I need help, at my wits end.

[Kenrou]

This sounds like something i had for a while on AMD side, my Sabertooth motherboard simply hated my mechanical keyboard, it randomly turned off and seemed to freeze the computer but if i unplugged it and plugged it back in it resumed like nothing happened. It was either a bad Windows install or bad driver but a Windows re-install cured it completely, never had it again. Using a CM Quick Fire TK.

 

[cizar39]

Thanks for the suggestions.
I am likely going to try both options.
Something I forgot I did was plug my speaks back in to the motherboard. I had unplugged all non-essentials until yesterday when I wanted to listen to some tunes without my headset. Might unplug that again and wait a bit to see.

 

[cizar39]

Ok.
I took the CPU out and noticed no pins were bent. What I did notice was a some gunk on the underside of it. I gently took a q-tip with a little rubbing alcohol to it and it got rid of it. I thought at first it was a scratch on the underside of the cpu, but it wasn't. I've since put it all back together.
Could a little gunk like that cause freezes?

 

[SPL Tech]

Ok.
I took the CPU out and noticed no pins were bent. What I did notice was a some gunk on the underside of it. I gently took a q-tip with a little rubbing alcohol to it and it got rid of it. I thought at first it was a scratch on the underside of the cpu, but it wasn't. I've since put it all back together.
Could a little gunk like that cause freezes?

Depends where the gunk is at. If it's in a position to limit or stop electrical flow between the CPU contacts and the socket, then yes it could cause a number of problems. If the gunk was not directly on the CPU contacts or socket, then it is probably not a contributing factor.

 

[Alaric]

Interfere with contact or facilitate it between pins. Both are bad. Here's hoping you found the problem!

 

[cizar39]

Reinstalled windows this morning.
I had the same freezing issue after I cleaned and re-seated the CPU last night. Hadn't tried a free reinstall, so I've done that now. Time to see how it goes.

 

[wingman99]

If that does not work I would reflash the Bios then RMA the processor.

 

[cizar39]

Computer restarted itself when I wasn't home today. Kernel power 41 (63) error in the event viewer. I'm trying one more thing, plugging the power cord right into the wall and not into the power bar.

 

[cizar39]

So it happened again. Keyboard and mouse go out.
Is this a motherboard or a CPU issue. I'm at the point where I'm going to buy a new one of each tomorrow. I don't know what else could be the issue.

 

[cizar39]

Thoughts on if I should replace MB and CPU? What else could possibly be the issue, I've tried literally everything.

 

[Kenrou]

My google-fu lists several websites stating that sound card drivers are often an issue, check if you got duplicates and uninstall/re-install

also this (oldie but goodie) : https://www.sevenforums.com/bsod-he...ible-causes-kernel-power-critical-errors.html

 

[SPL Tech]

I'd start with the MB. If that doesent solve the issue, you can try the CPU. Motherboards tend to experience far more failures than CPUs. I dont even know if I've ever seen a defective Intel chip unless it was overclocked.

 

[cizar39]

Yeah.
Seems odd the MB would be faulty and the computer would still work properly most of the time.

 

[maxfly]

memory errors can cause havoc on a new build if the mb and mem dont jive. make sure your running the mem at its rated speed while you troubleshoot.

 

[cizar39]

Memory is running at 2133, which is what they came as.
I updated several drivers yesterday, including the USB ones. Everything is fine at the moment, but I know that can always be misleading. We will see what happens.

 

[cizar39]

So it has been two weeks.
GOOD NEWS: No crashes, no restarts, no freezes, etc.
I think updating all the drivers helped, and perhaps the reinstalling windows, although it happened again after that.
But I've ran it 24/7 (as I always do), played games and the rest of the stuff and it seems to be fine.
I wish I could nail down exactly what fixed it, but I'm leaning toward the drivers for the USB ports on the motherboard.

 

[wingman99]

Glad to hear it is working well for you now.

 

[cizar39]

I appreciate all the help from everyone who posted!

 

[Patrick M.]

Overheating on your PC causes a freeze. I suggest using an efficient cooling system in order to prevent this problem.

 

[wingman99]

Overheating on your PC causes a freeze. I suggest using an efficient cooling system in order to prevent this problem.

It does not on mine. I had my i5 7600k up to 94c for 8 hours.