Seems like some heat problem. Not CPU or if You have
video card with fan not video card. PSU, controller chip
on MB - depending where it located. Or it could be
overheating HD. Last one could be easy to detect
if it possible some relocation of HD.  There is
also program HDD Thermometer
http://www.rsdsoft.com/hdd-thermometer/index.php
I don't use it because my drive don't support it.
Freeware but requires registration so using
throwaway e-mail account is recommended.

What I forget last time there is SMART monitoring
freeware program 'HDD Health'. Works with my ATA
drives but I'm not sure about SATA. I think it could be
useful for troubleshooting if it is compatible.
http://www.panterasoft.com/

Toomas



----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter" <[log in to unmask]>


>I do have a second SATA channel on my motherboard. Unfortunately, the
> failure is so intermittent that it will be difficult to catch. As Toomas
> pointed out, it could be a situation of a marginal power condition. I will
> check that out - I left the cover off the computer, and no failure has so
> far occurred. I have had three failures so far and all happened when the
> cover was on. When I removed the cover to check, the computer started
> working again. Of course, it also started working on a reboot without the
> cover being removed, so the cover off condition is not yet definitive.
>
> Joseph recommended the WD diagnostics, which I had already downloaded and
> tried. Did not run the long test yet, but he short one reported no problems.
> Thank you to all for responding your experiences and suggestions. If I find
> anything of note, I will report back to the list.
>
> Peter
> ----------------------------------
> [log in to unmask]
>

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