Strange Random Power Loss Occurring, Need Help Diagnosing!

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Seth Schaffer

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Aug 3, 2013
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I really am puzzled by this issue though it isn't extremely urgent at the moment or anything like that. My computer was recently assembled (less than 3 months ago) from several previously used parts and many new ones. I just created this build since I'll be heading off to college and wanted the power of my big gaming tower to fit into a college dorm, hence I made it a mini-ITX system. I have a brand new Gigabyte Z97N-WIFI mITX board in it, and a new G3258 dual core processor (not yet overclocked) cooled by a refurbished but tested and working great Corsair H60. My RAM is the oldest component, I'm not sure exactly how old but over 4 years by now, so when this issue first reoccurred I ran the Memory Diagnostic from my recovery CD through 6 extended passes. but got 0 errors. I'm using 2 x 4GB Kingston Genesis series sticks at 1333Mhz. Storage wise, I just upgraded to an SSD migrating windows over from a 1TB HDD, currently running my brand new Mushkin ECO2 240GB SSD with two 2TB HDDs. I have a 3 year old Radeon HD 7870 XT graphics card which fits the case snugly. All of this is powered by a not-quite-one-year-old EVGA 750W PSU.
I monitor my temps and RAM/CPU usage constantly, but these shutdowns seem totally random. I ran a prime-95 torture test for hours one day and the next day the computer died while I was just browsing the web. Usually it appears totally random, it's only happened 4 times and the frequency ranged from 6 hours to about 36 hours between shutdowns. Every time the thing instantly powers off like the plug was pulled. I suspect the power supply but that seems unlikely to cause failures when simply idling, as all of these have been. Once I wasn't even at the computer, it was just playing Pandora for an hour and shut down right then while I was working next to it on something else. Any help would be appreciated!
 
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foolishcreature

foolishcreature

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Have you tested the socket? Also use a surge protector to prevent your computer from corrupting any files during these shutdowns.
I would try a different socket and also check if all the cables from the PSU are plugged in tightly and correctly.
 
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Seth Schaffer

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Aug 3, 2013
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I checked the PSU cables earlier, but I'll try a new power outlet. It is plugged into a surge protector currently but I have a second one in the room that I'll give a go, on a different wall outlet too. Right now my desk lamp is plugged into the same surge protector as the desktop though, plus both my dual monitors, and none of those turn off when the computer does.
 
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Seth Schaffer

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Aug 3, 2013
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Honestly I may have swapped the new and old cables unwittingly, but I have another cable so I'll swap that in too.
 
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Seth Schaffer

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Aug 3, 2013
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EVGA SuperNOVA 750W 80+ Bronze

I just implemented all your other suggestions; I think I did in fact have the older PSU to wall cable in it as the one I have in now seems to be gold plated and says "High Quality AC Cord" on the side for what that's worth (hint: nothing). I'm trying another slot on the same surge protector since my second one has way too many things plugged into it. I think I actually had my monitors on the second one, but I believe the lamp is in fact in the same protector as the computer now so maybe that'll shed some light on the problem (pun intended)
 
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westom

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If anyone recommended a surge protector for any such problems, then run for the hills. Second, if a recommendation has no numbers, then again, you know it comes from popular myths.

The surge protector connects your computer directly to AC mains. It does absolutely nothing until the 120 volts increases to well beyond 330 volts. Is your AC increasing that much? Then you have many other damaged appliances.

Computer (and PSU) is controlled by a power controller. It decides when to power cycle the PSU. It even decides when the CPU can execute. From its various inputs, it may suddenly power off the machine. Pressing the front paenl power button is simply another input to the power controller - that decides to responde to or ignore that power button.

Only useful answer requires you to first provide some hard facts with numbers. That means a digital meter and some requested insutructions. Those posted numbers then make possible useful replies from the fewer who actually know how computers work. No numbers is why every reply has been 'try this' or 'it might be that'. Also called wild speculation.

Even Prime95 is only stress testing a CPU - does nothing for testing any other function including the various power 'system' components. Memory diagnostic also does not report on the power 'system'.

Connect an incandescant bulb to the power strip. Does that bulb dim to 40% intensity? If not, then power is perfectly good. Move on to other suspects. Why is the power controller turning off your computer? Every useful answer will also answser that question.

 
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