Computer Crashes Randomly, Multiple Ways

[nawit]

Hi all,

I have had this home built computer for a while now (about 3 years). Ever since I built it I would once in a while (maybe weekly) get a random crash or blue screen which would force me to restart my computer.

Recently, this has become a daily occurrence. There are multiple ways the crash occurs. Sometimes my screen becomes a red, green checkerboard pattern and freezes. I have to hold down the power button to restart. Other times its just a green checkerboard pattern. Same solution. Sometimes the screen just freezes, audio freezes, and I have to force restart. In this case, monitors stay on (but frozen) and fans/LEDs are still running. Lastly, sometimes its just a blue screen and the computer restarts itself. At this point, I am losing my patience and I have no idea what could be causing it. My temps are fine so it is not overheating. Any ideas?

Specs:
i5 3570k 3.4 Ghz
16 GB RAM
750 TI
124 GB M4 Crucual SSD
500 GB WD HDD
750 W PSU

 

[C12Friedman]

I think I would focus on the PSU here since not all PSU's have the abilities they claim or may use less reliable parts. What make and model PSU and is the PSU also ~3 years old?

 

[nawit]

PSU is the newest part of my build. Put it in a couple months ago.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438017

I doubt that is the issue. I do, however, have mismatched RAM. The voltages and Cas latency, and timing on the two are 100% identical, so I really do not if that is the issue or not.

 

[C12Friedman]

Awesome PSU, I'll discount that for now.
It may be related to memory since often enough memory modules are picky about other memory modules they want to play nice with. Even identical modules from the same assembly line may not work together which is one of the reasons for matched kits - the manufacturer tests the modules in the kit to ensure proper compatibility. I'll suggest running MemTest86 (free version works fine) overnight and seeing what it reports

 

[nawit]

Seeing as I have never ran memtest, can you give me a quick run-through of how i need to run it? I understand how to make the bootable USB, but once I am in the "program" what should I look to do and for how long?

 

[C12Friedman]

The instructions on this page http://www.memtest86.com/technical.htm#config (about half way down under "Configuring MemTest86") are more comprehensive than I could provide but are probably still lacking a little. If you find you're still confused, let me know - I'll need to run MemTest again (it's been a few years since I've run it) to check settings etc.