System reboots itself with no warning

[Maddieface]

My computer has been periodically rebooting itself for probably getting on for a year now, and I'm getting increasingly frustrated with the tenacity of the problem.

The rebooting happens when under load, usually while running a game. It seems to happen more often if both my browser and the game are open, which has made me think it's memory related (especially since the one time I got an actual bluescreen rather than a flat reboot it gave me a Memory Management error). Event Viewer gives no details, and despite enabling them the system does not write minidump files so I can't check those either.

So far I have:
Replaced the PSU
Replaced the GPU
Upgraded the cooling system (there was a heat issue at one stage, it's gone now but the rebooting persists)
Replaced the RAM
Moved the RAM to every combination of slots on the motherboard.
Run about a million disk and memory tests, none of which showed problems.
Swapped the case, just in case that was causing issues with things getting jolted or overheating.

None of this has helped, and I really don't want to keep throwing hundreds of dollars at a problem in order for the PC of Theseus to somehow keep rebooting.

Any suggestions?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

How about the Bios? Did you update that?

 

[Maddieface]

I think so? But I honestly don't remember for sure... I'll give that a try.

 

[Geven]

If updating the BIOS doesn't help, I'd suggest taking a look at your motherboard. Since you've replaced most of the other key components and the issue persists, the motherboard could be the culprit. Also, ensure that your drivers are up-to-date, especially for the GPU.

Another thing to consider is checking the Windows System logs for any clues. They might contain a more detailed error message than the Event Viewer.

Lastly, even though you've upgraded the cooling system, it might be worth monitoring your system's temperature. There are free software tools like HWMonitor that can help you with this.

 

[Tech Junky]

drivers

I had a series of random reboots on my laptop for some time and the error pointed to a power event. In the end though it turned out to be an Intel driver. Sometimes the symptoms don't match the actual issue we observe.

 

[igor_kavinski]

Another thing to consider is checking the Windows System logs for any clues. They might contain a more detailed error message than the Event Viewer.

Make special note of the driver filename given in the event log error description. It might be an important clue as to which device is the culprit.

 

[igor_kavinski]

Replaced the RAM

What was the brand and model before and what did you replace it with?

Four sticks of RAM would be more problematic for some CPU/mobo combinations.

Which mobo are you using? Is the current RAM kit mentioned on the QVL for your mobo?

 

[Maddieface]

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the help! I've not had the opportunity to do a BIOS update yet (we've had storm weather and the power has been a bit flakey so I'm waiting for that to calm down first).

If updating the BIOS doesn't help, I'd suggest taking a look at your motherboard. Since you've replaced most of the other key components and the issue persists, the motherboard could be the culprit. Also, ensure that your drivers are up-to-date, especially for the GPU.

Another thing to consider is checking the Windows System logs for any clues. They might contain a more detailed error message than the Event Viewer.

Lastly, even though you've upgraded the cooling system, it might be worth monitoring your system's temperature. There are free software tools like HWMonitor that can help you with this.

Should have mentioned at the start, I have updated all my drivers on at least a couple of occasions since this began, and I keep the GPU driver pretty up to date in general (including using DDU when installing the new one).

I've also been using HWMonitor regularly, it's how I picked up on the original heating issue, no further problems detected since.

How would I go about checking System logs outside of Event Viewer? I've never done so before. I'd love anything that could give me more detail, Event Viewer has just been giving "previous shutdown was unexpected".

What was the brand and model before and what did you replace it with?

Four sticks of RAM would be more problematic for some CPU/mobo combinations.

Which mobo are you using? Is the current RAM kit mentioned on the QVL for your mobo?

As to my original RAM configuration I couldn't tell you I'm afraid, I had it for some years now. It was 4x8gb and it had worked fine for at least most of that time, but I don't remember the specific model and manufacturer.

The new set is a pair of 16gb Corsair sticks and they're definitely on the QVL list.

 

[igor_kavinski]

The new set is a pair of 16gb Corsair sticks and they're definitely on the QVL list.

Time consuming but here's something you could try:

Take both sticks out. Put one stick in slot 1. Use it for a while, as long as it normally takes to get the shutdown. If it happens, move the stick to slot 2 and so on. If the shutdowns happen with that stick in all 4 slots, take it out and test the 2nd stick the same way. If that also doesn't give you full stability, it's probably not the RAM, unless your mobo hates that RAM for some reason. Howz the airflow for these sticks? Any chance they could be heating up?