Question: Does the PC crash and then restart when idle or scheduled to sleep?
Question: Does the PC crash and then restart when idle or scheduled to sleep?
Hello, My PC frequently crashes and restarts during idle or scheduled sleep mode, yet this issue doesn’t seem to happen when using the iGPU (with the dGPU disconnected). I’ve been experiencing this for over a year, with many instances where it didn’t occur at all. I’ve tried numerous solutions suggested in various online forums. A notable improvement happened after installing an older GPU driver. However, after a few months (exact time unclear), the problem reappeared. In general, the issue doesn’t happen consistently or 100%. This makes diagnosing and fixing it very challenging, since sometimes, during the attempt to reproduce it, it randomly starts or stops without any clear reason. Recently, I completely disabled the automatic sleep timer, which significantly reduced how often the problem occurred. Still, it does happen occasionally. Today, I disconnected the discrete GPU and used only the iGPU. The problem reoccurred with the discrete GPU but not with the iGPU. Here’s what transpired: I set these settings: - Turn off screen after more than 1 minute. - Put device to sleep after more than 2 minutes. - Hibernate after never. After turning off my PC, I restarted it. I didn’t log into Windows or use the keyboard/mouse. My observations are: When iGPU was active (via DisplayPort on motherboard), with discrete GPU disconnected, the PC slept in about 2 minutes. Waking up by clicking the mouse confirmed this normal behavior. After some time (around 2 minutes), when iGPU was used, the keyboard and mouse lights turned off, the fans increased noise, the motherboard icon appeared, and then the Windows login screen reappeared. It seems like a crash followed by a reboot/restart. I repeated these tests multiple times with both discrete and iGPU, and the outcomes were consistent. My system specifications (all drivers updated): OS: Windows 11 Pro CPU: i5-10400 Motherboard: Gigabyte Aorus Z590i Ultra (latest BIOS) PSU: Corsair SF450 Platinum GPU: Sapphire RX 5500 XT 4GB RAM: 2 x 8GB G.SKILL Ripjaws 3600MT/s (passed MemTest86, no issues) SSD: Samsung 980 NVMe 500GB Cooling is functioning properly. I’m considering replacing the GPU with another similar model to check if the problem is specific to my hardware. I’ve noticed that using an older driver sometimes resolved it. I’m also thinking about upgrading to a newer GPU (possibly RX 6600) or a modern PSU/UPS, since other users reported similar issues on forums. My monitor struggles with G-sync, so Radeon GPUs are preferred. Another idea is switching to a 11th-gen CPU, which could enable PCIE 4.0. However, it’s hard to see how the CPU generation alone would cause this. I’ve also considered a different power supply or UPS. I’ve seen many similar reports online, and they often involve various components, so I’m worried about wasting money on a new GPU if the problem isn’t hardware-related. Here are some links others shared: https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/commen...leep_mode/ https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/commen...when_idle/ https://forums. In the last forum post, Lutfij mentioned that a system restarting while idling suggests a power supply issue, grounding problem, or thermal concern. A few months ago, an electrician found a grounding fault in my sleep-out wiring—describing it as a "floating ground." He said he fixed it. I’m wondering if this could have permanently affected my PC. But it’s puzzling since the issue disappears when using iGPU and reappears after longer idle periods, especially after an older driver was installed. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
I remember a friend who had been through something similar back in 2003—around US$2,000 spent on a gaming system with hand-selected components. Over time, the machine would randomly reboot, display BSoD messages, and even shut down completely. We often got slightly shocked when connecting a USB drive or a mobile rack (which included an HDD). The build would remain in the shop for repairs, eventually having most parts replaced due to warranty reasons. Some components were swapped three times, assuming they were faulty until the shop advised us we couldn’t keep doing that. They mentioned we couldn’t get DoA parts for high-end parts anymore.
Eventually, my friend experienced each component failing one by one. About two years later, we discovered his home had no grounding at all—no grounded wall outlets. We spent a lot of money digging an earth pit, installing a large copper plate, and carefully working on the wiring near the wall outlet. This finally resolved everything, starting fresh with a new system.
In short, yes—it can impact you both in the short and long term. The best PSUs won’t fix a wiring problem in your home, so it’s important to ensure every step is correct: grounding, wiring, wall outlet, IEC cable, and PSU are all in proper condition.
Motherboard: Gigabyte Aorus Z590i Ultra (updated to the latest BIOS)
For reference, what BIOS version do you have? Did you clear the CMOS if your BIOS was updated before this discussion?
PSU: Corsair SF450 Platinum
How long has the PSU been in use? Did it power anything before the RX 5500 XT?
I’m considering buying another similar GPU to check if the issue is with my specific hardware. I’d suggest against it. Troubleshooting isn’t about blaming someone and rushing to replace a part. Instead, try moving the GPU to another working system with a solid PSU that has more power than your setup needs. See if the problem continues.
Also, for your GPU, use DDU in Safe Mode to remove all drivers (Intel, Nvidia, AMD), restart to the OS GUI, then manually install the latest driver from AMD’s support site—right-click the installer and select Run as Administrator.
By the way, I found this thread just to help out, not because you tagged me. Thanks for being tagged, everyone! LOL.
Hey! Thanks for your response. Just wanted to let you know I tried a different power source setup—an extension cord plugged into a wall socket inside the house. That didn’t solve anything. I didn’t switch to a new IEC cable, but it seems unlikely that would be the cause (my cable looks fine).
I also checked and found a newer BIOS version I hadn’t installed yet. I updated it to F11b (previously F10) and cleared CMOS. Still, the issue remains.
I bought a used PSU in April 2022. Over the years, I’ve swapped out GPUs several times—previously I had an RX 5500 XT (size unknown). I’m not sure if I got my current GPU before or after this problem started.
If I were to replace it, I’d go for a second-hand one, but I don’t have another working system on hand.
Keep trying!
I purchased the PSU second hand in April 2022
For the sake of relevance, is this the PSU you have;
https://www.techpowerup.com/220710/corsa...r-supplies
SF Series™ SF450 — 450 Watt 80 PLUS® Gold Certified High Performance SFX PSU
SF Series™ power supplies bring legendary CORSAIR performance and reliability to the SFX small form factor standard with 80 PLUS Gold certification, Zero RPM mode, and 100% 105°C Japanese electrolytic capacitors.
www.corsair.com
?
If yes, then that PSU was released in 2016. You purchased a 6 year old PSU that has a 7 year warranty. The PSU is 9 years old now, assuming the PSU was purchased by the previous owner as soon as the PSU was released. Even if the power draw is minimal for your current system, I doubt you can tell what the SF450 powered prior to it being sold to you.
Unfortunately, I do not have another known working platform.
Buying parts as a replacement isn't a wise decision. You'd be better served going to a shop local to you and seeing if the issue persists on their wall outlet, besides that they would have access to parts to swap out.
I own the SF450 Platinum (not Gold). According to Google, it was launched in June 2018. That's a good observation though regarding its age and what the previous owner did with it. If the issue was related to the PSU, why would it happen when using the discrete GPU but not the iGPU? Is that reasonable?
I own the SF450 Platinum (not Gold).
I made a mistake by mixing the two units for the SF450, but the warranty applies to the Platinum version, so you have a 4-year-old PSU and its warranty ends this year (assuming it was bought soon after release).
If the issue came from the PSU, why would it happen with the discrete GPU but not with the integrated GPU?
The TDP values differ between an iGPU and a discrete GPU, which means more power is required with the latter in your system.