F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Is it the power unit, my electrical system, or something else?

Is it the power unit, my electrical system, or something else?

Is it the power unit, my electrical system, or something else?

A
agarmor
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223
10-10-2016, 05:14 PM
#1
I’ve faced problems with my PC frequently shutting down—initially while gaming and later during idle periods. I couldn’t identify the cause because all system metrics looked normal, so I asked a more experienced friend for help. He tried booting it on his end but couldn’t reproduce the issue.

He suspected a RAM problem, considering the 4GB and 8GB I was using, so he provided two 16GB modules. Once I returned home, I set it up and it shut down within ten minutes. This led him to think an external component might be the culprit, so I replaced the power cable with one from a modem that was actively powered. Still no success.

I then considered the power supply unit—specifically the ThermalTake Smart 500W—and wondered if it might be drawing too much current from my 15V circuit, given the presence of several devices and a 1500W heater. I wasn’t sure whether a computer could exceed that amperage without tripping the breaker. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
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A
agarmor
10-10-2016, 05:14 PM #1

I’ve faced problems with my PC frequently shutting down—initially while gaming and later during idle periods. I couldn’t identify the cause because all system metrics looked normal, so I asked a more experienced friend for help. He tried booting it on his end but couldn’t reproduce the issue.

He suspected a RAM problem, considering the 4GB and 8GB I was using, so he provided two 16GB modules. Once I returned home, I set it up and it shut down within ten minutes. This led him to think an external component might be the culprit, so I replaced the power cable with one from a modem that was actively powered. Still no success.

I then considered the power supply unit—specifically the ThermalTake Smart 500W—and wondered if it might be drawing too much current from my 15V circuit, given the presence of several devices and a 1500W heater. I wasn’t sure whether a computer could exceed that amperage without tripping the breaker. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

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G
Gladiador70
Senior Member
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698
10-29-2016, 09:37 PM
#2
Keep the heater on and check for problems. Also, make sure to test your entire setup at your friend's place. If you brought your monitor, mouse, and keyboard along, we can evaluate them together.
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G
Gladiador70
10-29-2016, 09:37 PM #2

Keep the heater on and check for problems. Also, make sure to test your entire setup at your friend's place. If you brought your monitor, mouse, and keyboard along, we can evaluate them together.

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I
iskela99
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247
10-31-2016, 06:32 AM
#3
The age of the PSU can be assessed by verifying if all voltages meet specifications. Access the BIOS and locate a section detailing the voltages. (different motherboards use varying terminology, making exact steps unclear). These voltages should match values such as CPU - <a voltage [varies]>, 3.3v - <a voltage around 3.3 volts>, 12v - <a voltage around 12 volts>, and 5v - <a voltage around 5 volts>. If these numbers are slightly higher than expected, it’s acceptable. However, if any voltage falls short of the listed value, it indicates a problem with that rail, pointing to a faulty PSU. Generally, older PSUs tend to cause such instability, leading to frequent restarts or shutdowns.
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I
iskela99
10-31-2016, 06:32 AM #3

The age of the PSU can be assessed by verifying if all voltages meet specifications. Access the BIOS and locate a section detailing the voltages. (different motherboards use varying terminology, making exact steps unclear). These voltages should match values such as CPU - <a voltage [varies]>, 3.3v - <a voltage around 3.3 volts>, 12v - <a voltage around 12 volts>, and 5v - <a voltage around 5 volts>. If these numbers are slightly higher than expected, it’s acceptable. However, if any voltage falls short of the listed value, it indicates a problem with that rail, pointing to a faulty PSU. Generally, older PSUs tend to cause such instability, leading to frequent restarts or shutdowns.

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O
OllPlays
Junior Member
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4
11-03-2016, 12:39 AM
#4
The PSU is probably the main suspect—it's a poorly made device. Even if it isn't the immediate cause, it shouldn't be used with this GPU, and removing it might resolve the issue.
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O
OllPlays
11-03-2016, 12:39 AM #4

The PSU is probably the main suspect—it's a poorly made device. Even if it isn't the immediate cause, it shouldn't be used with this GPU, and removing it might resolve the issue.

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M
mcfarter
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178
11-12-2016, 06:12 PM
#5
Hey, thanks for bringing it to my attention – I wasn’t aware of how much that card costs! Jesus, no surprise – I was using a GeForce 1050. I’m going to put the old card away until I can get a better PSU. I’ll check it out then, but do you have any PSU suggestions? I really don’t feel confident with my own setup right now.
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M
mcfarter
11-12-2016, 06:12 PM #5

Hey, thanks for bringing it to my attention – I wasn’t aware of how much that card costs! Jesus, no surprise – I was using a GeForce 1050. I’m going to put the old card away until I can get a better PSU. I’ll check it out then, but do you have any PSU suggestions? I really don’t feel confident with my own setup right now.

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F
FlowInto
Junior Member
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16
11-19-2016, 06:05 AM
#6
It's not primarily about the wattage — though that could matter — but rather the affordability and regulatory oversight. The SMART PSUs are quite outdated, essentially a decade-old Sirfa system with a Thermaltake label, built for older PCs.
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F
FlowInto
11-19-2016, 06:05 AM #6

It's not primarily about the wattage — though that could matter — but rather the affordability and regulatory oversight. The SMART PSUs are quite outdated, essentially a decade-old Sirfa system with a Thermaltake label, built for older PCs.

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