Since this past Tuesday, my computer suddenly now crashes. All started after an issue with Chrome, and now I believe its overheating.

Understanding Sudden Computer Crashes: A Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide

Experiencing unexpected computer crashes can be a frustrating ordeal, especially when initial troubleshooting efforts do not resolve the issue. Recently, I encountered a sudden series of crashes on my personal computer, which began after a browser-related problem. Given the recent heatwaves, I suspected overheating might be the culprit. Despite my efforts, the problem persisted, prompting a deep dive into systematic diagnostics.

In this article, I will share my troubleshooting process, tools used, and considerations to help fellow enthusiasts identify and resolve similar issues.

Identifying the Problem

The issue began unexpectedly on a Tuesday, following a problematic episode with Chrome. Concurrently, the device was running noticeably hotter, leading me to suspect thermal issues. However, temperature anomalies had never caused problems before, indicating a possible underlying hardware or software fault.

Initial Steps and Troubleshooting Measures

System File Verification
I ran the sfc /scannow command to check the integrity of Windows system files, aiming to identify or repair corrupted components.
Thermal Management Checks
Disassembled the PC to thoroughly clean all components, removing dust that could cause thermal bottlenecks. I replaced the thermal paste on the CPU to improve heat transfer efficiency.
Driver Updates
Ensured all device drivers are current, including graphics, chipset, and motherboard drivers, to eliminate driver-related conflicts.
Operating System Updates
Verified that Windows 11 Pro was fully updated to benefit from the latest patches and stability improvements.
Memory Validation
Removed and tested RAM modules individually to confirm their functionality, ruling out faulty memory as a cause.
Drive Diagnostics
Conducted checks on storage drives for potential failures, bad sectors, or performance issues that could lead to system instability.
Thermal Paste Variations
Reapplied thermal paste using a different product, exploring whether the initial application or material was contributing to temperature spikes.

Analyzing the Blue Screens

Throughout this process, I collected diagnostic data, including three minidump files, which I have shared via mediafire for analysis. Here is an overview of my system specifications: