Question: Sudden PC Crashes (requires a discharge to turn on)
Question: Sudden PC Crashes (requires a discharge to turn on)
My computer stops abruptly during intense gaming sessions (CS2, Delta Force, occasionally DotA2). It powers off completely while the peripherals remain active. To restart it, I must unplug the power cable, wait a few seconds until the peripheral lights fade (to discharge the system), then reconnect the cable and turn it back on.
I’ve run stress tests on my RAM and CPU—both seem unlikely to be the issue. After swapping in a new boot SSD, the problem disappeared for weeks. Home grounding and using a UPS didn’t help.
Windows Event Viewer reports:
Error: The previous system shutdown at 4:03:46 PM on 4/22/2025 was unexpected.
Critical: The system rebooted without a clean shutdown. This could stem from the system failing to respond, crashing, or losing power suddenly.
Any advice? I need to identify the faulty component before using the warranty.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
The first step would be to obtain a dependably built higher wattage unit from a friend or neighbor and check if the system works well under load, especially when running a game.
To restart my PC, I need to unplug the power cable, wait a few seconds until the peripherals' light turns off (to discharge the system), then replug the cable and turn it on.
This could point to a grounding problem at your system or wall outlet if you're having to discharge the unit before it powers up again.
After replacing my boot SSD, the issue disappeared for several weeks.
Have you installed the OS in offline mode? Did you manually install all drivers in an elevated command?
Model: ASRock B450M Steel Legend
BIOS version for your motherboard?
Power supply: Seasonic Focus Gold GX-750 750Watt 80 Plus Gold
How long has your PSU been in use?
I lack the ability to obtain a PSU with increased wattage; my friends use models with 650 watts or less.
2. My previous outlet had grounding problems, but I resolved them (my metal-framed keyboard no longer shocks). Initially it seemed resolved, but it's been recurring lately.
3. I set up Windows 10 in offline mode and then used Windows Update to install updates after booting.
4. The BIOS version of my ASRock B450M Steel Legend is P4.60.
5. My PSU was purchased in July 2021, which means it's nearly four years old (warranty expires in 10 years).