Issues with BSOD, crashes, unexpected shutdowns, and missing video output
Issues with BSOD, crashes, unexpected shutdowns, and missing video output
Over several months my PC has been experiencing multiple issues. The components are quite old: an i7-4790 processor, an MSI Z97M motherboard, 2x8GB DDR3 RAM, a GTX970 graphics card. BSODs and freezes appear unexpectedly, even when no demanding programs are running or the hardware isn’t being stressed. Occasionally they happen simply because I shifted the case slightly or connected an external HDD behind the motherboard. After a crash or freeze, I restart using the case button, but upon rebooting again—either via the case button or directly on the motherboard—the system fails to boot properly. The only workaround is to power off the PC by holding the case power button, then shut down the PSU, wait briefly, restart the PSU, and finally press the button behind the motherboard to clear CMOS. I attempt to turn it back on using the normal case button and hope for a successful start.
I’ve tested some hardware to rule out faults. Running MemTest86 with four passes found no errors. Both SSD and HDD were inspected via CrystalDiskInfo and showed no issues. Concerning the CPU and GPU, they often struggle under heavy tasks like 3D rendering or video encoding, which can trigger BSODs and crashes—even when idle. Someone suggested my motherboard capacitors might be failing, which could also be the root cause. What are your thoughts?
I need to refurbish the CPU and GPU while cleaning the entire PC. I always check temperatures using HWinfo64 and MSI Afterburner during intense tasks, and currently both the CPU and GPU stay under 60 or 70°C.
Consider checking the BSV, replace the CMOS battery, and attempt a fresh installation, though it seems like there might be an issue with the hardware.
Visit C:\Windows\Minidump to see if any minidump files exist. If present, return to the Windows directory and transfer the Minidump folder to the Downloads folder (use your desktop if needed). Compress the copied folder and include it in a post. Please adhere strictly to instructions since Windows doesn't allow file changes there.
Recent updates haven’t arrived, but the system keeps crashing and freezing intermittently, often ending in a full reboot. I used nowbluescreenview and checked the C:\Windows\Minidump folder, but no recent minidump files were found.
I joined this discussion despite its age since I believe having prior context would help. In recent weeks, I experienced multiple BSODs while rendering tasks, and this time BlueScreenView displayed some dump files. The recurring issues are these two specific errors.