[RESOLVED]Computer random restarts, kernel 41, trying to identify the faulty component.
[RESOLVED]Computer random restarts, kernel 41, trying to identify the faulty component.
Hello, my computer is approximately 10 months old, all components except the GPU were brand new.
Specifications:
Intel i5-12400
ASUS Prime B660M-A D4 WIFI
Team Delta TUF 2x8GB 3200 CL16
Team MP33 1TB
ASUS TUF RX 6800 XT OC
MSI MPG A850GF.
Issue description:
The computer randomly restarts, sometimes even while idle, and it progressively worsens over time. Within a span of 3 days, it escalated from once a day to every few minutes.
The event viewer indicated Kernel 41 after each crash, so I suspect it is a hardware issue.
What I've done:
1. Updated drivers and operating system.
2. Attempted to run using integrated graphics only.
3. Tried operating without any USB devices connected, except for a standard office keyboard and mouse.
4. Reconnected all PSU cables, even swapped to the backup cables that came with the PSU.
5. Purchased a PSU tester, tested the PSU, and according to the readings and online guidelines, voltages and "PG" are all within the acceptable range.
6. Disassembled everything and attempted to run it in a test bench setup (without the case).
7. Disabled XMP, running with only 1 stick of RAM, swapped RAM, and changed RAM slots.
Latest development:
I operated the PC with only integrated graphics and let it idle for about 2 hours, no crashes at all, then I decided to stress test it with Cinebench, it completed the first 10-minute run, but crashed during the second 10-minute run.
Then I attempted to run with the GPU and stress tested with Diablo 4, which crashed within minutes after entering the character selection screen.
Therefore, this leads me to believe that either the PSU or the motherboard might be defective.
My question is, which one could it be? I'm seeking opinions from seasoned builders/troubleshooters. Thank you in advance.
Just additional information, ever since I first assembled this computer, the metallic components of the case and USB devices with metallic parts occasionally give me an electric shock. If this is relevant, the wall outlets in my country are all 2-prong (type C), meaning they are not grounded, and the socket is also type C, but I'm unsure if it is grounded (old building).
Honestly, I have never done any RMA because this is the first hardware issue I've encountered since my initial build about 8 years ago.
Do you think this qualifies for warranty coverage for a PSU?
Do you think this qualifies for warranty coverage for a PSU?......Yes, you can RMA it.
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For anyone who comes across this post, I resolved the issue by replacing the motherboard.
After following the steps I outlined, you may need to visit a PC repair shop or spend money on a part replacement without knowing which component is faulty.
In my situation, it was either the motherboard or CPU as I had no means of verification.
Based on the symptoms I experienced, I concluded it was a motherboard issue, and the symptoms included:
1. Random shutdowns
2. Inability to POST, occasionally it does POST but very infrequently
3. Minor physical damage possibly caused by failure or self-inflicted.
Tests I conducted before diagnosing motherboard failure:
1. Reversed all software and driver updates completed that week. (BIOS was updated at least 5 months ago)
2. Completely disassembled, reconnected every cable.
3. Booted with only 1 stick of RAM (tested both sticks in every slot), without GPU, without SSD/HDD, without RAM, tried a new stick of RAM, cleared CMOS.
4. Re-seated the CPU and CPU cooler.
5. Repeated step 3 but placed it on the motherboard box for test benching.
6. Swapped every PSU cable with the spare ones that came with the PSU. Changed the PSU power cable, and also tried different power outlets.
7. Sent the PSU for RMA.