Solved New Computer Randomly Hard Freezes requiring cold boot to get working.

[Avaava]

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.
I updated all of the drivers from the manufactures website

My computer is
Intel i7 3rd Generation 3770k, Samsung Evo 840 SSD as primary Harddrive, Seagate 1TB HDD (for storage),
an Asus H61M-A Motherboard, 1 Crucial DDR3 Ram 8GB 1600mhz
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 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 fitness
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.

 

[jc836]

Did you substitute another power supply? Did you reseat all connectors?
Another thing -you say that you Flashed the BIOS and that produced a temporary fix. You might want to contact Asus about the issue based on this alone.

 

[Avaava]

Hi, no I have not substituted the power supply. According to system information for Windows I'm getting adequate power I checked for any lose connections with the cables. I could get the power supply replaced, but not sure what that would help since it's new.

 

[Avaava]

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.

 

[Golden]

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)

Sorry to say, but your assessment is incorrect - there are millions of computers that have SP1 installed, that do not show the symptoms you describe.

In all your troubleshooting, you never mentioned whether you checked that the device drivers were up-to-date, or whether you checked the video card.

I would suggest checking that.