GTX 1070 Random freezing/crashing fix (power hot plug detection fault)

Problem description
This guide addresses a particular freezing issue related to GTX 1070s. It is important to note that this guide is not a universal solution for all freezing problems that you may encounter, but rather specifically addresses one of them related to PCIE external 8 pin hot plug detection. It is worth bearing in mind that freezing can have various underlying causes not just this. This particular freezing problem is caused by the power connector hot plug detection circuitry (Figure 1&2)

Symptoms

 * Works for some time but freezes randomly
 * Freezes all the time
 * Freezes happen unrelated to load or temperature
 * All voltage rails are present have correct resistance values
 * THERM_OVERT* signal goes low after the freeze

Solution
Verify the proper functioning of the NPN transistors Q509 and Q511, you can use a multimeter in diode mode. First, connect the red probe to pin 1 and the black probe to pin 2 of the transistors, and measure the voltage reading. The reading should fall between 500-750mV. If any of the readings fall outside of this range, replace the corresponding transistor(s).

Verify the proper functioning of N-channel MOSFET Q510, begin by checking for any shorts. Using a multimeter, measure the resistance between the drain and source terminals of the MOSFET. The multimeter should show an open circuit, indicating that the MOSFET is not shorted. If the multimeter shows a low resistance, replace the MOSFET. To check if the MOSFET is working properly, remove it from the circuit and perform the following steps. Connect the black probe of the multimeter to pin 2 and the red probe to pin 1 briefly, then move the red probe to pin 3. The multimeter should show a very low resistance, similar to a short circuit. However, when you touch the MOSFET gate with your finger, the reading should return to normal. If the multimeter does not show a low resistance or the reading does not change when you touch the gate with your finger, it indicates that the MOSFET may not be functioning properly and needs to be replaced. After confirming that all of the above components are working properly, the cause could be an NPN transistor Q33 (Figure 3) on the front under the PCIE power connectors.