Do I need a bigger PSU?

Scott_76 · May 2, 2016

My computer is randomly restarting. I get the kernal power error in the event viewer. It only happens when im gaming.
Here are my specs.
Amd fx 8320 3.5 8-core
Xfx r9 280x crossfired
16 gb ram
1tb hd
Modular 750 watt power supply.
Lots of fans.

I dont think the gpus are overheating because i never see them go over 62 degrees in the catalyst software.

Im thinking i dont have enough power, or psu is faulty, or the wiring in that outlet is screwed up.

Idk
Thanks

LucaFire · May 2, 2016

Well, as far as I can tell you don't need a BIGGER PSU, as well as you might need a NEW PSU. I'm worried that perhaps you received a faulty version... although could you provide the exact name of the PSU?

Scott_76 · May 2, 2016

I didnt build it so im not sure the name. Ill just buy a new crosair as i heard that they are good. First i am going to switch outlets because my downstairs wiring is garbage.

LucaFire · May 2, 2016

Scott_76 :

Although Corsair has good PSUs, their CX series have poor transistors, so you're risking that.

Rogue Leader · May 2, 2016

Kernel power is very likely your PSU. Not all Corsairs are the same, don't buy a CX (for example). Crossfired 280x's need a GOOD 750w PSU, if yours isn't then thats probably your problem (and mnost likely).

But this could also be caused by an improper motherboard being used with an 8 Core AMD. What is the exact brand and model of your motherboard? Just asking to be sure.

Inkiad · May 2, 2016

You need good psu. As Rogue asked, post your motherboard model. Also how much you want to spend on a new psu.

Dark Lord of Tech · May 2, 2016

If you buy a Corsair get a RMX or RMI.

Scott_76 · May 2, 2016

My mother board is asustek m5a99fx pro r2.0.

Dark Lord of Tech · May 2, 2016

Scott_76 :

900 watts is recommended , but grab this top of the line 1000w.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: Corsair RMx 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $149.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-05-02 17:39 EDT-0400

Rogue Leader · May 2, 2016

Scott_76 :

Board should be fine, without knowing the brand of PSU, if its not a REALLY GOOD one I would go for an 850 watt minimum PSU such as an EVGA 850 B2 or G2. Thats pretty clearly your issue.

opio · May 3, 2016

you dont need a 1000w psu.... I'd say get an 850w though. and get an EVGA psu. EVGA uses super flower components which are widely known as the best in the business

Inkiad · May 3, 2016

We saw a r9 380x draw something like 280W in reviews. So 560W for two and 125W for the cpu. He will be drawing nearly 685W from the 12V by GPU and CPU only. HDDs and fans also uses 12V. So i would say grab an 900W or up for headroom. You don't want your psu to run 90%-95% all the time.

Scott_76 · May 4, 2016

Here is a new wrinkle. When I disable crossfire, the restarting problem goes away. Is it still my psu? or is my second gpu garbage? Thanks again for everyone's help.

Rogue Leader · May 4, 2016

Scott_76 :

Yes its still the PSU, if you disable crossfire than the second card is not being driven therefore you're pulling much less power.

opio · May 4, 2016

Scott_76 :

It's not the card, it's that you need a new psu, whatever you get, get an EVGA psu, like I said, the components in EVGA's psu's are unmatched in quality. get at least an 850w psu, back when I had a 750w psu I was able to run everything I have now in my setup but I upgraded to an 850w so that my psu wasn't near its limit all the time, for details on my setup check out my profile, my signature has my setup as well but a few things are missing because I couldn't fit my whole setup in my signature.

If you want to be SURE that it isn't the card, take out both cards and put each one in by itself and see if your computer starts up and displays things properly.

madmatt30 · May 4, 2016

Not going to argue about getting a new PSU as if you're notceven surevof your current model then the chance are its not a great unit.

BUT

A very good 700w will power that configuration , running a 280x cf setup here with a 8320@4.5ghz.

Under full system stress (furmark & prime) the most it pulls from the wall is 640w.Taking 80-85% efficiency into the equation that's 580w max.

The 280x is capable of peaking at 280w on occasion but in a crossfire setup with an fx chip on a game that fully utilises crossfire to its limits you are not going to pull more than 70% usage on each GPU because the fx will limit them.

Those power kernel errors can be caused by

1. Insufficient PSU as already stated
2. Mismatched clocks & voltages on 2 different model cards.
3. Poor PCI express configuration (ie 16x/4x) where the bandwidth on the second card is not utilised properly - this in my experience seems to be negated if you use 2 crossfire cables instead of a single one.

I would though recommend going 850w if you're purchasing a new PSU simply for the headroom - for $20 extra there's no reason not to.

Search

Do I need a bigger PSU?

Scott_76

Commendable

Dark Lord of Tech

LucaFire

Distinguished

Scott_76

Commendable

LucaFire

Distinguished

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!

Inkiad

Distinguished

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator

Scott_76

Commendable

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!

opio

Distinguished

Inkiad

Distinguished

Scott_76

Commendable

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!

opio

Distinguished

madmatt30

Titan

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page