New Computer Hardfreezes What hardware should I switch first to fix?

Avaava · 20 Nov 2014

New custom computer with all new hardware, hard freezes. Started the 2nd day I got it.
My computer is:
Intel i7 3rd Generation 3770k, Intel Onboard graphics,
Asus H61M-A Motherboard, 1 Crucial DDR3 Ram 8GB 1600mhz
Samsung Evo 840 SSD as primary drive, Seagate 1TB HDD (for storage),
and Orion 585 watt power supply.
During the freezes the mouse cursor disappears, audio stops and keyboard gives no response.
I have to do a cold reboot to get it working again.
Typically the computer freezes every 1-2 days.
After reinstalling windows the computer went 3 weeks with a freeze.
After flashing the bios it went a week without a freeze.

I've tried every troubleshoot Os or driver related.
What hardware do you think is causing the problem?
Do you think upgrading the Psu will solve it, or should I switch the motherboard too?

Other information:
-Ran Memtest 5 times with no errors.
-Flashed the Bios
-Checked temperatures, looked fine.
-Ran multiple stress test, including for processor, all passed.

Thanks

ICIT2LOL · 20 Nov 2014

I take it you have done a chkdsk and sfc? if not do so in safe mode

https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html< if necessary include the /f switch in the command line as per Option2 I have used the /r switch in the past too with good results.

As for the hardware one of the first things I like to have a look at is the PSU so see this ditty of mine

Using HW Info

You can test the volts on the PSU with HW Info HWiNFO, HWiNFO32/64 - Download < download the right bit version and close the right hand window select Sensors and scroll down to the power section where you will see what the volts are doing see my pic.

The original right hand window shows the machine running and is handy for that but for looking at the components in some detail close it and use the main left hand side panel

FOR OTHER COMPONENTS

Open each + down into the component itself and then click on it - in the right hand side will appear all sorts of details including brands speeds and other essential info that device. See pic for example.

Your power section should be the same as the one in the pic as it is my Asus board. Remember new doesn't guarantee it is good

Oh if you want to see if the PSU has enough power use this http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp it is fairly accurate for most cases

Avaava · 21 Nov 2014

Yeah, thanks. I'll check the sensors again. I did run a chkdsk and it was fine.

ICIT2LOL · 21 Nov 2014

Ok mate thats a start anyway if the /f option doesn't do anything run the /r switch option in the chkdsk

Digerati · 22 Nov 2014

New custom computer with all new hardware, hard freezes. Started the 2nd day I got it.

Return it NOW! Before you void your warranty!

Avaava · 28 Nov 2014

Return it's not an option, if there's any helpful ideas please let me know.

Digerati · 28 Nov 2014

You are in the US, you have consumer Rights, regardless who put the computer together (assuming all is legal).

Otherwise, as with all hardware troubleshooting, you start at the wall. Is it plugged in? Turned on? Are the essential voltages correct, and stable? And to answer the last question, you start by swapping in a known good PSU.

Do NOT think you don't need to do this! One of the biggest mistakes ANY builder can do is to cut costs by using a cheap, entry-level PSU, like that Orion you have to power their high-speed digital electronics, like your Intel i7, Asus motherboard, Crucial DDR3 Ram, Samsung SSD, and Seagate HDD.

That is like buying a brand new Porsche or Ferrari sports car and filling it up with generic fuel from your corner Tobacco & Bait Hut.