New Custom Computer, Random Hard Freezes, requiring cold reboot.

[Avaava]

Brand new custom computer running windows 7 64 pro with SP1.
I installed the Os, and drivers from the Asus motherboard disk, on the first day I got it, and
from the 2nd day the computer started having random freezes that vary from 1-3 times per day.
The first time was while watching a video, after that freezes would occur during virtually anything.
Sometimes even just from leaving it on without being used.
These are hard freezes and a hard reboot is the only way to get the computer working again.
During the freeze the mouse cursor disappears, audio stops (if on), and the keyboard and mouse produce no response whatsoever.
I can still open the dvd drive but that's it
I've dealt with a lot of PC problems over the years, using different computers, but none like this.

When I check the Windows event viewer logs, there's nothing I've been able to find about what's causing the freezes. Just the error message of "unexpected shutdown", from me having to do a reboot.
I have"WhoCrased" installed on my computer, and that reports nothing about the freezes either.

My temperatures seem to be fine. I have "CoreTemp" installed and "System Information for Windows".
I ran Memtest with no errors.
I flashed the Bios and there were less freezes for a few days. Then they started reoccurring.
I ran a stress test with no problems, and updated all of the drivers from the manufactures website

My computer is
Intel i7 3rd Generation 3770k, Samsung Evo 840 SSD as primary drive, Seagate 1TB HDD (for storage),
Asus H61M-A Motherboard, 1 Crucial DDR3 Ram 8GB 1600mhz
Intel Onboard graphics, and Orion 585 watt power supply.
I can post more specs about my computer*

In Bios settings, it looks like almost everything is set to default and to automatically detect.

Other troubleshoots I've tried:
Troubleshoot 1.
Went on Intel, Asus and Realtek player's site and uninstalled/updated all of the drivers
Troubleshoot 2.
Checked computer for errors with sfc/scannow. None were found
Troubleshoot 3.
Turned off all unnecessary services and start programs
Troubleshoot 4
Changed my Power setting to "High Performance"
Troubleshoot 5
Installed Windows Hotfixes (for freezes).
Troubleshoot 6
Installed all Windows updates
Troubleshoot 7
Resat The Ram, in a different slot
Troubleshoot 8
Tested my Drives with Seagate Seatools
Troubleshoot 9
Checked and replaced all of the cables connected to the Harddrives, and tried different ports


I can have the motherboard, Cpu or whatever replaced, but I'm trying to
figure out what's causing the problem first.
All of the hardware is new
As far as the SSD, I used it for 3 weeks before getting this computer, so I don't think it's that.

Please help. It would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Layback Bear]

Reading all of that the first thing that comes to my mind is your power supply.

Orion 585 Watt

 

[Avaava]

Hi, what about the power supply?

 

[Layback Bear]

It is one of low quality and very questionable.
If it is not doing it job correctly nothing in the computer will work properly.
You have a $330.00 cpu system powered by a $25.00 power supply that probably is not designed for use with your cpu and system.

http://www.amazon.com/HEC-Orion-585-Watt-Supply-HP585DR/dp/B00181505K
Product Description

HEC Orion HP585DR 585W Power Supply, Features: Compatible with Intel Pentium 4 and AMD, Dual +12V rails provide plenty of power sources to support high end systems, Super Quiet Technology: Smart Fan Control Function Keeps Noise Level Under 22dBA, Excellent Protection Functions Provide Maximum Reliability: OVP (Over-Voltage Protection), UVP (Under-Voltage Protection), OPP (Over-Power Protection), SCP (Short-Circuit Protection),Over and under voltage protection, High Efficiency (>75%), High Energy Power With Low Ripple Noise, 100% Hi-Pot, Chroma & Burn-in Function Tested

 

[dsperber]

Did you install ASUS's "AI Suite II" (from their software disk)?

If so, are you running with all of the features active and with default settings? Or did you customize to disable certain features?

I had considerable instability (and fairly common BSOD) with my own P8Z77--V Pro custom machine until I configured AI Suite to utilize only the following:

Notice that "sensor monitor" and "CPU frequency" are both DISABLED.

 

[gregrocker]

I would not install or run any of the Asus software which is especially badly written of all the OEM's, while their hardware is superior.

