Random Shutdown - Event 41 Kernel-Power - PSU issue?

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chirag11

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Jul 24, 2013
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I built a new system with a new case that came with PSU. It says 400W.
However ever since I put all components together, I have been getting random shutdowns of my computer. This is not my first build (6th I think) so I can say I am not a newbie to this. Each time the shutdown reports Event 41 Kernel-Power

I initially installed Windows 8 Pro, and thought the shutdowns were due to software issue/incompatible drivers etc. So now I installed Win Server 2008 R2 I got being a student. Within 24 hours I got the same Event 41 - Kernel-Power error and found the computer shutdown.

After reading lots of posts, I think its the PSU. However I need the community's help to verify that. I installed Open Hardware Monitor which shows lots of specs. However under the voltage section, if I add up the CPU, AVCC, 3VCC, 3VSB --- it adds up to 10.92 volts. Does that indicate a bad power supply? Is this a reliable enough reading/software?

MY Motherboard is ASRock H77 Pro4-M, Core i3-3225 CPU, 16GB Kingston RAM

9357949729_21e08170ce_o.png
 
Solution
nostall
Can you post your video card specs? That's one of the biggest power users in the system.
SR-71 is probably right. If your PSU has a sticker on it (most do), take a look at it and post the information.
In the screen shot you provided there is no +12V showing: that's pretty important.
The 3.3V voltages look o.k.
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nostall

nostall

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Can you post your video card specs? That's one of the biggest power users in the system.
SR-71 is probably right. If your PSU has a sticker on it (most do), take a look at it and post the information.
In the screen shot you provided there is no +12V showing: that's pretty important.
The 3.3V voltages look o.k.
 
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Solution
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chirag11

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Jul 24, 2013
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Hmmm... I installed SpeedFan and have been looking at the +12V and seems to be steady at 11.99 volts. But I guess that does not mean its not a bad PSU as it may drop or spike when I am not looking and cause the computer to shutdown.

I will try an old PSU I have laying around.

One more question though --- The current location where its plugged in is behind my TV where bunch of other stuff is present on daisy chained surge protectors. Could turning on all electronics (DLP TV, Dish receiver, 700 W Onkyo receiver + 400W sub) at once cause a drop in current and lead to this? Its just a thought because prior to me moving the computer to the new location, I never had the shutdown issue (it was in different location for about 3-4 days)

Thanks
 
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chirag11

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Jul 24, 2013
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About the video card - I do not have a separate video card. I am using the VGA out built into motherboard.
This computer will be used as a server so I do not need a powerful video card.

Here is the screenshot from SpeedFan

9360956112_c38ba74fd2_o.png


9358186875_1974ea8322_o.png
 
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nostall

nostall

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Nov 28, 2012
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Your voltages look o.k. Would still be very helpful if you could post the power information from your PSU, or brand and specific model if you can find it.
And yes, turning on all that equipment you listed could very well cause a brief power drop, and in turn could cause a computer shut-down/crash/re-start.

one more thing, though you have probably already checked this: is tthe PC clean. Have you opened it up and used canned air and a vacuum to get all the dust-bunnies out of the CPU cooler, GPU, and fans etc.
 
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chirag11

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@nostall

The PC was put together just a couple of weeks ago so it is very clean.

This is the case I got which came with the PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121125

it says 400 W - but some feedback says its not 400W, model number is HP400 - do not know the manufacturer. I will have to open up the case and take a look which I will do tonight.


I will take a picture of the sticker on it as well and post that tonight.

In the meantime I am running the Prime95 stress test to see if I see any voltage drop or if the computer crashes. So far everything is running OK. The 12V reading in SeedFan has not dropped below 11.93V. I am starting to think it is not the power supply but the other electronics.

