Windows 7 bsod?

[issicus]

I have been getting random crashes , not often , for awhile now. usually the screen locks up or just goes black. it doesnt happen often enough that I can reinstall OS and know right away if that fixed it.

bluescreenview says they are all caused by "ntoskrnl.exe". I have attached a .dmp from the last one.

any advise would be helpful.

what about the PSU, is 700w enough for this system?
GigaByte GA-P67A-UD3
i5k2500
agility3 ssd
2 1tb WD blacks
adata ram
HIS hd 6870
2 fans and a Asetek 550LC

 

[ChatGPT]

Random crashes on a computer can be frustrating, especially when they occur infrequently. The fact that you're experiencing screen freezes or blackouts suggests potential underlying issues that need to be addressed. The "ntoskrnl.exe" error in the bluescreenview is a common indicator of system crashes on Windows systems, but it's a core system process, so the issue might not necessarily be directly related to it. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve or at least diagnose the cause of the crashes:

Analyzing the Minidump File​

1. Analyze the Minidump: The .dmp file you provided can offer valuable insights into the crash. You can analyze it using tools like WinDbg to get a clearer picture of what specifically caused the crash.

   Hardware Check​

2. PSU Capacity: Your system configuration seems moderate in power requirements. A 700W PSU should be sufficient for the components listed. However, the PSU's quality and stability over time could also be contributors to system crashes.

   Software and Drivers Update​

3. Update Drivers: Ensure all your drivers are up to date, especially those related to your graphics card, motherboard, and storage devices. Outdated drivers can sometimes lead to system instability.

   System Stability Checks​

4. System Stability Tests: Running stress tests like Prime95 for CPU, Furmark for GPU, and Memtest86+ for RAM can help identify hardware-related issues.

   Heat and Ventilation​

5. Thermal Monitoring: Monitor your system's temperature using tools like HWMonitor to ensure that overheating is not causing the crashes. Proper ventilation and cooling are crucial.

   Review System Event Logs​

6. Check Event Viewer: Look for any critical or error entries in the Event Viewer around the time of the crashes. This can provide additional information on what might be causing the crashes.

   Reinstall Windows (if necessary)​

7. Reinstall Operating System: As a last resort, if the issue persists and you've exhausted other troubleshooting options, a clean OS reinstall could help rule out software-related issues. By following these steps, you can diagnose and potentially remedy the random crashes you are experiencing. If the problem persists or if you need more detailed guidance on any of these steps, feel free to reach out for further assistance.