Random power cuts on desktop

umkay · 23 Dec 2020 at 11:22

So I did a bit of thinking on this and I believe I've figured out what's happening.

For some reason the CPU is running exceedingly hot on occasions breaching 100*C. From what I've read, higher temps increase CPU power usage and this combined with a possibly failing PSU/potentially power spikes from a GPU (although these restarts also happen at idle/web browsing) seems to trigger some sort of cutoff in the PSU.

I took the side panel off the case and the stock intel cooler seems to be secured sufficiently but I've ordered some Artic Silver 5 to repaste it. I'm also going to add some exhaust fans for the top/rear of the case as I currently only have two fans drawing in cool air from the front.

If that fixes the issue then I'll look at stress testing the PSU to see if it can still handle the same peak power values as it is rated for. Do you know the best way I can do that?

If that doesn't fix the issue, I'll try ordering a new PSU to see if that fixes the issue. Any recommendations? Additionally this PSU just out of warranty (by a year or so I think) do you know if there's any discretion from Corsair on this?

Many thanks!

Blue160 · 23 Dec 2020 at 11:27

I'd definitely look at bringing those temperatures down. If repasting the cooler doesn't help (it may not, Intel stock coolers aren't the greatest) then something like this might help: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/arct...duo-white-cpu-cooler-2-x-120mm-hs-074-ar.html

I doubt Corsair will be willing to honour a warranty rhat expired a year ago!

t31os · 23 Dec 2020 at 19:01

The bios will usually have a shut off temp, if the CPU is hitting 90-100 and you've not disabled the shut off threshold(you shouldn't) in the bios it sounds like quite normal behaviour.

You really should replace the stock cooler with literally anything, pop into a local (that food stereotypically associated with indians) and grab something to avoid the wait from ordering online, i don't know why you're thinking about replacing the PSU when the CPU clearly needs some better cooling.

umkay · 8 Feb 2021 at 18:06

So a quick update here. I replaced the stock cooler with the Noctua NH-D15 Chromomax Black and used their supplied thermal paste. Brought my idle temps down to about 35*C and temps under load are around 50-60*C peaking at 70*C under heavy load with the heating on. It has stopped cutting out under load, I guess it was restarting as it was hitting 100*C. I will see how it gets on with the random restarts overnight. May also get some case fans to extract more of the hot air. Thanks all for helping to point me in the right direction!