Not sure what's wrong with my computer.

CertainMage

Honorable
Jan 10, 2014
24
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10,510
Hello,

I bought this computer: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227604

Not here to debate pre-built vs. building my own...

Anyways, I've had this computer for about a month now. Last week I went to play Heroes of the Storm, play for 10 minutes and my computer restarts with a blue screen saying "Critical Process Died." I touched my tower and around the motherboard area is really warm/hot to the touch. I restarted and tried Marvel Heroes and the same thing happens 5 minutes into the game.

Went to my local computer repair store and the guy I talked to said it sounds like the heat sink isn't doing the job so just order a new one and replace it myself.

is it possible this is the issue or could it be the lackluster PSU they put into it?
 
Solution
My guess would be cheap PSU, could be cheap DRAM, I've picked up a couple of clients that bought theseIBuy things and had nothing but problems...it seems they buy components that they can get cheap and just give a generic description of what you'll get like 500 PSU or 1600 DRAM (no timings, no brand names, etc)

rcj22001

Reputable
May 7, 2015
42
0
4,530
It's likely that Ibuypower stress tested the PC before they shipped it, and it's unlikely they would give you a PSU that wouldn't do the job. It's probably either a faulty CPU cooling unit, or it could simply be a poor application of thermal paste, but it definitely sounds like an overheating issue. The next time this happens, and your pc shuts down, restart it as soon as you can and go into your BIOS and check your CPU temps. You can download free software to monitor your temps as well, but the BIOS should do fine. If you are above 70 C, that's likely the issue (60 C should be around your max when under full load). When your system approaches 75-80 C, it is probably shutting itself down. Also, what temps is your CPU idling at?
 

CertainMage

Honorable
Jan 10, 2014
24
0
10,510
I thought about sending it back unksol, but their time to return it is pretty lengthy and I don't know about that much down time... But I may still do it.

rcj22001, thank you. They said they stress tested it when I sent it back 3 weeks ago and everything was fine from their end. I've never touched BIOS a little scared if we're going to be honest. I have no clue what my idle temps are, how would I figure this out? Thank you for the help so far.
 

rcj22001

Reputable
May 7, 2015
42
0
4,530
BIOS is accessed immediately after starting up your PC. Within the first few seconds of powering up, and before the Windows icon appears, you will see a small message somewhere on your screen (it varies because it is part of the motherboard manuf. software) that tells you what button to press to enter BIOS. For example, I have to press F2 (I press it repeatedly to be sure) when the message prompts me. If you are having trouble seeing the message, because it can come and go quickly, look for the lights on your keyboard to light up, and that is when you should start pressing whatever button you need to. Your BIOS should have some form of temp monitor where you can see your temps. I have found this to be more accurate, and easier to use, than any free software I can download. Don't change any settings or save and changes and you have nothing to worry about when going into the BIOS.

If you can't get that to work here is a link for a reliable, and free, monitoring software.

http://www.techpowerup.com/realtemp/

Just to be clear, when I mention idle temps, I mean with your PC on but no programs or games running. What you should see when you start your PC up (and it has been off a while), or when idle, is hopefully a temp no higher than 40-45C really. That can vary a little, and hopefully it isn't that hot, but my best guess is you're getting to 40-45 C without doing anything on your PC, and those temps are skyrocketing when gaming (because it sounds like you are going through what I just did a few months ago).
 

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
You said you sent it back 3 weeks ago and they said they stress tested, what was the proiblem them, that you sent it back? Don't know, but to me there are definately problems if you already sent it back once and now have the same or yet a different problem, I ask that they replace the whole thing or provide a refund. Just the cost of shipping it back and forth and the time lost to not having it may well have already exceeded the purchase price and more losses for you to come
 

CertainMage

Honorable
Jan 10, 2014
24
0
10,510
Tradesman1, I thought the motherboard or PSU was DOA but that issue was fixed, they stress tested it, I got it back and played all of my games for 2-3 weeks and this issue started happening.

I bought from Newegg but their RMA process was nearly twice as long as iBuyPower's so I shipped it back to iBuyPower for repairs under warranty. Newegg won't issue a refund after 30 days. Last time I talked to iBuyPower they did say any further issues under the warranty would be free shipping to and from their facility, it's just the down time that is an issue as it's my only PC.
 

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
My guess would be cheap PSU, could be cheap DRAM, I've picked up a couple of clients that bought theseIBuy things and had nothing but problems...it seems they buy components that they can get cheap and just give a generic description of what you'll get like 500 PSU or 1600 DRAM (no timings, no brand names, etc)
 
Solution

rcj22001

Reputable
May 7, 2015
42
0
4,530
your CPU temps appear to be fine. The next thing I would suggest is to monitor your GPU temps. Also, make sure the fans on the card are turning.

http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/

I still believe it's a temp issue from somewhere. My experience is limited to personal issues I've had in the past, but they are nearly identical to what you are going through. My only other thought, and this was a wild guess, was that you possibly had an issue with a surge protector/wall socket? But that's out of my realm really, it was just a wild thought...
 

CertainMage

Honorable
Jan 10, 2014
24
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10,510
Trademan, what did you do for your clients in these cases?

rcj, at 'idle' basically just running Firefox, my gpu temps are 40 C. So far, the only time I've noticed a temp increase was when playing games in full window (CoD, Marvel, LoL, HoS, etc.) Flash games through a browser can play day and night with no issues whatsoever.
 

CertainMage

Honorable
Jan 10, 2014
24
0
10,510
Should I say forget their warranty and replace a suggested part myself or send it back and hope their technicians can fix it for free? I know it's my money, but if sending it back is a waste of time in the long run of things I won't waste time doing it.
 

CertainMage

Honorable
Jan 10, 2014
24
0
10,510
I'll call them tomorrow then, and see what they say about it. Now to find the right wording to get an upgrade or two. I love this computer, just wish they didn't skimp on some specific parts.

Thank you.