I recently built a new Windows 11 system with an ASUS PRIME B650M-R motherboard, Ryzen 5 7500F, Patriot Viper Venom 16 GB DDR5-6000 CL30, WD Blue SN5100 500 GB NVMe SSD, MSI MAG COREFROZR AA13 cooler, MSI RTX 5060 8G Ventus 2X OC White, and an FSP 650W 80+ power supply in a VENTO VG15FE case.
The system is completely stable during sustained heavy workloads. Prime95, FurMark, and other stress tests can run for hours without crashes, thermal throttling, or obvious voltage problems. The failure happens specifically when the load suddenly drops to idle. For example, the computer resets immediately when I stop an OCCT power test, return from an active game match to the main menu, or encounter a sudden graphics-load change in a game menu.
The reset is not a complete power loss: the case lighting and fans remain powered, but Windows instantly restarts. Event Viewer only reports the generic Kernel-Power Event ID 41, with no minidump or machine-check error logs.
I have already reseated the power cables, updated the BIOS and chipset drivers, and tested with EXPO/XMP disabled at stock memory settings. The problem still occurs only during the heavy-load-to-idle transition. I do not have spare parts for testing, and my 14-day return period is nearly over.
Could this be a PSU transient-response problem, such as a voltage overshoot when the load is removed? Or is a GPU power-delivery issue, motherboard fault, or another component more likely?
2 Answers
The fact that the cables are secure, BIOS and chipset software are current, and the issue remains with memory overclocking disabled makes the usual basic fixes less likely. Kernel-Power 41 only confirms that Windows did not shut down cleanly; it does not identify the failed component. If possible, test with a known-good, quality PSU before assuming the graphics card or motherboard is defective.
A PSU problem is a strong possibility here. A sudden load release can expose poor transient behavior even when the power supply appears stable during continuous stress. Since the system stays powered but immediately resets, replacing or exchanging the PSU is a sensible first test, especially while the return period is still open.
That explanation fits the timing better than a normal overheating or memory-stability issue. I’m contacting the retailer about exchanging the PSU first, while keeping other hardware possibilities in mind.