The computer crashes unexpectedly and requires more than 20 attempts to boot up properly.
The computer crashes unexpectedly and requires more than 20 attempts to boot up properly.
My computer shuts down unexpectedly sometimes. When I attempt to launch it, it takes between one and thirty attempts. During this time the CPU fan cycles on and off repeatedly until I can open it. I also encounter kernel-related problems in the event logs, though they indicate that a full copy was enabled rather than just a kernel error. Could this be a motherboard issue? Might it be related to the RAM (4+2)? I purchased this used about two years ago and it started functioning properly only a month after buying it.
And if it shuts down after waiting about 15 minutes, will it still require 30 attempts to recover? When it randomly stops, what happens on the screen—BSOD or just a black screen with power off? Are the fans still running or has everything stopped completely? Also, if you miscalculate the RAM and remove it, should you use a single stick instead of the original?
What occurs is that the CPU fan activates when I press the power button, but it stops right away afterward. This repeats many times. Eventually I have to turn off the main power and wait for it to start again normally. Occasionally it shuts down completely while I'm using the PC, then the fan resumes. This has been happening about a month after I bought the used i3 3220+ motherboard with RAM in two years ago. The problem has gotten worse recently, making it impossible to boot. The error log mentions a kernel issue but lacks detailed info. I have a screenshot ready if you open the PC again. It isn't the PSU since I swapped my cheap PSU for a Corsair Cx 450m. Thanks for your time. Edited July 18, 2023 by ExtremelyPoorGamer provided PC specs.
Have you attempted using a single stick to check if the problem persists? You might also test one stick in various slots on the board, then switch to the other stick as well. Let us know if the issue continues regardless of which stick or slot you choose.
I attempted to change the RAM, but nothing altered. Then I installed just 4 GB (the one I had used), yet the system remained unresponsive. When I opened Windows and clicked any icon, nothing occurred. After adjusting the frequency to 1333 MHz—beyond what my motherboard supports—I only reinserted both modules. The computer started working temporarily. Please note the issue isn't that the PC won’t start; it’s that it takes many tries to open and sometimes (4–9 times a week) it crashes while I’m using it.
I managed to make a solid improvement, providing the best protection.
So the issue kept occurring even when testing one stick at a time. You changed the PSU (assuming you chose a solid 80+ model) and used two different RAM sticks in separate slots. It seems the motherboard might be the problem, though it’s possible RAM is the culprit too. There could still be other causes like a failing CPU or damaged wiring. Have you verified the power button switch on the front I/O header to rule out any cross-up issues? Also, did the CPU come with the board or did you install it yourself? Even if the fix is possible, consider upgrading your platform now to avoid more frustration in the future. You could get a decent B450 board with a used Ryzen Zen 1 or 1+ CPU and 8/16GB 2666MHz RAM for a reasonable price today.
Thanks for the time. Regarding your questions: a faulty case button might indeed lead to unexpected shutdowns while the PC runs normally. As for the recommended components, I can't guarantee the SSD you bought is ready for Windows installation—please verify its condition. The error you're seeing in disk info is something to address before proceeding. Your options are either G4400 or an i5 3570; let me know which one you prefer.
It's conceivable the bottom part made contact after you attempted to power it on, leading to random shutdowns. You might avoid the power switch by removing it from the board and using a screwdriver to touch its pins directly on the board—this should take only a second. If the issue persists, it likely isn't the problem. The 3570 CPU remains solid today, and my brother still uses a 3550.