Computer Crashing randomly. Doing a Windows reset and reinstalling drivers didn't fix the issue

[Ebrithil]

About 2-3 weeks ago I've started having problems with my computer randomly crashing. The only significant change to my computer around that time was a new wireless card. I just used the windows reset function and reinstalled drivers, but it's still happening. Would someone be able to help me out with this?

 

[SchizTech]

First, clarify in what way it's "crashing." Does it BSOD, freeze or hang, or do something else? If there are error codes by BSOD or other, what are they?

What are your specs? Have you done anything else aside from reset and test drivers?

 

[Ebrithil]

First, clarify in what way it's "crashing." Does it BSOD, freeze or hang, or do something else? If there are error codes by BSOD or other, what are they?

What are your specs? Have you done anything else aside from reset and test drivers?

When it crashes, the screen turns black and audio is gone. It stays like this until I turn it off/restart. The only thing that I did was use the Windows reset and reinstall drivers.

Specs:
CPU: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117369
Mobo: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157507
GPU: http://www.sapphiretech.com/productdetial.asp?pid=D40475DB-8BD0-40F6-8C33-F12D63272AEC&lang=eng
RAM: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231671

 

[SchizTech]

OK, a couple of ideas to test:

-> run memory diagnostics (Windows built-in tool, or memtest86)
-> try without video card, running off onboard graphics.

 

[Ebrithil]

OK, a couple of ideas to test:

-> run memory diagnostics (Windows built-in tool, or memtest86)
-> try without video card, running off onboard graphics.

Thanks. I'll run these tests tomorrow and let you know how they go

 

[Ebrithil]

OK, a couple of ideas to test:

-> run memory diagnostics (Windows built-in tool, or memtest86)
-> try without video card, running off onboard graphics.

I ran the memory diagnostic, and didn't find any issues. Right now I have my graphics card out and have been using the computer for about an hour. When the crashes happened before it was pretty random, but it hasn't happened yet.

I've been thinking about the problem more. Could the problem be related to not having a big enough power supply?
Besides what I listed for specs, I have 2 HDDs, 2 SSDs, 2 optical drives, a water cooler, and a wireless card on a 550W

 

[SchizTech]

OK, a couple of ideas to test:

-> run memory diagnostics (Windows built-in tool, or memtest86)
-> try without video card, running off onboard graphics.

I ran the memory diagnostic, and didn't find any issues. Right now I have my graphics card out and have been using the computer for about an hour. When the crashes happened before it was pretty random, but it hasn't happened yet.

I've been thinking about the problem more. Could the problem be related to not having a big enough power supply?
Besides what I listed for specs, I have 2 HDDs, 2 SSDs, 2 optical drives, a water cooler, and a wireless card on a 550W

It's not an issue of wattage. In terms of power draw, the CPU and graphics chip (particularly if a discrete card) are the biggest users by a fair margin. Other pieces use relatively small amounts. For a system with integrated graphics 400W is enough and 550W covers most any single graphics card. Huge PSU are only strictly needed for multi-GPU or other edge cases.

In terms of PSU I'd focus more on the reputation the make and model has for quality and reliability.

A problem like this seems like one a failing GPU could cause, so keep watching it on the integrated chip for now.

 

[Ebrithil]

It's not an issue of wattage. In terms of power draw, the CPU and graphics chip (particularly if a discrete card) are the biggest users by a fair margin. Other pieces use relatively small amounts. For a system with integrated graphics 400W is enough and 550W covers most any single graphics card. Huge PSU are only strictly needed for multi-GPU or other edge cases.

In terms of PSU I'd focus more on the reputation the make and model has for quality and reliability.

A problem like this seems like one a failing GPU could cause, so keep watching it on the integrated chip for now.

I was able to borrow a PSU from a friend, and tested with and without the GPU. You, unfortunately, were right. :/
I guess it's time to start shopping for a new gpu; thanks for your help!