PC cuts out under load

[JackST]

Hi

Firstly, my system:

Core i5 -3570K Stock with CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO cooler
GA-B75M-D3H
16GB Crucial RAM
GTX 1080 Stock
1x 480GB SSD
1x 320GB HDD
1x 1TB HDD
OCZ ZS series 550W PSU

I built this system in November 2013, less a few hard drives and the 1080 was a 760 .

My PC randomly cuts out during heavy use. (when the CPU AND GPU are under load)
It first happened in September last year, when I upgraded from a GTX 760 to a GTX 1080. I initially thought it was an overheating problem due to my PC having never been cleaned and it being kept in a warm room. I removed the side of my case to increase airflow and this seemed to fix the issue.

Fast forward to a few days ago, I upgraded from 8GB to 16GB of ram (to fuel my chrome tab addiction) and my PC starts to cut out again under heavy load, typically when gaming.

I ran some tests to narrow down the cause. I ran prime95 to stress the CPU by itself, there was no power loss. I ran GPU Test to stress the GPU by itself and again there was no power loss. When I run both tests together, about 3-5 minutes passes and then the PC cuts out like it's being switched off at the wall.

I monitored temperatures using Speedfan's logging feature, the CPU never gets above 70 degrees and the GPU maxes out at about 82 degrees. As far as I am aware, this is way below the max temps for both components.

To try and fix the issue I stripped down the PC, bought an can of compressed air and cleaned everything. Replaced the thermal paste on the CPU. I then reassembled the clean PC, with better cable management than before, in hope that my efforts would reduce temps (which it did, 10 degree reduction at idle). The problem however, still persists.

This screams "power supply issue" to me. The thing that is troubling me is that I have checked my specs on several online PSU calculators and they all say that I should need a power supply of at least approximately 480W, and I have 70W more? Also, I don't understand why this was an issue in September last year and why it suddenly went away for 8 months? Also, also, why does it seem like a component upgrade has triggered the cut outs again?

I'm reluctant to buy a new PSU if it won't fix the problem (i.e if its a mobo issue) as 600W+ PSU's aren't cheap.

Has anyone had any similar problems to this? Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Jack

 

[nobspls]

The issue is not 550W, 480W, etc. The critical factor here is how many amps on the 12volt lines. If there is inadequate current, you will run into problems.

If the newegg specs for this thing is correct:
https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341047
Specifically:
"+3.3V@22A, +5V@22A, +12V@38A, -12V@0.3A, +5VSB@3.0A"

That means you max out at 38 amps for 12V lines, so only 456watts. And this probably means in ideal conditions, in other words preferably not hot/heated up under stress. This might be a little bit right on the border line is my guess. And then you need to factor in the aging wear an tear over the years, and it is probably even less current.

 

[JackST]

You were correct, I've limited my GPU power to 75% using MSI afterburner and the issue has gone away.
This solution will have to do until I get a new power supply.

Thanks for your help.