PC Completely Shuts down after use

Posted by CommunicationPlus479@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 39 comments

Hi, whenever I’m playing games or using my browser (like watching videos), my PC randomly shuts off completely. It’s like all the power suddenly cuts out. This usually happens after about an hour of use. Or I guess when I use too much power?

Can anyone help me identify what might be causing this issue? At this point, I’m suspecting that my PSU might be the problem.

[-]

m1ng05s@reddit

Not necessarily the psu. Could be the motherboard power distribution. Check these voltage rails on bios

+3.3v, +5v, +12v,

If they present nominal (normal) values within this range,then the psu is most possibly good. What you need to check for which would be the better indicator of a problem is the mc voltage.which controls the ram.

Keep me posted 🙂

[-]

CommunicationPlus479@reddit (OP)

Hi i just checked the bios and it showed:

+3.3v = 3.363

+5v, = 5.010

+12v, =12.240

[-]

m1ng05s@reddit

Then the psu is fine more than likely. What you need to find now is MC Voltage. That one is tied to cpu/ram. What is your ram if you don't mind?🙂

[-]

Little-Equinox@reddit

What manufacturer of PSU do you have?

[-]

Cohnman18@reddit

UNDERPOWERED PSU. Replace the PSU with minimum 750 watts,and try to add one or more fans. Good luck!

[-]

Cohnman18@reddit

When you replaced the video card, you “underpowered your PSU”.

[-]

CommunicationPlus479@reddit (OP)

I have a question. if it’s really an "underpowered PSU", does it take weeks or even months before the issue starts? Cause I upgraded my CPU last December.

[-]

LimeGuyTheSlimeGuy@reddit

Hey OP, without getting into the weeds, power supply components tend to degrade over time. Although your PSU could provide 450w when new, as the years go on, it won’t be able to provide that amount any longer. A fresh 450W PSU will likely work (assuming that’s the problem), but then you’ll experience this problem again in the future. I suggest at least a 650W PSU as your next upgrade. If you have a friend with such a unit on hand, try testing your rig with it first, before you go spending money.

[-]

the_kerbal_side@reddit

Obviously this depends on where you live, but the ambient temperature could be colder if it was December.

[-]

WhoDrankTheRedRum@reddit

I've only had 1 PSU go bad in the past but it had similar symptoms, Out of nowhere sudden power loss.

At first it was once every week or so but slowly got worse to the point it would shut off while booting Windows, replaced PSU and problems went away.

[-]

saagars147@reddit

Have you tried a different power cable or outlet in the wall ? If the PSU was insufficient it would have happened immediately after the CPU upgrade

[-]

jallen2245@reddit

I would try replacing the psu just to be safe it could be overheating like other people are saying maybe a little dusty just use some compressed air or it is failing

[-]

b-maacc@reddit

I’d start with a new power supply.

[-]

thepfy1@reddit

Check CPU temperatures

[-]

CommunicationPlus479@reddit (OP)

Temp seems to be on normal range

[-]

Little-Equinox@reddit

Define "normal range"

[-]

CommunicationPlus479@reddit (OP)

well aroud 65-80℃

[-]

Little-Equinox@reddit

Even under load?

[-]

CommunicationPlus479@reddit (OP)

During simple browsing the browser or idling on desktop it's around 40-55℃. when under load its 65-80℃

[-]

Little-Equinox@reddit

And how old is the PSU?

[-]

CommunicationPlus479@reddit (OP)

Around 4-5 years old. I've never replaced it since the pc was built

[-]

Little-Equinox@reddit

Even though it's an older lower wattage PSU. It should be able the handle the transient spikes.

If it can't anymore, which can happen thanks to component degradation, then a transient spike can shut off the entire PC.

[-]

CommunicationPlus479@reddit (OP)

Based from what other people said it seems like psu problem (underpowered or something like that).

I have a question tho, if the +3.3v, +5v, and +12v is within normal would it still be a psu problem?

[-]

Little-Equinox@reddit

Like I said, transient spikes can be a problem.

A transient spike is like a sudden power spike that can happen any time.

Usually PSUs can temporarily push that much power but if the PSU's components are degraded it can mistake a transient spike as over current it can trigger OCP, or Over Current Protection. This will kill the entire system to keep it "safe".

While you're mostly within spec of the normal usage, you probably aren't for the transient spike.

Also, there's no official on how much transient power an ATX 2.0 PSU can deliver, your PSU is most likely ATX 2.0. ATX 3.0 is officially rated for 50% transient spike capacity of the PSU's max wattage, and ATX 3.1 even rated to 100% transient spike capacity, which means temporarily twice the capacity.

[-]

migraine_boy@reddit

These issues are usually PSU related.

I thought I could get away with putting my platinum rated one that was at spec into my new build but had constant shut downs while gaming. Bought a new one and never had the issue again

[-]

PokerLawyer75@reddit

So for the hardware you list , your PSU is just on the edge of being sufficient power. But your BIOS numbers do appear to show that it's consistent in the beginning. But are you getting readings from the BIOS an hour in? Check if your GIgabyte has software for your motherboard for BIOS monitoring while in Windows.

Furthermore., you're talking about a now 4 year old CPU. It is possible you've run out of thermal paste and your CPU is overheating. Or it's just overheating generally. I notice you don't mention your cooling system, so I'm assuming it's a standard heatsink and air-cooler apparatus.

[-]

CommunicationPlus479@reddit (OP)

Hi! After monitoring, the (3.3v, 5v, and 12v) remained within the normal values up until the pc randomly went off.

Upon further testing, While i was playing, the cpu and gpu temps, as well as the voltages remained within the normal range without shutting down.

As for the CPU. I upgraded from 2400g to a brand new 5700x last december.

[-]

PokerLawyer75@reddit

Again, I would suggest checking for thermal paste.

But also coul dbe a motherboard short itself.

[-]

NeSToR_49@reddit

You can't just "run out of thermal paste". The paste can dry out and become worse at doing it's job, but how can it "run out"? Where would it go?

[-]

A_K1TTEN@reddit

Check event viewer. I had a very strange issue where some Xbox gaming stuff was forcing my PC shutdown. Had to run commands to get rid of the software after every update for a while.

[-]

NeSToR_49@reddit

I had the same problem when upgrading to a 3070 with a 550w psu, switched to a 1000w and the issue went away. But that being said, if you only use the PC for browsing the internet and it still shuts off I'd check the computers temperatures first. But my best guess is the PSU is underpowered and/or overheating.

[-]

CommunicationPlus479@reddit (OP)

Did it take a few months after upgrading before the issue started for you? Mine just started yesterday (I upgraded last December)

[-]

NeSToR_49@reddit

No, mine started right away..

[-]

Kurobuni@reddit

In addition to what others have suggested here, also check your RAM stability using memtest86 if nothing else worked so far. If it is unstable memory causing your issues, you may see errors pop up within the first few minutes of running the test.

[-]

Cpt_Sandur@reddit

Give us your detailed specs!

[-]

CommunicationPlus479@reddit (OP)

Specs: CPU: R7 5700x GPU GTX 1650 Motherboard: Gigabyte B450 AORUS SSD: Lexar SSD NM610 PRO 1 TB and Lexar SSD 512gb

HDD: wdc wd10ezex-08wn4a0 1TB PSU: Corsair 450W

[-]