I'm having some serious issues with my gaming rig. While playing games, my system either crashes to the desktop or freezes up, forcing a reboot. I've tested two different 850W power supplies, but I still encounter the same problems. Interestingly, my system runs fine when I'm not gaming. I'm using Intel's 200S Boost settings in the BIOS but I can't figure out what's going wrong. I've replaced the RAM, so I don't think it's that. Should I invest in a 1200W power supply, or could the issue be something else? This is really frustrating!
5 Answers
What model of 850W PSU are you using? A good quality unit should handle your system without a hiccup. If it's a lower quality PSU, it might struggle. Also, have you tried monitoring your voltage outputs? That could reveal stability issues. Besides, the crashes could be from an overheating CPU or driver issues.
Honestly, if you’ve tried two different 850W PSUs and still face crashes, it's likely not the power supply. Look into potential software conflicts, like outdated Nvidia drivers or Windows issues. It's also a good idea to double-check your BIOS settings and the connections inside your case.
850W should technically suffice for your setup, but it's worth checking your PC's event viewer for clues about the crashes. It does sound like your system draws around 600W, which should fit within the 850W range, so something else might be at play.
I think 850W should be okay for your build, especially since you’re using a Corsair unit, which is typically reliable. If everything else is in check, consider testing with a higher power PSU just to rule that out. Also, random crashes can often be linked to Nvidia driver issues, so think about experimenting with different driver versions.
Your symptoms suggest overheating or possibly RAM issues rather than a PSU shortage. If your BIOS and drivers are up to date, you might want to run a memory test and ensure all components are properly connected. Sometimes, it’s just a loose power connector that causes instability.
I had a similar issue once, and found I had improperly applied the heat sink. Make sure everything is seated well and check your temps under load!