GA-Z97-HD3 + 5775C - PC freeze

[utopic]

Hello,

I have the following configuration:

Intel Core i7 5775C 3.3GHz box
Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB DDR3 1600MHz CL9 Dual Channel Kit 1.5v
GIGABYTE GA-Z97-HD3 rev2.0
SSD Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SATA-III 2.5 inch
Enermax ELT500AWT 500W SLI
Windows 8.1

The issue is I get random freezes, and by that I mean the PC freezes with the sound on loop and requires a reset.

I started with the official Bios F8 version, and then moved to the F9a (beta?) version.
I tried a different ADATA SSD.
I tried my old Seagate HDD.
I tried swapping the ram in the slots & also using just one stick.
I tried the windows' memory test tool and it found no issues.
I tried different SATA slots for the drives.
I've disabled HT from the BIOS, it still froze afterwards.
I've disabled TurboBoost from Bios, it still froze afterwards.
I've disabled the power management in windows (i.e. CPU is always at 100%), it still froze afterwards.

I have NOT tried disabling C6/C7 and I'm running Memtest as we speak.
The system is not overclocked and I don't intend to install a discrete graphics card or use it for gaming.


Example of situations when it froze:
Listening to a music video on youtube, downloaded TeamViewer, clicked to install, it froze.
While browsing, started Eclipse, it froze.
After a previous freeze, on windows screen where it shows your user picture, it froze.

 I'm thinking it's a buggy bios, in relation the the 5775C. Any ideas?

[dmdilks]

I notice you don't have a video card and it looks like you are using the CPU for video. I know this might not be it, but I had somebody's computer one time it was doing the same thing.

It turn out to be his video card. Do you have a video card you can try? Everything goes through the CPU and you could have a bad one.

[utopic]

Thanks for the reply - unfortunately I don't have a graphics card...

I did test with C6/C7 disabled and it still froze.
I also had SpeedStep disabled from BIOS, it still froze.
Memtest also reported no errors.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,
I like dmdilks idea regarding testing with a discrete GPU. 

Broadwell  CPU.  These type of issues are difficult to isolate since its happening when the machine is idle, or under low load, as well as just starting up and logging in. 

How old is that PSU?  It's got plenty of power for your rig, but could it be tired?  Have you used App Center & SIV to watch your voltages.  Try loading set up defaults in BIOS, make minimum number of changes for system to boot (XMP Profile1) and boot order.  See if this helps with isolation. 

[utopic]

Thank you all for your help.

In the end I ordered another MB from a different manufacturer, which, using the same configuration/components works without issues.

So it looks like it was the MB and/or crappy BIOS.

Hopefully I will be able to get a refund.