewhere.. Does the PSU get hot or smell like burning dust at all when the PC freezes? Does the graphics card get hot at all? Have you got the absolute newest nVidia drivers installed, and have you disabled sleep mode? I know the sleep mode one sounds a little weird, but a lot of Windows 7 x64 freezing problems i've fixed are because of sleep mode, even if the PC never enters it.
-
Reply to violentlyhappy91
m
0
l
The other problem I can think of is an overloaded PSU. I'm having the overload problem at the moment, and mine is a 500W too. Running extra fans, long term use, extra PCI cards, it all adds up, and eventually, the PSU just can't handle it anymore.
My E8500, 4Gb of DDR2 RAM, single HDD, DVD drive, wireless card, sound card, and HD4850 have started to overload my PSU in the last few weeks, and it's mainly due to how damn old this thing is, it was made 3 years ago, and it's aged badly. I used to have my PC on 24/7, I've only turned it off at night in the last month or so.
Keep that in mind.
My E8500, 4Gb of DDR2 RAM, single HDD, DVD drive, wireless card, sound card, and HD4850 have started to overload my PSU in the last few weeks, and it's mainly due to how damn old this thing is, it was made 3 years ago, and it's aged badly. I used to have my PC on 24/7, I've only turned it off at night in the last month or so.
Keep that in mind.
-
Reply to violentlyhappy91
m
0
l
ThomasW
July 6, 2010 2:15:59 AM
I've just checked for any remains of bubblewrap and could not find any. The PSU does not give off any smell nor does it get hot. The graphics card temperature has been stable as well. All drivers are the newest too. I not have tried the sleep mode solution but will do that now. Will let you know how that goes.
-
Reply to ThomasW
m
0
l
ThomasW
July 6, 2010 2:23:17 AM
-
Reply to ThomasW
m
0
l
Have you tried breadboarding to ensure that nothing in the PC is faulty? I think it was Bilbat that posted a little guide on how to do it.
Basically, take the internals out, all of them. Mount the board on something that doesn't conduct electricity, like antistatic wrap or a motherboard box, and test just the bare essentials first. I'll see if I can find that thing for you.
Basically, take the internals out, all of them. Mount the board on something that doesn't conduct electricity, like antistatic wrap or a motherboard box, and test just the bare essentials first. I'll see if I can find that thing for you.
-
Reply to violentlyhappy91
m
0
l
Alright, I found the thread where he shows how to breadboard.
Give it a look
I've done this once or twice to solve some issues, and it makes it so much easier. I can't say that this will fix it, but there's no harm in trying, especially if these crashes have made the PC unusable.
Give it a look
I've done this once or twice to solve some issues, and it makes it so much easier. I can't say that this will fix it, but there's no harm in trying, especially if these crashes have made the PC unusable.
-
Reply to violentlyhappy91
m
0
l
ThomasW
July 6, 2010 3:20:24 AM
That makes me think your harddrive is going out. Do you have another drive to install windows on so that you can boot from a different drive? That would explain the high pitch noise AND the computer freezing and the extended usage of it making it worse.
Fans aren't going to make the noise just because the pc freezes. Solid computer chips don't make that noise either... but a harddrive struggling to read or turn or do anything, will make that noise. If the PC freezes due to a harddrive failing, and the harddrive is in its squeeking grinding state trying to get the info the PC needs but failing to do so, would explain the freeze or crash or slowing down of the PC.
Fans aren't going to make the noise just because the pc freezes. Solid computer chips don't make that noise either... but a harddrive struggling to read or turn or do anything, will make that noise. If the PC freezes due to a harddrive failing, and the harddrive is in its squeeking grinding state trying to get the info the PC needs but failing to do so, would explain the freeze or crash or slowing down of the PC.
-
Reply to Blckhaze
m
0
l
ThomasW
July 6, 2010 4:15:06 AM
I'm testing out a different vid card now using a GT220. So far there has been no high pitch noise.
I think I can isolate it down to the PSU or Graphics. I'm leaning more towards PSU because the computer has been able to handle the GT220 because the "Minimum Recommended System Power (W)" is 300W compared to the 500W for the GTS250.
I will let it run a bit longer and see how things go. Fingers crossed.
I was told it could be the hard drive too. However the noise isnt coming from the harddrive, and unfortunately I do not have a spare to test.
I think I can isolate it down to the PSU or Graphics. I'm leaning more towards PSU because the computer has been able to handle the GT220 because the "Minimum Recommended System Power (W)" is 300W compared to the 500W for the GTS250.
