[Solved] Older system randomly shutting down

Hardware Hub
1

My old PC started shutting down (it’s like some unplugged it from the wall) at semi random times and then it tries to start up again but it can’t. It just loops without getting event to the boot screen until i unplug it from the wall, then it can start up normally. This happens at semi random times. Sometimes when i’m browsing the web, watching a movie or just typing. Weird thing is some games cause it to shut down immediately (like rocket league), but when i run synthetic tests for cpu and gpu (furmark, prime95) at the same time it doesn’t shut down. I’ve also noticed that it much more stable under linux, i rarely experience any shutdowns. My first thought was the PSU but if it was the problem the pc should shut down under synthetic test. Any thoughts?

Gigabyte EP43-UD3L
Q9550 @3.4Ghz
Geil 8Gb DDR2
Radeon 6950
Samsung 840 EVO
Random HDD
Seasonic G-550

2

Change out the thermal paste. Sounds like its overheating because the paste has dried out

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3

He says prime95 doesnt make it shut down though. My first guess too.

4

Worth a shot because its one of those simple things you end up trying last.

Should also reseat the cpu while your at it for good measure.

5

It sounds like issue with memory to me. Try stressing memory, see if you crash.

also check mobo for any bulged capacitors.

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6

Could be memory, yeah. In general that stuff doesn’t just break though.

Check SMART status. Switch the drive to something known and good if nothing helped so far. That way you can test if it’s software at the same time.

7

I’ve tried stressing the memory with prime95 and the system ran fine. Also cpu temperatures are normal and i haven’t seen any bulged capacitors on the motherboard. SMART status is also ok.
Is it possible that the psu is at fault? But then why would it not start normal and i have to unplug it from the wall to get a normal boot.

8

Sure, anything is possible as long as you don’t rule it out by testing with replacement hardware.
Prime is a CPU test mostly, you could run a memtest86 USB stick over night and look what happens.
And really, try a different drive with a fresh install.

9

It looks like it was a faulty PSU. Tried mine in another pc, worked with no problems for a day and then the motherboard started throwing anti surge protection warnings. Also put another PSU in my pc and it worked with no problems.

Thanks for your help!

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