PC experiencing frequent stutters and crashes.
PC experiencing frequent stutters and crashes.
Recently I've noticed stuttering while playing games and sometimes just watching videos. I assumed it was related to my RAM, so I reduced the speed from 6000MHz to 5600MHz, but that didn't resolve the issue. Then I replaced the RAM, yet it didn't help. Next, I considered my GPU. After running FurMark, it began stuttering and then crashed my PC. There was no BSOD, just a shutdown. I'm aware that the power connector for the 4090 has been problematic for others, but I've used it for a few months without issues. I decided to run FurMark without the side panel, which worked perfectly with no stuttering. Before celebrating, I wondered if the bent power cable was the cause—since it wasn't being pushed by the side panel much. While testing, I bent the cable significantly. The test continued smoothly. Then I removed the side panel and it started stuttering again. I quickly took it off and it stopped. Temperature readings were normal: around 70°C without the panel, and 72-74°C with it on, which matches specifications. It seems to function properly without the panel. I'm still puzzled.
What size PSU are you using? The reason I ask is that I had a 850w and the PC ran fine but when I was playing on game in particular (said game being Satisfactory) the PC would shut off after about 5 minutes... once I swapped the PSU out for a 1200w I haven't had a problem but the symptoms you're describing are very similar to what I was experiencing. The side panel scenario is a little weird though and I can only assume that bending the cable too far is somehow unseating one of the power cables in the connector which will hard reset the PC if it thinks its receiving a power spike on the PSU.
It's a Corsair 1000w PSU, yet it still works without the side panel.
Removing the side panel could be letting the wire it connects interact with itself again... keeping the panel on may be applying too much pressure to a wire, which can cause it to come loose from the PSU connector to the graphics card.
It seems the issue might be related to the 12VHWP cable, especially when the side panel is removed. You mentioned bending the cable beyond 90 degrees without any problems, which suggests the panel could be adjusting power delivery in a way that avoids stuttering or crashes. It’s definitely puzzling.