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Question

New PC Display Lock-Up/Freeze followed by trouble booting

Jul 27, 2017 5:36AM PDT

I recently built a new computer last week. New CPU, new Mobo, new Ram, new CPU fan, new SSD, and fresh install of windows 10. Kept my old GPU and old PSU.

Part List:
PSU: RaidMax 850w https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152043
GPU: Nvidia GeForce 960 GTX
CPU: Intel - Core i7-7700K 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master - Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Motherboard: MSI - Z270-A PRO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory


Everything was up and running perfectly, incredibly fast and smooth; Drivers installed, etc. The problem I ran into within 2 hours was a video lock-up/screen freeze(cursor frozen) requiring a shut down while playing a game. After this, the computer has difficulty booting: As in No POST, No power or signal being sent to keyboard/mouse/monitor. To fix this I usually have to unplug the PSU for a few minutes. But, this problem just repeats itself.

I have been troubleshooting for 4 days. It seems the hardware is all good after testing individually. Questionable faulty motherboard/CPU but the products are brand new. I'm just a beginner and have built pcs in the past but I have never run into an issue like this.

The freeze can be reproduced by playing games for 30+ minutes or running stress programs like Prime95(I read prime95 isnt the best test, its more like CPU torture). The freeze happens the most immediately when I EXIT games and also when I STOP the Prime95 test.

Other info:
The computer never freezes idle on the desktop
Temperatures always look fine


Does it seem like a power/voltage problem?
Does it seem like a BIOS problem?
What should I try next?

I am unfamilar with PSU issues, BIOS, voltage, overclocking, etc.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
As a rule I never use a PSU with Quad+12v Rails
Jul 27, 2017 6:05AM PDT

To test this out try it without the GPU. Try onboard graphics.

The Quad+12v Rails is a killer for me and not a sure thing as the 34A per rail on paper is nice but I've lost count where it was the issue.

Why did you chose a quad rail?
Is the BIOS current?
Is the OS and drivers installed per the makers instructions?
Is there ANY sign of KMS in the Speccy Report?
(Read https://www.piriform.com/docs/speccy/using-speccy/publishing-a-speccy-profile-to-the-web )

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Response
Jul 27, 2017 6:14AM PDT
Why did you chose a quad rail? No specific reason/Quite unfamiliar with this. This PSU is about 3-4 years old I believe used for my old setup.
Is the BIOS current? Unsure how to check. I was planning on updating the BIOS when I get home. Motherboard states it supports the CPU.
Is the OS and drivers installed per the makers instructions? I did not see any special requirements as far as OS and driver installation.
Is there ANY sign of KMS in the Speccy Report? I have never heard of this. I will read up and try when I am home.
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I was unclear.
Jul 27, 2017 6:21AM PDT

The PSU is not a model I would expect to be stable. Now that we know it's older it makes the assessment worse as PSUs lose capacity over time (capacitor aging.)

There are specific install orders to the OS, drivers and apps. Sometimes folk get lucky but here's a general order I use. BIOS, OS, motherboard driver package, audio, video, LAN and WiFi this the accessory apps that control things like WiFi, audio, etc.

Dell lays it out similarly at http://www.dell.com/support/article/ed/en/eddhs1/sln148687/how-to-reinstall-drivers-in-the-correct-order?lang=en

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New PSU on the way
Jul 27, 2017 6:34AM PDT

Over the time of my troubleshooting I did order a new PSU: Corsair rm650x. Feel like I could use a new one regardless going forward.

While waiting for that to arrive, I wanted to ask around for opinions.

I will definitely try all of your suggestions and report back.