Shut down/restart during gaming

[Ahlux]

I recently built a computer and everything went fine until I started to play a game called DayZ on high settings. I can play for about 10-20 minutes and then my computer shuts off or restarts. The first time it shut off, I couldn't get it to turn back on for a good 5 minutes and then it eventually came back to life. My temps seem to be pretty low at 30-48C when I check it during gaming. After searching around it seems like my PSU needs to be replaced but I just bought it brand new. Its a 900w Altec PSU. Is there any tests I can do to narrow it down to something? Any help is appreciated!

 

[terry4536]

I would guess that your system is overheating. Is your CPU cooler working? You may need to reinstall the CPU cooler.

 

[Ahlux]

I would guess that your system is overheating. Is your CPU cooler working? You may need to reinstall the CPU cooler.

But I noticed that my fans aren't speeding up prior to the shut down and the air coming from the fans is cool and the air inside of the case isn't hot either. Is there a way I can test to see if it is an overheating problem?

 

[terry4536]

Check the temperatures of your CPU and motherboard. It could also be the thermal reset on your PSU.

What temperatures were you referring to ("My temps seem to be pretty low at 30-48C when I check it during gaming.") From the context, I'm assuming that it was your GPU.

 

[Ahlux]

Check the temperatures of your CPU and motherboard. It could also be the thermal reset on your PSU.

What temperatures were you referring to ("My temps seem to be pretty low at 30-48C when I check it during gaming.") From the context, I'm assuming that it was your GPU.

That is the temp of the CPU. The motherboard is a little higher than the CPU but not by much.

 

[Ahlux]

I tried it again on DayZ and I got to play for a little bit and then it restarted. When it booted back up, the first thing I did was check the temps. CPU was at 38C and the motherboard was at 36C.

What it's reading as of 1 minute after restart:

 

[terry4536]

Your CPU temperature of 30- 48C (while gaming) is fine. But your motherboard temperature shouldn't be that high. Do you have adequate cooling for your case?

Your point "I couldn't get it to turn back on for a good 5 minutes and then it eventually came back to life" indicates to me that a thermal reset is probably the cause. Your PSU almost certainly has one. Your motherboard, CPU, and GPU have thermal limits. But, if those were exceeded I would expect an error message indicating that. The only one I can think of that wouldn't give an error message is your PSU. The next time it happens. Unplug it, wait a minute, and then put your hand on the power supply. If it is hot, your power supply is faulty.

Or, you could buy or barrow a PSU tester.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=psu+tester&N=-1&isNodeId=1