PC stops working during gameplay (Kernel Power 41)?
PC stops working during gameplay (Kernel Power 41)?
Hello, I assembled a new computer in July and have been using it heavily since. At the end of October, it began shutting down unpredictably while gaming, specifically when kernel power 41 triggered a critical error. It consistently occurs either during game startup or between matches during matchmaking (mainly playing Battlefield 6 and Arc Raiders).
I've attempted several solutions:
Updated BIOS and GPU drivers
Cleaned dust (there was little to no dust since it's a new build)
Performed sfc scannow, ran chkdsk /r /f, then restarted
Executed dism /cleanup-image and /restorehealth
Disabled fast startup
Set performance mode for power
Installed MSI afterburner and verified power and temperatures for CPU and GPU
Checked voltages via hwmonitor – everything appears normal
Downloaded OCCT and ran stress tests, which passed except the power test that would shut down immediately or within a minute. This suggests the PSU might be faulty.
I replaced the PSU and still faced problems, convinced it was a low-quality brand. I then switched to another brand but the issue persisted.
I'm at my limit. Occasionally it goes a day without an incident, but now it happens daily again. It's really frustrating.
Any suggestions? I’m considering a clean GPU driver install using DDU. I thought about downloading memtest86, but OCCT’s memory test passed, so maybe not necessary. The CPU test also passed. I’m starting to suspect the motherboard might be the problem, though I’m unsure how to check that.
I’m contemplating a fresh Windows installation since I heard Windows 11 can cause issues with kernel power 41. However, I don’t want to go through the hassle of re-downloading and installing everything.
Does anyone have any ideas? Please help.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
The PSU you used was 850 W, but it was replaced with the same model and later upgraded to an MSI 850W modular unit.
Tell me about the PSU models before and after the change. Share the age of your original PSU. Did you reuse any cables from the older units?
Mobo- Asus B650E MAX GAMING WIFI W ATX AM5 Motherboard
What BIOS version is installed on your motherboard? The VRM design isn’t ideal. If you were using a 7800X3D, consider an MSI B650 Tomahawk board.
What temperatures do you observe before the system shuts down?
Typically the highest I've seen is around the 60-70s, but my CPU usually stays cooler than the GPU. I'm currently using an Arc Raider with a 68 CPU and a GPU in the high 50s to low 60s. I haven't noticed it getting unusually hot before shutting down, and temperatures are normal after restarting.
Sorry somehow only saw the bottom I thought rest were quotes of my specs 😅
The vetroo psus are model no. 850 G5 and we're purchased new mid-July. I didnt swap the cables for the first replacement as it was the same psu and I didnt think a cable was the issue. I did change everything out with the new msi psu though.
The MSI psu I have in now is A850GL.
Bios version american megatrends inc. 3222, 3/52025.
Thats sort of weird because after the issue started, that was one of the first things I did and I had an update available and really thought that would fix it based on that version date it doesn't seem like it could have been updated so a bit confused. I wanted a tomahawk mobo, but had spent my last buck and settled on this one.
Edit: ok so went on Asus site and there is a newer bios available...I thought I had updated it and enabled auto updates through Asus app as well...I think what happened is i updated all the drivers for the mobo but never did the actual bios...holy crap this must be the problem thank you im gonna update and hope for the best
Also- the msi b650 is on sale now for $140...would it be a good idea to just update the mobo or wouldn't make much of a difference if the bios update fixes the issue?
I feel so dumb. I had never updated bios before and I thought it was updated along with the drivers and everything...God the amount of money and time I spent on this...lesson learned. Hope this is the answer.
Edit:
Well I dont have much time now, but after the actual bios update, I ran OCCT power test while getting ready and it was still running @ over 10min...im pretty sure that did it. Now I have 2 new psus (or 3 if you count the one from july) that I dont know what to do with 😅
Thanks so much!!
BIOS updates seldom resolve these issues. A machine that functions temporarily can abruptly stop without a BIOS update, unless components such as RAM or the CPU are changed.
It seems Asus previously had some VRM problems around ten years ago, with BIOS versions that didn’t handle the heat well, causing bad reviews. They later fixed it by releasing updates based on feedback. Now they’re criticized for poor VRM choices and ignoring user input. The situation has changed significantly over the past two decades.
As for me, I checked Asus’ website and found a newer BIOS version. I thought I’d updated and turned on automatic updates via the Asus app.
I want to avoid using third-party tools to check for updates. Instead, compare your product’s support page and update BIOS or drivers yourself.
The PSU model in question is number 850 G5. I bought a new one in mid-July. I didn’t replace the cables for the first replacement since it was the same PSU, so I assumed the cable wasn’t the problem.
You should never mix PSU cables, even if they share the same label—different OEMs and silent revisions can change pin layouts.
Here’s a link to more details: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...pZ...=931697732
There are different versions of the G5, so you own one specific model.
Also, the MSI B650 is now on sale for $140. If the BIOS update solves the issue, updating the motherboard might make a big difference.
Keep monitoring your platform after the BIOS change. For boards, here are some links:
- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/sz...if...-plus-wifi
- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/LwNxFT/...ahawk-wifi
- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/vj...tx...k-max-wifi
- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/fKZWGX/...ge-ti-wifi
The last link is for a white build version.