having issues with CPU overheating and USB not working

[Kevin Andres]

I've had this issue with my computer for a while now where occasionally the pump on my closed loop water cooler doesn't work, causing the CPU to heat up. Normal operating temperatures on the CPU tend to be 30-35C while idling and 50-60C while loaded. On the other hand, it seems like an issue with the USB ports tends to happen directly after the pump issue resolves itself.

It has done this twice to me now, once about 6 months ago, and then when I booted my PC up this morning. To add to what happened this morning (the PC seems to be working just fine now by the way), one of the video cards wasn't being detected. I have 2 GTX 670's, and normally my computer works just fine. But when this issue happened, I got the fan fixed somehow (Not sure if moving the case around, or replugging something fixed it), but then one of the video cards wasn't detected (but was powered). I removed the 2nd card, booted, shut down, reseated the card, booted, and both cards were detected. Then I put my case back into my room, plugged everything back in, and the USB ports were being crazy. Everything seems to have fixed itself now, but I'm really concerned I have a major issue on my hand.

I really want to say the motherboard is trying to give up the ghost, but I want to get some opinions from other people first. My rig is only about a year and a half old - all the components seem to be fine. Processor isn't glitchy, video cards are running smooth, no boot issues from my SSD or HDD. The ONLY other thing that has me slightly concerned is a little intermittent clicking noise that I can't seem to find where it's coming from. When it makes the noise, I can feel the click, and it feels like it may be the PSU. Obviously it won't be the motherboard because a motherboard has no moving parts to cause a click. Could it possibly be my PSU? I don't think I'm overloading it (it's an 850W PSU, I figured that should be more than enough for my setup [see below for specs])

Any thoughts? Sorry to give a journal-like post here, this is just everything I've thought of and noticed.

my specs:
i5-3570k OCed at 4.2gHz (stable)
MSI z77-g45 mainboard
8gb generic ram (not sure the clock on it)
2x GTX 670 2GB
850W Corsair PSU
1TB HDD
120GB SSD
Corsair H80 water cooling loop
generic DVD writer

 

[Darkbreeze]

Even before you said you could feel the issue from the PSU, I was headed for the PSU and looking for your model and brand to be listed. I see it's a Corsair but what is the model number? As you may or may not know, not all PSU's are created equal and even within the same brand they may have good and bad models. Even some model lines have respectability for the line on all models at a certain wattage but not for others within the line with differing ratings.