I'm having an issue where my PC unexpectedly shuts down while playing specific games. Here are my specs:
- CPU: Intel i7-14700KF
- Motherboard: MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi
- RAM: 2 x 24 GB Corsair Dominator Titanium @ 7200 MHz
- GPU: MSI RTX 5070
- Storage: 1 TB M.2 SSD (partitioned: 180 GB for Windows and the rest for games)
- Cooling: 4 case fans + AIO water cooler (3 fans)
- PSU: be quiet! 750 W, over 10 years old
This problem occurs only in some games, like NBA 2K26, not all of them. I initially thought heat might be the issue, but my CPU temperatures usually hover around 80°C, only peaking at about 90°C when the shutdown happens. There's no blue screen or warning; it just turns off instantly.
Also, my Windows partition is running low on space, sometimes under 10 GB. I'm worried it's my power supply since it's quite old but don't want to invest in a new one unless I'm sure it's the culprit. Any suggestions on how to diagnose this issue?
3 Answers
It sounds like your PSU is the main suspect. With a 750W unit that’s over 10 years old, it might struggle under the load of your current hardware, especially with that RTX 5070 and the newer i7 CPU. Unexpected shutdowns in specific games could indicate it's reaching its limits, so I’d recommend considering a new PSU.
Make sure to check for any firmware updates for your motherboard as well. Sometimes Intel’s newer CPUs have quirks that can be resolved with a BIOS update. It's an easy thing to try before replacing the PSU.
If you're able to, try monitoring your system's power usage with software tools while you play. That might give you insight into whether the PSU is being pushed too hard. Also, the low space on your Windows partition could lead to odd behaviors, so maybe try freeing up some room if you can!
Good point! Keeping your OS partition spacious can help with overall performance too. It might relieve some pressure if the shutdowns don't stop after a PSU swap.
Yeah, I was thinking the same. That PSU is pretty dated and likely not designed to power your current components effectively. Getting a new one could save you a lot of headache in the long run.