Spontaneus Computer Lock Ups

[Plazus]

In the past two months, there seems to be a growing problem with my computer. The problem is that my computer is randomly freezing. Just today, my screen saver was running, then when I went to move my mouse, my computer locked up. Another time, I was connected to Ventrilo, I went to setup option and my computer locked up. There are times when I am playing a game and my computer freezes. There seems to be no noticeable cause as to why my computer freezes. The lock ups just happen randomly at any time, regardless of what programs are running. The lock ups even occur when I try to boot up my computer.

Here are my computer specifications:
-750 GB SATA Hard Drive
-MSI K9N2 Platinum Motherboard (750a chipet)
-4 GB Corsair DDR2 RAM
-AMD Athlon 64x2 2.7GHz CPU
-Ultra LS 600-watt PSU
-BluRay/DVD/CD drive
-768 MB Nvidia GeForce 9600 GSO
-Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit OS

I have already done a few troubleshooting myself. I notice that if my computer wont boot up, I can open the tower, wiggle the SATA cables on my hard drive, my computer will boot. I even tried swapping out old SATA cables for new ones, but no improvement. My friends suggested doing a reformat, as the lock ups may be a software issue with the operating system. Can anyone help me out?

As of right now, with Internet Explorer and Ventrilo running, I have 51 processes and 5% CPU usage and 27% physical memory used.

[Skuzzy]

These types of issues are hard to troubleshoot.  But if I had to guess, I would be looking at the power supply and/or heat related issues.

[Charge]

You could also run Vista's memory test. If you can't find it open help and support screen and search for "memory test".

-C+

[Chalenge]

Have you tried switching the power lead of your boot drive to another one that is unused right now?

[Plazus]

No I have not. I checked the CPU temps and the PSU and they seem to be okay. I may try swapping out my RAM sticks and see if maybe they may be the cause?

[Chalenge]

If you jiggle your SATA cable and it reboots and you have also replaced the SATA cable and it made no difference then there is a good likelihood the power plug has a momentary connection and it would be a good idea to try another one just to make sure.

[Plazus]

That is true... This kind of problem is so hard to test. If it isnt a power issue, then its gotta be a software related problem. 

[Tilt]

Two recent lockups (i have incurred) while playing AH have coincided with significant vent traffic........... on one occasion a fellow player using vent had left his press to talk key down. May be co incidental...I am still forming an opinion.