I will let it run a bit longer and see how things go. Fingers crossed.
I was told it could be the hard drive too. However the noise isnt coming from the harddrive, and unfortunately I do not have a spare to test.
-
Reply to ThomasW
m
0
l
ThomasW
July 6, 2010 2:39:52 PM
Well I've changed the PSU and it seemed to be working fine at the shops. However, I've brought it home and it wont even load windows. It stays frozen at the "starting windows" screen and will load about 20% of the time. I will run windows repair later to see if it helps.
I think that narrows it down to either graphics card or harddrive issues. Anyone with info out there for me to check up on that?
I think that narrows it down to either graphics card or harddrive issues. Anyone with info out there for me to check up on that?
-
Reply to ThomasW
m
0
l
Anonymous
a
b
}
Memory
September 22, 2012 9:26:09 AM
demonsparkx
February 20, 2013 6:26:36 PM
sounds more of a hardware issue due to ram or otherwise. but i had this exact problem once before,make sure to not overlook the HDD as well. i went crazy troubleshooting mine and the hdd was damaged/corrupt causing lock ups usually after 24hrs up time straight. while this may NOT be the case for you, its also possible that your HDD is damaged as well. from what Ive experienced with "lock ups" where everything freezes is usually due to RAM or hard disk failure, where data stops being transferred. do you or have you applied any overclocking?
-
Reply to demonsparkx
m
0
l
Tampan
April 26, 2013 12:23:04 PM
Tampan
April 26, 2013 12:26:14 PM
TenPc
April 28, 2013 4:45:13 PM
You can quite easily make a bootable usb with linux to see if its the hard drive or someting else thats causing the problem. I won't go into the details as a quite search will lead you to better instructions than I can give.
If you still have problems then probably Graphics, I don't think you have integrated graphics so maybe borrow someones for a quick test. If that fails then maybe RAM. I know you said no errors but how long did you run the test for? Think of the maximum time your computer has gone without crashing and run memtest from USB for 1.5x as long. If you look on memtest website they explain it is entirely possible for "bad" ram to pass a single read write but fail on subsiquent runs, so you really need to let it run a long time to be sure.
Also the noise makes me think it's definately a hardware issue but since your OS didn't complete the install properly it wouldn't hurt to re-install.
If you still have problems then probably Graphics, I don't think you have integrated graphics so maybe borrow someones for a quick test. If that fails then maybe RAM. I know you said no errors but how long did you run the test for? Think of the maximum time your computer has gone without crashing and run memtest from USB for 1.5x as long. If you look on memtest website they explain it is entirely possible for "bad" ram to pass a single read write but fail on subsiquent runs, so you really need to let it run a long time to be sure.
Also the noise makes me think it's definately a hardware issue but since your OS didn't complete the install properly it wouldn't hurt to re-install.
-
Reply to toarranre
m
0
l
TenPc
May 4, 2013 1:06:06 PM
sharingan5
May 16, 2013 11:22:35 AM
Does this have any relevance to my problem?
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1677802/hardware...
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1677802/hardware...
-
Reply to sharingan5
m
0
l
TenPc
May 16, 2013 2:06:28 PM
Most likely, I've add a reply to that Question.
You could try to use the Run Command
CHKDSK /F or CHKDSK /R
/F might take up to an hour for a bad hdd but /R might take as long as 6 hours to try to fix the problem. Try the /F first.
It's not necessarily the ram or CPU, both of them, including the video card vram, use the hdd for supported virtual memory.
Edit -
The squealing is probably coming from the hdd, the RW arm is loose.
You could try to use the Run Command
CHKDSK /F or CHKDSK /R
/F might take up to an hour for a bad hdd but /R might take as long as 6 hours to try to fix the problem. Try the /F first.
It's not necessarily the ram or CPU, both of them, including the video card vram, use the hdd for supported virtual memory.
Edit -
The squealing is probably coming from the hdd, the RW arm is loose.
-
Reply to TenPc
m
3
l
smeezekitty
May 16, 2013 2:42:12 PM
demonsparkx
August 22, 2013 5:39:47 AM
you can try ruling out some possible issues if your able to get your system running long enough to do so, running stress tests like prime 95, and memtest but memtest is stand alone that doesnt require the OS to be in operation. this will at least be able to lead you in the right direction and be able to eliminate certain components of the system to find the culprit. i will still agree with either ram or HDD. my money is on the HDD though.
