PC crashing during moderate gaming, possible PSU problem?

skilledman101

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Jul 14, 2013
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Hello all,

I have a 550 W psu that is godawful (its a coolermaster :/ ) and my computer keeps crashing during moderate gaming (playing Saints Row the Third, Mafia 2) with my GTX 760 and FX 6350. Right before it crashes there is a noticable FPS drop (60 fps down to 25-30) for a few seconds and then the PC clicks off. The fans also act weird (run at full power and then practically shut off) before the crash too. After the FPS drop it sometimes jumps back to 60 fps and fans return to normal, only to have it happen again, or it just shuts off which is what usually happens. I have the option to get a 600W Corsair PSU to
fix it, or is this another problem with another component? Thanks!
 
Solution
Sounds like the PSU can't handle your system

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SeaSonic S12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

$75.99

Haeight

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Apr 26, 2013
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Double check your temps. Overheating can cause crashing and shutdowns, built in alarms only work if they were connected to a speaker. 550w seems low, you want somewhere around 45a on the 12v rail the bigger the vid card and more power hungry the chip/O.C. the higher your amps on the 12v rail should be.
 

skilledman101

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There has been a heatwave in the past few days (95 F and up) which has been when the crashes have occured. The first few days I was
using it I had no problems, when it was reasonably warm out.
 

Haeight

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Apr 26, 2013
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Use a temperature monitor like hwinfo to get an idea of what is going on, the hotter it is the less effcient a psu is. Could be you don't have enough cooling or your thermal paste is dried up you need to clean your comp etc. Start with heat related problems, transition into gettign a new psu. You could see the same issues even with a new psu best to check temps 1st.
 

skilledman101

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I suppose temps would make sense figuring I only
started having problems when it got really
hot out. I applied my thermal paste less
than 4 days ago so I would think its just not enough cooling.
 

skilledman101

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Jul 14, 2013
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Would inadequate cooling of the CPU cause the computer to frequently freeze?