Random freezes but seem to be impacted by computer being idle or not

Understanding and Troubleshooting Random System Freezes in High-Performance Gaming PCs

Many gamers and PC enthusiasts encounter issues where their systems unexpectedly freeze, often disrupting workflows or gaming sessions. A common scenario involves the system functioning smoothly during active use but freezing after periods of inactivity. If you’re experiencing such symptoms, it’s important to analyze potential causes thoroughly before considering hardware replacements.

Case Overview

Consider a high-end gaming PC built with the following specifications:

Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX X570-E GAMING
Memory: 32 GB RAM
Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (12-core)
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
Operating System: Windows 10

Symptoms observed include:

The system boots normally and operates without issues for approximately 10 to 20 minutes when idle.
When left idle, the computer eventually freezes and resets itself.
During active tasks such as playing videos or performing downloads, the system remains stable for over an hour before any issues occur.
The user has tested prolonged video playback (e.g., 10 hours) to monitor freeze timing but has not yet conducted extensive active usage sessions.

Potential Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

Thermal Management and Cooling:
Even high-performance hardware can encounter thermal issues, particularly if cooling solutions are inadequate or airflow is obstructed. Regularly monitor temperatures during idle and load conditions using tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner. Excessive heat may cause the system to freeze to prevent damage.
Power Supply Stability:
An unstable or insufficient power supply can lead to system freezes, especially under varying loads. Verify that your power supply unit (PSU) provides adequate wattage and stable current delivery. Consider testing with a different PSU if possible.
Memory Stability and Configuration:
With 32 GB of RAM, memory issues like faulty modules or incorrect configurations may cause system instability. Run memory diagnostics using Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool or MemTest86 to check for errors.
Graphics Card and Driver Issues:
Since the NVIDIA RTX 3090 is a premium GPU, driver conflicts or overheating could be factors. Ensure that GPU drivers are up to date and properly installed. Conduct stress tests using tools like FurMark or Unigine Heaven to observe stability.
Background Processes and Software Conflicts:
Background applications or system processes might contribute to freezes, especially if