The computer consistently restarts when running video games.
The computer consistently restarts when running video games.
Hello!
I recently acquired a new desktop and, during gameplay, it occasionally restarts. Here’s what occurs: I'm immersed in a game when the display freezes, accompanied by a sound from the speakers. After a brief period, the screen turns blank while the computer seemingly initiates a restart. However, if I allow sufficient time, the display fails to recognize the computer’s signal (it indicates no input). Subsequently, when I press the power button, the system shuts down completely. Upon another click of the button, the computer resumes operation normally. I’ve investigated this issue online and frequently find that it stems from hardware-related problems. I contacted the retailer’s support team, who advised me to perform stress tests on both the graphics card and central processing unit. I executed these tests, even under demanding conditions with elevated temperatures, without experiencing the issue. Memory diagnostics also revealed no errors. My investigation through the event viewer highlighted a critical error referencing “kernel-power #41,” indicating an unexpected system reboot.
My hardware configuration includes an AMD Ryzen 7 2700, an MSI RX Vega 56 with 8 GB of VRAM, and 16 GB of RAM.
Thank you in advance.
CoolerMaster's 650 Watt Power Supply Unit (PSU) in White Version 2
You acquired what your graphics card suggests is sufficient to run your whole computer system. However, I disagree with this assessment. The wattage the GPU suggests should be viewed as a bare minimum figure. To reach the genuinely advised amount, you should multiply it by whatever is indicated as “recommended.” Based on your situation, your actual recommended wattage would likely exceed 1300, so I wouldn’t advise opting for anything less than 1,000, particularly given your GPU's premium status. This isn’t to imply that your power supply is the cause of the recurring reboots you're experiencing during gameplay, but it’s a possibility. My previous machine exhibited the same issue, and its power supply had lower wattage than your own. Since I upgraded it to a 1250-watt unit, my computer has never rebooted. Here’s what a certified A+ technician explained should be done when choosing a power supply—other courses may present alternative advice.
I appreciate your response, and I will be reaching out to the company soon.
P.S.: I neglected to add that I purchased the computer from Amazon UK, with delivery scheduled for Portugal, my home country. Do you think this might be connected? The power cable used by the PC is from a monitor I previously owned, as UK and European electrical outlets differ.
A power supply unit providing 650 watts would be suitable for your setup. Typically, a system’s power consumption shouldn't exceed approximately 320 watts during its most demanding moments, and maintaining usage within 40-50% of the PSU’s maximum capacity is generally advisable. Therefore, a 650-watt unit was a sensible choice; however, the problem lies with the PSU’s quality. It might be substandard due to its 80+ rating instead of a minimum 80+ Bronze or Gold certification, which I would have suggested for optimal performance when utilizing a Vega 56.
Initially, it’s recommended to open the computer case and verify that all cables connected to your graphics card are both 6+2 pin connectors, ensuring none are a single 8-pin connector intended solely for the processor. Your PSU’s specifications indicate 4+4 and an 8-pin CPU power output, along with four 6+2 pin PCIe connectors. The 6+2 pin connectors can be separated and used individually or joined together to form a total of eight pins.
Alternatively, you could purchase a new 650-750-watt Bronze PSU or an even higher-grade Gold rated unit. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you have the option to return it or retain it once the root cause has been confirmed.
Could you clarify what you mean by taking apart the power supply unit? Were you experiencing this noise while the computer was running? It’s possible the sound originated from a cable brushing against a fan. Could you elaborate on the nature of the noise?
I removed the power supply unit from the computer enclosure. The noise typically occurs during intensive operations. I’ve observed that it frequently arises when gaming, specifically during periods of reduced frames per second. Occasionally, the sound appears upon starting the computer. I suspect a fan is the source of this issue, but am uncertain if it’s a typical sound. It sounds like a grating noise—as though something is attempting to shift but encountering an obstruction. Upon opening the case, I didn’t see any cables close to the fans.