I'm really at my wit's end here. My PC shuts down instantly when I try to play demanding games like Split Fiction and Mafia: The Old Country. There's no blue screen or warning—just a hard click and everything goes dark. This started after a game froze and I had to hard reset. Now the PC just dies when I start any game. The event viewer shows a Critical Error with Event ID 41, Kernel-Power every time it happens.
I recently took my PC to a shop where they ran stress tests with their power cord, and everything worked perfectly for them. But at home, I'm still having issues. Here are some details:
- CPU: Ryzen 5 3600, GPU: ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, and a fully modular 750W Seasonic PSU.
- My C: Drive is reportedly at 81% health according to CrystalDiskInfo, and the technician thinks that's the culprit, even though my games are on a different drive.
I've tried a few things: using a thicker power cord plugged directly into the wall, setting my CPU max state to 99%, and checking temperatures. I'm really stumped because I find it hard to believe the SSD's health could cause these shutdowns, especially when limiting the CPU helps it last longer. Could my power supply be to blame, or could this be an issue with my home's electricity?
5 Answers
Your processor limiting to 99% is a good way to troubleshoot; it suggests either a thermal issue or a power delivery problem. If it lasts longer under those conditions, definitely lean towards power delivery. And maybe replace that SSD soon, just to be safe!
It sounds like your power supply might be the main issue here. Those instant shutdowns typically indicate that your PSU is tripping its safety protections because it's unable to supply the necessary power. Have you got a friend who could lend you a compatible PSU to test? Also, checking the event log can give you clues about what happens right before the shutdown.
I've faced similar issues, and I agree with others here; it's probably power-related. If there’s a budget for it, consider getting an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A UPS helps protect against power spikes from your socket, which could be causing those shutdowns when your PC draws more power during demanding games.
I had a weird shutdown issue before too. My motherboard reacted badly to fluctuations in power. It only acted up at home, so I'll second the idea that it could be something to do with your house's power supply. It might be worth testing with a different home outlet to rule that out.
Also, about your SSD at 81% health—it can cause issues, especially if your system tries to access it during gameplay. But if your games aren't on that drive, it’s less likely to be the major issue. I’d focus more on the PSU and maybe the voltage quality at your home.
That's a solid suggestion! I had a similar problem, and investing in a UPS made a noticeable difference. It definitely protects against those sudden power drops.