Computer restarting randomly. How do I find out whats wrong?

[tmarmstr]

To give a little more background, just built first computer. Here are the parts I used -

Motherboard - ASROCK 960GM/U3S3 MATX AM3+
CPU - AMD BOX AMD FX-8320 BLACK ED
RAM - CRUCIAL 8GB 4X2 D3 1600 DIMM CL9
Video Card - MSI HD7770 1GB D5 PCIE DDHDP
Case - Rosewill Dual Fans MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case FBM-01
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 1 TB HDD SATA 6 Gb/s NCQ 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive ST1000DM003
Power Supply - Ultra LSP650 650-Watt Power Supply - ATX, SATA-Ready, SLI-Ready

The computer has restarted a couple of times. Haven't been able to pin down any kind of pattern. Sometimes it does it after 5 minutes sometimes I play for hours and nothing goes wrong. From what I can tell its not a heat issue (from what I can tell temps are staying under 40c).

What are common causes for such problems?
Is there anything I can do to find out what is wrong?

 

[noidea_77]

Any relevant error messages in event viewer?

 

[IrvSp]

It could be happening so fast you can't see the BSOD. In your system settings (My Computer, Properties, Advanced Settings, Advanced tab, Startup and Recovery, Advanced) make sure Automatic Restart is OFF.

Also, there are programs, like WHO CRASHED (http://www.resplendence.com/whocrashed) or BLUE SCREEN VIEW (http://download.cnet.com/BlueScreenView/3000-2094_4-10965136.html) might show you something you had missed.

 

[cin19]

To give a little more background, just built first computer. Here are the parts I used -

Motherboard - ASROCK 960GM/U3S3 MATX AM3+
CPU - AMD BOX AMD FX-8320 BLACK ED
RAM - CRUCIAL 8GB 4X2 D3 1600 DIMM CL9
Video Card - MSI HD7770 1GB D5 PCIE DDHDP
Case - Rosewill Dual Fans MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case FBM-01
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 1 TB HDD SATA 6 Gb/s NCQ 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive ST1000DM003
Power Supply - Ultra LSP650 650-Watt Power Supply - ATX, SATA-Ready, SLI-Ready

The computer has restarted a couple of times. Haven't been able to pin down any kind of pattern. Sometimes it does it after 5 minutes sometimes I play for hours and nothing goes wrong. From what I can tell its not a heat issue (from what I can tell temps are staying under 40c).

What are common causes for such problems?
Is there anything I can do to find out what is wrong?

It is the MB compatible problem, check the link you will see. https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AgN1D79Joo7tdE9xMUFlMEVWeFhuckJEVF9aMmtpUFE&gid=2 Also here is the support cpu list, http://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/960GMU3S3%20FX/?cat=CPU and the fx8320 is not on the list. The reason is the MB has only 3+1 power phage count (VRM) that can't handle the 125W TDP FX8320, because the cpu may cause it over heat and shut down the PC. You can try to turn off the turbo, or get the new MB, like the asus M5A97 (R2.0).

 

[tmarmstr]

Thanks for your response. Yeah I was recommended that motherboard when I bought the processor at micro center so its a bummer that it wasn't the right one.

 

[tmarmstr]

So is the turbo automatically on? I'd rather not buy another motherboard if possible.

 

[cin19]

Yes, it is the default setting to auto, you can set it to disabled in the BIOS. Check your MB manual. Also you maybe need the aftermarket cooler like a top-down blowing design one to cool the CPU and its surrounding components, because the cooler comes with cpu is not a good one. I found one ZALMAN CNPS8900 Quiet 110mm Ultra Quiet Slim CPU Cooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118126

 

[tmarmstr]

Okay thanks. So by taking turbo off work as a long term solution, or will I eventually want to just get the right motherboard. Also is there a budget motherboard you would suggest?