PC powers down during intense gaming sessions; PSU needs adjustment for recycling.
PC powers down during intense gaming sessions; PSU needs adjustment for recycling.
Hello everyone, welcome! I'm new here and have been facing some challenges with my computer lately. Over the past few months, it would suddenly power off during intense gaming sessions—especially in simulation games like Derail Valley, Nucleares, and Microsoft Flight Simulator. When it restarts, only the RAM stays active, so I need to manually turn it back on using the power button on the back.
I suspect this might be related to overheating, as the manufacturer's guidelines mention high CPU temperatures even when idle. To address this, I've increased the fan speeds on my case fans and GPU fans once they reach around 55°C. It seems to have helped, and now every time I start up, it doesn't shut down like before.
However, a new issue has arisen: I recently added a VR headset (Quest 3) and am experiencing problems when launching MSFS in VR. After about two minutes of starting the game, the PC shuts down again, just like before. I've tried to recreate this scenario, but it keeps happening around that time. I'm running an advanced aircraft model and several high-quality mods, so it's likely the simulation is putting a lot of strain on the system.
I checked temperatures in my previous post and found L-Connect reported 86°C with the GPU at 75°C, which makes me think this isn't just about heat. I'm now looking into possible power supply issues, as I suspect the PSU might be the culprit. I don’t have another PSU to test right now, and my budget is tight after investing in the Quest 3. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
To eliminate or confirm the PSU status, you can record the time it takes. It's likely consistent across similar games with comparable starting temps if it relates to power or heat. To assist, consider opening the case—more airflow or cooler ambient conditions might improve efficiency. Lower system settings could help; set a script to restart every 20 minutes. Adding extra case fans may also be beneficial.
It seems you're dealing with excessive power handling in your PSU. The standby rail inside the power supply typically operates on its own circuit, usually activating the RGB lights when the device is idle. The core issue arises when something unwanted triggers it to stop running until power is fully removed and re-applied. To address this, there are two options: first, reduce clock speed or lower voltage on your graphics card, which will cut most of the power consumption. Second, consider purchasing a used PSU from sites like eBay. Corsair provides compatibility charts for their products, allowing you to look for "PSU only" listings and upgrade to higher wattage without altering your existing cables—just ensure the new supply matches your cable type. Here are links to their current and legacy cable information: https://www.corsair.com/us/en/s/psu-cable-compatibility and https://www.corsair.com/us/en/s/legacy-p...patibility. Avoid mixing incompatible power supplies with your existing cables unless they match the specifications! I found two 1200W Corsair units without cables for around $30 each, performing well for my setup, though results may vary when buying used.
I recently adjusted the voltage by 5% on AMD Adrenaline and reduced the clock speed by 2%. In MSFS, it hasn’t crashed yet, which suggests I’m nearing the PSU limits. Thanks for the recommendations!