Question Pc crashes/restarts at strange times!

[Tibone101]

Hello, first my setup!
MOTHERBOARD:
GIGABYTE GA-970A-DS3P

CPU:
AMD FX-8320 ( 8x 3500 Mhz ) Octocore

CPU-COOLER:
Scythe Mugen 4 SCMG-4000

RAM:
16GB DDR3 1600Mhz (Crucial Ballistix - Dual Channel)

GPU:
ASUS NVIDIA GTX 1050

HARDDRIVE:
128GB Solid State Drive (Crucial MX100)

PSU:
Corsair VS Series VS650

So, I have this setup for 6 years now and only changed my GPU during this time.

This last month i had some random crashes, first it started after i finished a game, then during a game and now even when i just log into windows!

I have changed my ssd with a hdd but that made it worse, i reinstalled windows but also did not work. I also switched the SATA cable but that did nothing.

Next I tried resetting my BIOS but that did nothing aswell, I was overclocking my CPU so thats why I did the reset, but did not work.

Next I tried Memtest86 with each memory stick I had, 1 by 1, with 1 stick it crashed 2min in the test so I thought I had found the problem, removed that stick but then my system crashed again!

I also have the latest GPU drivers installed, latest windows 10 updates.

I also checked my temps during my gaming and my CPU was around 40C and my GPU around 60C.

I also did Furmark for about 30min and then it crashed?

Atm when I start my computer I can game for around 1hour and then it crashes, I then turn off my PSU and w8 15min and then it works well again, if I dont turn off my PSU and just let it reboot, it instantly crashes when I log into Windows 10!

Long story short, is it time for a new PC or what do you guys think which hardware is causing these crashes? Thank you very much for reading my post! And thank you in advance for the help! Any help appreciated!

 

[PC Tailor]

Welcome to the forums my friend! So to clarify:

• You have removed OC
• Ran memtest and removed faulty modules
• Check temps (just be sure you check individual core temps, not overall package)
• Changed storage device

Have you also updated BIOS / drivers?

Well being as you have eradicated a few things, it could be your GPU or potentially some conflicting software for example but there is one thing you said that stands out:

Corsair VS Series VS650

There it is again! Myself and many others on the forum have had a lot of experiences with the VS series and they're often not great, I've had multiple VS PSUs cause the issue you describe (and far worse). If you are able, I'd be tempted to swap the PSU for a known good quality unit and seeing if the issue persists. The VS line are very poor quality as they are budget line.

I'd also double check to see if the crashing ever occurs in safe mode to identify if it is potentially a third party module causing some hassle somewhere. It could well be other things, but based on what you describe, I'd look at those first.

 

[Tibone101]

@PC Tailor thank you for helping me/quick commenting!

I also thought my PSU was maybe to old and could not deliver enough power anymore! I already ordered a new PSU to see if it will fix the problem! I will have it tomorrow so I will keep you up to date!

Edit1: I also have the newest drivers for my GPU and my MOBO should be up to date aswell since there is only 1 version on the site!

 

[PC Tailor]

@PC Tailor thank you for helping me/quick commenting!

I also thought my PSU was maybe to old and could not deliver enough power anymore! I already ordered a new PSU to see if it will fix the problem! I will have it tomorrow so I will keep you up to date!

Out of curiosity, which PSU have you ordered?

Also, it's not necessarily about how much power it delivers, but can often be about the regulation and stability of that power, the VS series use cheap components, so they don't hold up to those higher standards, and then lack the proper safety mechanisms should worst case happen.

 

[Tibone101]

@PC Tailor hehe i was not really sure if the PSU was the main problem so I bought a cheap one: Spire Pearl 550W ATX

 

[PC Tailor]

@PC Tailor hehe i was not really sure if the PSU was the main problem so I bought a cheap one: Spire Pearl 550W ATX

Well, replace the cheap PSU as soon as you can if you do find out if it is the problem. Personally I have replaced most VS series I have come across anyway. But don't stick to using a cheap PSU - I understand at this point it is just to test but just be wary - as I have stated in another post not too long ago (Just to put it into perspective my friend!):

From previous post:
As much as it might be a pain, we don't recommend more expensive PSUs because we want you to spend more money or for "FPS".
You really do need to spend more. Cheap PSUs use lower grade OEM manufacturers and use cheap components which risk the safety of your other components. And the last thing you should skrimp on, is the component that literally provides direct power to your entire system.

View: https://youtu.be/vY27LkiEROg


If a PSU blows and takes out other components (which Cheap PSUs often do) - any warranty you have will not cover the rest of your components.
You can spend a small amount now, and potentially run the risk of this happening, or save for a bit, and pay for a PSU knowing it comes with a better warranty and protects the rest of your PC should worst case happens. We have a common saying:

Despite whatever money you save on a cheap PSU now, it will cost you more when it fails later

You can get a cheap PSU if you want, but you do so at your own risk. We say so because the last thing we would want is for you to pay this money anyway, for it to damage other components, getting a good quality PSU means you can rest knowing the PSU should work for the next few years without issue. And it really does pay to save and get a good quality unit.

So in reality, it is up to you my friend, but if you really care about your components, save and get a good quality unit and you won't regret it!

 

[Tibone101]

@PC Tailor alright thank you for the advice! I will first test it with the PSU I ordered if it works well i will try to get a refund/new psu, if it doesnt work i will probably just get a completly new PC. Thank you very much for your help!

 

[Tibone101]

@PC Tailor Update: it was indeed the PSU that caused the crashing, today I could play a whole day without any issue’s or crashing! Im also returning the PSU and have ordered a better PSU: Seasonic Focus Gold 550w!