Setting up Bitcoin Core Wallet
Thanks, that was helpful. 

Now, I have never had a problem with that computer. Can't remember it blue screening a single time. So the question was, why was Bitcoin Core synchronization causing hardware failures? 

From experience, I know unexpected hardware problems are usually a result of a system stretched to the limit, but neither CPU usage nor hard disk access was operating around 100%. So I downloaded Open Hardware Monitor (No plug here. I have no stake in this application) and started snooping around. Among other things, it provides current temperature information about the CPU and some other components. I noticed even though CPU wasn't running anywhere close to 100% capacity its operating temperature was hovering around its limit with synchronization running. 

I realized I needed to figure out a way to keep the temperature under control. I am running Bitcoin Core on an Intel NUC, which is tiny and I figured the internal cooling wasn't up to snuff. So I blasted away a table fan on the computer and let it rip. Sure enough, operating temperature started staying reasonably below the limit. I also shut off the Bitcoin Core for 3-4 minutes every few hours to let the CPU cool down (I don't think that was necessary, but I wasn't taking any chances). In the end, it took some extra effort and monitoring, but block synchronization is now completed. My Bitcoin Core Wallet is up-to-date.

Thanks for your help again MeshCollider.