I've been struggling with my PC randomly shutting off for about three years, and I'm starting to think it might be unfixable. The shutdowns happen without any warning or blue screens. Sometimes it completely turns off, but occasionally the lights stay on and it just restarts by itself. This happens while I'm browsing on Chrome and even during gaming, usually around four minutes into a game. Here are some key details:
- When I smack the PC, it usually turns back on.
- I tried unplugging and reconnecting the CPU connector to the motherboard, which worked temporarily for about a month before the issue returned and worsened.
- My BIOS is fully updated, and disabling PBO didn't make a difference.
- My GPU drivers are also up to date.
- All my components are compatible; in fact, I built another PC with similar parts (just a better GPU) and it runs fine.
- I've done CPU tests with OCCT and everything looks good.
- However, a power test on OCCT crashed immediately when set to ALL.
- I get a Kernel-Power 41 error every time it shuts down.
- The PC is plugged directly into the wall.
During shutdowns, both the CPU and DRAM lights stay lit. I took it to a shop, but they basically said they couldn't help. I've heard it might be a problem with the VRM, PSU, or possibly a fried CPU. I'm reluctant to spend over $600 replacing the PSU, motherboard, and CPU if it's something minor. Here are my specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor
- GPU: Asus DUAL OC GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Video Card
- Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory
- Motherboard: MSI MAG Tomahawk B650 with Wifi
- Case: Lian Li O11 VISION COMPACT ATX Mid Tower Case
- PSU: Corsair RM850e 850 W Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
3 Answers
Random shutdowns can be frustrating! It’s odd that it crashes when running power tests though. Since you already have a working build with the same components, it’s worth inspecting the connecting cables, especially if reseating them seemed to help before. Sometimes, it's just a loose connection causing these problems. If kicking the case helps, maybe try securing the components more firmly!
Sounds like a bizarre issue! That hitting it to turn it back on might suggest there’s a problem with the power button. It could be that it's faulty and sometimes makes contact, leading to those unexpected restarts. You might want to try manually booting it by unplugging the power cable and then using a screwdriver to jump the pins on the motherboard. That may help you narrow it down without the possibility of any accidental presses causing trouble.
Honestly, it sounds like your PC has had enough of this world! But before considering a replacement, you should check if the power button is malfunctioning. It might intermittently keep the system in a reset state. Kick it, hit it, whatever works, but getting a multi-meter to check out your PSU wouldn’t hurt either. If you can find the root cause without replacing parts, the better!
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