Possible PSU Problem?

RemilBed

Honorable
Sep 27, 2013
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10,640
Okay so, for the past month I've been trying to troubleshoot my computer's problem, I'm gonna go into every single detail.

My specs are:
Core i5 4570.
HIS HD 7770 Gigabyte OC edition,
g1.sniper.b5 motherboard,
4GB x2 RAMs,
1TB HDD x1.

So, here's the problem:

As I play games, my computer freezes up and colors are shown on monitors and sound loops. This problem occurs randomly and it happens a few times, then I can have normal gaming sessions. But it also happened frequently, during which I monitored my GPU's temperatures and the temperatures showed normal. (I use HWinfo64) The most recent problem that occurred was today, as I was playing GTA V, and my screen went red, naturally I rebooted the computer, and the computer was SLUGGISH as hell, I re-installed (Refresh) my windows (I use Win 10 btw, the problem occurred on Win 8 too). The computer was refreshed and it was working normally, but then I launched GTA V again, and same problem. This problem also occurs while playing Heroes of the Storm sometimes. Sometimes I can have gaming sessions more than 7 hours without any interruption, but sometimes not at all.

I have ruled out RAM and Hard Disk not being a problem since I got my RAM replaced in warranty, and even tried other RAMs that I borrowed, and I got a brand new Hard Disk on which I installed everything all over again. Now, the only things left that I have not touched are the GPU, my motherboard, processor and my Power Supply.

Can my GPU be the problem? (Idk, I have monitored temps and they look pretty normal)
Can my PSU be the problem? (While searching for an answer earlier in July, someone mentioned about my voltage being lower than 12 or something in HWinfo64, so maybe?)
Can my motherboard be the problem? (I mean, I don't think so, can it?)
Can my CPU be the culprit? (Any ideas?)


One more thing I'd like to add is that, the computer is also randomly restarting for no reason, I'm not even shaking the computer or like moving it, and the voltage is completely normal, but the computer still apparently restarts.

If you guys can help, it'd be amazing.
 
Solution
Looked at the specs - it has a 240w 12v rail - meaning its at the very best a 280-300w max.

Yourbcpu/GPU/mb are going to be dragging in excess of 200w off that 12v rail.

Replace under warranty??
In all honesty Id bin it & buy a decent branded 400w+ mate.

Do I think its the problem ??
In all likelihood yes there's a very good chance.
Looked at the specs - it has a 240w 12v rail - meaning its at the very best a 280-300w max.

Yourbcpu/GPU/mb are going to be dragging in excess of 200w off that 12v rail.

Replace under warranty??
In all honesty Id bin it & buy a decent branded 400w+ mate.

Do I think its the problem ??
In all likelihood yes there's a very good chance.
 
Solution

DSzymborski

Curmudgeon Pursuivant
Moderator


Tom's maintains a tiered list of power supplies.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

There's no guarantee that your PSU is in fact the problem as there's a lot of trial-and-error in a PC suffering from general instability. However, the fact that you have a hunk of junk in there is the first place to go.
 

RemilBed

Honorable
Sep 27, 2013
70
0
10,640
Apparently, getting a new PSU is working good so far. I've played Arkham Knight for 5 hours straight with no problems, even played a little GTA for a few hours, and tried out a few other games too. Thanks to you all honestly. I'm glad my computer's finally fixed.
 

DSzymborski

Curmudgeon Pursuivant
Moderator


Glad that you (at least so far) have a happy ending! The PSU is literally the most important part of a PC, the part that makes the PC actually run and ensures it has safe, clean, power. Even bad PSUs that aren't literally exploding and/or catching on fire can damage a PC and reduce its stability in more subtle ways.