Random restarts when playing graphically intensive games.

RestlessRawli · Apr 22, 2014

So basically, I've had this problem ever since i first got my computer, that when playing a game such as Battlefield 4, Diablo 3 etc. my computer will randomly shut off for a couple of seconds, then power back on, as though I've just restarted this. I've been looking into the problem for a long time now, originally believing it was the CPU as it was reaching extremely high temperatures, but i installed a new fan and that's no longer an issue, my GPU doesn't seem to be overheating either (max of about 70/75'c).
Just recently I've updated my BIOS (as it hadn't been updated since 2012) as i thought that may be the root of the problem, but it still persists.
I'm left now believing it's either a problem with my MB or PSU, but i'm really not certain as i have a 750W PSU, and I could use some advice before i send it off (again) to be fixed. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Operating System
Windows 8.1 64-bit
CPU
AMD FX-8350
Vishera 32nm Technology
RAM
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 668MHz (11-11-11-28)
Motherboard
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. M5A99X EVO R2.0 (Socket 942)
Graphics
IPS234 (1920x1080@60Hz)
2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 (ZOTAC International)
Storage
931GB Seagate ST1000DM003-9YN162 (SATA)
Optical Drives
TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-222BB
Audio
NVIDIA Virtual Audio Device (Wave Extensible) (WDM)

Spectre694 · Apr 22, 2014

What PSU do you have and what are your current voltages?

chris987 · Apr 22, 2014

well if cpu-gpu isnt overheating then it must be an psu issue. what is your current one? a 500w can easily run your set up .you want quality not quantity.

phanph01 · Apr 22, 2014

I experienced the same issue after I tried to overclock CPU, RAM or the graphic card. Resetting all the values to default usually solved it. So you may try resetting BIOS (remove and re-insert the CMOS battery)?!

It's a common symptom that can be caused my many factors. Try some classic trouble-shooting (unplug/replace different hardware in your system one by one until you find the thing that causes it)!

RestlessRawli · Apr 23, 2014

Spectre694 :

urm, I have a Cooler Master RS-700-ASAB-L3, Current voltages in BIOS are:
VCORE Voltage +1.344 V
3.3V Voltage +3.360 V
5V Voltage +5.142 V
12V Voltage + 12.520 V
VDDA2.5V Voltage + 2.520 V

Hope this helps

RestlessRawli · Apr 23, 2014

chris987 :

Cooler Master RS-700-ASAB-L3

chris987 · Apr 23, 2014

that voltages are within atx specs but on the limit.the restats though could indicate a rail going off though. coolermaster have few really good units and yours isnt the exception.also check your psu if overheating or making any wierd noises.anyway i would recommend replacing it!
psu tier

RestlessRawli · Apr 23, 2014

chris987 :

ok thanks a lot for the advice

i'll go check the heat etc when im in a game and maybe look at an alternative PSU

chris987 · Apr 23, 2014

XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply . your best choise at 550w with headroom for a possible gpu upgrade like gtx770, or even overclock!

spooky2th · Apr 23, 2014

Random restarts might mean memory problems. Is your memory speed and timings set up correctly?

Spectre694 · Apr 23, 2014

RestlessRawli :

+1 to what chris987 said that PSU is too close to the limits.
mine did the same thing before I replaced it. voltages on 12V rail were similar.

itsallpoo · Apr 24, 2014

I agree with spooky 100 percent. A marginal ram chip can easily cause this. Games stress your machine a lot web surfing does see if you can find a stress test program and just let it run for a long time. The programs keep a log and may give a hint. If you have more than one ram chip pull one if it does it again pop in another chip, if it stops you know its a bad stick are you running dual channel ram? Can be an issue too. If you've got any throttle options in your bios like and cool n' quiet try turning that off on my new rig I had to disable that because every time the system was even a little stressed it would reboot if that is on.

chris987 · Apr 24, 2014

yes, there is always a possibility.although it looks more like a psu issue since the particular model isnt a solid unit. For ram check,first thing to try, is http://www.memtest.org/

spooky2th · Apr 24, 2014

Those voltages look OK. What they are supposed to be. I would go in BIOS and see what the memory speed and timings are set at and compare them to the actual specs of the memory. By the way, what is the model of your memory kit? Are you running 2 sticks of 8GB or 4 sticks of 4GB? 11-11-11-28 seems weird for 1333MHz memory. I take it for granted at DDR (double digit rate) 2 x 668 you have or your memory is running at 1333MHz.

RestlessRawli · Apr 24, 2014

spooky2th :

4 sticks of 4GB, also, dunno if this helps:
Memory slots
Memory
Type DDR3
Size 16384 MBytes
Channels # Dual
DRAM Frequency 668.9 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL) 11 clocks
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 11 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 11 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 28 clocks
Bank Cycle Time (tRC) 34 clocks
Physical Memory
Memory Usage 14 %
Total Physical 16 GB
Available Physical 14 GB
Total Virtual 18 GB
Available Virtual 15 GB

RestlessRawli · Apr 24, 2014

ALSO i should probably add that at one point, it was restarting even when i wasnt playing games, or even if i was playing on very low graphics.

spooky2th · Apr 24, 2014

Your 700W PSU should be enough power. Can you give the model of the sticks/kit? Did you set up the BIOS and memory speed & timings after you updated the BIOS? This should have been done starting with setting optimized defaults before the memory settings.

Random restarts when playing graphically intensive games.

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