[New Build] PC shuts off while watching videos or playing games

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NickMax

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Mar 31, 2014
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Hi all,

Sorry my first post has to be a request for help, but I'm going a bit crazy here.

First things first: several months ago, I built my first PC, and just over a month ago I added my graphics card, an XFX R9 280x. Full build spec is here: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jkDyqs

I realise the power supply, a 1000w Fractal Newton R3, is overkill for now, but I'm planning on adding another GPU down the road, as well as possibly more hard drives. The unit has been well reviewed, and build quality seems high.

The problem I'm experiencing: I've been losing power/shutting down randomly. This started in the last couple weeks, becoming more and more frequent in the last week especially. There's no BSOD, even after I disabled automatic restart. It just shuts off instantly, and then about five seconds later it reboots into Windows.

This tends to happen during games and when I'm watching videos (particularly Netflix-- it takes about five seconds of that, and shuts off). But it doesn't happen when I'm watching DVDs. It also was fine during the entire AIDA64 system stability test. Sure, the CPU got very hot (high 90s), but it's a Haswell CPU. Idling/load GPU and CPU temps seem fine-- never above 70 (except for the CPU in AIDA64).

Here are the actions I've taken so far:
- Removed non-Windows HDD
- Removed one stick of RAM, then the other
- Ensured all MB/power cables are firmly in place
- Tried a number of power outlets
- Uninstalled/reinstalled AMD drivers
- Cleared CMOS
- Used air con to get the ambient temp down from 30C to 20C
- Checked voltages with AIDA64

All inconclusive/no change.

Then I removed the graphics card and tried video on the integrated processor. Problem gone. I put my old GPU, a Geforce 460 back in, and tried video. Problem still gone. I've been playing games with the old GPU, and I'm not getting any random shutoffs.

So this leads to two possibilities. Please correct me if I'm wrong, there may be many more!

- The GPU is causing the problem and needs to be RMAed.
- The PSU is causing the problem, and the reason the problems have stopped is that I'm using a card that doesn't draw as much power.

Any ideas would be really appreciated. I'm working on a bit of a budget, as sadly a lot of my money has gone to getting this nice new PC...

Thanks in advance for your help!
 
Solution
Swordkd
Umm, power surge or discharge when you unplugged the old Psu? If that seems to have cured the shut down issue, I'm wondering how bad that Psu actually was. You are right though, reviews seem good except for the ripple suppression on the minor rails, but that shouldn't have been any sort of issue.

Try to frankenstein up your pc for a sec, hooking up the old Psu just to the parts that aren't powering up with the new Psu. I doubt it'll change anything, but lets just try it.
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NickMax

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Mar 31, 2014
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This is a good point, and I've ordered a new cooler (currently using stock). But I've been monitoring the temps before shutdown, and it's often around 40/50 when this happens. Also, the fact that this doesn't happen at such high temps suggests it's not a temp-related issue.

But, as I said, new cooler on the way! Should be here soon!

Thanks for the advice.
 
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Swordkd

Swordkd

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What are the temps on the video card? Like you said, it all points to a bad video card, or bad psu stemming from a higher draw video card. I don't see where you listed the temps for the gpu. Visually verify that the fans are spinning on the gpu.
 
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NickMax

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My bad! Yes, the fans are both spinning on the GPU, and the temps never went above 64 C under load..
 
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NickMax

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Not a stupid question at all! But I did check, yes. Removed and reinserted the card several times, too. Didn't seem to make a difference!
 
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NickMax

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No, the GPU power cables are non-modular for this PSU. The only cables I've added are for 2 HDDs and 1 ODD. They're both plugged in to the SATA plugs on the PSU. There are extra (modular) spaces for additional PCI cables.
 
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Swordkd

Swordkd

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Ok, to troubleshoot, do you have a friend that has a Pc setup that you can take your 280x and toss it into his pc to see what happens? If it shuts down then I'd suspect the Gpu, if not I'd suspect the Psu. I generally use my wifes pc when I'm troubleshooting stuff just so I can narrow things down better.
 
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NickMax

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Mar 31, 2014
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Quick update:

I didn't do exactly that, but I did go out and get a new PSU. It's a Seasonic G-series (650W).

I brought it back and swapped it with the old one. Quite a hassle, rewiring everything...

Anyway, long story short: the random blackouts seem to have stopped. That's good.

The bad news? My 3.0 TB HDD and my ODD won't start. My only working SATA device is now my SSD.

The HDD powers up, but it just makes repeated clicking sounds. It's recognized as a device, but shows up as "0 GB". Then it just stopped showing up in the BIOS. When I plug it in, windows takes AGES to load. When I unplug it, Windows loads super-fast.

The ODD seems completely dead. No power light, even though the power cable is completely connected. Also doesn't show up on the BIOS, unsurprisingly. No idea what's the matter there.

So... one problem solved/worked around. Two new problems. What gives?
 
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Swordkd

Swordkd

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Oct 3, 2012
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Umm, power surge or discharge when you unplugged the old Psu? If that seems to have cured the shut down issue, I'm wondering how bad that Psu actually was. You are right though, reviews seem good except for the ripple suppression on the minor rails, but that shouldn't have been any sort of issue.

Try to frankenstein up your pc for a sec, hooking up the old Psu just to the parts that aren't powering up with the new Psu. I doubt it'll change anything, but lets just try it.
 
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Solution
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NickMax

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Mar 31, 2014
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Thanks for all your help with this issue! I think we've solved as much as we can at this stage. It's a bit of a mystery, but I'm going to RMA my HDD and ODD, as I can do without them for a few months. I'll see what I can get. If not, they aren't the most expensive parts to replace, at least!

If we still have problems, well then I'll open up a brand new thread. But for now, thanks again for the help. It was great to have someone to discuss this with! Made everything much less frustrating.
 
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