Computer freezing/crashing frequently, even in BIOS

Gojet

Honorable
Sep 21, 2013
19
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10,510
Hello.

I've had a persistent problem lately. As you read in the title, my computer is crashing all the time. Several times per day.

If I'm in Windows, I'll get a Bluescreen with a different 'STOP' code each time.

Sometimes, it will freeze in the BIOS, or on the screens shown before the OS is loaded.

But it also will restart many times before it begins the booting process (I can hear it restart every 1 or 2 seconds before the boot up process actually begins)

Because it's freezing in the BIOS, I think that means it's almost certainly a motherboard problem. But I've tried many other things... Here's the list so far

Installed Microsoft's hotfixes of each BSOD error I've gotten.
Ran antivirus and anti-malware scans.
Removed any drivers I don't need.
Did a memtest and hard disk test.
Replaced the CMOS battery.

The only thing I haven't tried is flashing the BIOS... Which is very risky. I'm worried that my computer will crash during the flashing process, which would basically mean I'm screwed.

However, my motherboard is a "Dual-BIOS" from Gigabyte... I'm guessing that means it has 2 BIOSs, so if one BIOS is corrupted, the other can kick in and fix it, so maybe I'll be safe during a BIOS flash.

Is there anything else I could try? Or will I just have to get a new computer?
 
I think that it is most likely a motherboard problem. One other thing is that it could be a problem with your psu depending on wattage, brand etc. It is most likely your motherboard, but could you tell me what psu and motherboard you have?

-Scott
 


Here's my specs. I built it in 2010.

PSU: XION 700 Watt
MB: Gigabyte GA-770T-USB3 (AM3 slot)
CPU: AMD Phenom II X2 550
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTS 250
RAM: 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 MHz
OS: Windows 7 64-bit, SP1

Could old thermal paste cause the problem as well? I don't think the main processor is used in the BIOS, is it? Same with the RAM, I don't think that's used in BIOS, so it wouldn't cause crashes in the BIOS?
 


I don't think faulty RAM could cause crashing in the BIOS? Isn't that RAM only used when the OS is loaded?

I'm pretty sure my RAM is compatible...

My motherboard is compatible with DDR3 up to 1600 MHz, and has 4 slots for up to 32GB (supports 8GB per slot). My RAM is 2 sticks of DDR3 (4GB each, 8GB total) at 1600 MHz.

I'll try switching out my RAM sticks, too.