-
Reply to demonsparkx
m
0
l
tiz
August 27, 2013 5:59:20 AM
I doubt he will be watching this post since he hasn't replied from 2010...Although I have this problem with my new PC build...I changed the motherboard and CPU, kept the same GPU, RAM and PSU. As far as I can remember the first week or 2 with the new PC I had no problems. But when my PC freezes up, sometimes the sound also freezes up and loops for a second then slowly the mouse movement stops, then everything stops and its just frozen on the same picture. When I restart everything is normal, but for some reason my wireless wifi dongle keeps being disconnected when the restart has occured only after a crash like this, saying disconnected, with the obvious message "no connections available", after I take it out and put it back in its working. I am running 2 drives (not in raid) an SSD and an HDD. RAM is old but good, seems to be working fine, CPU...seems ok from my point of view (done thermal tests on, CPU doesn't go over 72 degrees C, GPU doesn't even reach 60 degrees C with an overclock. RAM is stock no overclock not done any testing on it though)
-
Reply to tiz
m
0
l
demonsparkx
September 3, 2013 5:12:30 PM
tiz said:
I doubt he will be watching this post since he hasn't replied from 2010...Although I have this problem with my new PC build...I changed the motherboard and CPU, kept the same GPU, RAM and PSU. As far as I can remember the first week or 2 with the new PC I had no problems. But when my PC freezes up, sometimes the sound also freezes up and loops for a second then slowly the mouse movement stops, then everything stops and its just frozen on the same picture. When I restart everything is normal, but for some reason my wireless wifi dongle keeps being disconnected when the restart has occured only after a crash like this, saying disconnected, with the obvious message "no connections available", after I take it out and put it back in its working. I am running 2 drives (not in raid) an SSD and an HDD. RAM is old but good, seems to be working fine, CPU...seems ok from my point of view (done thermal tests on, CPU doesn't go over 72 degrees C, GPU doesn't even reach 60 degrees C with an overclock. RAM is stock no overclock not done any testing on it though)in my experience which i have had that same exact thing, where the sound will loop or bzzzzzzz sound or other times where it will just lock and the mouse will move for around 30 seconds but you can't click nothing and eventually the mouse will stop responding and the whole system locks. very aggravating. in my own experience though, this has been brought out mainly due to drivers and the hard drive. if possible the best way to troubleshoot such an issue is a fresh install of windows. or try a different hard drive. un install new drivers if possible. and run some stress tests if needed. this indeed is a very troublesome problem but i hope yall get it resolved.
-
Reply to demonsparkx
m
0
l
Best solution
miroganita
September 30, 2013 4:58:08 AM
ThomasW said:
Issue: Computer freezes randomly- the screen and application is frozen, and move cursor cannot be moved. Sometimes the computer will last 2 hours, sometimes 2minutes. It has been sporadic as it freezes while under heavy load from games, music, movies or even sitting idle. Also, a high pitched noise comes from the tower when it is frozen. It seems to be coming from the RAM or CPU, but I cannot tell as the parts are too close together.Running BurnInTest: Ran BurnInTest for the first time and the error came up was under RAM "Error Verifying Data on RAM". After checking what this meant in the help section and found
"The data written to memory is not the same as the information read from memory. This is a very serious error, much like the “Incorrect mathematical…”, error above. It’s highly likely that your computer is about to crash or lock up."
I tried to run the RAM test again to confirm faulty RAM. However, no errors came up subsequently (under two tests - 50% and 100% load). Have also tried Memtest86 and no errors found there.
Are there any suggestions as to whether I can clarify it is my RAM that is causing my computer to freeze?
Quite a number of years ago I had the same issue. It turned out to be a capacitor that was getting ready to blow, but was still functioning enough for (mostly) normal operation until it finally blew during an electrical storm. You might try a different motherboard if you can.
-
Reply to miroganita
Share
micheldeklerk
December 8, 2013 9:14:37 AM
Removing and reinstalling graphic card solved the problem in my ACer Aspire several times. The problem reoccurs from time to time. Temp monitor shows temp. for CPU at constant 96 degrees C. Even immidiately after startup in morning. I thought perhaps the temperature sensor may fail. Have not checked this yet but will do so. The high pitched noise seems to be caused by extra fast running cpu fan or HDD. The problem occurs same while running ubuntu or running windows. I am pretty sure it is a hardware problem.
Hope this will help to solve the problem.
Michel
Hope this will help to solve the problem.
