F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Complete system failure on a random PC.

Complete system failure on a random PC.

Complete system failure on a random PC.

Q
QuickPlatinum
Junior Member
20
10-20-2016, 11:20 PM
#1
Suddenly my computer started having random crashes, even simple tasks could trigger them. For instance, while playing a game and pressing alt-tab, it would crash instantly without a BSOD. It would shut down completely and restart, but not always. Occasionally the CPU light would appear and I’d have to restart again. Over a few days it seemed more stable, then another crash happened while scrolling in the Roblox app for certain games. I checked temperatures and power supplies, everything looked normal—voltages were fine, GPU handled stress tests without issues, and performance was consistent across systems. It seems the crashes are unpredictable, not always under load. Some games worked fine while others were unstable, like R6 Siege compared to RTS titles. I ran OCCT and everything held up without problems, no malware detected, a Windows reinstall didn’t help. Crystal Disk Info showed no errors on all three SSDs, and the GPU behaved normally elsewhere. RAM tests came back clean. I used the Event Viewer, enabled dump files, but nothing was logged. I’m wondering if my power setup isn’t clean enough. Living in an older European house with no UPS or surge protectors, do these really make a difference? Should I invest in a surge protector or is it pointless? My grid voltage is weak, and there are no auto-transformers to balance it. Should I consider buying one?
Q
QuickPlatinum
10-20-2016, 11:20 PM #1

Suddenly my computer started having random crashes, even simple tasks could trigger them. For instance, while playing a game and pressing alt-tab, it would crash instantly without a BSOD. It would shut down completely and restart, but not always. Occasionally the CPU light would appear and I’d have to restart again. Over a few days it seemed more stable, then another crash happened while scrolling in the Roblox app for certain games. I checked temperatures and power supplies, everything looked normal—voltages were fine, GPU handled stress tests without issues, and performance was consistent across systems. It seems the crashes are unpredictable, not always under load. Some games worked fine while others were unstable, like R6 Siege compared to RTS titles. I ran OCCT and everything held up without problems, no malware detected, a Windows reinstall didn’t help. Crystal Disk Info showed no errors on all three SSDs, and the GPU behaved normally elsewhere. RAM tests came back clean. I used the Event Viewer, enabled dump files, but nothing was logged. I’m wondering if my power setup isn’t clean enough. Living in an older European house with no UPS or surge protectors, do these really make a difference? Should I invest in a surge protector or is it pointless? My grid voltage is weak, and there are no auto-transformers to balance it. Should I consider buying one?

H
HeyThomas
Junior Member
40
10-27-2016, 10:33 AM
#2
basically, check the power source first. if the grid is already weak, you’ll need a reliable PSU. it’s fine with the current setup, but the PSU seems questionable—don’t skimp on quality.
H
HeyThomas
10-27-2016, 10:33 AM #2

basically, check the power source first. if the grid is already weak, you’ll need a reliable PSU. it’s fine with the current setup, but the PSU seems questionable—don’t skimp on quality.

M
MaxPozitiff
Junior Member
45
10-27-2016, 05:24 PM
#3
Ensure your electrical setup is in good condition. Identify specific readings that suggest problems with the power system. Check if you're recording voltage levels at the outlets.
M
MaxPozitiff
10-27-2016, 05:24 PM #3

Ensure your electrical setup is in good condition. Identify specific readings that suggest problems with the power system. Check if you're recording voltage levels at the outlets.

M
MoodyCamel
Member
237
10-29-2016, 05:00 AM
#4
This PSU comes from a Polish maker and is only available in the Polish market. My friend owns the same one and it's working fine.
M
MoodyCamel
10-29-2016, 05:00 AM #4

This PSU comes from a Polish maker and is only available in the Polish market. My friend owns the same one and it's working fine.

S
Sztylet
Member
62
10-29-2016, 06:23 AM
#5
the psu operates between 100 to 240V. i recorded voltage at five locations in my home, sometimes reaching over 250V during summer when neighbors use solar power (measured without load) and dropping to as low as 215V in cold evenings with no load on my own house.
S
Sztylet
10-29-2016, 06:23 AM #5

the psu operates between 100 to 240V. i recorded voltage at five locations in my home, sometimes reaching over 250V during summer when neighbors use solar power (measured without load) and dropping to as low as 215V in cold evenings with no load on my own house.

N
176
10-29-2016, 09:18 AM
#6
Solar inverters align with the grid's voltage and frequency. Your neighbors aren't responsible, it's the utility. Have you reached out to them? They're keen to hear about any issues. On your side, a UPS with a broader range could be beneficial.
N
NutzSquirrelYT
10-29-2016, 09:18 AM #6

Solar inverters align with the grid's voltage and frequency. Your neighbors aren't responsible, it's the utility. Have you reached out to them? They're keen to hear about any issues. On your side, a UPS with a broader range could be beneficial.

D
DangoBravo
Posting Freak
821
10-29-2016, 08:33 PM
#7
I reached out to the utility, but they confirmed it's "normal" and offered no assistance. They recommend preparing a UPS as a backup solution.
D
DangoBravo
10-29-2016, 08:33 PM #7

I reached out to the utility, but they confirmed it's "normal" and offered no assistance. They recommend preparing a UPS as a backup solution.

D
Dohndude
Member
186
11-11-2016, 07:33 AM
#8
Consider tracking voltages throughout your home. If the service entrance shows normal voltage and it drops at outlets, your setup might be too small. A larger power supply could handle the 250V better. A UPS will also have a maximum input voltage limit.
D
Dohndude
11-11-2016, 07:33 AM #8

Consider tracking voltages throughout your home. If the service entrance shows normal voltage and it drops at outlets, your setup might be too small. A larger power supply could handle the 250V better. A UPS will also have a maximum input voltage limit.

I
IPS10
Senior Member
623
11-11-2016, 08:02 AM
#9
I plan to test that, and for now should I purchase a power bar with surge protection? Could it help stabilize the voltage spikes?
I
IPS10
11-11-2016, 08:02 AM #9

I plan to test that, and for now should I purchase a power bar with surge protection? Could it help stabilize the voltage spikes?