Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting a PC that randomly freezes can be challenging, especially when it's not clear if the issue is hardware or software related. Given the steps you've already taken and the symptoms you've described, here are some structured steps to help isolate and potentially resolve the issue:
1. Check Power Supply Unit (PSU)

    Symptoms related to PSU issues: Since the keyboard and mouse lights go off right before a freeze, it might indicate a power supply issue.
    Action: Verify that the PSU is delivering adequate and stable power. If possible, test with another PSU.

2. Inspect Overheating

    Symptoms: PCs often freeze due to overheating components.
    Action: Check the temperature of your CPU and GPU, especially under load. Use tools like HWMonitor or SpeedFan. Ensure that all fans are working correctly and that heat sinks are properly attached and not clogged with dust.

3. Test RAM

    Symptoms of faulty RAM: Random freezes, blue screens, and crashes.
    Action: Run a memory test using MemTest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. Test each stick individually and in different slots to rule out both bad RAM and bad motherboard slots.

4. Motherboard Issues

    Symptoms: USB devices losing power could indicate a motherboard issue.
    Action: Inspect the motherboard for any blown capacitors, unusual smells, or burnt marks. Ensure that all connections are secure and that there are no short circuits.

5. Check for Faulty External Devices

    Symptoms: External devices can sometimes cause issues.
    Action: Disconnect all non-essential peripherals (printers, external drives, etc.) and see if the system stabilizes.

6. Update Drivers and BIOS

    Symptoms: Outdated or corrupt drivers/BIOS can cause system instability.
    Action: Ensure all device drivers are up-to-date, particularly USB, chipset, and graphics drivers. Also, check for a BIOS update from your motherboard manufacturer's website which could resolve compatibility issues.

7. Hard Drive/SSD Health

    Symptoms: Bad sectors or failing drives can freeze systems.
    Action: Check the health of your storage devices using tools like CrystalDiskInfo. Look for reallocating sectors, uncorrectable errors, or other signs of wear.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

    Symptoms: Software conflicts can cause freezes.
    Action: Perform a clean boot of Windows to disable all non-Microsoft services and startup items, which can help identify if background applications are causing the issue.

9. Operating System Integrity

    Symptoms: Corrupted system files can cause random freezes.
    Action: Run system file checks. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run sfc /scannow. Also, consider running DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to fix Windows image problems.

10. Event Viewer

    Symptoms: The PC freezes without warning, but Windows might log what happens right before.
    Action: Check the Windows Event Viewer for any warnings or errors that occur just before the freeze. Look for disk errors, hardware failures, or critical warnings that could indicate what might be failing.

11. Consider System Restore or Reinstallation

    Symptoms: Persistent instability despite troubleshooting.
    Action: If all else fails, consider restoring the system to a previous point (if system restore points are available) or a fresh installation of Windows.

By methodically working through these steps, you should be able to narrow down the cause of the freezes. Each step eliminates potential causes and helps you zero in on the specific problem, whether it's hardware, drivers, or software-related.