Question Random crashes, BSOD, no video signal
Question Random crashes, BSOD, no video signal
I own a computer with outdated components that have been causing issues for roughly a year. The CPU is an i7-4790 (non-K version), paired with an Arctic Freezer 13 cooler. The motherboard is an MSI z97m, and I’m unsure of the BIOS version—I attempted an update a couple of years ago but it crashed at around 9% load, preventing a successful update. The RAM consists of two Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3 modules at 1600Mhz CL9. For storage, I have one 1TB Crucial MX 500 SSD for the operating system and software, a 120GB Samsung 850 EVO drive, and a 1TB Western Digital Caviar Blue HDD. The GPU is a Gigabyte GTX 970 g1 gaming card. The power supply is a Corsair CS650M from around 2011 or 2012. The chassis is an Antec ISK 600M. The operating system runs Windows 11, and the monitor is an Asus vx238h.
The machine randomly crashes or triggers a BSOD, regardless of whether it's idle or under any workload. Sometimes it fails even when I move the case to access an external drive on the motherboard. At this stage, I’m forced to shut it down by pressing the start button or turning off the PSU directly because the case’s reset button doesn’t restore the system during these incidents.
I then have to restart it through the PSU, via the start button, or reset the BIOS on the back panel—typically 20 or 30 times before the PC boots again. This process is unpredictable, with each step failing more than once. Eventually, when it finally starts, a message appears:
I press F2 and, if I’m lucky, Windows launches normally; otherwise, the system crashes again.
I’ve also tested various troubleshooting steps:
- GPU and CPU load benchmarks (with rendering software);
- Updated BIOS battery;
- Used CrystalDIskInfo to check disks (all functioning);
- Verified RAM with MemTest86 (all tests passed);
- Started the PC with only one RAM stick (both slots worked, even after a crash);
- Switched video cables, GPU output ports, and power cable connections.
Despite these efforts, problems persist randomly, making each restart a frustrating ordeal. I’m unsure what to do next and currently can’t afford to replace parts or the whole machine.
I own a computer with outdated components (i7-4790, msi z97m, gtx970, 2x8GB ddr3...) that has been experiencing issues for roughly a year. When sharing a troubleshooting thread, it's standard to provide detailed system specifications. Please list your build details as follows:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
Include the PSU age along with its make and model. Also, the current BIOS version for your motherboard.