Computer freezing frequently

[BurnsW]

While doing anything (browsing the internet, playing a game, ms word, etc) my computer will freeze. The only option I seem to have is to hard reboot (ctrl + alt + delete doesnt respond).

When my pc reboots I've checked the event viewer for some hint but the only issue is the unexpected shutdown.
I doubt it could be cpu temp as it happens when doing very simple tasks.
As far as I know my drivers are all up to date.
From the searching I've done I'm thinking maybe it's a power issue. Though I've had this pc for over two years and the freezing only started this year.


Win10 64x
Hardware:
CPU -- Xeon E3 1230 V5
GPU -- GTX 970
MOBO -- E3 Krait Gaming V5 Workstation
RAM -- HyperX Fury 16GB (2x8gb) 2133MHz
PSU -- Silverstone Essential 500W 80+ Certified
SSD -- 840 EVO 120GB
HDD -- WDC WD10EZEX

 

[phaelax]

Depending on your BIOS, it might say in there if there was a thermal shutdown or not. But I think it's more likely a software issue, translation; Windows.

Try running any scans? Maybe start with a malwarebytes scan? Have you done any recent updates?

 

[BurnsW]

Depending on your BIOS, it might say in there if there was a thermal shutdown or not. But I think it's more likely a software issue, translation; Windows.

Try running any scans? Maybe start with a malwarebytes scan? Have you done any recent updates?

Thanks for the reply.
I might just be looking in the wrong place in the BIOS, but I'll give it another sweep and keep my eyes open for something like that.
I do use malwarebytes however that hasn't picked anything up.
And I make sure to keep windows up to date. In fact, this issue has persisted over multiple windows updates.

Thanks again for the reply, and I'll post again if I find a solution with your suggestions.

 

[phaelax]

I just noticed your your GPU. According to google, a 500w PSU at minimum is required, which you have. I don't think that's the issue, but insufficient power could cause freezes.

 

[BurnsW]

I just noticed your your GPU. According to google, a 500w PSU at minimum is required, which you have. I don't think that's the issue, but insufficient power could cause freezes.

Thanks for pointing that out, I haven't looked at the power requirements for my hardware in a while.
I'm only skeptical of that as I've had the computer for a few years without issues like this.

I reckon if the issues persist after trying fixes on the software end then I'll have to take the route of a new psu.

 

[phaelax]

If the hardware hasn't changed in years, then it's probably not the PSU unless it's failing.

 

[BurnsW]

If the hardware hasn't changed in years, then it's probably not the PSU unless it's failing.

Well, I didn't really buy top of the line parts. I definitely wouldn't be surprised if it was dying on me.

 

[BurnsW]

Aight, update.
I took off the side panel after a crash so I could see whether the cables had proper contact.
I immediately noticed that it was significantly warmer inside the case than outside.
On closer inspection I noticed that the gpu fans were not spinning at all and that it was quite warm to the touch.
So I downloaded MSI Afterburner to control the fan speeds. After opening afterburner I set the fan speed to auto and they immediately revved up.
After a week now there has been no issues.
SO, I guess the issue was my gpu overheated and simply shut off to avoid damage.

 

[Peter Martin]

We see this so often. But we can never see all the installed stuff so it’s all guesses. If it’s not hardware it’s usually something the user did to the OS. THUS, CLEAN reinstall is usually the answe