Hi, I hope you guys can help.
I've a Z68M-D2H mb... I believe is rev1. Bios version F4
Intel Core7 3.4Ghz CPU (never overclocked)
8 gigs G.Skill memory
Boot Disk: Corsair 64gig Sata3 SSD
Data Disk: Seagate 1 terabyte Sata2
DVD drive (Sata 2)
Gigabyte Video 440 1 gig.
Now, the problem. I've had this computer for 6 months without a single hiccup. It runs 24/7, except for the occasional reboot due to Windows updates or software install or uninstall. Today, apparently after a Steam update, it starts crashing. Total freeze, nothing works at all. Then, when I reboot, the bios cannot find any drives except the DVD.
After a reset, it will not find the drives (yes, both of them). After a shutdown and cold reboot, it will find the drives, but my boot time is 4-5 times what it was before today.
Finally, it appears to lose the drives occasionally while the system is running.
If it boots, then both drives are fully available. If it doesn't, then there is no boot at all.
I have:
1) Pulled it apart. Made sure all the connectors were tight, free of dust, etc.
2) examined the bios, there appears to be no changes and changing the boot order and quick boot setup has no effect.
I am loathe to flash a new bios or anything like that before I understand what the problem actually is. I had thought it was the Steam update as punkbuster appears to have a known issue with easy tune6. However, I don't have punkbuster installed and I wasn't running easy tune at the time.
I can handle most computer work (I built this one myself), so feel free to make suggestions. I just want to know what's going on before making major changes.
Thanks in advance