Random computer freezing can be annoying. Your PC will not respond to your inputs, and the only solution is to reboot the system.
Many different things can cause your PC to freeze. In this article, we’ll examine whether your computer’s motherboard can also cause freezing.
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Can A Motherboard Cause Freezing?
Your computer’s motherboard connects all other components. So the motherboard can cause most PC issues, including random freezing.
There are a few possible ways your motherboard can cause your PC to freeze. These include motherboard overheating, incompatible BIOS updates/settings, and failing motherboard capacitors and electronics.
However, many other things can cause your PC to freeze; various software and hardware issues can be the reason. Common software issues include missing OS files, driver issues, malware, and malfunctioning software. And common hardware issues include CPU/GPU overheating, faulty RAM, faulty SSD/HDD, and malfunctioning external devices like USB drives.
Therefore, you must first determine whether the freezing is due to a motherboard issue or any other reason.
Now let’s look at several ways your motherboard can cause freezing.
Motherboard Overheating
An overheating motherboard VRM can cause your PC to freeze. If your motherboard only has a poor-quality VRM without any heatsinks, it will overheat under higher CPU loads. Overheating VRM will then lower its power output to prevent hardware damage.
Your motherboard’s VRM supplies power to your CPU. So when the VRM throttles down, your CPU will also have to throttle down due to insufficient power. This CPU power throttling can freeze your computer under heavy workloads.
If your motherboard’s VRM is overheating, you can add VRM heatsinks or a small case fan to cool it down. If you have a high-end CPU or an overclocked CPU, you need to upgrade to a high-end motherboard with a good VRM and built-in VRM heatsinks.
Motherboard BIOS Issues
Incompatible BIOS updates can also cause your PC to freeze. Some unofficial third-party BIOS updates might be incompatible with your computer’s hardware. So they can cause random freezing and various other issues.
Some third-party BIOS updates for overclocking can also overheat your PC components and cause random freezing.
So you should update the BIOS to the latest official version. But if newer BIOS updates also cause freezing, try downgrading to the original BIOS version shipped with your motherboard.
Incompatible BIOS settings can also cause your PC to freeze. So set the BIOS settings according to your current PC hardware configuration.
Failing Capacitors And Other Electronics On The Motherboard
If your motherboard is too old, it can cause freezing due to failing electronic components, especially failing capacitors.
Capacitors might leak and bulge when they are too old, causing poor signaling on the motherboard and various power supply issues.
If this is the case, you have to replace your old motherboard.
Final Thoughts
Your motherboard can be the reason for your PC’s random freezing. Motherboard overheating, incompatible BIOS updates, and failing motherboard capacitors can all cause your PC to freeze.
However, your PC can freeze for many other reasons. Software issues like missing OS files, outdated drivers, and malware can cause freezing. Similarly, hardware issues like overheating, faulty RAM, and faulty SSDs/HDDs can also cause freezing.