Question:

What could be the cause of frequent and random restarts of a computer that has Windows installed on a SATA SSD and an M.2 SSD?

I have a computer that has been working fine for a long time, but recently it started to restart randomly and repeatedly whenever Windows boots up. The restarts happen faster and faster until the computer enters the automatic repair mode and then restarts again. I also noticed a strange white line flashing on the screen when the restarts occur. I have tried various troubleshooting steps, such as changing the GPU, the motherboard cables, the RAM configuration and slots, the PSU cables, the USB devices, and the monitors. I have also tried booting from external SSDs with Windows and Linux, but the problem persists. I am not sure what is causing this issue and I need some expert advice on how to fix it.

Answer:

A computer that restarts randomly and frequently is a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem. It can cause data loss, corruption, or damage to your hardware and software. There are many possible causes for this issue, but some of the most common ones are:

• Power supply issues: A faulty or inadequate power supply unit (PSU) can cause your computer to lose power or receive insufficient or unstable voltage. This can trigger a restart or a shutdown to protect your system from damage. You can check your PSU by using a multimeter or a power supply tester, or by swapping it with a known good one.
• Overheating issues: A computer that runs too hot can also cause random restarts, as a safety measure to prevent overheating damage. Overheating can be caused by dust buildup, poor ventilation, faulty fans, overclocking, or high ambient temperature. You can monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures using software tools, and make sure they are within the safe range. You can also clean your fans and heatsinks, improve your airflow, or apply new thermal paste to your CPU and GPU.
• Hardware issues: A defective or incompatible hardware component can also cause your computer to restart randomly. This can include your motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, SSDs, or any other peripheral device. You can troubleshoot your hardware by running diagnostic tests, updating your drivers and firmware, or removing or replacing suspected components one by one.
• Software issues: A corrupt or buggy software program, driver, or operating system can also cause your computer to restart randomly. This can include Windows updates, antivirus programs, or any other third-party software. You can troubleshoot your software by running a virus scan, performing a clean boot, disabling automatic restart on system failure, or restoring your system to a previous state.

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to reinstall Windows or contact a professional technician for further assistance.

Random restarts can be a serious and annoying problem, but they can be fixed with some patience and troubleshooting. By following the steps above, you can hopefully identify and resolve the cause of your computer’s restarts and enjoy a stable and smooth performance.