Error codes related to the kernel power module.
Error codes related to the kernel power module.
After the neighborhood power cut, my computer would restart unexpectedly while gaming, and event logs indicated the kernel was using power. This problem started after the outage and has occurred several times since then. It only appears when I’m playing Fortnite, but I can still play other demanding games like Call of Duty without issues. I don’t have a way to test with different hardware to confirm if damage is the cause, and I’m unsure if there are other solutions.
It seems the PSU could have blown a short circuit when it needed a lot of power, which is why it resets during high-graphics usage.
If the power supply unit is the issue, it's best to avoid using your PC until the problem is resolved to prevent further damage.
I'm used to places where such surges don't occur, but when they do... shouldn't the power supply unit protect me? That's probably why they come with so many built-in safeguards. During a power outage—something that happens roughly every 2 to 3 years—my PC just restarted fine afterward, and it didn’t even shut down! Everything else in the house worked except my PC, which was kind of odd. Just wait until you replace the PSU and make sure no other parts got damaged.
It’s usually just a chance, but a PSU isn’t built to handle a sudden doubling of its rated power during a surge and can cause damage. The safest approach is to use a surge protector or uninterruptible power supply. I recently heard someone mention their computer failed after a lightning strike, which is essentially the same problem.
I understand... it's likely there are smaller spikes as well, but they're generally less intense. We often advise shutting off devices during an outage, though not always unplugging them. Sometimes the event happens too quickly—only a few seconds to a couple of minutes—to make it hard to turn anything on. Other times it can last longer, like a minute or an hour, but these are extremely uncommon. Fortunately, we rarely need surge protectors since lightning strikes would render them ineffective. It's still wise to unplug appliances during thunderstorms, except for ovens and refrigerators, obviously.