Michel
-
Reply to micheldeklerk
m
0
l
lynee
July 7, 2014 7:59:02 AM
I have the same problem right now. Actually i experienced this 2 years ago, my friend tech replaced my motherboard and it goes smoothly. And now again i have the same issue. I reinstall my os but the comp didnt hang during the 3 hours installation. And now im about to use it, it hang... what shall i do. Help.
-
Reply to lynee
m
0
l
mkhan94
July 13, 2014 7:35:57 AM
ThomasW said:
Issue: Computer freezes randomly- the screen and application is frozen, and move cursor cannot be moved. Sometimes the computer will last 2 hours, sometimes 2minutes. It has been sporadic as it freezes while under heavy load from games, music, movies or even sitting idle. Also, a high pitched noise comes from the tower when it is frozen. It seems to be coming from the RAM or CPU, but I cannot tell as the parts are too close together.Running BurnInTest: Ran BurnInTest for the first time and the error came up was under RAM "Error Verifying Data on RAM". After checking what this meant in the help section and found
"The data written to memory is not the same as the information read from memory. This is a very serious error, much like the “Incorrect mathematical…”, error above. It’s highly likely that your computer is about to crash or lock up."
I tried to run the RAM test again to confirm faulty RAM. However, no errors came up subsequently (under two tests - 50% and 100% load). Have also tried Memtest86 and no errors found there.
Are there any suggestions as to whether I can clarify it is my RAM that is causing my computer to freeze?
its the ram, when the ram comes loose the computers motherboard will give you a fast beeping noise, just take the ram out and blow it of dust, DONT TOUCH IT as the oils on your hand can really damage it, just blow the dust off and insert it back in tight and you should be good to go, if the problem continues after that then you hvae a bad ram on your hands buddy. GOODLUCK! when i say dont touch i mean dont touch the connection part
-
Reply to mkhan94
m
0
l
simonnessman2
August 29, 2014 10:31:56 PM
Markmo
October 5, 2014 10:38:16 AM
ThomasW said:
Issue: Computer freezes randomly- the screen and application is frozen, and move cursor cannot be moved. Sometimes the computer will last 2 hours, sometimes 2minutes. It has been sporadic as it freezes while under heavy load from games, music, movies or even sitting idle. Also, a high pitched noise comes from the tower when it is frozen. It seems to be coming from the RAM or CPU, but I cannot tell as the parts are too close together.Running BurnInTest: Ran BurnInTest for the first time and the error came up was under RAM "Error Verifying Data on RAM". After checking what this meant in the help section and found
"The data written to memory is not the same as the information read from memory. This is a very serious error, much like the “Incorrect mathematical…”, error above. It’s highly likely that your computer is about to crash or lock up."
I tried to run the RAM test again to confirm faulty RAM. However, no errors came up subsequently (under two tests - 50% and 100% load). Have also tried Memtest86 and no errors found there.
Are there any suggestions as to whether I can clarify it is my RAM that is causing my computer to freeze?
Hi Thomas
I had very similar problems with my win 7 pc. I spent two weeks trying to solve my crashing issue. I had almost given up when I stumbled across the answer. Everything was point to either a drivers issue or hardware. In fact it was emulation software (win cd emulator). All went back to normal after uninstalling this software. Maybe yours is another piece of emulating software.
-
Reply to Markmo
m
0
l
Related resources
- I Dont Know What Is Causing My Computer To Freez Gcard/Psu/Motherboard ? solution
- Computer freezing. What can be causing it? Forum
- Streaming causing my computer to freeze. solution
- SolvedSATA HD causing the computer to freeze solution
- SolvedWhat is causing this video to freeze and restart the mobo? solution
- Is my 780ti causing my computer to freeze? solution
- Xbox one controller causing borderlands 2 +bioshock infinite to freeze computer on start up solution
- What causes computers to freeze Forum
- Cpu spikes causing computer to freeze Forum
- [SOLVED BY ME] Hard drive causing freeze on laptop Forum
- what could be causing windows to freeze? solution
- Audio Driver is causing my computer to freeze and buzz Forum
- SolvedWin7 64bit, Wordpad/Paint/Microsoft Office causes computer to freeze. At a loss.... solution
- Is my RAM causing my computer to freeze during gaming? Forum
- Mixing Ram Causing Computer Crash/Freeze During Game? Forum
- More resources
Read discussions in other Memory categories
!
It's also marked as solved because someone picked a best answer.