Wierd vista FREEZING problem

Hi guys, I recently just did a new build. The specs are:
Motherboard: Asus M3A78-EM
CPU: AMD Phenom X4 9600 @ 2.3ghz
RAM: 6gb Kingston DDR2 800mhz
HDD: WD Caviar 500gig
PSU: Rosewill 450W ATX2.2
Logitech EX100 wireless keyboard and mouse
Vista Home Premium 64-bit

My problem is this: I just recently got vista up and a couple of programs. At random times, it could either be 2 min or 2 hours it will just randomly freeze. I am able to move the mouse but nothing else, not even CTRL+ALT+DEL. I have all the most recent driver updates I believe, and most recent BIOS. Im not sure if this is a virus, drivers, or a hardware problem.

What I have dont to try and fix it: Went into MSCONFIG and disabled all the useless stuff and have the only important stuff running such as the OS, virus scan etc. Disabled all standbys and sleep mode. I don't think doing a diagnosive startup would make a difference considering I have had the problem since I first built it.

Any ideas and help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

Have you checked your cpu temperature, make sure it's not overheating. I have the phenom 9750 and it runs 56 celcius full load.

The only time I expirenced random freezes (occured on xp) it happened about every 20 minutes. I was able to trace it to the onboard audio. when I installed a PCI audio card the problem went away.

 

It runs at 43 degrees on idle according to the bios, so its probably topping out at around 60 would be my guess. It might be the problem but I don't really think so. Because I thought if it overheated it would automatically reboot giving you an "overheat error"?

 

The PSU is nasty, I'd get rid of that as a precaution, as if it isn't the problem now, it will be later, change it for a Corsair VX 450W.
The RAM is my next suspect.

 

is the psu really that bad? it got good pretty good reviews on newegg so thats why i got it..It was like 50$ to so it cant be to bad. And I thought Kingston made some good RAM? I am also just thinking about doing a reformat back to vista 32-bit. Is that a bad idea? Am I really going to notice a huge difference? Because of the randomness of it happening I am just kind of convinced that its something that's just not working right in vista.

 

Trust me, all Rosewill power supplies are bad.

 

haha alright...so how long will i get out of it? and do you think i should go back to vista 32-bit?

 

That's not a question you should be asking, as when it goes, it will take the rest of your components with it.

 

so its really that bad? should i send it back to newegg? is that whats causing the freezing prob?

 

It might not be, but it's certainly a possibility, replace it with the unit I recommended ASAP.

 

the corsair is a little out of my price range. Anything really good for about $50?

 

it really doesnt seem all that bad tho..pretty stable supply..3 yr warranty to

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

 

so should i try vista 32-bit?

 

I don't think that will cure the problem.

 

so your definetly suggesting its the hardware i take it. And my guess is the PSU isn't going to fix the prob either. So your next guess is the RAM. Would memtest confirm this?

 

The RAM is the most likely suspect. I've seen a lot of DOA Kingston memory in my time. This does not mean you shouldn't replace the Power Supply though.

 

alright ill go for the psu change. i am also using newegg.ca cuz im canadian eh..but the 400w is 67 with 20$ m-i-r so thats nice. does newegg make u pay return ship?

 

reading through newegg's FAQ just instantly made me change my mind about the PSU considering I bought it as a bundle with the case and they make you return them both together. Ill stick with the PSU and try to figure out the prob with your help

 

The penalty of combo deals. Well, I'll leave you with the risk of owning a PSU by one of the least reliable companies in the industry.