I would also try running first with the drivers delivered by Win7 in its installer and via Windows Updates once you enable Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3) and run all rounds of Updates, with reboots, until no more are offered when you Check for Updates.

Then import only the drivers still missing in Device Manager.

After each round of Updates, each settings change, and then each program installed, test performance long enough to know if it has changed. This will help pinpoint the problem driver, update, setting or program.

 

[andrew129260]

I'm with Layback Bear. Your PSU is questionable and not suited for that rig.

Consider something like this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010

Or this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182073

With those, you can then expand in the future without too much worry. And they will be more than enough power.

 

[Avaava]

Alright so Asus AI Suite II, didn't do anything. Will look into upgrading the Psu to one that's more compatible.
Hopefully a fresh Windows install will fix the problem.

 

[Avaava]

I didn't change the Power Supply. However, I did I fix the problem.
The problem that was causing the Hard Freezes was Windows 7 SP1.
I didn't realize my Windows had SP1 built into it (which is known for causing hard freezes on some Pc's)
When I installed Windows 7 64 bit that did not have SP1 the problem went away.
No hard freezes since then.

My recommendation to anyone else who has a hard freeze problem is. Install Ubuntu for like a week. If you still get hard freezes then it's probably hardware related. If not then it's software related.
That'll save you a lot of time troubleshooting.

 

[Layback Bear]

What are you trying to tell us.
You did or did not install SP-1.

SP-1 Does not cause problems it fixes problems.

 

[Avaava]

"I didn't change the Power Supply. However, I did I fix the problem.
The problem that was causing the Hard Freezes was Windows 7 SP1.
I didn't realize my Windows had SP1 built into it (which is known for causing hard freezes on some Pc's)
When I installed Windows 7 64 bit that did Not have SP1 the problem went away.
No hard freezes since then.

My recommendation to anyone else who has a hard freeze problem is. Install Ubuntu for like a week. If you still get hard freezes then it's probably hardware related. If not then it's software related.
That'll save you a lot of time troubleshooting."

 

[Boozad]

When I installed Windows 7 64 bit that did Not have SP1 the problem went away.

Coincidental. You obviously performed a better install second time round.

 

[Golden]

SP1 is NOT the problem. Your assessment is incorrect. Your problem is hardware and/or drivers.

Don't post the same issue in multiple threads....its a sure way to guarantee your posts are ignored:
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...-freezes-requiring-cold-boot-get-working.html

 

[Avaava]

I'd already tried reinstalls of Windows 7 64 bit SP1, with no improvement.
However, by installing my Windows 7 that does not include the built in SP1 I have had no problems.

Many users including myself have experienced problems due to SP1. More reading on that here:

After installing Windows 7 Service Pack 1, system now crashes or - Microsoft Community

Fix a Windows 7 System That Randomly Freezes | PCWorld


I will not be reading/responding anymore on this post*

 

[Golden]

If that is the case, how do you explain the millions of computers that don't have the issues yours does, but do have SP1 installed?

Look closer at your system - you are missing something.

 

[andrew129260]

What are you trying to tell us.

He is trying to tell us it's all windows fault. Sure thats definitely it.....

______________________________________________________________________________________

I know torrent disks have those issues.

Those can cause freezes with sp1 slipstreamed into them due to the way they are modified to remove wga (-WAT-Windows Activation Technologies).

It is always funny to me that someone uses a illegal OS from a unknown source and then complain and wonder why it does not work right.

Brilliant.

 

[Layback Bear]

Avaava you have got the problem down to SP-1. That is good, now are experts can help a lot more.

Just do this tutorial and post the results and our experts can take a look and give advice and instructions to cure your problem with SP-1.

A 100 million plus systems have SP-1 with no problems and you can be added to the list.
For the smooth operation and security of Windows 7 SP-1 is a must.
Just complete this tutorial by Brink and our experts will be able to give guidance.

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...ne-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html

 

[Avaava]

Want to update this for anyone having the same problem. After my first troubleshoot it worked for about a month and then froze again. I upgraded my power supply and it ran pretty smooth for almost 2 months. Now it freezes randomly from once a day, week, or even a few weeks. Still haven't figured out the issue.

 

[Boozad]

Follow the link in post #17 and post up the results.