The One Problem to Rule them All

I had a problem with my computer locking up. It was my HHD failing because it was overheating. I replaced it with a SSD and a larger case with 3 more fans. Problem was fixed.
There was another person who had a problem here in NNG whos RAM was bad.
And another NNG member was having a problem with SLI messing things up too for PS2.
Hope this helps, I will do an exhaustive search tonight for you after I game for a few hours.

 

Bad processor? Or you know, your computer is just....DUMB!

 

Try grabbing prime 95 and testing each RAM stick individually, it does sound more like a RAM problem that anything else, an ssd would give loads of warning if it was melting.

 

I have no knowledge of computers what so ever, but do you think the graphics settings you use is overload, because I have very small freezes sometimes and I'm thinking thats what it is for me.

 

PART 1

Do you know about POST? Power On Self Test? Is that ok?

1st google search "common causes for computer freeze"

Result #1- http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/276627-30-solving-causing-computer-freeze
- Blames problem on RAM, says to run MEMTEST for 8 or more hours, and re-seat all ram and all periphial cards

Result #2 **BEST** - http://whitecapcomputer.com/newsletter/articles/computerfreeze.htm
List most causes to freezes. Tells you how to isolate the cause.
-Links to : http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_would_your_computer_freeze_up_after_defragmenting_the_hard_drive
Suggest problem could be because of "moved files" or physical memory faults

Result #3 - http://www.pbcomp.com.au/computer-freezing-blue-screen-of-death.html
Lists common Hardware Issues, then Software issues, then how to fix them.
hardward issues are RAM, PSU, CPU, MOBO, Drives, and Low hard drive space.
software issues are p2p file sharing,spyware,malware, forced shutdown, Fulty or buggie drivers, Corrupted Win Reg.
Solutions : Replace hardware, get pro help, new/updated anitvirus/malware.

2nd Google Search : "Common problems with Asus P8z68-v mobo"

Result #1 - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/292170-30-asus-p8z68-problems
Person asks if 600W PSU is enough, People answer "yes".
Other good answers " Bad Intel Chip Set"
" CMOS Battery might be faulty"
"Any LED to tell problem?

Result #9: http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1162503
Problem : Mobo not booting correctly
Suggestions: Check Heatsink properly seated, could cause shutdown
Heatsink is good, told to put another CPU in to determine if CPU is problem
Problem found : failed to connect PSU correctly.

Result #page 2, result #1 **BEST** http://support.asus.com/Troubleshoo...=1&m=P8Z68-V PRO&s=39&hashedid=n/a&os=&no=981
3.4 If there is screen display after enter OS, and some new software is installed recently:
3.4.1 Un-install the software in safe mode
3.4.2 Reinstall OS
3.5 If there is screen display after enter OS, if there is some new hardware installed recently:
3.5.1 Remove all add-on cards and device
3.5.2 Reinstall OS
3.5.3 Replace the main components one by one with working components
3.6 If there is new software or hardware installed, but the problem still exists after removing the software/hardware and reinstalling OS, please do some troubleshooting as the following steps:
3.6.1 If CPU/MB temperature is abnormal, please avoid the system overheating by taking the motherboard out of case or adding a cooling fan. If the problem cannot be resolved, check if the CPU is listed in the CPU support list and change another CPU for a test. If the problem still exists, please contact reseller (service center) for tests.
3.6.2 If CPU/MB temperature is normal and system freezes even in safe mode, please do some troubleshooting as the following steps:
a. Only keep the necessary components (a graphics card/onboard graphics card, a memory, a CPU), a HDD and ODD on the board, then reinstall the OS.
b. Adjust the memory timings and voltage manually according to the memory manual.
c. If convenient, replace the memory, VGA card and CPU to have a test.
3.6.3 If CPU/MB temperature is normal and system does not freeze in safe mode, please do some troubleshooting as the following steps:
a. Kill virus by Anti-virus software in Safe Mode.
b. Update the system patch and the relevant drivers, such as graphics driver etc.
c. If the freezing problem still remains and it only exists with certain software/game, please update the relevant program, software, game patch.
d. If the freezing problem still remains and it happens randomly, please only keep the necessary components (a graphics card/onboard graphics card, a memory, a CPU), a HDD and ODD on the board, then reinstall the OS. Adjust the memory timings and voltage manually according to the memory manual. If convenient, replace the memory, VGA card and CPU to have a test.

 

Part 2

3rd Google Search "OCZ Vector SSD freeze"

Many "Freezing" problems, but happens at boot or from OC'ing.

4th Google Search "Nvidia GTX 680 causes freeze"

Result #1 - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/396658-33-driver-crash
Many people have the same problem you have. People think its linked to Tomb Raider game but its not, its Malware
Solution: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18493714



Let me know if this is it, if not I will dig more tomorrow. Im off work but so is my wife. We are going to the zoo with the kids so maybe I can get on later in the day.

 

1-Overheathing your cpu parts like, cpu, ram, gpu, mobo, hds.
2-Parts failling, like ram with problems, cpu dieing, hd overheating or with badblocks, mobo with stuffed capacitors)


3-Problems with your power supply.<---my bet that will solve your problem, get one good.

 

The one thing I do not see listed is your power supply and how old it is. It doesnt matter how much fancy ram, cpu, gpu you have installed there if you dont have the power to run it all. Even if the power supply is sufficient, it might be going bad as well, and at times of heavy loads, can cause your computer to crash.