Is my motherboard failing?
Is my motherboard failing?
I recently experienced a severe problem that causes the system to freeze with only the last window open and a persistent buzzing noise from the speakers (approximately nine times per session). After a forced restart, the computer operates normally until every third incident requires resetting the CMOS—either by shorting pins or removing the battery. So far I've:
- Installed numerous GPU drivers
- Submitted an RMA for the GPU (recently replaced)
- Updated the BIOS
- Tested a second PCIe slot
- Formatted Windows
- Replaced power supply unit
- Conducted a RAM test
- Purchased a higher-quality DP cable
None of these steps resolved the issue. Occasionally it freezes completely, sometimes mid-game after a few minutes, and other times it runs without problems. I ran Heaven for over an hour after swapping the PSU, believing I fixed it, but it crashed shortly into Tetris the next day. The only other possibilities are a faulty CPU, a failing SSD, or a failing motherboard. Since among these three components, motherboards seem most prone to failure, I’m unsure what else might be at fault. My hardware is over five years old, which makes sense. Any insights?
Specs:
- Intel i5 7600K
- MSI Ventus RTX 3060 Ti
- Strix H270F MB
- EVGA 850 G5
- Corsair Vengeance 16GB
500GB Crucial sata SSD Something of note for it, I've discovered that the locking mechanism on the SATA cable doesn't work properly for some reason. The cable is fine but it seems the connection on the drive itself has been worn down as such that you could just pull the cable out with not much force, and it's mounted vertically on a bracket in a Fractal Define C. It's never come fully out on its own, but is it possible that without being locked in, it causes an unstable connection and crashes?