What to do if your PC starts rebooting spontaneously? There are many reasons for this – both software and hardware. Let’s look at the most common cases.
- 1.Problems with the motherboard
- 2.Problems with the processor
- 3.Video card malfunctions
- 4.RAM problems
- 5.SSD Problems
- 6.Faulty power supply
- 7.BIOS issues
- 8.Bad assembly
- 9.Problems with autoloading
- 10.Problematic OS installation and presence of viruses
Problems with the motherboard
The motherboard is the heart of your computer, on which its stable operation depends. Malfunctions in this component can cause many problems, including cyclic reboots. What can go wrong in the motherboard?
- Southbridge. This chip controls all ports on the back of the PC. Its overheating leads to crashes and reboots. The solution is to replace the thermal paste or install an active fan.
- Northbridge. In modern PCs, it is responsible for communication between the processor, video card, and RAM. Problems with it manifest themselves similarly to problems with the southbridge.
- BIOS chip. Stores data about devices connected to the computer. Reboots can occur due to unsuccessful BIOS flashing, a discharged battery, or damaged tracks on the motherboard.
- Capacitors. These elements accumulate and release an electric charge. Swelling or exploding capacitors lead to unstable power supply, which causes reboots and short circuits. Solution: replace damaged capacitors with new ones.
- Tracks and pads. Due to their small size, they are easily damaged. If a pad shorts, this indicates that the PC has not been assembled correctly. Make sure that the board does not directly contact the case, but uses dielectric spacers.
Problems with the processor
The key problem in the processor’s operation may be overheating. For single-core processors, the optimal temperature is considered to be 30-40 °C, for multi-core processors – up to 130 °C. Anything higher – can lead to shutdown and reboot of the PC. But there are other pitfalls.
- Inefficient cooling system. The cooling system must maintain a normal processor temperature. If it fails, the processor overheats and fails, which is manifested by frequent freezes and reboots.
- Abnormal operating mode. Overclocking the processor increases its performance, but also increases the temperature and can lead to the destruction of the processor core, causing instability of the system.
Video card malfunctions
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Here we see a similar picture, where a malfunction of one or another component leads to an involuntary reboot of the PC.
- PCI-Express connector issues. Dust between the contacts can cause interruptions and reboots.
- Breakdown in power supply circuits. In this case, the video card may not turn on, and the BIOS signals an error.
- Driver failure. Remove old video card drivers and install the latest software from the manufacturer’s official website.
- Bad BIOS firmware. This is especially true for video cards used in mining. Check and restore the factory BIOS firmware.
RAM problems
What problems can be expected here?
- RAM incompatibility. Using memory modules from different manufacturers with different characteristics can cause conflicts. It is better to use modules from the same manufacturer and series.
- Inability to work in dual-channel mode. Not all RAM modules support this mode.
- Unsuccessful overclocking. Exceeding the permissible voltage during overclocking can burn out the memory module.
SSD Problems
The fault may lie in the SSD controller, located between the interface and the memory chips. Its damage may lead to data loss. In this case, it is recommended to update the drive firmware.
Faulty power supply
What pitfalls await the user here?
- Insufficient power: If the power supply does not provide enough power for the entire system, it may overheat and cause reboots.
- Dried out or swollen capacitors. This can happen due to long-term use or overheating.
- Lack of protection. Cheap power supplies may not have protection against short circuits and voltage surges, which can cause serious damage. It is recommended to choose power supplies with an 80 Plus certificate.
BIOS issues
Not everyone wants to look for the causes of reboot problems in the BIOS, but they are there too.
- Mismatch between the BIOS version and components. For example, a motherboard on the B350 chipset supports second-generation Ryzen processors only after updating the BIOS.
- Overclocked components. This can lead to overheating and permanent reboots.
- Errors during update. BIOS may be updated with errors or downloaded from an unverified source, which makes its operation unstable.
Bad assembly
Low competence of the specialist assembling a new PC is another destructive scenario. For example, due to improper assembly, the motherboard may be pressed against the case. And poor soldering in contact with metal can lead to a short circuit.
Problems with autoloading
Why should you install programs from trusted sources? Because from untrusted sources, under the guise of regular software, a bunch of digital “weeds” can crawl out. For example:
- Mining programs;
- Optimizers;
- Banners;
- Advertising links.
The above-mentioned software will clutter up the OS startup parameters, and often such software is not even displayed in the task manager. Despite this, the programs take up the PC’s resources, and in some cases, even reboot it.
Problematic OS installation and presence of viruses
The most reliable preventive measure is to create a system restore point. It is advisable to do this at least once a month. This way you have the opportunity to “roll back” the OS to a stable version.