Tonight, I will move the case to a different room and see if it crashes. I will also replace the power supply with the old one I have, but I THINK its a lower wattage and may not be enough (I think its 230W so may be too low - but will check that - again tonight)

Thanks for all your help
 
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nostall

nostall

Splendid
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Thanks! The picture of the case shows an HEC Orion HP400.
SR-71 hit the nail on the head. It is not a good PSU. On the linked 'Eggspert Power Supply Tier list" it is a DO NOT BUY unitTier 5.
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx
I found the HP485 on Newegg and the +12v rail, the main power source for your PC, only carries 15Amps MAX (How do they get 485 Watts?!)
IT COULD VERY WELL BE YOUR PSU.
So, SR-71 Please jump back in here if you would, as I have to leave for awhile.
 
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chirag11

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Jul 24, 2013
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OK, so now will definitely look into replacing the PSU. I looked through the list and was checking the various PSUs on newegg. I have one more question - if I may - I noticed that MOST new PSUs - atleast the ones with good rating are all with TOP fan instead of the rear exhaust. How would I mount such one in my current case which does not have any ventilation on top. or would it not work? Or am I completely off in understanding how the new PSUs work in terms of air flow?

 
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nostall

nostall

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The 'top' fan is an intake fan; in a case with no grill/vent on the bottom of the case you mount the PSU with the fan on top. It will pull warm air from within the case to cool itself: Yes, 'cold' air from underneath is optimal, but the temp inside your case will most certainly be cooler then inside the PSU. In your case (which I think is pretty nice) you WOULD mount it with the fan facing down ('cause it mounts at the top of the case); it would then help remove the warm air from the case while cooling itself.

Give us an idea of your budget and we can suggest a couple PSU's that will work for you. Generally you want to purchase a trusted, name brand psu; Seasonic, XFX, Corsair, PC Power& Cooling, Antec, and the a few of the Rosewill units (CAPSTONE, HIVE, Tachyon) are considered among the best.
 
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chirag11

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Jul 24, 2013
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Thanks for all your help guys.

So once I got home, I began to test the theory that the other electronics as causing the shutdown. So I turned off all electronics and on again and on the third run, the computer shutdown... Just powered off.

So while the PSU is not high quality, I will wait on it for couple of more days. I have moved the computer to another room with no other electronics on that surge protector. I will watch it to see if it shuts down again. If so, the next step would be the PSU replacement.

I will replace the PSU regardless, but just determining the urgency.

I will update this again tomorrow to report what happened.
 
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nostall

nostall

Splendid
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Roger that. Looking forward to your report.
 
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chirag11

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OK, update 1, its been about 12 hours now and no shutdowns so far.
I am at work now but have remote access to the system. So I will keep checking and see what happens.

How is this PSU? Main reason is after rebates and promo it comes to $17 and has good reviews +tax (free ship with shoprunner)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171046

Or this one: $29 +tax (free ship with shoprunner) after rebates and promo and bunch of connectors:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027
 
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chirag11

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Update #2

Its been up and running without issue for over 36 hours now.

Looks like adding lots of electronics on daisy chain surge protectors is to blame... Will keep watching it though.

Planning to go with this PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027
Most negative reviews complain about DOA or noisy fan - both of which would be identifiable immediately. Also comes with 3 Year Corsair warranty so just in case.


 
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nostall

nostall

Splendid
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That Corsair is a good PSU, better then the CoolerMaster you were looking at.
The Corsair CX500 is more efficient so will last longer and run cooler and has has Active Power Factor Correction (cleaner power to the components). The CoolerMaster is an older design without PFC.
That's a killer price at Newegg!
Please consider the linked XFX that SR-71 posted: It is a better power supply then the Corsair, for almost the same money as the Corsair, and it has a 5 year warranty.
 
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chirag11

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Jul 24, 2013
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Just wanted to update everyone involved...
Well its been a few days now, and the computer does not shutdown on its own with the existing/current power supply.

I am changing the case though and also adding a new PSU hoping that it will be quieter than my current one. Finally went with
EVGA 100-B1-0500-KR 500W 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Power Supply
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438012) and

COOLER MASTER HAF series RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233)

I should get the PSU tomorrow. The case is awesome...
 
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