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Complex - Drives and Memory randomly disappears, freezes, unable to install windows

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Arixxon

PCHF Member
Dec 11, 2017
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Hello, I have a huge and complex problem.
My lame assumption is its caused by Motherboard. But I'm not a pro so I ask you:

First, history of the problem: I bought this PC in 2014, after 5 months my software equalizer stopped working so I checked why, and in hardware list my soundcard was listed under unknown manufacturer basic speakers. + front Jack 3,5mm played only Mono audio. Suddenly. I couldn't fix that so I live with it. After a year and half, my windows started to freeze randomly, usually restart fixed it but after few days it froze again and the time between freezes was shorter. Then I noticed I can't use search function in windows. Couldn't search in hierarchy of folders, could only search for a file I knew is in the folder I am searching in. That was weird so I reinstalled Windows but that didn't help. Random freezes were there and searching still didn't work, even when I installed windows CLEAN INSTALL from official windows iso I downloaded. On one freeze I restarted my PC and it said it The winlogon.exe is broken and NONE of the ways like fix windows boot, run command prompt and run commands to fix it there didn't work. Mostly it just said unknown error happened or windows cannot finish this operation, so another clean install helped. After this I had to reinstall the system like 10 times in 1-3 month intervals for similar errors (some windows file or necessary boot driver was damaged). Yesterday I tried to install the system again but it couldn't find my USB stick, I managed to find it by allowing CSM, but I never had to do this before. I also noticed my bios time was reset so I changed motherboard battery just to be sure. The installation was unsuccessful 3 times so I had to download the iso again (it was only 12 hours old). This time it worked but then I put my PC to sleep mode and after like 4 hours I heard *beep* sound, went to check my PC and on screen was written "running diagnostic tool" and then "your system cannot be repaired, press OK to shut the computer off" (sorry I'm translating from Czech). So I wanted to reinstall the system again just after one day it was working, now it won't find the Bootable USB stick even with all settings right, CSM on, secure boot off, only 1-in-30 tries the Bootable USB stick appears in bios but after restart it's gone again. I can't fit over this, I need your help guys. Will new motherboard fix the problem?

PS: when going into bios, my disks or all memory randomly disappears and shows N/A. After restart it appears again. Screens to compare: https://imgur.com/a/JfXa8

System info: on the screen above, I don't know where to find motherboard name.
Thanks for any help! I need to know what component should I change to fix this.
 
any chance it is under extended warranty?
but ****!, where to start.
sounds like you have given it a good crack, so yes, I think it's time to swap out the mobo as it does sound like hardware.
for good measure, I'd also consider a new drive and maybe RAM, budget permitting.

if it was still reasonably new, I'd spend the effort tracking it down further, but at 3 years, I think replacing rather than repairing is the way to go.
 
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Hi Arixxon, Welcome to PCHF! :)

This definitely is pointing to more than likely a motherboard problem. Since you stated the PC is 3 years old, I would look at replacing the motherboard completely to rule out a hardware issue.

Would you like to replace just the motherboard or take the time to get a more up to date system which would include motherboard, CPU and RAM? Your Intel i7 4790 is still a capable CPU but I don't know if you want to get a newer CPU and memory as well.
 
Hi Arixxon, Welcome to PCHF! :)

This definitely is pointing to more than likely a motherboard problem. Since you stated the PC is 3 years old, I would look at replacing the motherboard completely to rule out a hardware issue.

Would you like to replace just the motherboard or take the time to get a more up to date system which would include motherboard, CPU and RAM? Your Intel i7 4790 is still a capable CPU but I don't know if you want to get a newer CPU and memory as well.
thank for reply, I'm low on budget so I will definitely try just swapping motherboard, I'm so glad you think that will fix it. Have any idea how to get windows 10 working then? I heard my license code is bound to motherboard and since Im swapping it I will need to input the code somewhere, right?

Also, how will I know new motherboard is compatible with my PC case and other components? I need gaming-based motherboard, can you recommend some? Also tell me why should I get that specific motherboard? Thank you very much
 
I heard my license code is bound to motherboard and since Im swapping it I will need to input the code somewhere, right?

If you have a Windows 10 product key then you can use the same key to re-activate Windows again.

Also, how will I know new motherboard is compatible with my PC case and other components?

As long as the replacement motherboard is the same socket as the CPU that you have then your other components will work fine.

I need gaming-based motherboard, can you recommend some?

This is a good starting point, MSI B85M-E45 LGA 1150 Intel B85 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard.

This motherboard is compatible with your CPU and will have all the features that would need for a Micro ATX board.
 
Because your motherboard size is shown here, Acer Predator G3 605 Series Motherboard which is a smaller size motherboard than a traditional regular ATX board which is for mid size computer towers.

If that picture of your motherboard is incorrect, post a picture of your motherboard in your next reply so we can confirm the motherboard size before you buy a replacement.
 
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