PC Black Screen crash. Seemingly random, usually while browsing

[LTTMax]

For several months (since Dec 2020) a similar crash has occured. Started soon after replacing boot NVME drive and performing a clean W10 install - not sure if this is relevant but the issue had not occurred before this.

First iteration of the crash was slightly different to later events: the monitor suddenly went blank as if it was receiving no input. I also could not turn the computer off. Tried Ctrl-Alt-Del, the reset button on the case, and eventually holding down the power button - none of which worked. Eventually, the only option I had left was to turn off the power at the power supply. The system turned on again with no issues, and there hasn't been a repeat of that exact type since.

In recent months a similar shutdown/error has occurred, maybe around 14+ times. The usual pattern is: I'm using Firefox, the screen freezes for a few seconds, then goes blank. No inputs from keyboard work. The fans continue or speed up, and the case power LED remains on. The only option at this point is to long press the power button or reset button, and then things will start up as if nothing happened.

There have been a couple of variations on the theme. I'll give more details if needed.

Any clues as to what might be going on? My guess is it might be a power supply issue, or something to do with the install of the NVME drive? Any suggestions welcome!

My specs are:

Windows 10 (64-bit) (Have done a clean re-install, and a reset in process of troubleshooting)

ASUS® PRIME B350-PLUS (BIOS version 5602, nearly latest)

AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (no overclock)

16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 2133MHz (2 x 8GB)

8GB AMD RADEON™ RX 580

WD Blue SN550 1TB boot drive

CORSAIR 650W CS SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD

Age of System: 4.5yrs (Issue not present for first 3.5yrs)

Desktop

 

Out of all the crashes, usually eventviewer doesn't show anything obvious happening immediately prior to the crash. There are 3 exceptions to this, where the error: "Event 18, WHEA-Logger" shows up:

A fatal hardware error has occurred.

Reported by component: Processor Core
Error Source: Machine Check Exception
Error Type: Cache Hierarchy Error
Processor APIC ID: 0 [this number varies]

(No files found in "C:\Windows\Minidump" (folder not present). Have done a sfc /scannow check, which corrected a few errors but the problem still occurs. Have also done chkdsk.)

[char3327]

So a WHEA error means that there is an error with you hardware. I would recommend some basic trouble shooting

 

Update the BIOS and the drivers for the motherboard chipset.   

Update all the hardware drivers, if updates are available from your manufacturer. 

Check the temperature inside the computer to make sure your processor and related peripherals are not overheating.

Check the fan on your CPU to make sure it is properly attached to the CPU.

If you have overclocked your CPU,  reset your settings to the default settings. 

Make sure you power supply fan is working correctly

 

If you do this and it still dosent work, then if possible you would want to figure out which part specifically is not working. If you have a second system or a test bench you can go through and test all you parts on a different system to see what the problem is. If not I would recommend going to a local computer store to get it troubleshooted... 

[helfisk]

1 hour ago, LTTMax said:

could not turn the computer off. Tried Ctrl-Alt-Del, the reset button on the case, and eventually holding down the power button - none of which worked. Eventually, the only option I had left was to turn off the power at the power supply.

This strongly suggest hardware error - Could be BIOS, could be drivers - start by following @char3327's advise.
If the issue persists, check all cables attached to the MB and GPU, make sure they are well seated - including the individual cables for ATX and CPU power. Make sure none of them are being pulled by too tight cable management