No idea why, my 6 month old laptop has been blue screen-ing on a random basis.

System Specs :
Manufacturer : ASUS
Model : K55A-HI5014L
Processor : Intel iCore i5-3210M @ 2.50 GHz
Graphics : Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Embedded)
RAM : 8 GB upgraded from 4GB
OS : Windows 8


RAM chips have both (two 4GB sticks) been tested on an identical computer system. Same manufacturer/model/specs. No issues under the same conditions. This has occurred in the past prior to the addition of the second 4GB stick, both of which have been swapped out for other sticks, tested, replaced the two primary sticks and continued on.

All drivers are up to date according to the manufacturer. Intel HD Graphics 4000 (64 MB default) has been updated with generic drivers from Intel.com.

^ Has been increased from 64 MB to 512 MB dedicated RAM using stock BIOS

BIOS is up to date according to the manufacturer.

Laptop sits atop of a laptop cooling pad - connected via external power - on a constant basis. Only time it is not on pad is when I am away from my desk, at a friend's, or traveling.

Only peripherals in use is a Logitech wireless mouse (mini-dongle is not removed unless being stored in bag, in which is stored inside of the mouse itself), Samsung Galaxy S II SGH-T989 and OEM micro USB cable, and Microsoft brand Wired Xbox 360 controller. Headset I use draws power from a spare USB slot on laptop, and has separate mic/headphone 3.5mm jacks. Have tested with USB power being drawn from external and from spare slot. No difference in when BSoD happens.

CPU Fan only turns on and starts "working hard" when playing graphic-extensive games. Web browsing, chatting on Skype, watching videos (Youtube/Twitch.tv/whatever), the system remains cool - even while not using the cooling pad - for an extended period of time (5 hours on and off battery)

Power Plan is set to Power4Gear High Performance while plugged into an external so

In order to assist you, we will need the DMP files to analyze what exactly occurred at the time of the crash, etc.

If you don't know where DMP files are located, here's how to get to them:

1. Navigate to the %systemroot%\Minidump folder.
2. Copy any and all DMP files in the Minidump folder to your Desktop and then zip up these files.
3. Upload the zip containing the DMP files to Skydrive or a hosting site of your choice and paste in your reply.

If you are going to use Skydrive but don't know how to upload to it, please visit the following:

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-SkyDrive

Please note that any "cleaner" programs such as TuneUp Utilities, CCleaner, etc, by default will delete DMP files upon use.

If your computer is not generating DMP files, please do the following:

1. Start > type %systemroot% which should show the Windows folder, click on it. Once inside that folder, ensure there is a Minidump folder created. If not, CTRL-SHIFT-N to make a New Folder and name it Minidump.

2. Windows key + Pause key. This should bring up System. Click Advanced System Settings on the left > Advanced > Performance > Settings > Advanced > Ensure there's a check-mark for 'Automatically manage paging file size for all drives'.

3. Windows key + Pause key. This should bring up System. Click Advanced System Settings on the left > Advanced > Startup and Recovery > Settings > System Failure > ensure there is a check mark next to 'Write an event to the system log' > Ensure 'Automatically restart' is un-checked.

Ensure Small Memory Dump is selected and ensure the path is %systemroot%\Minidump.

4. Double check that the WERS is ENABLED:
Start > Search > type services.msc > Under the name tab, find Windows Error Reporting Service > If the status of the service is not Started then right click it and select Start. Also ensure that under Startup Type it is set to Automatic rather than Manual. You can do this by right clicking it, selecting properties, and under General selecting startup type to 'Automatic', and then click Apply.

If you cannot get into normal mode to do any of this, please do this via Safe Mode.