I'm struggling to come up with new ideas.
I'm struggling to come up with new ideas.
To fully eliminate any software or driver problems, the most effective step is to reinstall Windows from scratch. It might feel a bit frustrating if you need to back up many files, but it’s usually the only sure way. If you suspect a hardware fault but aren’t ready to replace parts yet, consider making a bootable Linux USB drive. You can install it directly from the USB without altering your current system. This approach is tempting but only practical if you encounter it frequently enough to justify the effort. If both Windows and Linux reset simultaneously, it points strongly to a hardware issue. From then on, you’ll likely need replacement parts or another compatible machine to swap components. As @OddOod mentioned, the power supply unit is a good place to start. Another idea is to perform a 'bench-build'—remove everything from the case and construct it on cardboard or carpet. Many projects I’ve done show how a single missing screw can lead to short circuits.
Congratulations on the effort, Chris. That might have been a lucky guess. Likely it's not. It could stem from the wall power—sometimes appliances like fridges or ACs drawing a lot can cause voltage drops, triggering the PSU to cut power for safety. A UPS might ease those fluctuations. Or there could be a short in the case, making it worth checking quickly.
I’ll spend my off days removing everything from the case and testing the boot process. I’ll also experiment with various PSU cables—since the module is modular, I’m switching to cablemod cables and then reverting to factory ones. After assembling it outside the case, I’ll run OCCT to see if it works again. Regarding power backup, I don’t have a UPS, but I do have a solid surge protector. My bedroom is on a separate circuit from major appliances, which could help. If useful, I can try connecting to another outlet on a different circuit.